Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1952 [PAGE 568]

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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Award of these certificates was approved at the February 15, 1951, meeting of the Board but were not prepared and ready for delivery to the candidates until after the court decision was handed down on February 28 and became known to University officials. Under these circumstances, issuance of such certificates, even though authorized prior to the date of the decision, might nevertheless be regarded as contempt of court. A footnote has been added to the report of the action of the Board of Trustees in the minutes of the meeting of February 15, 1951. On motion of Mrs. Holt, the action of the Secretary of the Board in this matter was confirmed.

PATENT POLICY A N D GOVERNMENT RESEARCH CONTRACTS

(30) Negotiations are in process with various agencies of the government for classified research projects. Such projects may be designated Restricted, Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret. In accordance with the terms of the agreements and government regulations, only University persons who have secured proper clearance by the government may have knowledge of the investigations. While all these projects are in the interest of national defense, every effort is made to select projects in fields in which the University is already engaged, or would be engaged if funds permitted. The University Research Board and the Defense Research Coordinating Committee have advised that such classified projects should be accepted. In certain projects the United States government requires that title to inventions, patents, or copyrights, and the decision as to whether results may be published, remain with the government. This is contrary to a general policy of the University. After a thorough review of the pending contracts, it is recommended by the Chairman of the University Research Board, the Chairman of the Defense Research Coordinating Committee, and the Comptroller that the policy of the University with respect to inventions, patents, and copyrights be waived when so required by the United States agency with which an agreement for classified research is negotiated. I concur. On motion of Mr. Herrick, this recommendation was adopted.

RELEASE O F I N V E N T I O N O F " ' O ' RING C O U P L E R "

(31) Mr. Frank E. Witt, an instrument maker in the Department of Physics, has invented what he describes as an " 'O' Ring Coupler" which may have certain uses in the construction of scientific equipment. It is the judgment of the University Research Board that the device is not of basic scientific importance and does not warrant development by the University. Accordingly, the Research Board recommends that the invention be released to Mr. Witt. I concur. On motion of Mr. Grange, the release of this invention was authorized as recommended.

A N N U A L REPORT O F UNIVERSITY TREASURER

(32) In accordance with the By-Laws of the Board, the Treasurer of the University has submitted a report of the operations of his office for the period March 1, 1950, to February 28, 1951, certified by the Comptroller. Signed copies of this report are filed with the Secretary of the Board, and a copy is sent to each member of the Board. The report covers the period of service of I. L. Porter, Treasurer (who died on December 24, 1950, while in office), from March 1, 1950, to January 4, 1951, and the operations of C. W. Weldon, Treasurer, from January 4, 1951, the date he qualified as Treasurer, through February 28, 1951. On motion of Mr. Johnston, this report was received for record.