Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR) has sold a new license to
AGC Flat Glass Europe SA to offer architectural smart windows using
Research Frontiers´ patented SPD-Smart(TM) light-control film. When
integrated with windows, skylights, light tubes, doors, interior
partitions and other products, SPD-Smart film gives users the ability
to rapidly, precisely and uniformly control the amount of light, glare
and heat passing through glass or plastic.
AGC Flat Glass Europe (formerly Glaverbel SA) is the European flat
glass branch of AGC (Asahi Glass Company), the world´s largest
glassmaking group. The company is a growth-oriented, customer-focused
company highly regarded globally for its innovative products. The new
non-exclusive worldwide license agreement with AGC Flat Glass Europe,
which renews and replaces Glaverbel´s prior license agreement,
provides for a 5-10% royalty payable to Research Frontiers on sales of
licensed products. Other license provisions, including fees and
minimum annual royalties payable to Research Frontiers, were not
disclosed.
SPD light-control technology is protected by over 500 patents and
patent applications held by Research Frontiers Inc., the developer and
licensor of the technology to be used in AGC Flat Glass Europe´s smart
window products. As well as instant light control benefits, SPD-Smart
products reduce outside noise, provide greater security for both
privacy and structural integrity, and protect interiors and occupants
from heat and harmful ultraviolet radiation.
In addition to being an environmentally friendly "clean
technology" because of its potential daylighting and energy savings
advantages, SPD-Smart windows provide empowering quality-of-life and
aesthetic benefits by offering control over the environment to suit
one´s preference. These windows, skylights and other glazings can be
optically clear, block over 99% of visible light, and are tunable
manually or automatically to any level of light transmission between
dark and clear. All of this is done instantly regardless of the window
size - advantages that other competitive smart window technologies,
such as liquid crystal or electrochromics, cannot offer.
About AGC Flat Glass Europe SA
AGC Flat Glass Europe (formerly Glaverbel) makes and processes
flat glass for the construction industry (exterior glazing and
interior decorative glass) and for specialised industries. Based in
Brussels, Belgium, it is the European branch of AGC Flat Glass, the
world´s leading producer of flat glass.
Its baseline "Glass unlimited" reflects the possibilities offered
by:
-- glass as a material that meets a growing range of requirements
(comfort, energy control, health & safety, appearance);
-- its production facilities made up of 18 float glass plants and
some 100 processing units located throughout greater Europe,
from Spain to Russia;
-- its worldwide marketing network;
-- its new applications resulting from sustained R&D in advanced
glass technologies such as Antibacterial glass and coated
glass;
-- the resources of its personnel motivated by a shared desire
for excellence.
AGC Flat Glass Europe currently employs around 10,700 people.
For more information, visit: www.agc-flatglass.eu (corporate site)
and www.yourglass.com (architecture and interior design products).
About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Incorporated
Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR) develops and
licenses suspended particle device (SPD) technology used in
VaryFast(TM) SPD-Smart 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 over 500 patents and patent applications held
by Research Frontiers worldwide. Currently 34 companies are licensed
to use Research Frontiers´ patented SPD light-control technology in
emulsions, films, or end-products. Further information about SPD-Smart
technology, 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. 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.
