WOODBURY, N.Y., Jan. 27, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Garden Grove, California based GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, Inc. has expanded its current license from Research Frontiers Inc. to now also include SPD-Smart windows, window shades, interior partitions, cabin dividers and other products for aircraft. The fees and minimum annual royalties payable to Research Frontiers and other license terms were not disclosed.
Prior to this license expansion, GKN's business focused on SPD-Smart bullet-resistant glass and transparent armor for passenger cars, trucks, trains, RVs, armored personnel carriers, tanks, amphibious vehicles and warships.
SPD-Smart light-control film technology transforms widely used products – windows, skylights, partitions and sunroofs – into products that allow users to instantly and precisely control light, glare and heat in their environment.
In aerospace, dimmable windows using this technology allows passengers and crew much greater control of the aircraft cabin environment, thereby improving safety and comfort, and improving the flying experience. SPD-Smart technology offers many other desired benefits such as increased security, noise reduction, protection from harmful ultraviolet light and the potential for aesthetically distinctive designs.
Joseph M. Harary, CEO of Research Frontiers, noted: "A talented and dedicated team at GKN has worked hard over the past three years to develop SPD-Smart transparent armor products for the commercial, military and government markets. In the process they have developed expertise using our SPD-Smart technology. GKN is a leading supplier to the global aerospace market and we look forward to their applying this experience to the growing market for electronically dimmable aerospace products."
About GKN plc
GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, industrial, offhighway and aerospace markets. It has operations in more than 30 countries, nearly 40,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and sales of approximately GBP 4.2 billion ($6.6 billion) in 2009. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:GKN). GKN Aerospace is the aerospace operation of GKN plc, serving a global customer base. Operating in North and South America, Australia, the Asia Pacific and Europe, GKN Aerospace offers 24 hour 'follow the sun' engineering. With 2009 sales of approximately GBP 1.5 billion ($2.3 billion), the business is focused around three major product areas - aerostructures, propulsion systems and transparencies, plus a number of specialist product areas - electro-thermal ice protection, fuel and flotation systems, and bullet resistant glass. The business is equally split along military and civil lines with significant participation on all major aircraft programmes today. GKN Aerospace is a major supplier of complex composite structures; offers one of the most comprehensive capabilities in high performance metallics processing and is the world-leading supplier of cockpit transparencies and passenger cabin windows.
About Research Frontiers Inc.
Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq:REFR) is the developer of SPD-Smart light-control technology and has invested over $80 million to date to develop its technology. Research Frontiers currently holds approximately 500 patents and patent applications and has built an infrastructure of 39 licensed companies that collectively are capable of serving the growing global demand for smart glass products in automobiles, homes, buildings, aircraft and boats. Further information about SPD-Smart technology, Research Frontiers and its licensees can be found at .
For further information, please contact: Seth L. Van Voorhees, Vice President-Business Development and Chief Financial Officer, (516) 364-1902, info@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" and "SPD-SmartGlass" are trademarks of Research Frontiers Inc.
The Research Frontiers Incorporated logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6935