SPD Inc.'s Plan to Offer SPD Glass as Well As SPD Film Should Broaden Market and Accelerate Widespread Use Of SPD Technology
WOODBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2001--SPD Inc. announced today that it will begin to provide end-product manufacturers with flat or laminated glass that has SPD film already incorporated into it and ready for final end-product fabrication.
This expands on SPD Inc.'s previously-announced plans to offer SPD light-control film for incorporation by other companies into SPD-Smart(TM) products, as well as offering its own end-products.
Michael LaPointe, Research Frontiers' Director of Marketing for Architectural Windows and Displays noted, ``This strategic move by SPD Inc. should have an extraordinary impact on the number of companies that quickly adopt SPD technology and the speed with which SPD-Smart(TM) products enter and proliferate in their various markets. One of the basic goals of the SPD infrastructure that Research Frontiers has established is to make it as easy as possible for end-product manufacturers to produce and market SPD-Smart(TM) products. Today's move takes that concept to a new level of simplicity and convenience.''
To illustrate the importance of this announcement, consider the architectural window application of SPDs. Window manufacturers will now have new flexibility. They can obtain SPD film from SPD Inc. and then incorporate it into flat or laminated glass, install the electrical interface, and fabricate the finished window. Or, they can purchase SPD glass which already has SPD film incorporated into it, and which has been cut to their specifications, and is fully prepared for electrical interface. In this case they simply fabricate the final window product around the SPD glass.
SPD Inc. stated today that it will begin to produce glass incorporating SPD light-control film next month.
Michael LaPointe continued, ``Independent market research has shown that many manufacturers would prefer this option. I envision some companies opting for SPD film right away, others starting with the simple SPD glass approach and then moving to film when volumes make it more cost-effective to affix the SPD film to glass themselves, and still others electing to continue to purchase SPD glass.''
SPD Inc.'s parent company, Hankuk Glass Industries Inc. (KSC:02000.KS), is Korea's largest glass manufacturer and is a licensee of Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR - news), the developer of SPD light-control technology. SPD Inc. was formed earlier this year as a separate subsidiary of Hankuk Glass Industries Inc. The company is devoted exclusively to the mass production of suspended particle device (SPD) light control film, SPD glass, and SPD end-products, as well as to the marketing of these SPD products to a multitude of domestic and international markets.
About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Incorporated
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 allows you to instantly and precisely control how clear or dark glass or plastic is, and adjust its light transmission by either turning a knob or having the device automatically adjust itself by means of a photocell or other sensing or control device. This is made possible by a thin flexible film which uses SPD light-control technology invented by Research Frontiers. In an SPD display, electronic drivers will selectively ``address'' (open and close) tiny segments of the SPD film. SPD technology is licensed to a growing number of companies in various industries, and is covered by approximately 365 patents and patent applications held by Research Frontiers worldwide.
SPD technology has many applications, including ``smart'' windows for homes and buildings, skylights and interior partitions. A smart window using SPD film provides relief from glare or heat without blocking view, while also enabling privacy whenever desired, protection from UV damage, promotion of energy conservation, and other benefits. In automotive vehicles, SPD-Smart(TM) products can include windows, sunroofs, sunvisors, rear-view mirrors, instrument panels and navigation systems. In aircraft, replacing existing window shades with SPD film can improve passenger satisfaction and comfort, while also reducing fuel consumption, maintenance, downtime and cost of operation. SPD eyewear products - sunglasses, sport goggles such as ski goggles, and visors - will continuously and instantly control glare to the degree needed. In the flat panel display industry, SPDs may be used to make brighter, easier-to-read screens in products such as laptop computers, cell phones, and handheld devices such as PDAs - Personal Digital Assistants, with significant performance and cost advantages over current technologies. In advertising, promotion, and retail sales environments, SPDs offer display advertising advantages, bringing large, thin, flexible yet changeable displays to stores, store windows, point-of-purchase displays, billboards, truck sidings, road signs, and other signage applications.
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; Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Incorporated; Film Technologies International, Inc.; General Electric Company; Glaverbel, SA; Global Mirror GmbH & Co. KG (Lang-Mekra); Hankuk Glass Industries Inc.; Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.; InspecTech Aero Service, Inc.; N.V. Bekaert S.A.; Polaroid Corporation; ThermoView Industries, Inc.; and Vision Ease Lens. 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 and its licensees 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.
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Contact:
Research Frontiers Incorporated:
Michael R. LaPointe, 516/364-1902 ext. 215
Director of Marketing for
Architectural Windows and Displays
LaPointe@refr-spd.com |
