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Brake Inspector Identifies Bus, Truck & Trailer ABS Air Brake Problems

7 September 2000

Spectra Inc.: Brake Inspector Identifies Bus, Truck & Trailer ABS Air Brake Problems

    TORONTO--Sept. 7, 2000--Spectra Inc.(CDNX:SSA.) reports that its electronic visual brake stroke indicator, Brake Inspector(TM), has been found to be highly effective in diagnosing operational deficiencies in ABS systems and foundation brake systems of vehicles equipped with air brakes, including buses, trucks and trailers.
    The recent, highly publicized potential problem with school buses equipped with certain anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can be identified using the Brake Inspector(TM) in-cab L.E.D. display gauge. Freightliner Corp.'s subsidiary Thomas Built Buses Inc., one of the largest school bus manufacturers on the continent, sent a letter to several hundred U.S. school boards on August 30, 2000 advising of a possible defect with the Bendix ABS brake system. The reported problem may cause the air brake system to delay activating, creating a no brake condition for up to four seconds at low speeds under 20 mph. CNN and MSNBC News reported that the problem may affect 46,000 school buses and over 260,000 commercial trucks.
    Terry Faye, Director of Sales and Technical Support for Spectra, commented, "In the case of an ABS failure, whether temporary or permanent, Brake Inspector (TM) will instantly warn that the brake chamber components are not responding and will give a "no-light" or a "delayed intermittent light" indication. The operator can check the status of each brake chamber from the cab whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion."
    Brake Inspector(TM), through a system status indicator in the cab, provides vehicle drivers continuous, real time information on the braking capabilities of buses trucks and trailers while the equipment is operating. Brake Inspector(TM) is an excellent diagnostic tool that will warn operators and maintenance staff of problems in the overall brake system resulting in significant dollar savings from reduced time to complete Preventative Maintenance Inspections, costly brake repairs and improved fleet productivity.
    An L.E.D. display located on the dashboard of the vehicle indicates the status of each wheel's brake chamber - whether the brake is operating within acceptable limits, approaching unsafe conditions or operating unsafely beyond the approved limits. Brake Inspector's(TM) green, yellow and red L.E.D. indicators communicate the effectiveness of a vehicle's air brakes and warn operators and maintenance staff of potential problems. Brake Inspector(TM) can be used by maintenance staff to diagnose numerous brake system problems including weak or broken spring brakes, leaking diaphragms and worn, seized or out-of -adjustment automatic or manual slack adjusters.
    Spectra's chairman, Andrew Malion, stated, " The problem of brake defects including out-of-adjustment air brakes continues to be the leading violation resulting in vehicles being taken out of service during roadside safety inspections. In 1999, according to the MCSAP Quarterly Report, 36% of commercial trucks and trailers and 31% of the motor coaches (highway buses) inspected in the U.S.A. were taken out of service for air brake related faults.
    Out-of-adjustment brakes accounted for 31% of truck brake defects and 38% of bus brake defects."
    With this serious and alarming problem, Spectra Inc. is strategically positioned to solve a major safety issue. Past and ongoing R&D activities, market assessments, new product development and product improvements make Spectra the leading candidate to capture a dominant position in the market while providing the transportation industry with a safer means of operating and meaningful tools for improving fleet productivity and reducing operating costs.
    Spectra Inc. is an Internet Service Provider focusing on the Internet connectivity needs of the transportation industry. Spectra's "Truckinguniverse.com" provides industry fleets, owner operators and commercial vendors a host of services and products that include transportation specific content, Internet access, electronic commerce, e-mail and a 24/7 toll free technical support team. Spectra is also a manufacturer and distributor of safety products for the commercial transportation industry in North America. Its primary safety products include the innovative Brake Safe(TM), a visual brake stroke indicator; Brake Inspector(TM), an electronic brake stroke indicator system; the revolutionary SmarTire(TM), a tire monitoring system, as well as Termin-8r(R), a new line of anti-corrosion and extreme pressure lubricating products.