November 7, 2008: Micromem Applied Sensor Technologies Inc. (MASTInc) has signed a joint development agreement with Unotron Ltd., inventors of washable keyboard technology. The collaborative research agreement, executed in November 2008, will integrate and deploy MASTInc’s disruptive magnetic sensor technology into Unotron’s patented washable keyboards. MASTInc’s magnetic sensors are presently under the first stage of development by Unotron, and Micromem anticipates announcing revenue projections from this agreement as it matures.
“The sensitivity and size of MASTInc’s magnetic sensor holds tremendous promise for Unotron to enhance product performance and impact cost-efficiency,” said Joseph H. Carabello, director of Unotron. “Additionally, MASTInc has developed an advanced manufacturing solution that will provide significant cost savings in manufacturing this advance type of input device.”
Unotron’s SpillSeal product line is designed to be easily cleaned and disinfected to minimize risk and maximize user safety. The keyboards can be thoroughly washed and sterilized without loss in functionality, helping to reduce the spread of life-threatening bacteria and viruses that thrive in healthcare environments, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Unotron’s recent release of its new product line, Germstopper SpillSeal washable-corded keyboards, has been met with international success in the healthcare industry.
Unotron’s SpillSeal S6000K washable antibacterial keyboard.
Steven Van Fleet, president of MASTInc, commented: “Unotron is an important product development partner for MASTInc as we expand our vast knowledge of the magnetic field for use in the sensory market. Its product solution provides a robust alternative to conventional keyboards in terms of reliability and cost, allowing the electronic components to be completely sealed. This provides a significant market opportunity for both companies and validates the efficiencies that our technology brings to the manufacturing process. We look forward to working with Unotron to seamlessly apply our technology into their product lines.”
Joseph Fuda, Micromem CEO, added: “Unotron is a leader in the keyboard manufacturing business and a significant partner for us. We look forward to applying the cost and technological efficiencies of our sensors to a new range of Unotron products. As evidenced by this agreement, Steven Van Fleet and his business development team are making significant headway with companies that have large-scale capabilities. As Micromem transitions from research and development to sales and marketing, we anticipate similar contracts and further validation of our product.”