SPD-Smart Light-Control Emulsion, Film Unveiled

TintDude · April 22, 2004

Next-Generation SPD-Smart Light-Control Emulsion, Film and End Products Unveiled at Research Frontiers' First SPD Industry Conference

2004 Premier SPD Licensee Conference

WOODBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2004--For the first time ever, licensees of Research Frontiers Incorporated, the developer of VaryFast SPD-Smart light-control technology used in a variety of products, assembled as an industry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from April 15-17, 2004 for the 2004 Premier SPD Licensee Conference. The conference, which was open only to licensees of Research Frontiers, was attended by over 50 representatives from 22 companies headquartered in eight countries in North America, Asia and Europe.

In formal presentations at the Conference, Air Products and Chemicals, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, and Hitachi Chemical Company, each described their SPD materials development and testing programs in great detail. Very attractive SPD films made from new emulsions produced by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals and Hitachi Chemical Company were also demonstrated at the conference. These latest SPD light-control film products have wide applicability in SPD-Smart architectural, automotive, aircraft and marine windows, as well as in instantly adjustable variable tint eyewear such as sunglasses or ski goggles. The new second-generation emulsion-based SPD films all have very low haze levels (approximately one-third to one-fifth the haze levels of switchable windows currently on the market today).

SPD light-control films made by the emulsion produced by these three companies not only have extremely clear optical properties, but also have wide ranges of light transmission that permit the film to go from nearly as clear as an ordinary window to approximately seven times darker than the dark window tint commonly found on glass office buildings. Switching speed for SPD films is a fast 1-3 seconds, and these materials are durable, having successfully been subjected to up to several thousand hours of high-intensity exposure under accelerated weathering conditions. As part of their conference presentations, these companies indicated that they expect SPD films made from these high-performance emulsions to become available to end-product licensees of Research Frontiers as early as next month.

In addition to the presentation of new SPD emulsions and films, Laminated Technologies' LTI Smart Glass division presented the capabilities of their two state-of-the-art production facilities, expansion plans, and latest product and service offerings, and gave an overview of the SPD production process for making laminated SPD-Smart glass and plastic panels for various product applications.

They were followed by a presentation from international electronics textbook author and Research Frontiers Director, Albert P. Malvino, Ph.D. Dr. Malvino discussed the latest electronic control systems for SPD-Smart windows for a variety of project installations, ranging from residential projects to commercial projects such as the SPD-Smart windows currently being used at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center to those being considered for convention centers and hotels where it is desirable to control large areas of SPD-Smart glass with a single controller. Dr. Malvino also discussed with individual licensees solutions to their customers' requirements for various existing automotive and architectural smart window projects. Dr. Malvino's presentation concluded with the demonstration of a small, elegant electronic control box that permits both automatic (through use of a photocell) and manual adjustment (using a dimmer switch or remote control device) of SPD windows of any type or size. SPD windows in the fully-powered clear state using some of these patent pending electronic designs can use less than 0.03 watts per square foot and can even optimize themselves for the size and type of SPD-Smart window being used. SPD windows use no power in their fully-tinted "off" state.

A series of presentations of industry trends, market development programs, initiatives and ideas were also presented to the group by various speakers. New flat and curved SPD-Smart aircraft, marine and architectural windows were presented by InspecTech Aero Service and LTI Smart Glass.

"I was delighted to see the SPD industry assemble in such force in one place for the first time," commented Joseph M. Harary, President of Research Frontiers. "New licensees such as Pilkington, SmartGlass Ireland, Prelco and DuPont, who only became licensees earlier this month, attended the conference, as did many of the key licensees who adopted SPD technology during the past few years. Large companies and smaller ones joined together as a collective industry to collaborate, share ideas, discuss issues of mutual importance, and help each other succeed. The level of energy, commitment, and skill by our licensees devoted to producing and marketing SPD-Smart materials, films and end products, was astounding. Strategic relationships were forged and solidified at the conference, which will help all of our licensees become more successful at making and selling SPD-Smart products."

In a window, sunroof, or other product using VaryFast SPD-Smart technology, the user can manually or automatically "tune" the amount of light, glare and heat coming into a home, office, or vehicle. These windows, which can reduce energy consumption, also block over 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to protect occupants and prevent the fading of carpets, furniture, and artwork. Additional information about SPD-Smart windows and other products can be found at www.SmartGlass.com.

About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Incorporated

Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq:REFR) develops and licenses suspended particle device (SPD) technology used in VaryFast SPD-Smart light-control glass and plastic products. SPD technology, made possible by a flexible light-control film invented by Research Frontiers, allows the user to instantly and precisely control the shading of glass/plastic manually or automatically. SPD technology has numerous product applications, including: SPD-Smart windows, sunshades, skylights and interior partitions for homes and buildings; automotive windows, sunroofs, sun-visors, sunshades, rear-view mirrors, instrument panels and navigation systems; aircraft windows; eyewear products; and flat panel displays for electronic products.

SPD-Smart film technology was recently awarded a "Best of What's New Award" from Popular Science magazine for home technology and was also named by the Society of Automotive Engineers' Aerospace Engineering magazine as one of the top new technologies for 2002. SPD technology is covered by over 400 patents and patent applications held by RFI worldwide. Currently 33 companies are licensed to use Research Frontiers' patented SPD light-control technology in emulsions, film, or end products. Information about Research Frontiers and its licensees can be found at www.SmartGlass.com.

Note: From time to time Research Frontiers may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. SPD-Smart, VaryFast, Powered by SPD, The View of the Future - Everywhere You Look and Visit SmartGlass.com - to change your view of the world are trademarks of Research Frontiers Incorporated.

skittles15 · April 22, 2004

hmmm so whats this mean to us??

April 22, 2004

guess I better start looking for a job. :thumb

April 22, 2004

it means in 10 years, tint will be obsolete. car manufacturers will be doing it, so you don't have to.

April 22, 2004

it means in 10 years, tint will be obsolete. car manufacturers will be doing it, so you don't have to.

But will they get it right? :booga

April 22, 2004

doesn't matter. we all know how customers accept things just cause the manufacturer does it.

ever seen a factory paint job without orange peel? try repainting a car for someone and see if you can get by with all that orange peel. the crap manufacturers are putting out now would never pass a customers inspection if done in a custom shop.

April 22, 2004

the crap manufacturers are putting out now would never pass a customers inspection if done in a custom shop.

So very true.

April 22, 2004

is'nt this where the IWFA needs to step in and buy them guys out, like the oil companies bought out the man in california for inventing a carburator that got 100 miles per gallon!