Biometric HandReader From Ingersoll-Rand, Will Losing The Keys Be A Thing Of The Past?

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.--Nov. 20, 2001--In order to show how biometric technologies can help safeguard air travelers, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., today demonstrated a Recognition Systems' hand geometry biometric system to public safety officials at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport.

Recognition Systems (RSI) is an Ingersoll-Rand company. As local, county, state and federal public safety officials looked on, Schiff placed his right hand on RSI's biometric HandReader device and showed how RSI handreaders are enhancing the safety and security of airports and other facilities on six continents, this very day.

``We are encouraged by the U.S. government's interest, and particularly by Representative Schiff's efforts, to help create opportunities for biometric pilot programs. We applaud and support these programs, which will ultimately enhance the safety and security of the flying public in the future,'' said Martin Huddart, general manager of Recognition Systems, Inc. ``It is also important to point out that there are steps that can be taken today to utilize our technology to enhance security at our nation's airports, immediately. Of all biometric technologies, only RSI hand-geometry systems have a 10-year record of success in protecting airport facilities. Our HandReaders not only are ready to protect air travelers today; they already are doing so, and have done so, successfully, for many years.''

Huddart noted that San Francisco International Airport has been using Recognition Systems HandReaders to secure access to the tarmac and other sensitive areas of the facility for the past decade. In addition, Ingersoll-Rand's comprehensive access control solutions also are in use at Kennedy International Airport in New York, Los Angeles International Airport, Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and the newly constructed Inchon Airport, outside Seoul, South Korea.

More than 60,000 of IR's Recognition Systems HandReaders are installed in airports, government facilities, office buildings and other installations around the world.

``In the current environment, U.S. air travelers require integrated security and safety solutions that can be implemented today - not next year, or five years from now,'' Huddart said. ``No other biometric technology has a record of success as long or as proven as that Recognition Systems' HandReaders.''

IR Recognition System HandReaders simultaneously and instantaneously record more than 90 separate measurements of an individual's hand - including the length, width, thickness and surface area - to verify that the person using the device really is who he or she claims. The biometric HandReader compares this information with a template of the person's hand that has been recorded previously and stored in a secure database. Reading and verification takes less than a second.

Ingersoll-Rand is a leading provider of comprehensive, integrated security and safety solutions, featuring advanced access control technologies, including electronic and biometric solutions (such as hand geometry readers and facial recognition systems). In addition to its biometric HandReaders, IR's Security and Safety Sector offers a broad selection of the industry's best-known hardware products, innovative software systems and advanced access control solutions. These include Schlage locks and electronic and key management systems, Von Duprin exit door hardware, Locknetics electronic locking systems and Interflex networked access control, time and attendance and personnel scheduling systems. These technologies and systems play significant roles in addressing the security concerns of such critical installations as government buildings, hospitals, schools, power generation facilities, water treatment facilities and sports stadiums.

IR is a leading innovation and solutions provider for the major global markets of Security and Safety, Climate Control, Industrial Productivity and Infrastructure. The company's diverse product portfolio encompasses such leading industrial and commercial brands as Schlage locks and security solutions, Thermo King transport temperature control equipment, Hussmann commercial and retail refrigeration equipment, Bobcat compact equipment, Club Car golf cars and utility vehicles, Torrington bearings and components, PowerWorks microturbines, and Ingersoll-Rand industrial and construction equipment. In addition, IR offers products and services under many additional premium brands for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Further information on IR can be found on the company's Web site at www.irco.com.