Fluorescent marking gel compositions and methods of use

• US 9,810,630 B1
• Filed: 03/11/2014
• Issued: 11/07/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ecolab USA Incorporated (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Ecolab USA Incorporated (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Inventors: Wegner, Joseph R., Brown, Erin, Sun, Xin, Mohs, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Porta, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Igyarto, Carolyn
• Application Number:
  US14/204,779
• Time in Patent Office: 1,337 Days
• Field of Search: 2504611, 2504844
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6439 with indicators, stains, dyes, tags, labels, marks
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6495 Miscellaneous methods
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6497 Miscellaneous applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/64 Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6447 by visual observation

Abstract

Fluorescing compositions are disclosed for monitoring cleaning of a surface. The fluorescing compositions are stable, fluoresce under UV light, and do not leave a mark after drying and removal. The compositions include an optical brightener solubilized with cyclodextrin.

Claims

1. A method for determining if a location in a space has been cleaned comprising:

a) applying a composition to a location on an environmental surface, the composition comprising;

i) a nonionic optical brightener; and

ii) a β

-cyclodextrin; and

b) determining if any of the optical brightener remains on the location after the space has been cleaned.

2. The method of claim 1, the composition further comprising a film forming agent.

3. The method of claim 1, the composition further comprising a surfactant.

4. The method of claim 1, the composition further comprising a solvent.

5. The method of claim 1, the composition further comprising a preservative.

6. The method of claim 1, the composition further comprising an antioxidant.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the location is selected from the group consisting of a toilet handle, a horizontal surface of a toilet bowl, a bedpan flushing device, a horizontal surface of a sink adjacent to a faucet, a doorknob or door handle, a push plate, a grab plate, a toilet area hand hold, a bedside table, a telephone receiver, a call button, an overbed table, a seat target of patient chair, a bedrail, a drape, a room light switch, a bathroom light switch, and combinations thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining if any optical brightener remains on the location comprises exposing the location to UV radiation so that any remaining optical brightener will fluoresce.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining if any optical brightener remains on the location comprises visually observing the location to see if there is any remaining optical brightener.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the presence or the removal of the optical brightener provides a cleaning result.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition does not leave a mark on the location after it has been removed.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the presence or the removal of the optical brightener provides a measureable cleaning result.

13. A method for determining if one or more locations in a space have been cleaned comprising:

a) applying a composition to a location on one or more environmental surfaces, the composition comprising;

i) a nonionic optical brightener; and

ii) a β

-cyclodextrin; and

b) determining if any of the optical brightener remains on the location after the space has been cleaned;

c) recording results of step b) to generate data; and

d) compiling the data into a report.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the report is a printed report.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the report is a virtual report.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the location is selected from the group consisting of a toilet handle, a horizontal surface of a toilet bowl, a bedpan flushing device, a horizontal surface of a sink adjacent to a faucet, a doorknob or door handle, a push plate, a grab plate, a toilet area hand hold, a bedside table, a telephone receiver, a call button, an overbed table, a seat target of patient chair, a bedrail, a drape, a room light switch, a bathroom light switch, and combinations thereof.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein determining if any optical brightener remains on the location comprises exposing the location to UV radiation so that any remaining optical brightener will fluoresce.

18. A kit for determining whether a surface has been cleaned comprising:

a) a composition comprising;

i) a nonionic optical brightener; and

ii) a β

-cyclodextrin;

b) an applicator comprising an ampule with a foam applicator pad; and

c) a blacklight.