Enable IPC Issues Update on Its New S/Cap RFID Tag, Upcoming RFID Products, and Phase II Proposal for the National Science Foundation’s STTR Grant
Enable IPC Corporation (Pinksheets: EIPC.PK – News) today issued an update to shareholders on initial developments of its recently launched rugged solar powered S/Cap RFID tag, upcoming additional versions of the product, and completion of the Company’s proposal for Phase II funding from the National Science Foundation’s STTR Grant.
Since the launch of the ruggedized S/Cap RFID tag in June of this year, Enable IPC has made initial, pilot sales of the tag to customers interested in testing the products within their own operations. Additionally, Enable is working to secure distribution agreements to broaden the sales channels for the S/Cap RFID tag. The Company previously announced an agreement with RFCamp Ltd., for non-exclusive rights to resell and distribute Enable IPC S/Cap RFID tags in South Korea and the Pacific Rim. Enable is negotiating agreements with other potential distributors and expects to make further announcements in the coming weeks.
In addition, product development is underway on the Company’s new on-metal and livestock versions of the S/Cap RFID tag. The on-metal version, along with the recently released S/Cap RFID Tag, is designed to target outdoor asset tracking applications where durable, long lasting tags with long read ranges would be ideal. Potential applications are expected to include oil rigs, transportation, sports, equipment tracking, aerospace, DoD compliance (the largest user of RFID) and much more.
The RFID market is forecast by IDTechEx to reach $5.84 billion in 2011 and livestock tracking is expected to become the largest segment forecasted by IDTechEx to reach nearly $6.5 billion by 2017. To address this growing market Enable is beginning product development on a livestock tracking version of the S/Cap RFID tag. The new product should allow easier and more accurate tracking of livestock and livestock products for more efficient recalls and more efficient farm management.
National Science Foundation Phase II Application Completed
SolRayo, Inc., a subsidiary of Enable IPC Corporation, recently announced completion of Phase I of its Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Under the $150K grant, SolRayo developed a new nanoparticulate based technology to address an issue concerning the degradation of performance of certain lithium-ion (“Li-ion”) batteries, particularly in high temperature applications. SolRayo has recently submitted its proposal for Phase II funding which, if approved, will provide an additional $500,000 of funding for two years beginning in 2012. This funding will be aimed at commercializing the technology. The Company expects to hear the results of its application by the end of 2011.
One reason for the rapid growth in portable electronics over the past few decades has been the availability of rechargeable Li-ion batteries that provide the required high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities. One of the problems with this technology, however, is the relatively high expense of cathode materials compared to other types of rechargeable batteries (like nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride). While the Li-ion industry has grown exponentially over the past 20 years to be valued by Frost & Sullivan at approximately $8.4 billion in 2010, its growth has been mitigated by its relatively high expense. It is hoped that SolRayo’s technology could allow for lower cost cathode materials for Li-ion batteries, making Li-ion price-competitive with other battery technologies and leading to further exponential growth for the industry.
About Enable IPC Corp. (Intellectual Property Commercialization)
Enable IPC (www.enableipc.com) provides efficient, streamlined strategies for turning technologies into products and bringing them to market. The company seeks to turn technologies into products and is a transparent, fair turnkey partner for sub-licensing and joint development with other companies.
Mad Catz® Announces Inclusion in Russell Microcap® Index
SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) announced today its stock was added to the Russell Microcap® Index, a subset of the Russell 3000® Index, effective after the market close on Friday, June 24, 2011.
“Mad Catz’ inclusion in the Russell Microcap Index reflects both our continued positive business momentum and tangible progress over the past year in creating enhanced shareholder value,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “We expect this development to increase our visibility with investors and institutions, particularly those that utilize Russell indexes in their investment strategy. We welcome our new Russell Index investors and remain focused on executing our long-term strategic growth initiatives in fiscal 2012.”
The Russell 3000 index and Russell 2000® index measure the performance of the largest companies in the U.S. equity market. The Russell Microcap Index, a subset of the Russell 3000 and Russell 2000 indices, measures the performance of the microcap segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes 1,000 of the smallest securities in the small-cap Russell 2000 Index based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership as well as the next 1,000 securities. These indices are widely used by investment managers and investors for various investment strategies and provide a comprehensive benchmark for evaluating small-cap stock performance in the U.S. equity markets.
About Mad Catz
Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed primarily under its Mad Catz® (casual gaming), Cyborg™ (pro gaming), Tritton® (gaming audio), Saitek® (simulation), and Eclipse™ (home and office) brands. Mad Catz also develops flight simulation software through its internal ThunderHawk Studios™; operates flight simulation centers under its Saitek brand; operates a videogame content website under its GameShark® brand; publishes games under its Mad Catz brand; and distributes games and videogame products for third parties. Mad Catz distributes its products through most leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com.
Live TweetChat with OPELF.pk
On Wednesday April 6th, at 6:00PM PST, and every Wednesday thereafter, Solar Energy Directory (@solarenergy_dir) and PSEO, Professional Search Engine Optimization (@PSEO_Inc) will be hosting a 1-hour solar energy chat on Twitter.
This week their special guest will be Patricia Agudow, VP, OPEL Solar Inc. (OPELF.pk)
To access you will need to do the following:
1) Become a member of Twitter if you are not already. Membership is free. For support help, see Twitter basics.
2) At the specified time, enter #solarenergychat (with hashtag #) in the search window and voila, the conversation will unfold before you. If you’re not familiar with the use of hashtags see Twitter Support: What are Hashtags?
3) When posting remember to include #solarenergychat at the end of your post to insure it appears in the chat queue, otherwise we won’t see it.
4) We recommend using Tweetchat.com. Login with your Twitter account and enter solarenergychat in the hashtag box. Once you’re in you will no longer need to enter #solarenergychat into every post, Tweetchat does it for you automatically.
Q&A with International Dispensing Corp (IDC) CEO Greg Abbott
The following is a Q & A with International Dispensing Corporation (IDND.pk) CEO, Greg Abbott.
1) According to your latest Quarterly report (9/30/10), the original vision for IDC was to create and market a cost-effective dispensing system that could keep liquid contents fresh and uncontaminated through the entire dispensing cycle without refrigeration or preservatives. However now, because the company has widened its scope over the entire supply chain, your have added, “innovative, cost effective dispensing solutions in an environmentally responsible manner.” How has your dispensing solution become more environmentally responsible? Are you still keeping liquids fresh and uncontaminated through the entire dispensing cycle?
The Answer(R) tap, our core product, keeps liquids shelf-stable even after dispensing has commenced – that hasn’t changed. As for being environmentally sustainable, a couple of years ago IDC commissioned a company called Allied Development to conduct an independent life cycle analysis of a bag-in-box package with The Answer(R) versus PET bottles, milk jugs, and aseptic cartons. The study took all supply chain factors into account, from resins, to filling, to shipping of the finished product. The results showed that the bag-in-box package with The Answer(R) (Multiserve Safepak) utilized significantly less energy and greenhouse gases through all the production cycles, and took up significantly less landfill, than the other packaging formats. Also, given the fact that over half of the world’s food supply spoils or is thrown away, The Answer(R) keeps product shelf-stable and ensures 99%+ evacuation. We may have changed our mission statement a bit to be more encompassing of what we are accomplishing, but our core mission has never wavered.
2) Bric-Pak by Tetra-Pak, one of the largest packaging companies in the world also keeps perishable liquid food and beverage fresh for long periods without refrigeration. How does The Answer(R), IDC’s dispensing tap, differ itself from the Bric-Pak?
The vast majority of Tetra-paks sold around the world are one-liter and below. Tetra-Paks are essentially single-serve retail packages, because once you open them and expose the contents to air the product starts degrading and you must use it in its entirety or refrigerate. The Multiserve Safepak (bag-in-box or stand up pouch) with The Answer(R) takes the Tetra-pak concept to a larger, multiple-use format. Because The Answer(R) keeps contaminants out of the package even after dispensing has commenced, even without refrigeration, it is an ideal package for food-service. It is also ideal for retail consumers who want to purchase in bulk and save money (and help the environment). Tetra-pak is the largest packaging company in the world. IDC hopes one day to become their counterpart in bulk (2 liter and above) aseptic packaging. Both Tetra-paks and the Multiserve Safepaks are aseptic packages. Aseptic processing means flash pasteurization at ultra-high-temperatures for a very short duration. It does not overcook the product, and thus retains more vitamins and taste.
3) It is my understanding that IDC manufactures The Answer(R) in-house rather than licensing to a third party. How has this helped in getting your product to market?
IDC owns its own tooling and assembly equipment, but all production is managed by Hoffer Plastics, Inc. (South Elgin, IL). Hoffer specializes in molding and assembly and does work for a number of Fortune 500 companies. They have been a terrifically supportive manufacturing partner.
4) Are you exploring other industries than Food & Beverage? Can you name any?
We occasionally get approached by cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and remain open to exploring opportunities as they come to us, however I feel it is in the company’s best interest to focus on what it knows best – food and beverage – and become entrenched there rather than chase other industries, especially given the challenges that every new technology has to overcome.
5) You stated in your last Quarterly report that your burn rate in 2010 was $875,000. How much of that went towards production? If production increases in 2011 will you have efficient capital to keep your factories humming or will you need to raise additional capital?
The burn rate refers entirely to overhead (salaries, patent applications and fees, testing, marketing, travel, etc.) not to production costs. As IDC’s revenue grows, we believe we can finance expansion of production capacity through internally generated profits and/or borrowing based on a major contract.
6) The Multiserve SafePak is an all-encompassing solution like the old bag-in-box concept that you see a lot with lower end wines. Can you elaborate on how the Multiserve SafePak differs from the bag-in-box concept?
The Answer(R) tap makes all the difference, it takes bag-in-box into a whole new realm of healthy, aseptically produced liquids and beverages. The Answer(R) has created the world’s first safe bulk aseptic package. The wine taps currently on the market simply evacuate product; they do not provide a barrier and therefore are not close to being aseptic. The Answer(R), which has been validated by 3 FDA processing authorities and has been written up favorably in the peer-reviewed Journal of Food Protection (March, 2008), keeps bacteria, mold, and other contaminants from entering the package after dispensing has commenced, even without refrigeration. It is a truly revolutionary and visionary product, one that has taken years to develop, validate, and commercialize.
7) Articles about The Answer have appeared in numerous trade press publications. Can you provide links so the online community may access?
a) See Page 4, Has Sunkist Found The Answer to New Launch in Bulk Packaging
b) IDC and PepsiCo Sign Agreement for The Answer
8) Do you have any intention at this time of becoming a fully reporting company and moving to the OTCBB or any other exchange?
After the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley, which made being a “fully-reporting company” prohibitively expensive for a start-up, we went to the Pink Sheets. Had we not done that, we would be spending more on accounting than our entire burn rate combined, which of course makes no sense. We have no plans at the moment to move to another exchange, as our primary focus is to build value for shareholders and not hype the stock prematurely.
9) You were named CEO in October 2010, less than six-months ago. How are you enjoying the job so far? Is Greg Wuttke still employed at IDC?
Actually I’ve been CEO for roughly 4 years, and I am really having fun because of the headway and real progress we are making. I have many years and millions of dollars personally invested, and therefore am very motivated! Greg Wuttke joined IDC full-time in April 2010 and is making a stellar contribution. Between Wuttke and our Director of Sales, Danny Beard, I believe IDC has attracted world-class and experienced personnel. Between them, IDC brings a wealth of knowledge of packaging and processing – and a lot of passion, to boot. We also have a very strong and involved board that is very supportive of management.
10) The 9/30/10 Quarterly report mentions various partners and potential customers such as Cold Star, Inc., Protica, Inc., Power Packaging, the U.S. Army, and Diversified Foods, Inc. The website mentions a strategic alliance with IDChina, a joint venture between IDC and Sinolink, in marketing The Answer™ throughout Asia. Can you comment about your relationship with these companies, are all of them still intact, are all of them moving forward? Are there any updates you can share?
Cold Star, Protica, Power Packaging, the U.S Army, and Diversified Foods remain involved with IDC – but that is by no means the complete list of customers and potential customers, which continues to grow and evolve. The Sinolink joint venture has been dead for a few years and we don’t mention it in our quarterly reports. However the company did recently announce an agreement with PepsiCo, which I mentioned previously.
We are also very involved with packaging and equipment companies to bring high-speed filling and other innovations to our space. Building IDC is more than selling our widget; it also involves creating a strong and efficient supply chain infrastructure for bag-in-box and stand up pouch packaging. Our little company is an innovation leader. However, due to confidentiality agreements as well as normal business discretion, I cannot comment specifically on things in development, some of which may have legs, some not. I understand that this can be a source of frustration to certain investors, but know that it is also frustrating to me as well. Bringing new technology into the packaging industry involves a long sales cycle, but on the other side of the coin once you’re established it is very hard for anyone to unseat you.
Thank-you Greg for taking the time in answering these questions. We look forward to your continuing progress and wish you great success.
George Pessin, Pennyheaven.com
(Full Disclosure: I am long IDND)
Destiny Media Announces Record Results for Q1
VANCOUVER, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Destiny Media Technologies (OTCBB: DSNY) is pleased to announce results for the quarter and period ending November 30th, 2010. Revenues of $1,056,638 are the highest in the company’s history and reflect an increase of 17% over the previous quarter and 1% over the same quarter in the prior year. International revenues grew 23% over the prior year, expressed in USD, despite an 8% decline in the Euro. North American revenues declined 7% reflecting lower paid transaction volumes by two of the four major labels.
Net income of $72,680 declined from $322,680 in the prior quarter, as a result of a 27% increase in operating expenditures. The majority of this increase was associated with non-recurring costs associated with a new TSX stock exchange listing, an increase in legal fees because of a trial which occurred during the quarter, and unfavorable exchange fluctuations.
Company CFO, Fred Vandenberg comments “In 2011 we expect to capitalize on the investments we made in 2010 which include the integration of our patent pending watermarking technology into the industry’s anti piracy web crawler and the ongoing development of the ability to deliver music directly into RCS’s global network of radio scheduling systems, first announced in December 2009. We have observed continual growth in Play MPE® revenue over the past 4 years and believe we can continue this trend in the immediate future.”
