Cornell inventors recognized for contributions to the university and the world

Nanotech devices for biology research, a new way to pasteurize milk, improvements in cellular phone systems and new strawberry varieties were among the 41 patents issued to 32 Cornell inventors during fiscal year 2005-06. They were honored Oct. 24 in a recognition ceremony presented by the Cornell Center for Technology, Enterprise and Commercialization (CCTEC) in Statler Ballroom B.

"Cornell has a long history of its faculty and staff inventing and receiving patents," said Richard Cahoon, acting executive director of CCTEC. "Since Ezra Cornell received U.S. Patent No. 3456 on his 'mole plow' for laying telegraph cable, Cornell inventors have received hundreds of patents in many different technical fields. CCTEC is currently working with inventors at Cornell on the transfer of patented inventions to the commercial sector through licensing, so inventors and Cornell will realize the transformation of their research advancements to market innovations for the public good."

In the five years ending with 2004, CCTEC and its predecessor, the Cornell Research Foundation (CRF), received 990 invention submissions from Cornell researchers, secured 912 U.S. patents, completed 373 license agreements and launched 36 startups. Between 1990 and 2004, net income from patent licensing was $26.2 million.

An event to recognize Weill inventors will take place in New York City Dec. 8.

The inventors recognized, with their departments and titles of their patents, were:

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