OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Four Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists are now considered distinguished inventors. To be considered a distinguished inventor, they need to successfully get at least 14 patents for scientific inventions that significantly improve society.
"A patent is a way to protect an idea that has utility, nobility, and something that the commercial sector needs," says Jennifer Caldwell, the director of ORNL's Technology Transfer Division.
The lab said patents play a crucial part in helping inventions be adopted and used by society. It also said patents can help make sure new technology gets into the hands of the right people.
"The innovation engine of the U.S. continues to grow because this information is public. We're not holding our inventions," said Caldwell.
Some key inventions to come out of the laboratory include new radioactive isotopes used for cancer treatment to some kinds of technology meant to improve space exploration and technology in orbit around the planet. For example, scientists developed a type of foam used to help satellites in orbit avoid overheating.
The same foam is used to help make sure the lights at the University of Tennessee's basketball stadium stay on. In big and small ways, ORNL is helping change the daily lives of everyone.
"Our researchers and laboratory are in an effort to bring it back to the local taxpayer. And also, the local and regional ecosystem and communities — that's the goal," said Caldwell.