John Walter Locher

Title: The Innovative Mind of John Walter Locher

Introduction

John Walter Locher is a prominent inventor based in Amherst, NH, USA. With an impressive portfolio of 12 patents, he has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the development and fabrication of sapphire components.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations is a method of making a sapphire component, which includes machining a sapphire single crystal. This invention features single crystals with desirable geometric properties, including a width of at least 15 cm and a thickness of no less than 0.5 cm. Additionally, the single crystal may exhibit various features such as maximum thickness variation. The as-formed crystals may also have a generally symmetrical neck portion, particularly at the transition from the neck to the main body of the crystal. This patent outlines both methods for forming such crystals and the apparatus necessary to carry out these methods.

Another noteworthy patent from Locher is the method of forming a single crystal sheet using a die that has a thermal gradient along its length. Similar to his other patent, this innovation includes single crystals with attractive geometric properties, including width and thickness specifications. Once again, features such as maximum thickness variation and symmetrical neck portions are highlighted, showcasing Locher's meticulous approach to crystal formation and fabrication.

Career Highlights

John Walter Locher is currently employed at Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc., where he leverages his expertise to push the boundaries of innovation in material engineering. His work focuses primarily on single crystal fabrication techniques that serve various industrial applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Locher has collaborated with talented professionals such as Steven Anthony Zanella and Christopher D. Jones. These partnerships have contributed to advancing their collective understanding and capabilities in materials science, leading to innovative breakthroughs for their company.

Conclusion

John Walter Locher embodies the spirit of innovation, with a clear dedication to developing methods that enhance the manufacturing of sapphire and other single crystals. His patents highlight significant advancements in geometric properties and fabrication techniques, establishing him as a notable figure in the realm of material sciences. As Locher continues to push the envelope, the future of sapphire components is undoubtedly brighter.