Patents by Inventor Charles K. Murch

Charles K. Murch 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).

  • Ice penetrating method and apparatus
    Patent number: 4651834
    Abstract: A thermal ice penetration method and apparatus for melting a hole through ice preferably utilizing thermochemical heating by exothermal reaction between water supplied at least in part by the melting ice and a thermochemical reactant, preferably lithium and/or other alkali metal or alkali metal alloy. A number of ice penetration systems and devices are disclosed which utilize the thermal ice penetration to deploy payloads, such as sensors, transducers, antennas, instruments, weapons, or the like, through polar ice either downwardly from the ice surface into the water below the ice or upwardly from the underside of the ice through the ice surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Eninger, Joseph Miller, Charles K. Murch, Leland A. Ginbey
  • Thermal thruster with superheater
    Patent number: 4322946
    Abstract: An electrothermal thruster operating at high temperature is employed for satellite control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Murch, Charles R. Hunter