Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR) and SmartGlass
International Ltd. announced today that SmartGlass International Ltd.
has acquired a non-exclusive license to use Research Frontiers'
patented SPD-Smart(TM) light-control technology for architectural
smart windows, skylights and similar products in the United Kingdom
and Republic of Ireland. The minimum annual royalties and other
license terms were not disclosed.
SmartGlass International's SPD-Smart products can be manually or
automatically "tuned" to precisely control the amount of light, glare
and heat passing through glass or plastic. These products foster
innovative building design opportunities never before available.
Glass facades using patented SPD light-control technology reduce
the need for air conditioning during the summer months and heating
during winter. The ability to instantly switch the glass to maximize
daylight when it's really needed and to provide controllable solar
shading during peak light conditions is unique.
John Browne, Executive Director of SmartGlass International,
noted: "The use of intelligent glass provides added value and
increased flexibility in new building design, improves working
environments and buildings ergonomics, saves energy, and increases the
well being of building occupants. As a company dedicated to bringing
environmentally friendly "green" building products and unique design
abilities to our customers, we are pleased to now have the expanded
resources through the merger of the smartglass businesses of
SmartGlass Ireland and Vision (Environmental Innovation) Ltd. Under
license from Research Frontiers, we can now offer SPD-Smart products
over a wider geographic area, and we plan continued expansion of this
very attractive line of our business. SmartGlass International
believes with the recent announcement of stringent legislation on the
reduction of CO2 emissions, and the availability of wide-width
SPD-Smart film, the architectural smart glass market is set to grow at
a significant rate over the next five years." Further details can be
found at www.smartglassinternational.com and www.SmartGlass.com.
About SmartGlass International Ltd.
The team of professionals at SmartGlass International (SGI) has
been involved in the development of architectural smart glass
technologies for over 10 years, and SmartGlass International has been
a dedicated smart glass manufacturer in the international market since
2003. The company was founded after meeting at the first Research
Frontiers Licensees' Conference in 2004 when the Directors of Vision
(Environmental Innovation) Ltd., based in the UK, and Smart Glass
Ireland decided to join forces to launch a global SmartGlass product
range for the end-user architectural market.
SmartGlass International (SGI) is a dedicated manufacturer of
electronically controlled SPD-SmartGlass and other innovative glass
and environmentally-friendly products. SGI also offers its customers
unique and bespoke SmartGlass services including technical advice,
full consultancy, design proposals, supply-only glass service, control
systems, service and maintenance through to complete "design & build"
turnkey solutions.
SGI's experienced sales and technical design teams work with its
clients to create the optimum solution to meet specific aesthetic and
performance requirements to international building standards. In
addition to switchable glass, Design and engineering professionals at
SGI have over 20 years experience in the design and manufacture of
bespoke architectural structural designs used to complement and raise
the profile of its smart glass product range. Smartglass International
Ltd has dedicated sales and technical support teams that responds
quickly to customers with advice, design proposals and quotations,
with the individual needs of the client in mind.
SmartGlass International will be showcasing SPD-SmartGlass at the
forthcoming trade shows during 2007:
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*T
Title Location Dates
Grand Designs Live Excel London 8-10 June
Cedia Excel London 25-28 June
Monaco Boat Show Port Hercules Monaco 19-22 Sept
100% Detail Earls Court London 20-23 Sept
Interbuild NEC Birmingham UK 28 Oct- 1 Nov
Plan Expo RDS Dublin Irl 8-10 Nov
*T
About Research Frontiers Incorporated and SPD Technology
Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR) develops and
licenses suspended particle device (SPD) technology used in
VaryFast(TM) SPD-Smart(TM) controllable 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 or plastic, either manually or
automatically. SPD technology product applications include: SPD-Smart
windows, sunshades, skylights and interior partitions for homes and
buildings; automotive windows, sunroofs, sunvisors, sunshades, and
mirrors; aircraft and marine windows and window shades; eyewear
products; and flat panel displays for electronic products.
SPD-Smart film technology was awarded a "Best of What's New Award"
from Popular Science magazine for home technology, received the 2007
North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology for
glass, and was also recognized as one of the top technologies by the
Society of Automotive Engineers' Aerospace Engineering magazine. SPD
technology is covered by approximately 450 patents and patent
applications held by RFI worldwide. Currently 33 companies are
licensed to use Research Frontiers' patented SPD light-control
technology in emulsions, films, 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(TM), SPD-SmartGlass(TM),
SmartGlass(TM), VaryFast(TM), Powered by SPD(TM), The View of the
Future - Everywhere You Look(TM) and Visit SmartGlass.com - to change
your view of the world(TM) are trademarks of Research Frontiers
Incorporated.
