PRNewswire
March 20, 2000
SPOKANE, Wash., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA) technology affiliate, Avista Labs, today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent 6,030,718 that covers 162 claims for its modular, cartridge-based Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell power system. The patent, which was examined by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office over a period of more than two years, provides unprecedented broad protection for the pioneering approach offered by this modular fuel cell system design. This milestone achievement will advance the way fuel cells are conceptualized, developed and commercialized by putting this technology within reach of residential and small commercial stationary markets as well as commercial and industrial premium power markets.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990629/AVALOGO )
"This comprehensive patent confirms the strength of our intellectual capital and further progress toward delivering a product that is reliable, affordable, easy to maintain, and which can be customized for a wide variety of energy needs," said Avista Corp. Board Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer T.M. Matthews. "Coupled with our partnership with fuel processing industry leader UOP, this patent is a critical milestone as we demonstrate our leadership in the growing residential and commercial distributed generation market."
"Avista Labs' cartridge-based approach is reliable and convenient for consumers because fuel cell cartridges can be easily removed and replaced while the power system continues to operate. This 'plug and play' feature demonstrates that Avista Labs is committed to developing simple, reliable and low-cost products with the end user in mind," said Kim Zentz, Avista Labs president.
Additional elements of the patented system include the proprietary designs that simplify the humidifying and cooling systems, resulting in lower manufacturing costs and higher efficiency.
In a previously announced agreement with Illinois-based UOP LLC, the companies will integrate UOP's fuel processor with Avista Labs' PEM fuel cell, targeting introduction of commercially viable models in 2001. UOP LLC is a leading international supplier and licensor of fuel processing technology. Additional alliances include a joint marketing/installation agreement with Black & Veatch, a global leader in engineering, procurement and construction, and an agreement with Logan Industries, Inc., a Spokane-based contract manufacturing company, which has been manufacturing and assembling fuel cell units for field testing since early 1999.
Avista Labs, an affiliate of Avista Corp., is a fuel cell development company dedicated to making distributed energy more accessible, more reliable, and easier on the environment.
Avista Corp. is an energy, information and technology corporation whose utility and subsidiary operations focus on delivering superior products and providing innovative solutions to business and residential customers throughout North America.
Avista Corp.'s affiliate companies include Avista Utilities, which operates the company's electric and natural gas generation, transmission and distribution business. Avista's non-regulated businesses include Avista Advantage, Avista Labs, Avista Communications, Avista Energy, Avista Energy Canada, Ltd., Avista Power, Avista Development and Pentzer Corporation. Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista Corp. and its affiliate businesses, visit the corporate website at www.avistacorp.com .
NOTE: Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Avista Corp.
-0- 03/20/2000
/CONTACT: media, Steve Becker, 509-495-4264, or sbecker@avistacorp.com, or investors, Laurine Jue, 509-495-2510, or ljue@avistacorp.com, both of Avista Corp./
/Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990629/AVALOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467/
/Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/959537.html or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 959537/
/Web site: http://www.avistacorp.com/
(AVA) CO: Avista Corp.; Avista Labs ST: Washington IN: OIL UTI SU: