Press Release

Electro Static Technology Announces the Revolutionary AEGIS^® Shaft Grounding Coupling to Eliminate Damaging Shaft Current in AC Motor/Drive Systems

MECHANIC FALLS, ME. Nov. 15, 2004 - Electro Static Technology, An ITW Company (NYSE: ITW) announced a revolutionary new product that eliminates the damaging shaft current induced by variable frequency drives (VFD) in AC motors. The AEGIS solution provides a low cost yet extremely effective method of preventing electrical damage to bearings when installed onto the AC motor by establishing an ultra-low impedance path from shaft to frame.

The AEGIS^® SGC (patented technology), as it is called, not only eliminates damaging shaft current, it also provides a clean-room quality bearing isolation solution with a dust-proof seal that also protects the motor from spray by water.

"This is the first product of its kind to provide a solution for two significant industry challenges - shaft current elimination and bearing isolation - while delivering a maintenance-free and cost effective solution" said Tony King, General Manager of EST "AEGIS^® SGC (patented technology) is truly revolutionary and makes all other technologies obsolete."

At the core of the AEGIS^® shaft grounding coupling is ESTs patented technology Electron Transport Technology which effectively creates an ultra-low resistance path between the motor shaft and frame and passes all of the damaging shaft current to ground. “Our goal was to develop technology that would solve this problem for industry.” said William Oh, Engineering Manager at EST, “Our electron transport technology provides extremely effective shaft current elimination to protect motors and eliminates the problem of electrical damage to bearings.”

Without the AEGIS^® solution, shaft current will discharge directly through the motor's bearings causing fusion craters, pitting, frosting and fluting and premature motor failure. AEGIS solves this problem by providing a "virtual short" between the motor's shaft and frame so that shaft voltages and current cannot build up in the first place.

Developed initially for NEMA 5 HP to 15 HP motors, AEGIS SGC is targeted squarely at the largest installation base of motor/drive applications and is ideally suited for applications in HVAC, Clean Room, Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Transportation and virtually any place that VFD's are used. Additional sizes are currently under development and are expected to be released in 2005.

AEGIS^® SGC features and benefits:

• Eliminates electrical damage to bearings - extends motor life
• Provides bearing isolation seal for dust and liquids
• Easy installation
• Maintenance free

For more detailed product information and to learn more about eliminating dangerous shaft current in motor/drive applications visit www.est-aegis.com or contact us by email at sales@est-aegis.com or by phone toll-free at 866.738.1875.