SPD Systems Acquires SPD-Smart Window License From Research Frontiers and Rolls Out Hurricane-Resistant and Other UL Compliant Products

    PLANTATION, Fla. & WOODBURY, N.Y.--Oct. 7, 2002, SPD Systems of Plantation, Florida has acquired a license from Research Frontiers Incorporated to manufacture and offer SPD-Smart(TM) products using Research Frontiers' patented SPD light-control film technology.
    The worldwide (except Korea) non-exclusive architectural and appliance window license covers products including commercial and residential skylights, windows, and partitions as well as home appliances such as wine storage coolers, ovens, freezers, and refrigerators. These SPD-Smart products are now available for delivery because of the development work done by SPD Systems previously as a U.S. distributor of SPD-Smart products for SPD Inc., a subsidiary of Korea's largest glass manufacturer and licensee of Research Frontiers.
    So-Young Kim, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SPD Systems, commented that as a result of the license acquisition, SPD Systems will be able to reduce costs that will in turn be passed on to customers. "We have implemented plans for managing the supply chain more efficiently and to reduce production cycle-times, and the best way to implement these ideas was to acquire a license. This gives us additional latitude in certain areas such as the manufacturing processes that will strategically help the company."
    Joseph M. Harary, President of Research Frontiers, noted: "With SPD film currently available for sale to other licensees of Research Frontiers by SPD Inc., and new SPD emulsion and film suppliers now in a position to provide our licensees with alternative sources for SPD emulsions and film, end-product supplier options have expanded to make it easier and more cost-effective to manufacture and distribute SPD-Smart products. We welcome SPD Systems to our growing family of end-product licensees as they evolved from a distributor to a licensed supplier of SPD-Smart products."
    So-Young Kim also commented on recent product line improvements: "SPD Systems' architectural products meet the stringent technical and quality control requirements for architects, builders, contractors, owners, and developers. Our engineering team recently designed a variety of hurricane and high-wind resistant SPD laminates for those areas that require such strength. This product line is especially important in South Florida where we are located, as well as to our newly appointed Caribbean area sales representative for SPD Systems. Other areas of the world can also benefit from these new products where security and hostile weather resistance are important issues. Of course, these products also offer homes and offices the ability to conserve energy and control glare and heat, as do our other SPD products." SPD Systems' laminated glass and special-purpose controls were tested by an independent third-party testing laboratory, and found to comply with specific UL criteria including electrical ratings, safety, construction, workmanship, environmental resistance, and impact testing.
    SPD Systems reports other recent developments include performance data that indicates that single-glaze SPD windows perform better than double glazed ordinary windows, and double-glazed SPD IGUs perform better than triple glazed windows. In addition, SPD Systems windows meet Florida "turtle codes" which specify a limit on the maximum nocturnal light transmission of commercial and residential oceanfront windows. Many affluent Florida residences are situated on or near oceanfront property that is subject to these codes. SPD windows not only permit these homes to preserve their magnificent views and precisely control heat and glare by day, but also comply with these regulations designed to protect wildlife.

    About SPD Systems, Inc.

    SPD Systems was formed as a value-innovation marketing and end-product manufacturing company dedicated exclusively to bring SPD-Smart(TM) products into the marketplace. More information can be found by visiting www.spd-systems.com. SPD Systems has inventory of architectural and appliance items and can fill certain orders out of current stock. Current projects and proposals include skyroofs, custom residential skylight and window projects, commercial curtainwalls, theatrical production sets, and product sample kit design and production.

    About SPD Light Control Technology

    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 that uses SPD light-control technology invented by Research Frontiers Incorporated . Additional information is available at www.refr-spd.com SPD-Smart(TM) is a trademark of Research Frontiers.