Faculty secure product patents

The modern-day toothpaste, the Breathalyzer, improvements on the cardiac catheterization process -- all of these were invented by IU faculty, and IU's Advanced Research Technology Institute is in charge of managing the patents and licenses of these types of intellectual property and more. \nSince its inception in 1996, ARTI's work with research faculty has steadily increased the number of patented inventions. \nIn 2002, 27 U.S. patents and eight foreign patents were issued to ARTI for ideas and inventions that originated from IU faculty, including the new cardiac catheterization device, called "The Closer." Johncox said the device is used in many procedures every day, and it has brought in close to $5 million in revenue.\nARTI received 99 applications from faculty in 2002, up from 79 applications received in 2001.\nJudy Johncox, vice president of technology transfer at ARTI, said this growth helps more than just IU's bank account. She said commercial industries recognize IU as a cutting-edge institution when new inventions and ideas originate from the University. \n"This helps students that are graduating find jobs, because they are working with top researchers in their industry," Johncox said. "It gives them a good reputation. It also keeps (IU) faculty and labs on the cutting edge, which benefits current students."\nShe said IU-Bloomington's recognition comes mainly from the department of chemistry.\nJim Reilly, a chemistry professor, recently developed a way to improve the resolution of a mass spectrometer -- the instrument used to measure the mass of a molecule.\nJohncox said other IU campuses around the state specialize in different fields -- the School of Medicine at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis is known for its patents on medical research and technology.\nPatent activity is a way of monitoring the faculty's research activity, institute president Mark Long said in a statement.\n"The increase in patent activity provides avenues for increased research funding opportunities," he said. \nJohncox said IU manages the revenue from all patented intellectual property. IU uses its revenues to reinvest in resources and research -- including internal grants and lab equipment.\n"It is all focused to the pursuit of additional research," she said.\nARTI was established in 1996 as a nonprofit organization to promote technology transfer, assist with the formation of new businesses, market inventions and protect and administer IU trademarks.\nThe Office of Technology Transfer within ARTI identifies unique research discoveries that may be developed into beneficial commercial products and works with the inventor to get the idea to the public.\nJohncox said an invention can be licensed to an existing company if it is enhancing current technology, or a business can be created by ARTI to sell breakthrough technology.