Contour Hardening Inc. Turns Pick-Ups into Mobile Power Stations

INDIANAPOLIS--March 5, 2004--The world can now plug into a pick-up truck.

Contour Hardening Inc. (CHI) of Indianapolis today unveiled Real Power(TM), the first fully-integrated, true AC generator that is powered off a pick-up truck's transmission. It economically and reliably solves numerous problems that plague traditional portable power generators.

The product, on which a multiple-claim patent is pending, was unveiled at the Spring Expo of the Specialty Equipment Market Association at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

"Real Power" turns a heavy-duty pick-up truck into a mobile power station capable of generating a clean, continuous 8,000- or 12,000-watt stream of power, depending on the model purchased. That's enough to power an average home while operating multiple appliances.

"It's essentially limitless power, wherever you can drive," said Contour Hardening CEO John Storm.

People in the construction industry working at a remote site know the importance of having a steady and dependable supply of AC power to run saws, lights, pumps, air compressors, welders and other heavy-duty power tools, according to Storm.

"Until now you've basically had two options: bring along an expensive, noisy and environmentally unfriendly generator -- which either has to be towed or takes up a lot of room in your truck bed -- gamble with an inverter-based power system that can potentially cause serious damage to your truck," he explained.

Inverter systems use belts, capacitors and batteries to convert a vehicle's DC power to AC. However, the process generates heat which, over time, can damage engine components. The inverter itself can damage a truck's battery, alternator and electrical system. Finally, most vehicle manufacturers look unfavorably on installing a 400-volt power source directly into the truck's electrical system.

Real Power doesn't alter the truck's electrical system. Instead, it works off the vehicle's existing power take-off (PTO) gear, found in the transmission.

To operate Real Power, the truck need only be left running in idle and a simple factory-supplied PTO switch clicked on to activate the system. This action brings a safe, clean and constant flow of electrical power to both 120 and 240 volt outlets located in a weather-tight panel in the bed of the truck.

The light-weight, low-maintenance, and low-profile weather-resistant generator mounts under the floor pan of the pick-up truck between the vehicle's frame rails. There's no lost ground clearance. No modification to the floor pan or the chassis is required.

Currently, the Real Power system requires a GMC or Chevrolet pick-up truck equipped with an Allison 1000 transmission with a PTO gear manufactured in 2001 - or later - to work. Ford pick-up trucks equipped with the new TorqShift(TM) transmission are compatible with Real Power and applications for other trucks are under development. Real Power will be installed only by CHI-trained, certified installers.

Contour Hardening Inc. is well known to the automotive industry, including the performance-driven racing industry. "In fact," said Storm, "if you own a vehicle, there's a good chance you own something enhanced by CHI's proprietary technology."

That's because in 1986 the company came up with a patented process to rapidly harden gear teeth and other high-performance mechanical components. Vehicle parts treated with the Micropulse Process exhibit less distortion and are both stronger and more durable.

CHI is currently seeking Real Power distribution partners and installer locations. Pricing and warranty terms will be announced soon.

More information on Real Power and a downloadable color brochure can be found at www.realacpower.com.