Patents by Inventor Larry P. Prater

Larry P. Prater 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).

  • Publication number: 20030075307
    Abstract: An exchanger of thermal energy with multiple cores and a thermal barrier. The first core (e.g. a condenser) 12 has a first fin 16. Disposed in juxtaposition with the first core 12 is a second core (e.g. a radiator) 30 that is located downstream thereof in relation to ambient air flow. The cores 12 and 30 respectfully have first and second fins 16, 34 that are connected by a thermal fuse which provides stability during assembly, but which can be degradable. Separating the first and second fins 16, 34 is a thermal break comprising a slit 50 that is formed without removal of material, thereby inhibiting the flow of heat energy across the fins between the first 12 and second 30 heat exchanger cores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Heatcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Stoynoff, Steven Falko Wayne, Larry P. Prater
  • Patent number: 6470570
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a heat exchanger tube (14) for a heat exchanger (10) in which a continuous insert (26), having convolutes transverse to the length of the tube are located into a continuous shell as the shell is being formed. After placing the insert (26) into the partially open shell, the shell is closed and sealed as it passes through a bonding device (64) to seal the longitudinal edges of the shell to each other and the insert to the internal walls of the tube. The continuous shell with the inserted fin insert is subsequently sliced to produce individual cooling tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Livernois Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Larry P. Prater, Richard P. Stoynoff
  • Publication number: 20010037559
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a heat exchanger tube (14) for a heat exchanger (10) in which a continuous insert (26), having convolutes transverse to the length of the tube are located into a continuous shell as the shell is being formed. After placing the insert (26) into the partially open shell, the shell is closed and sealed as it passes through a bonding device (64) to seal the longitudinal edges of the shell to each other and the insert to the internal walls of the tube. The continuous shell with the inserted fin insert is subsequently sliced to produce individual cooling tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Larry P. Prater, Richard P. Stoynoff
  • Patent number: 6286201
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a heat exchanger tube (14) for a heat exchanger (10) in which a continuous insert (26), having convolutes transverse to the length of the tube are located into a continuous shell as the shell is being formed. After placing the insert (26) into the partially open shell, the shell is closed and sealed as it passes through a bonding device (64) to seal the longitudinal edges of the shell to each other and the insert to the internal walls of the tube. The continuous shell with the inserted fin insert is subsequently sliced to produce individual cooling tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Livernois Research & Development Co.
    Inventors: Larry P. Prater, Richard P. Stoynoff
  • Patent number: 4398456
    Abstract: A machine for reducing, crushing, and joining used metal cans to form an ingot comprising a stack of laminated crushed cans. The reducing chamber contains a vertically adjustable platen on which the ingot is formed. The cans are reduced, crushed, and joined by a ram which is operated within the chamber. Punches on the ram are effective to pierce extruded holes in the crushed cans after the cans have been flattened. The ram is powered hydraulically, or by any other pressure producing device, via a toggle so that an increasing compression force is developed as the cans are crushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Inventor: Larry P. Prater