Short PDA length and type B PDA are associated with reopening. A stepbystep overview of a patent application and maintenance process.The five stages of a patent process. FL flow is retrograde. This observation suggests that retrograde flow is associated with lower FL pressures than antegrade flow. Note the laminar antegrade flow in the conduit (arrow). (B). Spectral Doppler interrogation in the inferior vena cava showing low velocity biphasic flow. The present application is related to U.S. provisional patent application having Ser. Submit a Report Form to the Office of Technology Management (OTM). The submission of a report form is the initial step in the intellectual property process.