L.L. Knickerbocker Announces First Press Conference by
Princeton University and Pure Energy Corporation
"The First Ever Non-Petroleum Gasoline Substitute Patent Issued to
Princeton University"
LAKE FOREST, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 1998-- The L.L. Knickerbocker Co. Inc.
(NASDAQ:KNIC - news) Wednesday announced that Princeton University and Pure Energy Corp.
will hold their first press conference at The Princeton Club of New York on Wed., Jan. 14, 1998 to
report on ''the first ever non-petroleum gasoline substitute patent issued to Princeton University.''
The L.L. Knickerbocker Co. holds approximately 38 percent equity interest in Pure Energy Corp.
On Dec. 16, 1997, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to Princeton
University for a new, non-petroleum substitute for gasoline called P-series. The patent issued is U.S.
Patent No. 5,697,987, and is titled Alternative Fuel.
Stephen Paul, Ph.D., of Princeton University's Plasma Physics research staff, and Merrick Andlinger,
president and chief executive officer of Pure Energy, will host the news briefing on the commercial
viability of P-series, and will address questions relating to the product's characteristics and
development.
P-series is a unique blend of ethanol, natural gas liquids and a co-solvent. The fuel, which is
non-petroleum and as much as 70 percent from renewable sources, is designed to operate in existing
flexible fuel vehicles. It is designed to be cost-competitive with gasoline and to meet the standards set
by the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (''EPACT'').
Use of the fuel as an alternative to gasoline will contribute to significant reductions in greenhouse gases,
lower tail pipe emissions and greater domestic energy security.
P-series is designed to service the estimated 10 billion gallon per year U.S. fleet market, that by federal
mandate is required to use an increasing proportion of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and the nascent
consumer AFV market.
Pure Energy holds the exclusive worldwide license to commercialize the alternative fuel. On July 7,
1997, Pure Energy filed a petition with the Department of Energy seeking a rulemaking to designate the
P-series as an ''Alternative Fuel'' under EPACT.
''This is a very exciting time for the L.L. Knickerbocker Company, Pure Energy Corp., Dr. Paul and
Princeton University,'' said Louis L. Knickerbocker, chairman & CEO. ''Our equity investment in PEC
and the alternative fuel is validated every step of the way.''
In addition to its equity interest in Pure Energy, The L.L. Knickerbocker Co. markets a wide variety of
branded collectibles, jewelry and accessories and consumer products. The company's primary focus is
to create and build brands which can be marketed through a variety of channels including national and
international retail and direct response mail.
The company has a substantial equity interest (approx. 31 percent) in Ontro Inc. and Insta-Heat Inc.,
involved in the development of containers which self-heat food and beverages. The company recently
entered into a joint venture with Arkenol Holdings, LLC to construct power plants and biorefineries in a
number of Southeast Asian countries.
For more information, visit the L.L. Knickerbocker Company Web site: www.knickerbocker.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which involve risks and
uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological
factors affecting the company's operations, markets, products, services and prices, and other factors.
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.................... Bob |
