Xybernaut Granted 'Protective Garment' Patent in Japan
Tuesday August 12, 9:42 am ET
Patent Defines Methodologies for Integrating Computing and Communication Systems with Biological/Nuclear/Chemical/Armored Protective Garments
FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 2003-- Xybernaut® Corporation (Nasdaq:XYBR - News), today announced it has been granted a patent by the Japan Patent Office (JPO) for protective garments integrated with portable computing/communication systems.
The Japan patent, which relates to the Xybernaut U.S. patent No. 6,507,486 entitled, "Wearable Computer and Garment System," highlights a wide variety of current and potential military, government, commercial and recreational applications.
The patent includes uses of protective clothing commonly referred to as "body armor." An example would be a vest shielded by a layer of protective ballistic armor. The armored garment would protect both the user and the computing/communication device(s).
Protective garment and computing systems described in this patent have the potential to be programmed with generic data (such as safety instructions or maintenance procedures) or programmed with mission-specific information that is tailored to each operator.
In military, intelligence or law enforcement situations, this mission-specific information can be an integral part of "operational awareness" during tactical operations. Access to timely and pertinent information can reduce errors in the field and increase operator effectiveness.
Selected features and capabilities of protective garment systems described within the patent include:
Protective materials that would have primary protective properties consisting of ballistic resistive, puncture resistive, nuclear resistive, biological resistive, chemical resistive material, and any combination of these properties;
Ability to incorporate communications means in electrical connection to system's general computer; wherein electrical connections are hard-wire or wireless;
Capabilities wherein the protective material is camouflaged;
Ability to house a user-supported computer and providing protection against penetrating threats to the user and to the computer;
Capabilities wherein the display unit is any of a head mounted display (HMD), a flat panel display (FPD), a wrist display, a torso-worn display, a neck-hung display, a collar-mounted display, a shoulder-supported display, and any combination of these, with the display optionally being attached to an epaulette of the garment;
Ability to protect a user-supported general-purpose computer by integrating support structures for the computer into a ballistic vest; wherein the computing unit and components are connected by electrical cables which are interwoven through the garment and protected by a layer of weatherproofing and/or concealing or camouflage fabric;
As previously disclosed, Xybernaut is currently discussing various technology applications with corporations, government entities and other organizations as part of a recently enhanced Licensing Plan related to Xybernaut intellectual property.
"Our intellectual property continues to be one of our strongest assets as we successfully develop and expand relationships with many of the largest global companies in various industry sectors," said Edward G. Newman, chairman and CEO of Xybernaut. "In the international arena of strategic technology evaluation and implementation, intellectual property is considered by most business leaders to be the true global currency -- particularly in Asia and the Far East. Though it is often very difficult to achieve patent coverage in these regions, our recent success in securing recognition of our IP provides considerable value when we approach companies as partners or customers."
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) issued the Protective Garment patent as Japan patent No. 3441724.
About Xybernaut Corporation
Xybernaut Corporation is the leading provider of wearable/mobile computing hardware, software and services, bringing communications and full-function computing power in a hands-free design to people when and where they need it. Xybernaut maintains hundreds of patents in more than 17 countries. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, Xybernaut has offices and subsidiaries in Europe (Germany) and Asia (Japan). Visit Xybernaut's Web site at www.xybernaut.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "plan," "confident that," "believe," "scheduled," "expect," or "intend to," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, the availability of components and successful production of the Company's products, general acceptance of the Company's products and technologies, competitive factors, timing, and other risks described in the Company's SEC reports and filings.
Third party statements contained herein and information contained on any third party web site are not endorsed by or adopted by Xybernaut, nor has Xybernaut verified their accuracy.
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Contact:
Xybernaut Corporation, Fairfax
Michael Binko, 703-654-3637
mbinko@xybernaut.com
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Source: Xybernaut Corporation |
