US 10480875

US Patent 10480875, titled "Method and system for cleaning heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems," was issued on November 19, 2019, from an application filed on September 29, 2016. The current assignee is Blue Box Air LLC, and the inventor is James Metropoulos. [cite: The full patent text confirms this information.]

Abstract:
The patent describes a method and system for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting commercial and residential HVAC systems. This involves applying a cleaning foam to the HVAC system's coils. This foam contains agents that break down organic and/or inorganic debris, such as fouling, into smaller particles. The foam then removes and carries away this debris from the coils. [cite: The full patent text confirms this information.]

Independent Claims Overview:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim outlines a method for cleaning an HVAC system by applying a cleaning foam at low pressure to the front side of the heat-transfer coils. The foam, composed of water, air, surfactant, enzymes, and at least one of chlorine dioxide, halide salt, hypochlorite salt, organic solvent, quaternary ammonium compound, acid, base, or chelating agent, is allowed to pass through the coil spaces. As it passes, the foam breaks down and removes dirt or debris, including killing and/or removing bacteria, viruses, fungi, or biofilm (with enzymes assisting biofilm breakdown). The foam then carries away the removed debris and exits the back side of the heat exchange system. [cite: The full patent text confirms this information.]

• Independent Claim 2: This claim focuses on a method for cleaning and disinfecting an HVAC system's heat exchange coils that contain biofilm and dirt or debris. It involves applying a cleaning foam comprising water, air, surfactant, and enzymes to the front side of the coils. Crucially, the HVAC system's air handler is operated concurrently, causing forced air to assist the foam's movement through the coil spaces. The foam then breaks down and removes the biofilm and debris, carrying them away as the foam exits the back side of the heat exchange system. [cite: The full patent text confirms this information.]

• Independent Claim 4: This claim describes a method for cleaning an HVAC system during its operation. It involves applying a cleaning foam that specifically contains enzymes to break down biofilm. This foam is applied to the front side of the heat-transfer coils and allowed or caused to pass through the spaces. The cleaning foam then breaks down and removes dirt or debris (with enzymes assisting biofilm breakdown if present) and carries away the removed material, including biofilm if present, as it exits the back side of the heat exchange system. [cite: The full patent text confirms this information.]

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not return any specific litigation or scheduled cases directly mentioning patent US10480875. The search results provided general information on how to access case records and a list of scheduled cases for May 2026, none of which included this patent number.