Here is the press release....
CALGARY, ALBERTA--
Thermal Control Technologies Corp. (ASE:TCT) is pleased to
announce that it has received approval for its Mexican Patent for
the gasket header assembly used in the manufacturing of its
guaranteed leak-free Charge Air Coolers (CAC). Granting of the
patent further protects TCT's proprietary technology and will
allow the Company to expand its existing distribution channels
and continue seeking alliances with the Manufacturers of North
American Class 8 Trucks. Patents have been previously issued in
Australia and New Zealand with patents pending in the United
States, Canada and Japan.
Charge Air Coolers cool hot, intake air from the discharge of the
turbo compressor prior to that air entering an engine's intake
manifold. This cooler denser air and diesel fuel mixture burns
more efficiently maximizing horsepower, increasing fuel
efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. Original Equipment
Manufactured (OEM) CACs are similar to welded, soldered and
brazed radiators which, due to constant vibration and thermal
expansion and contraction are subject to leaks, cracks and
ultimately failure of the welded and soldered connections. These
stress cracks cause a decrease in charge air pressure resulting
in incomplete combustion of the diesel fuel, poor fuel economy,
loss of horsepower and an unacceptable level of exhaust
emissions. In extreme cases engine failure can also result from
a failed CAC.
The aftermarket potential for replacement CACs was noted in the
1997 service report from the National Automotive Radiator Service
Association in which it was stated that the OEM aluminum Charge
Air Coolers are clearly a "hot" service opportunity as "the units
are expensive, and last about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years in heavy duty
vehicles that are operated for an average of seven years (and up
to 18 years)".
TCT is optimistic in the aftermarket potential for its guaranteed
leak-free CAC in Mexico. In a study conducted by the Economics
Departments of San Diego State University (SDSU), Universidad
Autonoma de Baja California and the Center for Energy Studies
SDSU states that the majority of trucks transporting goods out of
Mexico for Mexican Trucking Companies are between 13 and 22 years
old.
TCT has been selected in conjunction with one of TCT's component
suppliers to supply the Charge Air Cooler portion of a complete
cooling system to a leading manufacturer of Motorhomes. These
highly specialized Charge Air Coolers will result in initial
sales of 40 CACs on a monthly basis commencing immediately.
TCT also wishes to inform its debenture holders that it has
recently completed the interest payment for the outstanding
debenture.
TCT is a manufacturer of advanced heat exchange equipment for
sale and distribution into the automotive, heavy duty truck and
industrial equipment, agricultural and marine engine
aftermarkets. TCT's major product is a line of revolutionary
charge air coolers for aftermarket installation on Class 8
heavy-duty trucks and on buses. TCT is also an OEM supplier of
complete cooling systems to heavy-duty trucking and industrial
manufacturers.
For further information please contact Blaine Maller, President
& CEO or Cameron D. Schuler, CIM FCSI, Director of Corporate
Communications at 1-800-230-6061 or visit TCT's web site at
tct.ca.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Thermal Control
Technologies Corp.
Blaine Maller
President & CEO
SEC File Number 82-4280
THE ALBERTA STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NEITHER APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
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