LET THE REVENUES BEGIN!!!!!
Tuesday June 19, 9:07 am Eastern Time
Press Release
InspecTech Aero Service Receives Order from Executive Jet Fleet Operator to Purchase SPD 'Smart' Cabin Windows for Aircraft
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2001--InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. has received a purchase order from an executive jet charter fleet operator for replacement of existing cabin inner windows with fast-responding Suspended Particle Device (SPD) windows, a light-control technology invented by Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR - news) of Woodbury, NY.
The order is for the first aircraft in the world to have these new ``smart'' windows installed. Purchase order options are in place to retrofit the remainder of this operator's fleet at their next opportunity.
``We have been meeting with vendors and other Research Frontiers licensees over the past weeks to assemble the supply chain,'' stated Jim Lang, President of InspecTech Aero Service, Inc., ``and now we can confidently and swiftly respond to the many inquiries we've received from major airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and fleet operators for this cutting-edge technology.''
Engineering is underway for this and other expected orders at the same time, according to Alex Martinez, head of engineering and new product development for InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. ``Due to the ongoing certification of our projects at the FAA, coupled with our in-house FAA Designees, certification of these smart windows will be fast-tracked. After this approval we will be able to accomodate virtually any U.S. or Bilaterally certificated civil aircraft,'' notes Martinez.
``Even on a large jet with many windows, the electrical power requirements of the SPD window system are far lower than installing an onboard coffeemaker, and in response to the tough issues with certain operators, we have developed a proprietary 28-volt DC power supply that can safely and efficiently meet their needs,'' Martinez affirms. ``Further to this development, our engineering protocol is to keep the overall installation simple. Our designs incorporate Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) configurations that allow for quick connect/disconnect wiring, switches, fasteners, and rack-mounted electrical components. These integrated features permit rapid initial installation on in-service aircraft as well as during maintenance downtime. In technical terms, the installation is a `minor alteration', as defined by the FAA, which means the changes to the aircraft are negligible,'' Martinez states. The many aesthetic, functional and inherent human physiological benefits of using SPD aircraft windows are manifold. These benefits, some of which are listed below, can be read and seen on InspecTech's website at www.inspectech.net.
In SPD ``smart'' window products, you can instantly and precisely control how clear or dark the window is, and adjust its light transmission either manually or having the window automatically adjust itself. This is made possible by a thin film which uses SPD light-control technology invented by Research Frontiers and licensed by it to a growing number of companies in various industries. SPD technology is covered by approximately 365 patents and patent applications held by Research Frontiers worldwide. In an aircraft, not only can the passenger control their ``smart'' window at any time, but it can also be controlled centrally at the flight attendant's station or in the cockpit so that all the windows can be darkened while a movie or safety video is being shown, and lightened during takeoff and landing. Airlines and other operators save money on fuel and maintenance, offer passengers increased comfort and amenities, and become known for bringing innovations into the aircraft cabin. Cabin crews benefit as they acquire centralized window control and no longer have to disturb sleeping passengers to require them to raise or lower their shade. Passengers can control light and glare without blocking their magnificent views.
Compared to existing window shades on aircraft, because SPD windows have no moving parts, they also offer much greater reliability than current window systems. In addition, some manufacturers will gain valuable cabin space and flying range by incorporating SPD window shades into production aircraft.
About InspecTech Aero Service, Inc.
InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. provides aerospace component design, production, marketing, and distribution. Serving both the OEM and aftermarket industry segments, InspecTech customers include Fortune 10 Aerospace Corporations in the United States. As the holder of a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, InspecTech manufactures high-quality, precision aftermarket parts and systems for commercial, regional and business aircraft. InspecTech's SPD aircraft windows have been demonstrated to some of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Gulfstream, Learjet, and regional aircraft manufacturers. Additional information about InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. can be found on the Internet at inspectech.net.
About Research Frontiers Incorporated
Research Frontiers has licensed the following companies to use its patented suspended particle device (SPD) light-control technology in emulsions, film, or end-products:
AP Technoglass - North America's leading automotive glass and sunroof glass supplier and a subsidiary of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., the world's largest automotive glass supplier;
Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Incorporated-the world's largest manufacturer of organic pigments;
Film Technologies International, Inc.-a leading worldwide manufacturer of solar control, safety and security window films for use on motor vehicles, homes and commercial buildings.
General Electric Company (NYSE: GE - news);
Glaverbel, SA of Belgium - majority-owned by Asahi Glass, one of the world's leading automotive glass manufacturing companies;
Global Mirror GmbH & Co. KG - the world's largest manufacturer of commercial vehicle mirror systems;
Hankuk Glass Industries Inc. - Asia's largest flat glass producer (outside of Japan);
Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.- majority-owned and part of Hitachi Ltd.;
InspecTech Aero Service, Inc.- provides aerospace component design, production, marketing, and distribution to both the OEM and aftermarket industry segments including the Fortune 10 Aerospace Corporations in the U.S.;
Material Sciences Corporation - the world's second-largest producer of specialty window films (NYSE: MSC - news);
Polaroid Corporation-the worldwide leader in instant imaging and a supplier of instant photographic cameras and films; digital imaging hardware, software and media; secure identification systems; and sunglasses to markets worldwide (NYSE: PRD - news);
ThermoView Industries, Inc. - a leading integrator of businesses and technologies within the replacement window industry (AMEX: THV - news);
Vision Ease Lens - the world's largest producer of polycarbonate lenses which is owned by BMC Industries, Inc. (NYSE: BMM - news)
Research Frontiers is a technological leader in the development and licensing of suspended particle devices (SPDs)-electrically operated light-control devices using proprietary particle suspensions and films. SPD technology permits light transmission to be electrically controlled instantly, either automatically (by means of a photocell or other sensing or control device) or adjusted manually by the user. Research Frontiers' proprietary SPD technology enables users to control the amount of light passing through windows, skylights, eyewear (including prescription and non-prescription sunglasses and sports goggles), automotive sunroofs, sunvisors and rear-view mirrors, as well as enabling brighter easier to read flat panel information displays for use in computers, television, telephones and other electronic instruments and products. Research Frontiers currently has agreements in effect covering smart windows, automotive mirrors and sunvisors, eyewear, displays and other products with major international corporations and holds or has rights in over 365 patents and patent applications on SPD technology throughout the world. Licensees of Research Frontiers who incorporate SPD technology into end products will pay Research Frontiers a royalty of 5-10% of net sales of licensed products under license agreements currently in effect. Research Frontiers' common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ``REFR.'' Additional information about Research Frontiers can be found on the Internet at refr-spd.com.
Note: From time to time the Company may issue forward looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward looking statements should be considered accordingly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
InspecTech Aero Service, Inc.
Alex Martinez, 954/359-6766
info@inspectech.net
or
Research Frontiers Incorporated
Robert L. Saxe,
Patricia A. Bryant,
516/364-1902
info@refr-spd.com
or
Mindstorm Communications
Stacy Calder, 212/320-2125 |
