Argonne's insight leads to new market for instrument maker

Applied Geomechanics, Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA

Applied Geomechanics has a new market -- synchrotron facilities -- for its electronic tilt sensors,like this Model 900 Biaxial Clinometer.

Technology transfer occurs in many ways, as shown by the success of Applied Geomechanics, Inc., a small manufacturer of scientific instruments, in opening up a new market for its electronic tilt sensor.

The company's relationship with Argonne began when the laboratory bought one of the company's eletronic tilt sensors. While using the sensor, an Argonne materials researcher, Gordon Knapp, realized the device could be used in synchrotrons. Knapp's discussions with the president of the company, Gary Holzhausen, led the two scientists to collaborate on a scientific paper describing the use of electronic tilt sensors as angle encoders for synchrotron applications.

Knapp, who himself has been an entrepreneur and R&D manager in a Silicon Valley firm, says that he "thought there could be some benefit to the company if they participated in the vendor's exhibit" at a major synchrotron radiation conference.

As a result of interacting with Knapp and exhibiting at the conference, the company has sold two instruments to the synchrotron market and has many new leads. Holzhausen says that if the new market continues to expand, his company can look forward to hiring additional employees.

Knapp's program at Argonne is supported by DOE's Office of Energy Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences.

Working with Argonne

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For More Information

For more information, contact Argonne's Office of Technology Transfer (800-627-2596, partners@anl.gov).