Kevin...
Hey, another patent for REFR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't you just love this PR. It seems like SPD is the cure of all the worlds ills. Also I note that they still list GE as one of their licensed partners.
Cheers
Bob T.
Tuesday August 20, 9:04 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Research Frontiers Incorporated
Research Frontiers Receives Patent for Methods of Converting Ordinary Windows Into "Smart" Windows
WOODBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2002--Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR - News), the developer and licensor of SPD-Smart(TM) light-control film technology, is pleased to announce that it has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent Office on methods for converting an ordinary window into a "smart" window.
This patent (No. 6,429,961 entitled, "Methods for Retrofitting Windows with Switchable and Non-Switchable Window Enhancements") covers ways to mount window enhancement products onto "conventional" windows, or alternatively onto frames of conventional windows. Methods include the use of magnets, hook and loop (i.e. Velcro®), and other securing means. With the use of Research Frontiers' suspended particle device (SPD) film technology, a conventional window can be retrofitted, converting it into a window made SPD-Smart.
SPD-Smart windows and other products will allow users to control the amount of light, glare and heat entering a room, office or vehicle. Environmental control is achieved by utilizing a small electric voltage to adjust the amount of light transmitted through thin SPD light-control film. This is done manually by turning a knob, or automatically using a photocell or other sensing device. SPD window treatment products will increase individual comfort and worker productivity, while also offering greater privacy and security. In addition, they offer homeowners, businesses, architects, commercial developers and others many energy-saving benefits.
All of these benefits and more can be realized without having to replace existing windows, with these simple and convenient methods to retrofit conventional windows into SPD-Smart windows. Research Frontiers' patented methods will enable current and future licensees to develop and offer new SPD window treatment products using a variety of materials (i.e. lightweight plastics) with SPD film.
The patent opens up new end-product applications in what is perhaps the largest market for SPD technology, due to the fact that there already exists an enormous square footage of architectural windows from decades of sales, much of which may be readily modifiable. The Townsend Research Group has estimated that the total square footage of architectural windows worldwide in 2001 was approximately 290 billion square feet. In the United States, Townsend estimates that in 2001 there were a total of approximately 25 billion square feet, comprised of 17 billion square feet of residential and 8 billion square feet of commercial architectural windows.
Research Frontiers expects to receive an earned royalty of 5%-10% on each square foot of SPD-Smart window products sold by its licensees.
According to Michael LaPointe, Research Frontiers' Vice President - Marketing, "Homeowners and commercial property owners will have greater flexibility and choices in gaining the aesthetic and environmental benefits from SPD technology. SPD-Smart windows can now be purchased for new construction, as well as for replacement windows. In the near future they will also be able to purchase SPD-Smart window treatments so that they can retrofit their existing windows."
Mr. LaPointe continued: "Consumers aren't the only ones to benefit. In addition to our current licensees, many new industry groups can now profit from the business opportunities made possible by this new SPD application, including window treatment companies, companies offering plastic laminate products, and traditional window film companies, just to name a few."
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 to control the applied voltage 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.
SPD technology has many applications, including SPD-Smart(TM) windows and sunshades for homes and buildings, skylights and interior partitions. A smart window product 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 products can include windows, sunroofs, sunvisors, sunshades, 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-Smart eyewear products - sunglasses, sport goggles such as ski goggles, and visors - will continuously and instantly control glare to the degree needed.
In an SPD display, electronic drivers will selectively "address" (open and close) tiny segments of the SPD film. 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. In advertising, promotion, and retail sales environments, SPD displays 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.
SPD technology is covered by approximately 365 patents and patent applications held by Research Frontiers worldwide. As part of a global infrastructure, Research Frontiers has licensed the following sixteen companies to use its patented SPD light-control technology in emulsions, film, or end-products: AP Technoglass; Avery Dennison Corporation; BOS GmbH & Co. KG, 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.; Isoclima S.p.A.; N.V. Bekaert S.A.; Polaroid Corporation; Razor's Edge Technologies Inc.; and ThermoView Industries, Inc. 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. Additional information about Research Frontiers and its licensees can be found on the Internet at refr-spd.com. Research Frontiers' common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "REFR."
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. SPD-SmartTM and Powered by SPDTM and The View of the Future - Everywhere you lookTM are trademarks of Research Frontiers Incorporated.
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