Patents by Inventor Christopher C. Varner

Christopher C. Varner 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).

  • Overlapping stage burn for multistage launch vehicles
    Patent number: 4964340
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multistage launch vehicle and method of multistage launch vehicle operation in which at least one subsequent motor stage is ignited following lift-off in partially overlapping relationship with its immediately preceding motor stage prior to shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage in order to effect positive thrust control over the launch vehicle throughout shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage. Preferably, each of the motors comprising the subsequently fired motor stage is provided with a thrust profile in which maximum thrust is attained prior to staging of the preceding stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Space Services, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark H. Daniels, Jack Funk, Wyendell B. Evans, Christopher C. Varner