Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) has acquired a license from Research
Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR), the developer and licensor of SPD-Smart™
light-control film technology. The worldwide non-exclusive license
grants PGW the right to manufacture and sell SPD-SmartGlass™
automotive glass products utilizing Research Frontiers’
patented light-control technology, including smart sunroofs, roof glass
systems, and windows. PGW was formerly the automotive glass business of
PPG Industries and is North America’s largest
producer of automotive glazing.
When integrated with glass or plastic sunroofs, roof systems,
windshields, side and rear windows, and other vehicle glazings,
SPD-Smart film gives users the ability to rapidly, precisely and
uniformly control the amount of light, glare and heat entering the
vehicle.
SPD-Smart vehicle glazings provide greater security due to on-demand
privacy capability. They also provide increased passenger comfort, and
protect passengers and interiors from heat and harmful ultraviolet
radiation. SPD-Smart technology empowers users by offering rapid,
real-time control over the environment to suit one’s
preference or requirements.
SPD-Smart glass is tunable manually or automatically to any level of
light transmission between clear and extremely dark, and is capable of
blocking over 99.5% of visible light. All of this is done rapidly and
uniformly regardless of the size of the window –
advantages that other smart window technologies cannot offer.
Dick Heilman, Vice President, Marketing and R&D, Pittsburgh Glass Works,
LLC commented: “PGW has introduced numerous
technological and energy-efficient innovations into the automotive glass
market. SPD-Smart light control technology will enable us to develop the
variable light control windows and roof systems our customers are
demanding. We also are excited about combining SPD-Smart technology with
our other innovative technologies to produce smart glass products with
extraordinary performance.”
Joseph M. Harary, President of Research Frontiers, noted: “We
are pleased that PGW approached us for a license. We have been
monitoring each other’s progress and we
admire their approach to innovation and the work that they have done to
introduce greater functionality and energy-efficiency to automotive
glass. They are not only a worldwide leader in automotive glass products
generally, but they are also on the leading edge of advanced glass
products. This positions them very well to supply their customers with
SPD-Smart products that could also include other advanced and
complementary PGW technologies.”
More vehicles are equipped with sunroofs, and auto makers are
introducing larger sunroofs, glass roof panels, and all-glass roof
systems in their vehicles. Worldwide automotive sunroof sales are
expected to exceed 18 million units in 2008, and grow to over 110
million square feet by 2010. Customers for these products are interested
in increased functionality including variable light transmittance and
improved solar control.
About Pittsburgh Glass Works
Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) supplies automotive OEM windshields, rear
and side windows, sunroofs and assemblies for auto and truck
manufacturers, and it supplies and distributes replacement automotive
glass products for use in the aftermarket. It also provides insurance
claims services through its LYNX Services subsidiary, glass management
software and internet marketing services through its GTS subsidiary, and
e-business solutions through its GLAXIS offering.
Automotive glass products are manufactured and fabricated in nine North
American plants located in Berea, Ky.; Creighton, Meadville and Tipton,
Pa.; Crestline Ohio; Evansville, Ind.; Evart, Mich.; and Hawkesbury and
Oshawa, Ont., Canada. In addition, nine satellite parts assembly plants
are located throughout North America, and two LYNX Services claims
management call centers in Ft. Myers, Fla. and Paducah, Ky. Combined,
the businesses employ approximately 4,400 people.
For more information, visit www.pgwglass.com
About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Inc.
Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR) develops and licenses suspended
particle device (SPD) technology used in VaryFast™
SPD-Smart controllable glass and plastic products. Benefits include
dynamic control of light, glare and heat passing through many types of
glazings, noise reduction, greater security for both privacy and
structural integrity, and the protection of interiors and occupants from
heat and harmful ultraviolet radiation. SPD technology, made possible by
a flexible light-control film invented and patented by Research
Frontiers, allows the user to instantly, precisely and uniformly control
the shading of glass or plastic, either manually or automatically. This
film can be used to transform into “smart”
products a variety of products used every day in homes, buildings, cars,
aircraft, boats, trains and motorcoaches.
SPD technology product applications include: SPD-Smart windows,
sunshades, skylights and interior partitions for homes and buildings;
automotive windows, sunroofs, roof systems, 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 35
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-SmartTM, SPD-SmartGlassTM,
SmartGlassTM, VaryFastTM,
Powered by SPDTM, The View of the
Future - Everywhere You LookTM
and Visit SmartGlass.com - to change your view of the worldTM
are trademarks of Research Frontiers Inc.
Research Frontiers Inc.
Joseph M. Harary, President
Patricia
A. Bryant, Manager of Investor Relations
516-364-1902
info@SmartGlass.com
or
Pittburgh
Glass Works, LLC
Richard Heilman
Vice President, Marketing and
R&D
412-820-8133
dheilman@pgwglass.com