This page last updated: Saturday, January 29, 2005, 10:58:18 AM EST
January 29, 2005
MU Researchers Receive Patent for New Type Light Bulb
by HNN Staff
Huntington (HNN) — A patent on a product invented at Marshall University during a cooperative research and development effort from 1998 through 2001 has been approved by the U.S. Patent and Trade Office.
The patent is for a flat ceramic-on-steel light-emitting bulb or device that could lead to new manufacturing jobs for West Virginia in addition to helping reduce energy costs for many of our nation’s businesses, consumers, and governmental agencies, said Richard Begley, one of two Marshall professors involved in the research and development effort.
“The ceramic light is anticipated to be immediately useful in signs for transportation and traditional advertising,” Begley said. “Advantages of the new technology include improved durability and visibility during inclement weather and at night with smaller power requirements.”
The new flat, steel ceramic bulb also will be immediately useful for homeowners interested in address markers that will be easier to see at night and cost less to illuminate, Begley said. He added that preliminary market research appears to be very promising with significant demands for the new lights nationally and internationally. International patent applications for the new technology also are being developed, Begley said.
West Virginia Congressman Nick J. Rahall, II said he is excited about the new light technology created at Marshall.
“I have always known that we have some of the best researchers and scientists in the world here in West Virginia,” Rahall said. “Now, everyone else will also know. This new technology will not only create many new manufacturing jobs in Southern West Virginia, but it will also make our roads safer with signs that are easier for all of us to read.”
Begley, an engineering professor who works at the Nick J. Rahall, II Appalachian Transportation Institute (RTI) at Marshall, joined with Michael Norton, a Marshall Chemistry professor, and researchers from Alfred University College of Ceramics in New York and Meadow River Enterprises, Inc., an Alta, W.Va., small manufacturing firm, in developing the light bulb.
Begley said the effort was made possible with funds obtained from a national competition conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory program established through the efforts of West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd. The successful proposal was prepared through a public private partnership developed by Marshall’s Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing. In addition, more than $175,000 in federal funding was obtained through the efforts of Congressman Rahall and the RTI.
“This research partnership developed at Marshall University has resulted in a new product line that will keep our current and many additional employees working for a long time,” Don Osborne, president of Meadow River Enterprises, said. “We would not be in this position without Marshall University helping us to satisfy our research needs and I am extremely hopeful that all the new manufacturing can be done here in West Virginia.”
Marshall Interim President Michael J. Farrell noted the importance of collaboration in developing the product.
“I am extremely gratified that the creative work took place on the Marshall University campus,” Farrell said. “Equally important, Marshall’s engineer and scientist collaborated with a West Virginia business to produce this product. When Marshall succeeds, West Virginia succeeds.”
More information is available by calling Begley at (304) 696-6660, or Norton at (304) 696-6627.
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