Volume 11, Number 1 • Spring 2003 • Technology Transfer

NASA Engineer Receives FLC Honors

Mr. Fred Schramm, Engineer at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Fred Schramm, an Engineer at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL, was presented with the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer.

The honor took take place at the FLC annual meeting on May 5 in Tucson, AZ. Fred was honored for his work in developing the compressed symbology technology. Compressed symbology is a term used to describe the marking of a matrix barcode symbol directly on the surface of a part. The application of compressed symbology, a two-dimensional symbol-marking system to provide parts marking, was developed at MSFC in response to the aerospace industry’s need for configuration management.

During development of the compressed symbology technology, over 50 methods were found to be useful in applying temporary or permanent marks to parts. The benefits of these marking methods include the elimination of paper barcode labels that usually fall off or cease to function; the permanent identification on the part so it may be read accurately for the life of the part; and a symbol on the part that enabled the reading of the identification with a charged couple device scanner, which operates similarly to laser scanners in grocery stores and eliminates human errors associated with data entry.

NASA also has adopted the barcode technology as one of its standards for use. When informed of the award, Fred’s Manager, Vernotto McMillan, commented, “We’re extremely proud of Fred and the fact that he is being recognized for his accomplishments. Not many technologies are selected for this honor, and he is certainly very deserving. In recent years, the vast numbers and types of cutting-edge technologies developed and commercialized at MSFC have increased dramatically and are direct results of the values-based leadership implemented by Art Stephenson (MSFC Center Director). The compressed symbology technology with its dual-use application is representative of the many cutting-edge technologies that find their way into our everyday lives through NASA’s Technology
Transfer program.”

Fred Schramm has been instrumental in both the development and continued innovation of this technology. His work has established him as the subject matter expert for direct part marking and related activities in the defense, aerospace and automotive industries. Congratulations Mr. Fred Schramm! Q

For more information, contact the Office of Technology Transfer at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, T: 256/544-2615. Please mention you read about it in Innovation.

NASA Official: Jonathan Root • Web Design: Printing & Design Office, NASA Headquarters • Credits