Patents by Inventor Larry L. Mellinger

Larry L. Mellinger 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).

  • Apparatus for automatically releasing the super-atmospheric pressure of an engine cooling system in response to turning off the engine and preventing the buildup of pressure while the engine is off
    Patent number: 5248052
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasing superatmospheric pressure in an engine cooling system when the engine is turned off and maintaining the cooling system at atmospheric pressure whenever the engine is not running is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a radiator cap having an over pressure valve for releasing excess pressure during engine operation and a suction return valve, or coolant recovery valve, for allowing coolant in a coolant recovery tank to be returned to the radiator and cooling system by a vacuum condition within the cooling system. The apparatus further comprises a push rod that penetrates the top of the radiator cap and reciprocates within a vertical sleeve seated in the center of the top of the radiator cap to open the suction return valve when the engine is not running, that is, the push rod is in the down position, and moves into an up position to allow the suction return valve to close, when the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventors: Larry L. Mellinger, Larry J. Henry