TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Porous Metals for Jewelry (Especially Earrings)

Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to license the technology for making Porous Metals for Jewelry (especially earrings).

Background:  Jewelry is typically made of alloys of precious metals (gold, platinum, silver, etc).   These metals are typically dense and can weigh a significant amount.    Such weight can be merely annoying or can create medical problems.   For example, heavy earrings can stretch the earlobe.  This is not only unattractive but also can require medical attention to fix.  In addition, precious metals are expensive.   More weight translates directly into higher raw material costs.

Description:  The invention relates to method of slip casting nano-metals into porous metal objects.    This method can produce jewelry of all different shapes and sizes.   The objects can weigh up to seventy percent (70%) less than a solid metallic object.

Advantages:   This invention offers significant advantages:

•·        Lighter weight.

•·        Uses less material.

•·        High strength to weight ratio.

Potential Applications:  Jewelry (especially earrings).

Development Status:  LLNL researchers have demonstrated the process.    LLNL has also filed a patent application which is available to the public under the USPTO publication number of US20070296103.

LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. 

Please visit the IPAC website at http://www.llnl.gov/IPandC/workwithus/partneringprocess.php

for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. 

Note:  THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.  Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Porous Metals for Jewelry technology should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1.   Company Name and address.

2.   The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.

•3.      A description of corporate expertise and facilities relevant to commercializing this technology.

Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Industrial Partnerships and Commercialization

P.O. Box 808, L-795

Livermore, CA  94551-0808

Attention:  FBO 177-08

Please provide your written statement within thirty (30) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Porous Metals for Jewelry technology.