university of illinois - UIHistories Project

984 BOARD OF TRUSTEES [October 29
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY PATENT COMMITTEE
(27) The University Patent Committee submits, with the concurrence of the
Chairman of the University Research Board, the following recommendations
relating to inventions by members of the staff.
1. Introduction of fluorine into aromatic rings — G. C. Finger, Chemist,
Illinois State Geological Survey, and C. W. Kruse, former Research Assistant^
Illinois State Geological Survey, inventors. This invention is a novel way of
introducing fluorine into other compounds. It was referred to the University of
Illinois Foundation for study on May 29, 1957, by the Patent Committee. The
Foundation reported back that it was the opinion of that agency's patent attorney
that a considerable expenditure of funds would be necessary to establish the value
of this invention, which in his opinion would not be justified by its potential
commercial value. The Patent Committee concurs in this opinion and accordingly
recommends the release of the invention to the sponsoring agency, the United
States Air Force.
2. Synthesis of 2, 4-dichloro-S-fluorophenoxyacetic acid and synthesis of
2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxyacetic acid — G. C. Finger, Chemist, Illinois State Geological
Survey, and R. E. Oesterling, former Assistant Chemist, Illinois State
Geological Survey, inventors. At the request of the Chemical Corps of the United
States Army these preparations were synthesized by the inventors. The results,
which constituted a possible patentable idea, were referred by the Patent Committee
to the University of Illinois Foundation on May 29, 1957, for study and an
opinion as to value. The Foundation patent attorney has consulted with the government
agency involved, and it is the opinion of the attorney and of the Foundation
that it is not possible at this time to determine the value of any patents that might
be issued on these compounds. Furthermore it is probable that the Patent Office
would require a broad program of tests in support of the application before considering
it for a patent. The attorney and the Foundation do not feel that the
expenditure of the funds necessary for such a program is justified at this time.
The Patent Committee concurs and is of the opinion that the release of the
interests of the University to the Chemical Corps with the issuance of a patent to
that agency will result in full protection of the public interest if the developments
ultimately prove to be of value. Accordingly the Committee recommends that the
two inventions be released to the Chemical Corps of the United States Army, the
sponsoring agency.
I concur in these recommendations.
On motion of Mr. Bissell, these recommendations were approved.
CLAIM OF CROUCH-WALKER COMPANY
President Livingston read a letter received from the Crouch-Walker
Company, Chicago, by Howard R. Roberts, concerning the claim of
that Company for payments due and alleged damages incurred in its
work as a subcontractor of the Patrick Warren Construction Company
in the construction of the addition to the Research and Educational
Hospitals. A copy of the letter has been filed with the Secretary of
the Board.
On motion of Mr. Swain, the letter was referred to the Legal
Counsel for reply.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER MEETINGS
President Livingston called attention to the action of the Board ot
Trustees at its meeting in September ordering that the November and
December meetings shall be held in Chicago, on November 21 and
December 17, the hour and place of each meeting to be determined by
the President and Secretary of the Board. He asked if the Board
desired to change the dates of these meetings. Various alternative?
were considered, but no change was ordered.
On motion of Mr. Bissell, the Board adjourned.