Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Dr. Vinod K. Sikka
Dr. Michael L. Santella
Mr. Jeffrey D. McNabb,
Dr. Ashok Choudhury,
Mr. Roman I. Pankiw, Duraloy Technologies, Inc.,
Dr. Anthony P. Martocci, Consultant
Mr. John Mengel, Mittal Steel USA

IC-221M cast nickel aluminide is an intermetallic compound (Ni3Al)-based alloy with a unique combination of high temperature strength and oxidation resistance. These properties make IC-221M a superior material for furnace components, such as transfer rolls for steel plate heat-treating furnaces.

The IC-221M-based rolls replace currently used rolls which are fabricated from cast austenitic stainless steel grades. The IC-221M rolls deliver superior performance through: (1) reduced downtime, (2) improved throughput, (3) reduced spare inventory, and (4) improved process.

The use of IC-221M in just one furnace has delivered the following benefits: (1) energy savings of 31 billion Btu/year, (2) cost savings of $1.4 million/year, and (3) CO2 emission reductions of 1830 ton/year. Its projected use for plate market in the U.S. will yield: (1) energy savings of 5.63 trillion Btu/year, (2) cost savings of $247 million/year, and (3) CO2 emission reductions of 334,000 ton/year.

The technology was licensed to Duraloy Technologies, Inc., a foundry that deals in melting specialty materials and has complete facilities of casting, machining, welding, and inspection of rolls. Since signing of the licensing agreement, Duraloy has sold another set of rolls for installation in two new furnaces.

Contact Info
Dr. Vinod Sikka
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
P.O. Box 2008
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
U.S.A.
37831-6083
Tel: 1-865-574-5112
Fax: 865-574-4357
E-mail: sikkav@ornl.gov

Online information
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Duraloy Technologies, Inc.
Nickel Magazine: Exotic alloy finds niche
DOE Bridge: The effect of casting temperature on the fatigue properties of cast nickel aluminide alloys

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

Naval Surface Warfare Center - Panama City, FL

As the ORTA for NSWCPC, Ed has served in a variety of offices of the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer: these include FLC Program Chair, Member at Large to the FLC Executive Board, Deputy Regional Coordinator of the Southeast FLC, Regional Coordinator of the Southeast FLC, Vice-Chair of national FLC. He is currently finishing a second term as the Chair of the national Federal Laboratory Consortium. As a Navy ORTA, Ed directed the team in revising the Navy’s Standard CRADA and development of the Navy CRADA Handbook.

A tireless supporter of technology transfer, Ed has been active in the DOD Technology Transfer Integrated Project Team (TTIPT) serving on both planning committees and a lecturer on Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). He has always been committed to establishing strong partnerships between the FLC and economic development organizations. He has been involved with the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research program since 1983 and has served as an advisory board member of the Bay County Small Business Incubator.

Ed has also worked hard to promote and educate industry groups, state and local government agencies, academic institutions and professional associations about the FLC, technology transfer, and the role of technology commercialization in increasing economic growth and improving quality of life. He continues to champion the partnership between the FLC and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers and continues to be a speaker at numerous conferences and events, including Capital Formation Institute, and he has continued to represent his laboratory in scientific and mission-oriented project work.

Few people know that before assuming the responsibilities as the ORTA, he served as the Project Leader for developing the first US Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare Master Plan. He then went on to serve as the Lead Project Engineer for Exploratory Development Programs in Air and Sea Mine Countermeasures (MCM). Mr. Linsenmeyer served a one year assignment at the Office of Naval Research as a Technical Area Manager in Mine Warfare, returning to Panama City to manage the MCM Exploratory Program. During this time Mr. Linsenmeyer also won an international award from the Technical Cooperation Program for contributions to the development of mine burial prediction models.

The FLC Southeast region is proud to recognize Ed’s achievements as the 2007 Laboratory Representative of the Year.

Contact information
Commanding Officer
Coastal Systems Station, Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center
ATTN: Edward C. Linsenmeyer ( Code R20T - Mr. E. C. Linsenmeyer )
110 Vernon Avenue
Panama City , FL 32407-7001
E-mail: NSWCPCORTA@navy.mil
COM: (850) 234-4161 / FAX: (850) 235-5374

Online information
Naval Surface Warfare Center - Panama City, FL
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

High-Performance LaMnO₃ – Enabled, High-Temperature Superconducting Tape

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Dr. M. Parans Paranthaman
Dr. X. Xiong
Dr. Tolga Aytug
Dr. Amit Goyal
Dr. Mark Reeves
Dr. Venkat Selvamanickam, SuperPower, Inc.

The SuperPower/ORNL High-Performance LaMnO3-Enabled, High-Temperature Superconducting Tape (LMOe-HTS) is a robust, high-current second-generation superconducting wire. The technology was developed by means of a cooperative research and development agreement between ORNL and SuperPower, Inc., Schenectady, New York. The U.S. Department of Energy has funded three different Superconductivity Partnerships for Industry (SPI) projects to demonstrate the use of HTS power cables for electric transmission and distribution.

LMOe-HTS has the unique combination of strength, flexibility, fabricability, throughput, and low cost needed for power-grid applications, including coils and motors. It can be fabricated at high throughput rates using reel-to-reel processes. The key to its success as well as the key improvement from previous technology is development and use of an epitaxial LaMnO3 (LMO) buffer layer, which can be deposited at high rates homogenously in long lengths. The use of this buffer enables fabrication of the complete substrate for growth of superconductors at very high throughput rates. The buffer layer also enables formation of very high performance superconducting films.

SuperPower licensed this technology from ORNL (via UT-Battelle, LLC, the Management and Operations contractor for ORNL under contract to DOE) under an exclusive, field of use license agreement, for the purpose of incorporating LMO into its superconducting wires, tapes, and cables to improve performance. Sumitomo Electric Industries, Osaka, Japan, in partnership with SuperPower, has used LMOe-HTS wire to construct a 30 m cable that will be installed in the national grid in downtown Albany, New York, in 2007. It is the world’s first second-generation HTS device. Two other demonstration projects are planned, in Long Island, New York, and Columbus, Ohio. LMOe-HTS won an R&D 100 Award in 2007.

Online information
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
SuperPower, Inc.

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Dr. Charles L. Britton, Jr
Dr. Lloyd Clonts
Mr. Tony Moore
Dr. Nance Ericson
Mr. Larry Dickens of Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Roger Schultz of Halliburton Energy Services

As the market price of oil rises it becomes economically feasible to harvest oil that classical drilling methods do not access. To harvest this oil, it is necessary to go deeper and to use more complex methods to obtain it. The equipment that is required must be able to operate for extended periods at temperatures in excess of 200°C. The requirements therefore exceed the operability and survivability limits of commercially available integrated circuits. Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. became aware of ORNL’s expertise in high-temperature electronics and unilaterally funded a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to develop the necessary high temperature telemetry and electronics technologies to accomplish their emerging goals.

Operational amplifiers are one of the most commonly employed electronic devices in use today. This basic building block forms the core of a multitude of analog signal processing and interfacing functions such as amplification, signal buffering, level shifting, line driving, rectification, and many, many others. The new ORNL high-temperature operational amplifiers are specifically designed to address the unique requirements of the oil and gas industry not met by commercially available devices—operation for extended periods at temperatures exceeding 200°C. Thus the high-temperature operational amplifiers remove a major obstacle facing petroleum companies as they seek methods to harvest oil that is currently not accessible to them.

This work was funded by a 100% funds-in CRADA with Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Carrollton, TX), and that company has licensed this high-temperature operational amplifier technology under the provisions of the CRADA

Online information:
Halliburton Energy Services
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory


Dr. Kenneth W. Tobin
Mr. Thomas P. Karnowski
Dr. Phillip R. Bingham
Mr. Larry Dickens of Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Mr. Tom Verbergt of Rudolph Technologies

Researchers at ORNL have developed Automated Image Retrieval (AIR), a semiconductor-specific content-based image retrieval method and system. AIR uses an image-based query-by-example method to locate and retrieve similar imagery from a database of digital imagery using visual image characteristics. The system improves the semiconductor-wafer manufacturing process by allowing rapid access to historical records of similar events so that errant process equipment can be isolated and corrective actions can be quickly taken to improve yield.

Rudolph Technologies, of Flanders, New Jersey, entered into a Work-for-Others (WFO) agreement with ORNL to test the feasibility and suitability of the AIR technology to address a unique automation problem that existed in the inspection and assessment of finished wafers. Rudolph was interested in using the capabilities of AIR to predict and classify defect types and to improve upon traditional Automatic Defect Classification (ADC). The feasibility study resulted in a continued WFO interaction to transfer the AIR technology to Rudolph for the production of a new type of ADC tool called TrueADC™.

TrueADC™ harnesses the power of a dynamic defect library method to overcome the limitations and frustrations of traditional ADC. The actual transfer occurred via a nonexclusive license arrangement (both copyright and patent licenses). The use of TrueADC™ results in lower defect review cost of ownership and minimal impact to the rate of the inspection. Also, extensive engineering resources are not required because the technology is scalable and readily adaptable to changing process requirements. The AIR technology won an R&D 100 Award in 2002.

Online information:
Field Results of AIR in 2000 PDF
TrueADC™ Enterprise Software Overview
Rudolph Technologies
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

Savannah River National Laboratory

Mr. Dale K. Haas,
Dr. Kenneth J. Hofstetter (ret.)
Mr. Larry Harpring,
Mr. R. Kevin Huffman
Mr. Charles Fulghum
Mr. Donald Varble

RadRope™ is a lightweight, portable system for rapid detection of nuclear materials in sealed containers without the use of harmful x-rays. Using sensors arrayed linearly and encased in fabric, the RadRope system can be dangled in the 2 to 4 inch gap between stacked shipping containers on cargo ships by customs inspectors for detection of radiation levels above background radiation. As the inspector walks along the top containers, a hand-held PDA shows an alarm when any sensor in the array detects radiation levels above background radiation. The RadRope system can be used in a straight line, a curved line, or at an angle and the length of the system can be customized for a variety of different uses.

The unit is extremely user-friendly, allowing one person to conduct an inspection with minimal training required for operation. The system is designed to inspect large coverage areas with the sensors working independently to pinpoint the exact location of any materials detected. Additionally the operator does not need to be an expert in the field of radiation or radiation detection. The modular design allows for varying lengths depending upon the specific application.

An agreement for an exclusive commercial license has been reached with UTEK Corporation of Tampa, FL, and their wholly owned subsidiary, Nuclear Materials Detection Technologies, Inc. (NMDT), to manufacture and commercialize the RadRope™ Nuclear Materials Detection System. Cargo Connection Logistics Holding, Inc., of Inwood, NY, a world trade logistics company, will acquire Nuclear Material Detection Technologies Inc. from UTEK Corporation in a stock transaction. NMDT anticipates use of the technology in a variety of configurations for both sea going cargo containers and airfreight.

Online information:
Cargo Connection Logistics Corp.
CRGO: Acquires Nuclear Material Detection Technologies From UTEK
Savannah River National Laboratory

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

Savannah River National Laboratory


Dr. David Peeler
Ms. Johnetta George
Mr. Eric M. Frickey

The technology transferred consists of multiple layers of a transparent protective film applied to the window surfaces of glove boxes, fume hoods, and radio-benches collectively known as isolators. The purpose of the protective film is to protect the window surfaces from premature visual degradation due to exposure to hazardous and/or radioactive materials. As each layer of film degrades, it is peeled or removed to the new layer. The ultimate benefit of this technology is that it prolongs the life expectancy of isolator operations by eliminating window replacement. This technology may be applied to new and existing isolators. This technology was transferred by an exclusive license to Premier Technologies LLC of Blackfoot, Idaho.

The federal lab funded the 100% development of this technology in support of its facilities prior to licensing. The nominee creatively demonstrated the technology at a trade show to simultaneously demonstrate his expertise in the area while effectively marketing the potential product.

Online information:
ProTec Tear-Offs 10 page PDF
Savannah River National Laboratory

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

Marshall Space Flight Center

Mr. Harry F. (Fred) Schramm
Mr. Sammy Nabors
Mr. Paul Hale, Trax International
Ms. Amy Witsil, Research Triangle Institute
Mr. Bruce J. Kaiser, Keymaster Technologies, Inc.

MSFC and KeyMaster Technologies have collaborated to enhance the company’s X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanners. MSFC worked with KeyMaster to develop a vacuum capability for the company’s XRF scanners. Prior to this advancement, all XRF scanners on the market were limited to the detection of heavier metals because air impeded the detection and processing of the weak-return x-rays from lighter elements. But, when an XRF scanner is operated in a vacuum, it extends the range of the tool’s analysis capabilities to detect elements with lower atomic numberseven as far as aluminum, silicon, and possibly sodium. Detection of elements of low atomic numbers is of high interest to the aerospace community. High-strength aluminum alloys can now be analyzed easily and quickly for composition. Silicon, a major contaminant to some processes, can now be detected before a process is begun, possibly eliminating weld or adhesion problems. Exotic alloys (for bridges, for example) can be evaluated before being placed in service where lives depend on them. In less glamorous applications, such as bolts and fasteners, substandard products and counterfeit items can be evaluated at the receiving function and never allowed to enter operation.

MSFC together with KeyMaster also created the software that would convert the XRF spectral data output of an XRF scanner to the same kind of information one would see in a barcode or a matrix code (two-dimensional barcodes that resemble checkerboards). This essentially turned an alloy analyzer into an identification tool. Alphanumeric values are assigned to the relative abundances of different elements in an object. Essentially, previously non-understandable data formats have been converted to something that is easily understood and communicated, and the software performs the process automatically.

This advance holds particular significance for parts/products too fragile to be marked or cannot be marked for other reasons. Chemicals can be sprayed on items or included intrinsically in an item and then serve as a taggant identifier for that manufacturer for the lifetime of the item. This new level of verification ultimately “secret barcodes” being trademarked as Nanocodes™ is now being used for “authentication.” Authentication is the natural evolution of the identification process as security technologies are combined with it. The converted XRF output provides a unique set of information that relates to the product’s supplier code to determine if an object is genuine. For NASA, this advance means the ability to put a chemical mixture representing five identification characters on parts that are too fragile to be marked (even foods and drinks, or least their containers), enabling configuration management on an entire class of parts previously unmarked.

Contact information
Fred Schramm at Marshall Space Flight Center
fred.schramm@nasa.gov,
John Landefeld at KeyMaster Technologies Inc.
jlandefeld@keymastertech.com or (509) 783-9850, Ext. 245.

Online information:
TRACeR III-V Overview DOC
TRACeR III-V Technology Innovation Magazine Article
Keymaster Technologies, Inc.
Research Triangle Institute
Trax International
Marshall Space Flight Center

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

Center for Disease Control & Prevention - Tech Transfer Office

Mr. Marc Dolan
Dr. Gary Maupin

Lyme disease has become the most common vector-borne disease in the United States with greater than 21,000 cases reported annually. The deer tick,Ixodes scapularis, serves as the principal vector for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium which causes Lyme disease.  In order to decrease the incidence of Lyme disease, the nominees worked to develop an easy-to-use environmentally-friendly system for decreasing the number of ticks capable of transmitting this disease.

Current methods for reducing the risk of Lyme disease include personal protective measures such as tucking pants into socks, wearing light colored clothing to see ticks, and the use of repellents.  Additional methods of controlling ticks include landscape management practices and the use of pesticides.  There is a great deal of published research that has demonstrated that area-wide insecticides can reduce tick populations by more than 90%.  However, epidemiological surveys have shown that only around 23% of the population in Lyme endemic areas use this method to control ticks on their properties. Alternative methods are greatly needed that the public would be willing to use and add methods for pest-management professionals to offer the public to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. 

To improve the control of tick vectors by specifically targeting the rodent host, the inventors developed and patented a bait box which lures rodents into the device using a non-toxic food source. Once the rodent enters the device, it is passively treated with an insecticide that kills ticks and fleas. This bait box technology, sold under the trademark name Maxforce® Tick Management System (TMS), can reduce tick populations on treated properties by over 90%. When used in conjunction with other tick control methods as part of an integrated approach to tick control, the bait box has reduced tick populations by more than 97%.  This technology and product provides an alternative method to tick control that is extremely effective yet environmentally-friendly. 

In order to transfer this technology to the private sector, the CDC obtained four patents on the bait box technology. This technology was then licensed to Bayer CropScience through an exclusive patent license agreement. Through this collaboration, the CDC was able to produce an important tool for public health and Bayer was able to add an important product to their pipeline.

In summary, the bait box technology was demonstrated to be an environmentally-friendly means of controlling ticks in order to interrupt the natural disease transmission cycle between ticks and rodents. The use of this product will have a positive effect on public health by decreasing the risk and incidence of Lyme disease for residents of Lyme endemic areas. Finally, this technology can be adapted for use against additional vector-borne diseases, providing additional protection against other diseases such as babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.

Online information:
MaxForce Tick Management
Center for Disease Control & Prevention - Tech Transfer Office

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ] 

The FLC Southeast Region recognizes the following laboratories and technologies:

Ventilation and Nutritional Guidelines
for Commercial Broilers Grown to Heavy Weights
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Mid South Area
Dr. William A. Dozier, III

Dual Antigen Detection Assay for Syphilis
Center for Disease Control & Prevention - Tech Transfer Office
Mr. Arnold Castro.
Dr. Robert George,
Dr. Victoria Pope of CDC
Dr. Huiyang Wang, Abiox

Piranha Knowledge Discovery Engine
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Mr. Jim N. Treadwell
Mr. Mark T. Elmore
Mr. Brian A. Klump
Dr. Robert M. Patton
Dr. Thomas E. Potok
Mr. Joel W. Reed
Mr. Brett Bosley

RePAS: Reverse Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Thomas Thudat
Dr. Ali Passian
Dr. Gilbert Brown
Mr. David Hedden
Dr. Larry Senesac
Mr. Charles Van Neste of Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Mr. Russ Miller of Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Ming Su, University of Central Florida

[ menu ]  [ back to Awards ]   [ Success Stories ]