Micron diameter silicon carbide (SiC) material in fiber form

LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: A potential licensing opportunity exists with Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805, the Management and Operating Contractor for the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). BEA is seeking parties interested in potentially entering into a license agreement for the purpose of commercializing the technology described below. BEA does not make any representations, provide any warranties, or otherwise endorse or guarantee the suitability of this patent to a licensee's specific needs. INVENTION SUMMARY: BEA has developed a process for making continuous micron diameter silicon carbide (SiC) material directly in a fiber form starting from a carbon fiber substrate. Using controlled process conditions of temperature, gaseous atmosphere and form of the carbon fiber substrate, BEA can produce a SiC fiber. Continuous carbon fibers can be drawn through a furnace containing a controlled heating, reaction and atmosphere zone. Fully converted SiC filaments have a narrow hollow core and partially converted fibers will have a SiC outer layer over a carbon core fiber. The fiber will retain strength during the conversion, thus making the process suited to continuous processing and low cost fabrication. This invention is embodied in Patent Application No. 12/901,309, "Methods of Producing Silicon Carbide Fibers, Silicon Carbide Fibers, and Articles Including Same" which was submitted to the USPTO by BEA on October 8, 2010 and published in Publication No. US-2012-0088088-A1 on April 12, 2012. Additional information on this intellectual property can be found on the following website: https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt/community/technology_transfer/269/alpha-sic/10288 SELECTION PROCESS: BEA seeks to license this intellectual property to the best qualified candidate to ensure its successful commercialization. If multiple parties are interested in licensing this intellectual property, BEA may select an exclusive licensing arrangement with a single candidate or choose alternative licensing strategies (e.g., non-exclusive or exclusive field of use licenses) to increase the probability of successful commercialization. BEA reserves the right to defer any licensing decision if, in BEA's sole opinion, the submitted business plans are unacceptable to BEA. BEA may consider inquiries made prior to the release of this notice and inquiries made through other channels. Although interested parties are encouraged to respond before the date provided to ensure consideration, all inquiries may be considered prior to a formal selection unless this notice specifically states otherwise. This is not an opportunity to provide goods or services to BEA or DOE. This solicitation will close to responses on March 1, 2013. REQUIREMENTS In order to be considered for a possible license, interested parties must submit a business plan for the development and commercialization of Patent Application No. 12/901,309, "Methods of Producing Silicon Carbide Fibers, Silicon Carbide Fibers, and Articles Including Same", prior to March 1, 2013. The business plan must contain detailed information on the following topics: Executive Summary - 2 pages Description of the Business Model Description of the Products or Services to be Offered Marketing Plan Competitive Matrix - address competitor's strengths and weaknesses Company Goals and Business Strategy Quality Assurance Plan Financial Plan - include pro-forma Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Source and Use of Funds Statement Management Structure - include brief biographies SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Concerns or complaints regarding BEA's technology transfer process, if not resolvable with BEA's technology deployment office, may be raised with BEA's Technology Transfer Ombudsman whose contact information can be found at: https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt/community/technology_transfer/269/ombuds_program For additional information please contact the individual listed below. SUBMITTALS One paper copy of a Business Plan must be submitted to the following address in order to be considered for this solicitation: Gary W. Smith Sr. Commercialization Manager Technology Deployment Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC P. O. Box 1625, MS3805 Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 gary.smith@inl.gov