Series 2 Invention Files, is divided into two subseries: Invention Files, 1950-1986 and Invention Files, 1969-1994. Series 2, subseries 1, Invention Files, 1950 to 1986, consists of correspondence, invention disclosures, and patent applications; the latter records include specifications, claims and drawings, and patent licensing records. Most of the files were assigned a control number, and these numbers have been maintained in the following container list, followed by the invention titles and inventor's name. Because the Institute for Cooperative Research, Office of Sponsored Research Administration, and Applied Physics Laboratory handled patent management before the Office of Patent Management existed, there are also ICR files, OSRA files, and APL files. Files are arranged in alphabetical order, and, where appropriate, also in numerical order.

Series 2, subseries 2, Invention Files, 1969-1994, contains correspondence, invention disclosures and patent application records, and general patent management information. The files of this record group are recorded until two file designations: (1) "D" for Disclosure Files, and (2) "C" for application files. The files are grouped in numerical sequence under the "C" and "D" designations. The files themselves consist of a myriad of individual inventions encompassing material in three primary phases: (1) an embryiotic stage or pre-patent application phase whereby the material exists more as an idea than a patentable product, (2) the application phase, and (3) the post-application phase (material has been granted or denied a patent).