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| Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. Here you will find a wide range of helpful information. For your convenience, the FAQ section is organized into five different categories. Select a category listed at the left to take you to questions and answers related to that category. |
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| Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Can you tell me about Research Frontiers Incorporated? |
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| Research Frontiers is a publicly held company (Nasdaq: REFR) with headquarters in Woodbury, New York (USA). Our company holds over 500 patents and patent applications worldwide covering SPD applications. Research Frontiers does not manufacture or market SPD-Smart products. Instead, we license companies around the world to use our technology to produce or market SPD materials (SPD emulsion or film) or to offer their own brand of SPD-Smart end-products. |
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| What is SPD technology? |
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| Suspended particle device (SPD) technology is a patented technology developed and licensed by Research Frontiers Incorporated. It allows users to control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through glass or plastic products such as windows, skylights, doors, sunroofs, visors, eyewear and more. |
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| How does SPD technology work? |
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| SPD-Smart products are made with SPD film patented by Research Frontiers. Within this film are randomly oriented microscopic particles. When no electrical voltage is present, the particles absorb light and block it from passing through the film. When an electrical voltage is applied, the particles align so that light can pass through. By regulating the voltage with a simple switch or other control device, users instantly regulate the amount of light, glare and heat coming through products such as windows. |
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| What kinds of products can be made SPD-Smart? |
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| A number of products in various applications can be made SPD-Smart. These include:
architectural windows, doors, skylights and partitions
aerospace windows, doors and partitions
automotive sunroofs, side and rear windows, visors, mirrors
appliance windows and doors on refrigerators, ovens, microwaves
marine windows, doors, hatches and partitions
prescription and non-prescription glasses, goggles and helmet visors
advertising signage and displays, computer screens, cell phones and light filters.
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| What are the unique features of SPD-Smart products? |
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| SPD-Smart products are made with patented SPD film. This film provides an unequalled combination of performance benefits, including:
almost instantaneous control of light, glare and heat manually or automatically
wide range of light transmission from dark to clear
fast and consistent switching speed, regardless of panel size
more than 99% protection from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light
ability to be integrated into a wide variety of glass or plastic materials
ability to be produced with curves or irregular patterns
durability
low haze
extremely low power consumption
impact resistance
noise reduction.
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| What are some of the benefits of SPD-Smart products to end-users? |
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| Products using SPD technology provide significant benefits to end-users, including:
almost instantaneous control of light, glare and heat
improved aesthetics, comfort and privacy
greater security
energy savings
cost-effectiveness relative to other light-control technologies
low maintenance
wide range of light-control without loss of view
close to 100% light blockage for privacy or room darkening
protection of interior furnishings and other valuable items from UV damage. |
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| Approximately how much power is needed to operate an SPD-Smart product? |
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| SPD-Smart products are extremely energy efficient. At line voltage, SPD film typically uses a maximum of approximately 0.06 watts of power per square foot (0.65 watts/m2). No power is used when the film is in its dark state. When operating at light transmission levels in between the clear and dark states, power requirements are correspondingly lower than the maximum. Exact power consumption depends in part upon the thickness of the SPD film used for a specific end-product application and other factors. |
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| My company has an interest to manufacture, offer or specify SPD-Smart products. How can I get more information about this? |
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| It’s easy! Simply click on the link for Businesses at the left of this webpage. From there you can provide your information and submit your inquiry. |
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| I have an interest in SPD-Smart products for a project. How can I contact a licensed SPD product supplier? |
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| It’s easy! If you are a Consumer with a project, click on the Consumers link at the left of this webpage. If you are inquiring from a business, click on the Businesses link. From there you can conveniently submit your inquiry. |
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| How can I stay informed about SPD technology and Research Frontiers? |
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| There are several ways to stay informed. New information is posted to the What’s New and Press sections of our website. These are easily accessed from the homepage. The most convenient way to learn of the latest developments is to receive our email notifications. Click the "Join Our Emailing List" at the left to stay current. |
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