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Y-12 provides opportunities for companies to benefit from the research, development, and manufacturing investment made by the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge.

2010 Technology Awards

2010 Y‑12 Technology Transfer Awards

Ultra–wide band secure wrist transmitters, adjustable gloveports, and permeation measurements are such stuff that today’s dreams are made on — at least the dreams of some employees at the Y‑12 National Security Complex.

Fifty patent–idea submissions for FY 2010, from employees from 10 divisions were among the achievements celebrated at Y‑12’s annual Technology Transfer Awards Ceremony held on November 1. In comparison, 22 ideas were submitted from employees from 3 divisions the previous fiscal year. A recently created Idea–EZ form has simplified the Y‑12 invention disclosure process and helped Y‑12 employees realize that anyone can submit an idea for a patent — the invention process is not limited to engineers and scientists.

[Image: A major mission of Technology Transfer is to inspire and reward our employees� innovation and inventorship.]

A major mission of Technology Transfer is to inspire and reward our employees’ innovation and inventorship. The goal is to integrate outcomes with productivity improvement and plant initiatives. Larger image.

Other 2010 invention ideas include “The Bangonet” (a tactical weapon that is designed to provide breaching capability to the M4 assault rifle), a Safeguards and Security Tracking and Resolution System (SSTARS), cylinder mold core improvements, and a compact handheld detector of sensor wires. Researchers Bill Barkman and Ed Babelay were recognized for their work on the modulated tool–path chip breaking system, the recipient of an R&D 100 Award. A new cooperative research and development agreement for ProOxNano was cited, as were the employees who came up with the trademark name OmniJaw5™ for a high–powered hydraulic tool with an interchangeable jaw.

Eight patents were issued to Y‑12 in FY 2010, including patents for a microwave plasma system and various nanostructured materials. Government use awards, for inventions that have significant value to the Department of Energy or other government agencies, were awarded for the RonJohn urethane coating remover, the vertical drop gun port access, and magnetic fixtures/tooling for presses and other applications. Researcher Ed Ripley received a gold acorn award, which recognizes individuals who have obtained at least eight patents.

After the event, Technology Transfer Manager Tammy Graham said, “A major mission of Technology Transfer is to inspire and reward our employees’ innovation and inventorship. The goal is to integrate outcomes with productivity improvement and plant initiatives.

“However, our employees’ inventions are not limited to improving products and processes for Y‑12 and the Nuclear Security Enterprise. Their discoveries can have far–reaching impacts — helping to advance countless areas of science and technology around the globe.”

For additional information, contact Gina Davis, 865.576.0181.