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Intelligent Optical Systems Selected to Develop Sensor for Ford

26 September 2000

Intelligent Optical Systems Inc. Selected to Develop Advanced Hydrogen Sensor System for Ford's Fuel Cell Vehicle Program

    TORRANCE, Calif.--Sept. 26, 2000--Intelligent Optical Systems Inc. (IOS), a privately held R&D company specializing in the design and development of proprietary optical communications, monitoring and signal-processing technologies, today announced that it has been selected by Ford Motor Co. to develop the hydrogen- sensing system for Ford's fuel-cell vehicle program.
    "Ford is a world leader in the development of the next generation of efficient, environmentally friendly fuel-cell technologies," said Reuben Sandler, president and chief executive officer of IOS.
    "We are honored that IOS was selected to develop the advanced hydrogen-sensing system for Ford's fuel-cell vehicle from a highly competitive field of companies anxious to participate in this prestigious program.
    "Ford's choice is a vote of confidence in IOS' leading-edge optical sensing technology and our ability to bring this proprietary technology from the design to the implementation phase. We look forward to the challenges of creating an advanced new hydrogen sensor that will help to maximize the performance and safety of Ford's hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle."
    Mark Mehall, chief program engineer, of Ford Motor Co., said: "We are very pleased to be teaming with IOS on fuel-cell development. Their leading-edge expertise in sensor-related functions will play a key role in the success of this project."
    Noting that Robert Lieberman, senior vice president/chief technology officer, and Harold Gutterman, senior vice president- business development, will be co-directing the project for IOS, Sandler continued: "The advanced hydrogen-sensing system we are designing for Ford is based on IOS' proprietary fiber-optic technology. This sensor will be capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, as well as cracks in tanks and emissions of other alternative fuels and gases."
    In 1998, Ford introduced the world's first, midsized family sedan powered by a direct-hydrogen PEM fuel cell. This year, Ford introduced the Ford Focus FC5 fuel-cell vehicle, which featured an on-board methanol reformer. Ford will complete the year by delivering the first of five fuel-cell-powered vehicles to the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
    "This advanced sensor development program with Ford is an excellent example of how we plan to commercialize IOS' portfolio of intellectual property through partnerships, joint ventures and other affiliations," Sandler added.
    "In addition to the automotive industry, the optical communications, monitoring and signal-processing technologies we have developed over the past decade have exciting applications in medical diagnostics, fiber-optic communications, aerospace and other industries with enormous growth potential."