Patents by Inventor Mark P. Modera

Mark P. Modera has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7851017
    Abstract: A method for forming a duct access region through one side of a previously installed air duct, wherein the air duct has an air flow with an air flow direction by inserting an aerosol injector into a previously installed air duct through the access region. The aerosol injector includes a liquid tube having a liquid tube orifice for ejecting a liquid to be atomized; and a propellant cap. The method is accomplished by aligning the aerosol injector with the direction of air flow in the duct; activating an air flow within the duct; and spraying a sealant through the aerosol injector to seal the duct in the direction of the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Duo Wang, Mark P. Modera
  • Publication number: 20100212346
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioning (AC) system that evaporates its own condensate. This AC system includes a condenser coil and an evaporator coil that produces condensate. The AC system also includes a wicking-evaporative device that is configured to wick and evaporate the condensate in the vicinity of the condenser coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Richard C. Bourne, Mark P. Modera, Theresa E. Pistochini, Siva Gangadhar Gunda
  • Patent number: 7156320
    Abstract: A clog-resistant injector spray nozzle allows relatively unobtrusive insertion through a small access aperture into existing ductwork in occupied buildings for atomized particulate sealing of a ductwork. The spray nozzle comprises an easily cleaned and easily replaced straight liquid tube whose liquid contents are principally propelled by a heated propellant gas, such as heated air. Heat transfer is minimized from the heated propellant gas to the liquid tube until they both exit the injector, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of nozzle clogging. A method of duct sealing using particles driven by heated propellant gas is described, whereby duct-sealing operations become both faster, and commercially practicable in inhabited commercial and residential buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Duo Wang, Mark P. Modera
  • Publication number: 20030138558
    Abstract: A clog-resistant injector spray nozzle allows relatively unobtrusive insertion through a small access aperture into existing ductwork in occupied buildings for atomized particulate sealing of a ductwork. The spray nozzle comprises an easily cleaned and easily replaced straight liquid tube whose liquid contents are principally propelled by a heated propellant gas, such as heated air. Heat transfer is minimized from the heated propellant gas to the liquid tube until they both exit the injector, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of nozzle clogging. A method of duct sealing using particles driven by heated propellant gas is described, whereby duct-sealing operations become both faster, and commercially practicable in inhabited commercial and residential buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Duo Wang, Mark P. Modera
  • Patent number: 5980984
    Abstract: The invention is a method and device for sealing leaks remotely by means of injecting a previously prepared aerosol into the enclosure being sealed according to a particular sealing efficiency defined by the product of a penetration efficiency and a particle deposition efficiency. By using different limits in the relationship between penetration efficiency and flowrate, the same method according the invention can be used for coating the inside of an enclosure. Specifically the invention is a method and device for preparing, transporting, and depositing a solid phase aerosol to the interior surface of the enclosure relating particle size, particle carrier flow rate, and pressure differential, so that particles deposited there can bridge and substantially seal each leak, with out providing a substantial coating at inside surfaces of the enclosure other than the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Mark P. Modera, Francois R. Carrie
  • Patent number: 5522930
    Abstract: The invention is a method and device for sealing leaks remotely by means of injecting a previously prepared aerosol into the enclosure being sealed. Specifically the invention is a method and device for preparing, transporting, and depositing and solid phase aerosol to the interior surface of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: The Regents, University of California
    Inventors: Mark P. Modera, Francois R. Carrie
  • Patent number: 4635469
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for measuring tightness of an enclosure such as a building by utilizing alternating pressurization techniques. One method comprises providing apparatus capable of causing an internal volume change for the enclosure, the apparatus including a means for determining the instantaneous volume change, and a means for determining the instantaneous pressure within the enclosure. The apparatus is operated within the enclosure to change the volume thereof, and at least one of the frequency and the displacement is adjusted to achieve a root mean square pressure in the enclosure approximately equal to a reference pressure. At that pressure, the leakage of the enclosure is determined from the instantaneous displacement and instantaneous pressure values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventors: Mark P. Modera, Max H. Sherman