ONR Has Banner Year for Patents

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) garnered 393 patents during fiscal year 2015, which began last Oct. 1 and ended Sept. 30 – the largest number since 1977. Service leaders said the emphases on innovation and acquisition of property rights are geared toward maintaining technological advantages on the battlefield. Two such patents included a process of using natural turpentine to create sustainable fuels, and an interface that would allow a single operator to control several unmanned aerial vehicles at once. Other patents include conversion of agricultural waste into silicon carbide, creation of a reusable laboratory seat for crash testing, and a process for removing nitrous oxide from exhaust gas.