If the benzoin you're talking about is the same as
this, then it's molecular formula is C6H5COCH(OH)C6H5. Note that it doesn't have any sulfur in it. All
sulfonic acids have sulfur in them thanks to the S(=O)2(OH) group. Hence, benzoin and benzoin sulfonic acid can't be the same chemicals, right?
Plain benzoin is
hardly soluble in water: less than 0.3g/l @25C. Typically, the presence of sulfonic acid groups increases solubility (as per Haist volume 1). As substantially more benzoin sulfonic acid (2g/l) is used in the formulas in the patent, you might not be able to substitute it with plain benzoin and get the same level of activity.
Unfortunately, benzoin is sparingly soluble even in organic solvents such as acetone and alcohol. So, that route to get more solubility is also ruled out.