Micropoint Already Meets NHTSA Test Matrix
8 October 1998
Micropoint Already Meets NHTSA Test Matrix for Advanced Air Bag Technology
SALT LAKE CITY--Oct. 7, 1998--
Micropoint's Proprietary Bend Sensor(R) Technology Incorporated in
"Smart" Air Bag to be Manufactured for a Major Auto Supplier has
Already Tested to Specifications Outlined in NHTSA's Proposed
Regulations for Automakers to Incorporate Smart Air Bag Technology
Beginning 2002.
Proposed regulations from the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) would require automakers to incorporate advanced airbag technology into vehicles beginning in 2002 to be completed by 2006.
The proposed regulations are welcome news to Micropoint Inc. (MICP - news), whose Flexpoint subsidiary recently signed an agreement with a major auto supplier to supply Micropoint's patented Bend Sensor(R) mat as the critical component of a "smart" airbag system, to be manufactured for a major, worldwide automaker.
The proposed guidelines from NHTSA call for upgraded airbag system performance tests for passenger cars and light trucks. The new testing requirements are intended to improve the safety of infants, children and out-of-position adults, and maximize the protection of properly seated adults. Micropoint has already been using equivalent test criteria for its Bend Sensor(R) technology.
In numerous tests with car seats, children and adults, Micropoint's Bend Sensor(R) mats performed exceptionally well. "The NHTSA guidelines are great news for us," said Doug Odom, Micropoint's president and chief executive officer. "These tests mirror the conditions that we have already been using to test the Bend Sensor(R) mats. We are very confident that Micropoint's technology will meet the proposed NHTSA standards," said Odom.
The NHTSA proposal requires new crash tests using a larger dummy family, consisting of 1-, 3-, and 6-year old dummies, a small (5th percentile) female dummy, and an average (50th percentile) male dummy, and improved injury criteria that better represent human tolerances.
In addition, the new test criteria would require full car crash tests. Current tests consist exclusively of a 30-mph crash into a barrier, or optional sled test that does not destroy the car. Both tests require only the use of an average size male dummy. Proposed new tests would better represent real world crash conditions.
"The advanced state of Micropoint's technology, coupled with a very aggressive implementation schedule outlined by the NHTSA give Micropoint a real competitive advantage," said Odom. "We have already cleared many of the development and testing hurdles and are preparing to fulfill production obligations," Odom said, referring to Flexpoint's contract with a major automaker. "Many of our competitors are working with technology that simply will not pass the new testing criteria."
The phase-in schedule proposed by the NHTSA for the new airbag requirements would compel manufacturers to be 25 percent production compliant by Sept. 1, 2002, for Model Year (MY) 2003 vehicles; 40 percent compliant for MY 2004; 70 percent compliant for MY 2005; and fully compliant for all passenger cars and light trucks by MY 2006.
"Smart" airbag systems can detect the size and position of passengers sitting near the bag, and can suppress its deployment. Bend Sensor(R) technology assists in the detection of car seats, children and small adults for the purposes of suppressing air bag deployment. However, it is important to note that even with a "smart" air bag system the safest place for infants and small children is in the back seat.
Micropoint's unique Bend Sensor(R) device measures electrical potential through degrees of displacement or bending. It is capable of precisely measuring minutely small to very large changes in position. Flexible and self-contained Bend Sensor(R) technology can provide an ideal solution to problems associated with numerous applications requiring accurate sensing devices in many industries.
The Bend Sensor(R) is thinner, lighter, longer-lived, more reliable and more cost-effective than many previous devices in the sensor industry.
Micropoint designs, manufactures, and markets through Flexpoint its revolutionary flexible Bend Sensor(R) technology for various industries, including the automotive, medical, industrial, aerospace and toy industries. Micropoint's stock recently began trading under the symbol MICP.
Forward looking statements in this release involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, product demand, market acceptance, government regulation, changing economic conditions, risks in product and technology development, the effect of the company's accounting policies and other risk factors detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.