This inventor holds 2 USPTO granted patents. Top assignees: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASA, Other. Active years: 2020-2021.
Company Filing History:
1 out of 2,488 
1 out of 834,411 Years Active: 2020-2021
Title: Inventor John-Andrew S Hocker: Pioneering Innovations in Thermal Protection Systems
Introduction
John-Andrew S Hocker, an accomplished inventor based in Newport News, VA, has made significant contributions to the field of material science and thermal protection systems. With a total of two patents to his name, his innovations are set to enhance the performance and safety of aerospace materials.
Latest Patents
One of Hocker's latest patents is for an in-situ passivation and insulation layer designed for a flexible thermal protection system (FTPS). This invention features a lightweight, flexible boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) mat or fabric, offering improved thermal stability and shielding capabilities under hypersonic thermal flux. The BNNT mat effectively reduces stagnation temperature while maintaining a low regression rate. Additionally, an in-situ passivation layer can be formed on the BNNT material when exposed to high thermal flux, preventing the penetration of atmosphere, heat, and radiation, and facilitating lateral and radial heat diffusion to minimize excessive localized heat. Notably, the high thermal emissivity of the BNNT material (0.92) allows efficient heat transfer via radiation.
Another of Hocker's notable patents examines the ductile-brittle transition of poly(amide) as determined by a heat of fusion-crystallinity number. This innovation employs the heat of fusion to measure the brittleness of semicrystalline polyamide parts. Through periodic heat of fusion measurements, it becomes possible to identify or replace parts made of or including semicrystalline polyamides before they become brittle, which has significant implications for material longevity and safety.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, John-Andrew S Hocker has worked with esteemed organizations, including the U.S. government, as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he has actively contributed to advancements in material science and engineering.
Collaborations
Hocker has collaborated with prominent individuals in his field, notably Cheol Park and Sang-Hyon Chu, showcasing a commitment to teamwork and innovative research.
Conclusion
In summary, John-Andrew S Hocker has established himself as a key inventor in the realm of aerospace materials, particularly with his innovative approaches to thermal protection systems and polyamide materials. His contributions are crucial for future advancements in aviation and space exploration, promising enhanced performance and safety in challenging environments.