A dozen people were recognized for receiving U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patents during the ninth annual Y-12 Technology Transfer awards ceremony, held to celebrate fiscal year 2012 achievements, and 74 were honored for submitting invention disclosures.
The year was a record-breaking one for new patents at Y‑12, with 11 awarded. The Silver Acorn Award, bestowed upon first-time patent recipients, went to Ed Babelay, Bill Barkman, Amy DeMint, Jackie Gooch, Patrick Thomas, and Paul Vanatta.
“I’m excited to receive a patent; it’s something most people don’t get to experience,” said Vanatta, a nine-year Y-12 employee. “Rusty Hallman and I began working on the Intrinsically Safe Moisture Blending System in 2007 as a solution to a need within Y‑12. Now we’ve received a patent and are working to transfer the technology to the private sector.”
Invention disclosures and patent awards were not the only technology transfer achievements celebrated. Six honorees took home cash in the form of a Government Use Award, which recognizes inventions that add significant value to the U.S. Department of Energy or other government agencies.
“Examples of innovations showcased during the awards ceremony demonstrate what we can do to directly benefit NNSA and the private sector,” said Van Mauney, Y-12 vice president for program management and one of the award presenters.
Ashley Stowe and Lee Bzorgi each earned a Technology Support Award, which recognizes employees whose efforts go above and beyond the call of duty, contributing to technology development support, promotion and/or licensing.
More details on the event can be found at http://www.y12.doe.gov/business/technologies/awards2012.php.
Leave a Reply