Kansas
In 2007, Kansas-based federal agencies and laboratories received a federal R&D investment of $318 million. They leveraged that investment via their technology transfer efforts to address societal needs, promote economic development and growth, and enhance U.S. competitiveness. From defense to life sciences to energy to agriculture, Kansas-based federal agencies and labs are meeting the technology transfer mission envisioned by Congress.
|
Federal Obligations for R&D in Alabama, 2007 ($ thousands)
|
| Agency |
Total |
| All Agencies |
317,801 |
| Dept. of Agriculture |
22,420 |
| Dept. of Commerce |
3 |
| Dept. of Defense |
166,777 |
| Dept. of Energy |
5,717 |
| Dept. of Health and Human Services |
90,060 |
| Dept. of Homeland Security |
10 |
| Dept. of Interior |
2,746 |
| Dept. of Transportation |
1,397 |
| Environmental Protection Agency |
464 |
| NASA |
1,739 |
| National Science Foundation |
26,468 |
|
Source: NSF Science and Engineering Profiles
|
Technology Transfer Success Stories
USDA Agricultural Research Service Minimizes Insect Infestations of Grain
Each year in the United States $500 million is lost to post-harvest insect infestation of grain, which is linked to allergies and food pathogen contamination. Detecting the infestation is difficult since the insects hide inside the grain kernels until hatching.
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) addressed this problem by developing a novel system that delivers results in less than a minute. The system operates by crushing wheat between two rotating rollers while monitoring the electrical current. When an insect is crushed, hemolymph is emitted, causing a brief spike in the electrical current.
The technology for this device has been transferred to General Mills and an instrument manufacturer, National Manufacturing.
Fiber Optics Hydrogen Sensor
A solution for measuring the real-time partial pressure generation of hydrogen in simulated weapons aging studies, known as the Fiber Optics Hydrogen Sensor (FOHS), has been developed by the National Nuclear Security Administration Kansas City Plant. The device uses an optical detector and sensor system combined with commercially available hardware rather than an ignition source or electrical sensor. The sensor system measures hydrogen even when in the presence of other gases-a unique feature for all commercially available sensors.
The first system was deployed to the Y-12 National Security Complex in mid-May 2006. Potential commercial applications range from weapons studies to hydrogen fuel cell leak detection. The FOHS development team includes the Kansas City Plant, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Savannah River Site, and the Y-12 National Security Complex.
DOE Kansas City Plant and Air Force Team Up for Cost Savings
The need for a thinner solid film lubricant became apparent to the National Nuclear Security Administration's Kansas City Plant and the U.S. Air Force. The Kansas City Plant developed a novel method for applying an extremely thin layer of a powder lubricant using a small, inexpensive media blast unit to create a lubricant of one micron or less. The durability of this dry lubricant is unsurpassed, and it has proven excellent in lubricating bearing assemblies such as in weapons stockpiles.
The Air Force's need for a lubricant for refurbishing gyroscope packages for GBU-15 guided bombs has been fulfilled and has eliminated replacement costs. The lubrication process offers a broad potential for other weapons-related applications.
Connect with Kansas Laboratories
To learn more about, and connect with Kansas' FLC member laboratories, visit the Kansas Laboratories web page. The web-based, searchable database displays laboratory profiles with information such as contacts, areas of expertise, laboratory history, website links, and more.
Contact an FLC Representative in Your Region
