Plug Power Announces Closing of Over-Allotment in Connection With Common Stock Offering

Plug Power Announces Closing of Over-Allotment in Connection With Common Stock Offering

LATHAM, N.Y., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ:PLUG) today announced that it has completed the sale of 1,000,000 additional shares of its common stock pursuant to the underwriters exercise of their over-allotment option in connection with the Company's recent common stock offering. The shares were sold at the public offering price of $6.25 per share for aggregate proceeds to the Company of $6.25 million, before underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital purposes, funds for operations, capital expenditures, research and product development, potential future acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. was the sole bookrunner for this offering and Stephens Inc. acted as co-manager. The shares of common stock were sold under Plug Power's existing shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus related to this public offering have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained from Plug Power Inc. at 968 Albany-Shaker Road, Latham, New York 12110, from Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220), or from Stephens Inc. (111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201).

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state.

About Plug Power: Plug Power Inc. is an established leader in the deployment of clean, reliable, on-site energy products. More than 550 Plug Power fuel cell systems have been delivered to customers worldwide in commercial, public sector, telecommunications, utility and uninterruptible power supply markets.

This press release may contain statements, which are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will" and "would" or similar words. You should not rely on forward-looking statements because actual events or results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Factors Affecting Future Results" in Plug Power's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, dated March 15, 2005, and filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005, and the reports Plug Power files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Plug Power does not intend to and undertakes no duty to update the information contained in this press release.

Source: Plug Power Inc.

CONTACT: David Neumann, Chief Financial Officer of Plug Power Inc.,
+1-518-782-7700 ext. 1161, Mobile - +1-518-527-4924,
dave_neumann@plugpower.com

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Profile: 09

Argus Media Makes Hurricane Katrina Impact News Feed Available

Argus Media Makes Hurricane Katrina Impact News Feed Available

HOUSTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Argus Media has made their news feed on the impact of Hurricane Katrina on energy markets free to read. Please see website below for the latest information on infrastructure outages, supply issues, prices and other market related news.

http://www.argusmediagroup.com/katrina.html

Here is a sample of the latest headlines:

02 Sep 2005 16:53 GMT Katrina: IEA ready to act, says Mandil
02 Sep 2005 16:49 GMT Analysis: Katrina highlights US energy bill
failings
02 Sep 2005 16:41 GMT Analysis: Katrina scrambles third quarter outlook
02 Sep 2005 16:36 GMT Katrina: US midcontinent supply worries, prices
easing
02 Sep 2005 16:22 GMT Katrina: Refinery storage key constraint on
restarts

Please see website below for all our Katrina news.
http://www.argusmediagroup.com/katrina.html

This is updated throughout the day so you may wish to bookmark the page.

News Media may contact the following individuals at Argus for more
information and interviews:

Crude Oil Production and Markets:
Tim Mingee, Editor 713 968 0054
Gasoline and Diesel Production and Markets:
Matthew Wood, Editor 713 968 0012
Natural Gas and Power
David Givens, Senior Editor 202 349 2868

Or email us at feedback@us.petroleumargus.com

For more information see: http://www.argusmediagroup.com/

Source: Argus Media

CONTACT: Crude Oil Production and Markets, Tim Mingee, Editor,
+1-713-968-0054, or Gasoline and Diesel Production and Markets, Matthew Wood,
Editor, +1-713-968-0012, or Natural Gas and Power, David Givens, Senior
Editor, +1-202-349-2868, all of Argus Media, feedback@argusmediagroup.com

Web site: http://www.argusonline.com/
http://www.argusmediagroup.com/katrina.html

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Profile: 09

Tanker Car to Be Removed Today; Rail Car Leak Safely Contained; Claims Number Provided

Tanker Car to Be Removed Today; Rail Car Leak Safely Contained; Claims Number Provided

HOUSTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Westlake Chemical Corporation (NYSE:WLK) announces that the tank car leak in Cincinnati has been completely and safely contained. The leak, which started on Sunday, resulted in no known injuries or property damage. Environmental authorities have determined that the emission levels did not pose a health risk to nearby residents. The tank car will be removed from the site today and transported to Westlake's facility at Lake Charles, LA., for further review and analysis.

Westlake Chemical has set up a claims process for residents and business owners who were evacuated from the area or suffered damages. People wanting to inquire about a claim should call 1-800-718-6714 and reference claim # 9850101325.

Westlake Chemical is not involved with the claims process set up by the Indiana & Ohio Railway.

"We want to express our gratitude to the fire and police departments and other members of the emergency response team," said Warren W. Wilder, vice president of olefins and styrene for Westlake. "They did a spectacular job. We'd also like to express our appreciation to the people of Cincinnati for their patience in this matter. We know this has been a serious concern to residents. We are thankful that the situation has been safely resolved."

Westlake has and will continue to provide full cooperation with city, state and federal officials in reviewing this situation.

Westlake Chemical Corporation is a manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated products with headquarters in Houston, Texas. The company's range of products includes: ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, propylene, caustic, VCM, PVC and PVC pipe, windows and fence. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.westlakechemical.com/ .

(713) 960-9111
Contact: David R. Hansen - Media Relations
Ruth I. Dreessen - Investor Relations

Source: Westlake Chemical Corporation

CONTACT: David R. Hansen, Media Relations, or Ruth I. Dreessen, Investor
Relations, both of Westlake Chemical Corporation, +1-713-960-9111

Web site: http://www.westlakechemical.com/

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Profile: 09

Daramic annonce un supplément carburant mondial

Daramic annonce un supplément carburant mondial

CHARLOTTE, Caroline du Nord, September 2/PRNewswire/ -- Afin de répondre à l'augmentation du coût de traitement du pétrole, du
gaz naturel et de l'énergie, Daramic va appliquer un supplément carburant
mondial de 6 % à partir du 1er octobre 2005, ou dès que possible là où les
contrats le permettent.

<< Les augmentations du coût du pétrole et de l'énergie sont devenus un
problème de taille pour Daramic ainsi que pour de nombreuses autres
entreprises >> déclare Tucker Roe, vice-président des ventes et du marketing
de Daramic. << Daramic attache une grande importance au contrôle des coûts
grâce à des améliorations constantes au niveau du rendement et de la
productivité, toutefois, les augmentations sans précédent de ces coûts ont
été trop importantes pour que Daramic puisse les absorber. En conséquence,
nous devons mettre en place ce supplément pour financer notre engagement
constant en matière de développement de nouveaux produits et pour garantir
une excellente performance en matière de qualité, d'approvisionnement et de
produits. >>

Daramic, LLC, filiale à 100 % de Polypore, Inc., est le leader mondial de
la fabrication et de la fourniture de séparateurs de batteries pour des
applications automobiles, industrielles et spécialisées. Fondée il y a plus
de soixante-quinze ans, la société approvisionne l'ensemble du secteur
mondial de la fabrication de batteries grâce à des bureaux de ventes et
marketing situés en Amérique du Nord et du Sud, en Europe, en Australie, en
Asie du Sud-est et en Chine. Sept sites de production situés stratégiquement
et deux centres techniques viennent les soutenir.

Polypore, Inc., une filiale à 100 % de Polypore International, Inc., est
un concepteur, fabricant et vendeur mondial en croissance de membranes en
polymère hautement spécialisées utilisées dans les procédés de séparation et
de filtration. Les produits et les technologies de Polypore ciblent des
applications et des marchés spécialisés qui nécessitent l'élimination ou la
séparation de divers matériaux en suspension dans les liquides, avec un
accent sur les marchés de l'ultrafiltration et de la microfiltration. Un
véritable fournisseur mondial, Polypore détient des sites de production ou
des bureaux de vente dans dix pays et sert ainsi cinq continents. Le siège de
Polypore est situé à Charlotte (Caroline du Nord).

Contact :
Tucker Roe - vice-président des ventes et du marketing : Daramic -
+1-704-587-8408
Mark Hadley - directeur des relations avec les investisseurs : Polypore -
+1-704-587-8886

Site Web : http://www.polypore.net

Source: Daramic, LLC

Tucker Roe, vice-président des ventes et du marketing de Daramic, +1-704-587-8408; ou Mark Hadley, directeur des relations avec les investisseurs de Polypore, +1-704-587-8886

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Profile: 09

Dionex Corporation to Present at the Thomas Weisel Partners Growth Forum 7.0

Dionex Corporation to Present at the Thomas Weisel Partners Growth Forum 7.0

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dionex Corporation (NASDAQ:DNEX) announced today that it will present at the Thomas Weisel Partners Growth Forum 7.0 on Thursday, September 8, 2005 at 3:50 p.m. (Eastern Time).

Dr. Lukas Braunschweiler, President and Chief Executive Officer, will give an overview of the company.

The audio portion of Dionex's presentation will be webcast live, and an audio replay will be available until Friday, September 30, 2005, at www.Dionex.com.

Dionex Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of chromatography and extraction systems for chemical analysis. The Company's systems are used in environmental analysis and by the pharmaceutical, life sciences, chemical, petrochemical, power generation and electronics industries in a variety of applications.

Source: Dionex Corporation

CONTACT: Craig McCollam of Dionex Corporation, +1-408-481-4107

Web site: http://www.dionex.com/

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Profile: 09

Daramic Anuncia Sobretaxa de Energia Global

Daramic Anuncia Sobretaxa de Energia Global

CHARLOTTE, Carolina do Norte, 2 de setembro /PR Newswire/ -- Para solucionar as questões relacionadas com os aumentos no custo do processamento de petróleo, gás natural e energia, a Daramic implementará uma sobretaxa de energia global de 6% em vigor a partir de 1 de outubro de 2005 ou o mais rápido possível permitido em contratos em certos casos.

"Aumentos no custo do petróleo e energia tornaram-se infelizmente um problema significativo para a Daramic, assim como também para muitas outras empresas", disse Tucker Roe, vice-presidente de Vendas e Marketing da Daramic. "Apesar de a Daramic se dedicar ao controle dos custos através de melhoramentos contínuos em eficiência e produtividade, aumentos sem precedentes nesses custos tornaram-se muito grandes para a Daramic absorver. Assim sendo, precisamos implementar essa sobretaxa para suportar o nosso compromisso contínuo com desenvolvimento de novos produtos e o fornecimento de qualidade, produtos e performance que são os melhores da sua classe".

A Daramic, LLC, uma subsidiária integral da Polypore, Inc., é uma das maiores fabricantes e fornecedoras de separadores de bateria do mundo para aplicações especializadas, industriais e automotivas. Estabelecida há mais de setenta e cinco anos, a empresa atende a indústria de fabricação de baterias global através de escritórios de vendas e marketing na América do Norte, América do Sul, Europa, Austrália, Sudeste da Ásia e China, contando com o suporte de sete unidades de fabricação localizadas estrategicamente e dois centros técnicos.

A Polypore, Inc., uma subsidiária integral da Polypore International, Inc., é uma desenvolvedora, fabricante e comerciante mundial que cresce continuamente atuando no mercado de membranas baseadas em polímero altamente especializadas usadas em processos de filtração e separação. Os produtos e tecnologias da Polypore são dedicados a aplicações e mercados especializados que requerem a remoção ou separação de vários materiais de líquidos com concentração nos mercados de ultrafiltração e microfiltração. Uma verdadeira provedora global, a Polypore possui unidades de fabricação ou escritórios de vendas em dez países atendendo cinco continentes. A matriz da Polypore está localizada em Charlotte, NC.

Contatos:
Tucker Roe,
Vice-Presidente de Vendas & Marketing: Daramic, 704-587-8408
Mark Hadley,
Gerente de Atendimento aos Investidores: Polypore, 704-587-8886

Source: Daramic, LLC

Contato: Tucker Roe, Vice-presidente de Vendas & Marketing da Daramic,
+1-704-587-8408; ou Mark Hadley, Gerente de Atendimento aos Investidores da
Polypore, +1-704-587-8886

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Profile: 09

BASF Provides $1 Million in Aid to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

BASF Provides $1 Million in Aid to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BASF today announced that it will donate $1 million to agencies supporting Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts in the company's site communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas.

In addition to direct cash donations, the company has established the BASF Katrina Relief Fund with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to accept employee and retiree contributions during the month of September to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina, primarily in Ascension Parish, where BASF's Geismar, La., site is located.

"In keeping with BASF's tradition of helping the communities surrounding our sites, we will do everything we can to assist people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath," said BASF Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Peter Loebbe. "We are still learning the full extent of the devastation. As we hold those who are going through so much pain and suffering in our thoughts and prayers, we are committed to supporting the relief and recovery efforts and help meet the challenges of the days and weeks ahead."

BASF Corporation's disaster relief effort will also include the following:

* Establishing a program to provide short-term financial aid for the
immediate needs of BASF employees seriously impacted by Hurricane
Katrina.

* Allowing employees, at their managers' discretion, in the affected
states to volunteer on company time to help assist those in need.

* Working with several organizations to bring BASF products, technology
and expertise to help in the rebuilding efforts.

BASF -- The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.(R)

BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. Rated in FORTUNE magazine as America's Most Admired Chemical Company, we employ about 10,000 people in North America and had sales of approximately $11 billion in 2004. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit http://www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's intelligent solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than $50 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com/.

Source: BASF Corporation

CONTACT: Glenn Majeski of BASF, +1-973-245-6070, majeskg@basf.com

Web site: http://www.basf.com/usa
http://www.basf.com/

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Profile: 09

Element Six entwickelt Long-Life-Düse aus synthetischen Diamanten

Element Six entwickelt Long-Life-Düse aus synthetischen Diamanten

CUIJK, Niederlande, September 2/PRNewswire/ -- Element Six gibt bekannt, dass das Unternehmen eine Reihe von neuen,
langlebigen Düsen aus synthetischen Diamanten entwickelt hat. Die extreme
Verschleissfestigkeit von Diamanten sowie deren thermische und chemische
Eigenschaften machen sie zum idealen Material für Düsen und Öffnungen, die in
Hochgeschwindigkeitsanwendungen oder in rauen Produktionsumgebungen
Verwendung finden. Zu den Industrieanwendungen für diese "Long-Life"-Düsen
gehören Trockenstrahltechnologie, Wasserstrahl-Schnittanwendungen,
Homogenisierung und Lackierarbeiten. Die Long-Life-Diamantdüsen für
Wasserstrahl-Schnittanwendungen werden vornehmlich für hochvolumige
Produktionsumgebungen, wie sie zum Beispiel in der Automobilindustrie
vorherrschen, eingesetzt. Im Vergleich zu Saphirdüsen wird beim Einsatz von
Diamanten eine um 15 bis 20 mal höhere Lebensdauer erzielt.

Weiterhin enthalten synthetische Diamanten keine Sprünge oder andere
Aufbaufehler und Implosionen werden damit vermieden.

Die erfolgreiche Entwicklung und Erprobung der Long-Life-Düse war das
Ergebnis einer intensiven Zusammenarbeit zwischen Element Six, dem
schweizerischen Unternehmen MVT (www.mvt.ch) und der Fachhochschule Aargau in
der Schweiz. "Wir haben bewiesen, dass mit dem Einsatz von langlebigen
Diamant-Wasserstrahldüsen ein Qualitäts-Wasserstrahl erzeugt und
Produktionsausfallzeiten verringert werden können. Daher können mit diesen
"Long-Life"-Diamantdüsen erhebliche Einsparungen bei den Betriebskosten
realisiert werden", sagte dazu Herr Wälti, Präsident von MVT.

"Diamanten sind bereits heute das bevorzugte Material in vielen
Industrieanwendungen, und weitere konventionelle Materialien, die in
schwierigen Produktionsumgebungen Einsatz finden, werden zunehmend durch
Diamanten ersetzt. Die Hersteller, die Diamanten zum Einsatz bringen,
profitieren von den überlegenen Eigenschaften und dem hervorragenden
Preis-Leistungsverhältnis", kommentierte hierzu Paul Dankers, der General
Manager für den Element Six Betrieb in den Niederlanden.

Informationen über Element Six

Element Six ist der weltgrösste Hersteller jeglicher Art von
synthetischen Diamanten für den industriellen und kommerziellen Einsatz.
Element Six ist seit den 80er Jahren ein Pionier in der Entwicklung der CVD
Diamant-Technologie. CVD Diamanten eröffnen viele neue Anwendungsbereiche
ausserhalb des traditionellen Einsatzes als Schleifmittel für synthetische
Diamanten.

www.e6.com

Die Fachhochschule Aargau

Die Fachhochschule Aargau ist in den Bereichen Wissenschaft &
Technologie, Wirtschaft, Betriebswissenschaften, Kunst & Design, Soziale
Arbeit und Erziehung eines der führenden schweizerischen Institute. Die
Fachhochschule befindet sich im höchstentwickelten Industriegebiet der
Schweiz, im Kanton Aargau. Dank dieser Vorzugslage bestehen enge Bindungen
zwischen Forschung und Anwendung, und der schnelle Austausch von Technologie
und Erfahrung spielt eine entscheidende Rolle für die Fachhochschule. Prof.
Dr. Kurt C. Heiniger ist Leiter des Labors für Thermo- und Fluid-Engineering,

Informationen über MVT AG

Die Micro-Verschleiss Technik AG hat ihren Stammsitz in Nidau, in der
Schweiz. Das hauptsächliche Aufgabenfeld der MVT AG besteht in der Forschung
und Entwicklung von Düsen und Düsenbauteilen für die
Hochdruck-Wasserstrahlanwendungen.

Über das Angebot von Hochdruck-Wasserstrahldüsen hinaus bietet MVT
Bearbeitung, Schleifen, Polieren und Honen von extrem harten Materialien wie
Saphiren, Rubinen und verschiedenen Keramiken an.

Source: Element Six Ltd

Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie von Rene Diks, Element Six B.V., P.O. Box 119, 5430 AC Cuijk, Niederlande, Tel. +31-485-395-881 , info@e6.com

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Profile: 09

Daramic kündigt globalen Energie-Zuschlag an

Daramic kündigt globalen Energie-Zuschlag an

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, September 2/PRNewswire/ -- Als Reaktion auf die gestiegenen Kosten bei der Verarbeitung von Öl,
Erdgas und Energie wird Daramic ab dem 1. Oktober 2005 (oder so schnell wie
entsprechend den jeweiligen Verträgen möglich) einen globalen
Energie-Zuschlag von 6% implementieren.

"Die steigenden Kosten für Öl und Energie sind unglücklicherweise ein
signifikanter Punkt für Daramic geworden, wie für viele andere Firmen auch,"
erklärt Tucker Roe, Daramic Vize-Präsident für Vertrieb und Marketing.
"Obwohl Daramic sich stets bemüht, die Kosten durch Verbesserungen und mehr
Effizienz unter Kontrolle zu halten, wurden die noch nie so da gewesenen
Kostensteigerungen einfach zuviel für Daramic, um sie zu absorbieren.
Ausserdem müssen wir diesen Zuschlag erheben, um unsere fortwährende
Verpflichtung in die Entwicklung neuer Produkte und zu vorbildlicher
Qualität, Versorgung und Produktleistung zu unterstützen ."

Daramic, LLC, eine vollständige Tochtergesellschaft von Polypore, Inc.,
ist der weltweit führende Hersteller und Lieferant von Batterie-Separatoren
für automobile, industrielle und spezialisierte Anwendungen. Das Unternehmen
wurde vor über 75 Jahren gegründet und versorgt die globale Industrie der
Batterie-Hersteller durch Marketing- und Vertriebs-Büros in Nord- und
Südamerika, Europa, Australien, Südostasien und China; diese Aktivitäten
werden unterstützt von sieben strategisch platzierten
Produktionseinrichtungen und zwei Technik-Zentren.

Polypore, Inc., eine vollständige Tochtergesellschaft von Polypore
International, Inc., ist ein wachsender weltweiter Entwickler, Hersteller und
Vermarkter von hochspezialisierten polymer-basierten Membranen, welche in
Separations- und Filter-Prozessen Anwendung finden. Die Produkte und
Technologien von Polypore zielen auf spezialisierte Anwendungen und Märkte,
welche die Beseitigung oder Separation verschiedener Materialien aus
Flüssigkeiten erfordern, mit der Konzentration auf die Märkte der
Ultrafiltrierung und Mikrofiltrierung. Als echter globaler Anbieter hat
Polypore Produktionseinrichtungen oder Vertriebs-Büros in zehn Ländern und
bedient damit fünf Kontinente. Polypores Unternehmens-Büros stehen in
Charlotte, NC.

Ansprechpartner:
Tucker Roe - Vize-Präsident Vertrieb & Marketing:Daramic- +1-704-587-8408
Mark Hadley - Investor Relations Manager:Polypore- +1-704-587-8886

Website: http://www.polypore.net

Source: Daramic, LLC

Tucker Roe, Vize-Präsident Vertrieb & Marketing von Daramic, +1-704-587-8408 oder Mark Hadley, Investor Relations Manager von Polypore, +1-704-587-8886

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Profile: 09

VisEn Medical Announces the Launch of an Industry-First FMT Imaging System and Optical Probe Product Line

VisEn Medical Announces the Launch of an Industry-First FMT Imaging System and Optical Probe Product Line

Backed by 18 Abstracts at the 4th Annual Meeting of the Society For Molecular Imaging

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- VisEn Medical today announced that it will formally launch its Fluorescence Molecular Tomography ("FMT") system and optical probe product line at the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Society For Molecular Imaging ("SMI"), being held September 7-10 in Cologne, Germany. A pioneer in the field of molecular imaging, VisEn began selling a pre-commercial version of its instrument and its line of optical probe products in the first half of 2005. Underscoring the quantitative power and broad utility of the technology, VisEn's customers, collaborators and company scientists will present a total of 18 abstracts at the SMI meeting, including those on applications in cancer drug testing, bone remodeling and cardiovascular disease.

"We are extremely pleased by the strong customer acceptance of our technology and look forward to expanded commercial shipments and use of our instrument," said Kirtland G. Poss, President and CEO. "Ours is the first optical system to enable truly quantitative, deep tissue, three-dimensional tomographic imaging of fluorescence in animals. In addition, we offer our line of optimized in vivo probes and comprehensive technical support in the chemistry, biology and pharmacology of imaging. We are working with customers to truly apply molecular imaging in their core areas of research and drug development. Our five thought-leading pharmaceutical and academic beta sites and about 20 additional pharmaceutical and academic customers have already begun to use our line of molecular imaging probes for a variety of small animal imaging studies, and the results of some of their work will be on display in Cologne," he added.

SMI Meeting Highlights

Abstract #504, "'Smart' Optical Probes in Imaging of Tumor Growth and in Preclinical Drug Testing," by Tsing-Bau Chen and colleagues, evaluated VisEn's instrument and two imaging probes in measuring tumor volume in subcutaneous, metastatic and orthotopic tumor models as compared to measurements using calipers and fluorescence-bioluminescence, thereby providing cross validation between established metrics of disease measurement and novel optical imaging methods for in vivo cancer imaging research.

Abstract #487, "Simultaneous Imaging of Protease Expression and Biodistribution in Her-2/neu Mice Using Dual-Wavelength Fluorescence Molecular Tomography," by Stephen Windsor and colleagues, demonstrates the ability to measure both disease activity and tumor biomarkers simultaneously.

Abstract #527, "Near-Infrared Assessment of Skeletal Turnover by Fluorescence Molecular Tomography," by Kenneth Kozloff and colleagues, demonstrates the use of VisEn's technology for monitoring skeletal turnover in two animal models of bone repair.

Abstract # 270, "In Vivo High-Resolution Near Infrared Imaging of Inflammatory Protease Activity in Experimental Atherosclerosis," by Mathias Nahrendorf and colleagues, illustrates the microscopic level resolution that can be achieved with VisEn's molecular imaging probes.

About VisEn Medical

Founded in 2000 based on technologies developed at the Center for Molecular Imaging Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital, VisEn Medical is developing today's leading molecular imaging product platforms. The Company's proprietary FMT system and optical imaging probe portfolio enable applied imaging at the molecular level. The Company's technology platforms are designed to be fundamentally translatable from animal imaging into the clinic, and its products are targeted to the molecular imaging of important disease states including oncology, bone growth, cardiovascular disease and inflammation. VisEn is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. For further information please visit http://www.visenmedical.com/.

VisEn Medical-Related Abstracts at the Society for Molecular Imaging Annual Meeting (See http://www.molecularimaging.org/meeting05/program05.php)

(076) Integrin Expression in Human Tumor Xenografts: In Vivo Imaging
Using a Target Specific Optical Tracer. von Wallbrunn A, Holtke C,
Zuhlsdorf M, Heindel W, Schafers M, Bremer C. Poster Session 101:
Biological Molecular Imaging, Part 1.

(156) 3D In Vivo Imaging of GFP-Expressing T-cells in Mice with Non-
Contact Fluorescence Molecular Tomography. Garofalakis A, Zacharakis G,
Meyer H, Mamalaki C, Kioussis D, Economou E, Ntziachristos V, Ripoll J.
Poster Session 105: Design Methods for Imaging Probes.

(187) 3D Surface Reconstruction for In Vivo Small Animal Imaging. Meyer
H, Garofalakis A, Zacharakis G, Economou E, Mamalaki C, Kioussis D,
Ntziachristos V, Ripoll J. Poster Session 106: Multimodal Imaging-
Instrumentation.

(267) Gene Expression Profiling to Direct In Vivo Molecular Imaging of
Lung Cancer. Grimm J, Kirsch D, Windsor S, Ntziachristos V, Jacks T,
Weissleder R. Poster Session 110: Imaging in Infectious Diseases,
Protease Activity and Oncogenesis.

(268) Imaging of Cathepsin K Activity in Atherosclerosis Using a
Protease-activatable Near Infrared Fluorescence Agent. Kim D., Jaffer F.,
Quinti L., Tung C., Aikawa E., Libby P. Weissleder, R. Poster Session
110: Imaging in Infectious Diseases, Protease Activity and Oncogenesis.

(270) In Vivo High-Resolution Near Infrared Imaging of Inflammatory
Protease Activity in Experimental Atherosclerosis. Nahrendorf M, Kossodo
S, Jaffer F. Poster Session 110: Imaging in Infectious Diseases, Protease
Activity and Oncogenesis.

(334) Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Bone Remodeling Using
Osteosense. Kossodo S, Erickson C, Carlson S, Alaoui H. Poster Session
113: Biological Molecular Imaging, Part 3.

(346) Imaging Pulmonary Inflammation Using Fluorescence Molecular
Tomography. Windsor S, Turner G, Weissleder R, Ntziachristos V. Poster
Session 113: Biological Molecular Imaging, Part 3.

(440) Non Invasive Fluorescent Protein Tomography of Tumor-Specific T
Cells In The Tumor Bed. Pittet M, Tamura T, Zacharakis G, Mollins A,
Khazaie K, von Boehmer H, von Andrian U, Ntziachristos V, Weissleder R.
Poster Session 118: Cell Trafficking and Cell Biology.

(487) Simultaneous Imaging of Protease Expression and Biodistribution in
Her-2/neu Mice Using Dual-Wavelength Fluorescence Molecular Tomography.
Windsor S, Shih H, Weissleder R, Ntziachristos V. Poster Session 119:
Molecular and Functional Imaging in Cancer, Part 4.

(504) "Smart" Optical Probes in Imaging of Tumor Growth and in
Preclinical Drug Testing. Chen T, Zhang G, Williams D Jr., Hargreaves R,
Sur C, Bednar B. Poster Session 120: Molecular Imaging in the Drug
Discovery Process.

(518) Assessment of Angiogenesis in Different Breast Cancer Xenografts
Using a New Optical Contrast Agent (NIR96010). Wall A, Licha K, Schirner
M, von Walbrunn A, Persigehl T, Matuszewski L, Heindel W, Bremer C.
Poster Session 121: Optical Technologies.

(519) Fluorescence Molecular Tomography of Angiogenesis and Receptor
Expression. Montet X, Ntziachristos V, Grimm J, Weissleder R. Poster
Session 121: Optical Technologies.

(523) 3D Mapping of Skin Autofluorescence in Whole Animals. Zacharakis
G, Garofalakis A, Meyer H, Mamalaki C, Kioussis D, Economou E,
Ntziachristos V, Ripoll J. Poster Session 121: Optical Technologies.

(524) In Vivo Visualization of GFP Expressing Lung Tumors in Intact
Animals Using Fluorescence Tomography. Zacharakis G, Molins A, Kambara
H, Ripoll J, Saeki Y, Weissleder R, Ntziachristos V. Poster Session 121:
Optical Technologies.

(527) Near-Infrared Assessment of Skeletal Turnover by Fluorescence
Molecular Tomography. Kozloff K, Weissleder R, Mahmood U. Poster Session
121: Optical Technologies.

(528) Complete Projection Fluorescence Molecular Tomography Using Early
Photons. Turner G, Zacharakis G, Soubret A, Ripoll J, Ntziachristos V.
Poster Session 121: Optical Technologies.

(529) Accurate Quantification and Localization of Fluorescent Imaging
Probes In Vivo Using Fluorescent Molecular Tomographic Imaging. Kossodo
S, Rajopadhye M, Alaoui H, Groves K, Carlson S, Smith N, Erickson C,
Yared W. Poster Session 121: Optical Technologies.

(534) A Radiative Transfer Model For Non-Contact Fluorescence Molecular
Tomography. Klose A. Poster Session 121: Optical Technologies.

(536) Fluorescence Molecular Tomography in the Presence of Background
Fluorescence Heterogeneity. Soubret A, Windsor S, Dunham J, Turner G,
Ntziachristos V. Poster Session 121: Optical Technologies.

Contact: Kirtland G. Poss, President and CEO
VisEn Medical, Inc.
781-932-6875 x301

Source: VisEn Medical

CONTACT: Kirtland G. Poss, President and CEO of VisEn Medical, Inc.,
+1-781-932-6875 ext. 301

Web site: http://www.visenmedical.com/
http://www.molecularimaging.org/meeting05/program05.php

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Profile: 09

Element Six annonce une buse en diamant synthétique à << longue durée de vie >>

Element Six annonce une buse en diamant synthétique à << longue durée de vie >>

CUIJK, Pays-Bas, September 2/PRNewswire/ -- La société Element Six est heureuse d'annoncer sa nouvelle gamme de buses
en diamant synthétique à << longue durée de vie >>. Les propriétés chimiques
et thermiques du diamant,associées à son extrême résistance mécanique, en
font un matériau de choix idéal pour les buses et orifices d'écoulement
opérant à haute vitesse ou dans des conditions de production difficiles.
Parmi les applications industrielles de ces buses longue durée, citons la
pulvérisation d'antimaculateur, la découpe à jet d'eau, le nettoyage haute
pression, l'homogénéisation et la peinture. Les buses longue durée pour les
applications de découpe à jet d'eau sont principalement destinées à des
environnements impliquant de très grands volumes de production, dont
notamment l'industrie automobile. Les buses en diamant ont une durée de vie
de 15 à 20 fois plus longue qu'une buse en saphir.

Outre cette augmentation de la durée de vie, le diamant synthétique ne
contient pas de fissures ou autres imperfections dans sa structure, ce qui
élimine les risques d'implosion.

La réussite de la recherche et développement sur la buse longue durée est
due à la collaboration entre la société Element Six, la société suisse MVT
(www.mvt.ch), et la Haute École Spécialisée du canton d'Argovie en Suisse. <<
Nous avons démontré qu'en utilisant une buse en diamant longue durée dans les
applications à jet d'eau, grâce à la qualité et à la pression d'eau
constantes, les arrêts de production sont considérablement réduits. Cette
buse en diamant longue durée permettra ainsi de réaliser d'importantes
économies d'argent en production >>, a déclaré M. Waelti, Président de MVT.

<< Le diamant est déjà le matériau de choix dans de nombreuses
applications industrielles très délicates, et il est en train de remplacer
rapidement les matériaux conventionnels dans beaucoup d'environnements de
travail difficiles. Les fabricants utilisant le diamant comme outil de
travail tirent parti de ses excellentes propriétés et de son très bon rapport
qualité/prix >>, a commenté Paul Dankers, le Directeur général de la société
Element Six aux Pays-Bas.

Element Six

Element Six est le leader mondial de la mise au point, de la fabrication
et de la commercialisation de toutes les formes du diamant synthétique à
usage industriel et commercial. Element Six est un pionnier de la mise au
point de la technologie du diamant CVD depuis les années 1980. Le diamant CVD
ouvre la voie à de nombreux autres domaines d'application, au-delà des
utilisations traditionnelles du diamant synthétique comme matériau abrasif.

www.e6.com

La Haute École Spécialisée

La Haute École Spécialisée (<< University of Applied Science >>) est l'un
des plus grands instituts de Suisse en ce qui concerne les domaines des
Sciences et de la Technologie, de l'Économie, du Commerce, des Arts et du
Design, des Sciences sociales et de l'Éducation. Située dans l'une des
régions les plus industrialisées et développées du pays, le canton d'Argovie,
l'école tire parti de cet emplacement stratégique pour tisser des liens entre
la recherche et la pratique, grâce à un transfert efficace des technologies
et des connaissances, qui est un objectif majeur de l'école. Le groupe de
recherche d'ingénierie des fluides et de thermodynamique est dirigé par le
professeur Dr. Kurt C. Heiniger.

MVT AG

Située à Nidau, en Suisse, la société Micro-Verschleiss Technik AG (MVT
AG) a pour principale activité la recherche et le développement des buses et
autres composants dans les applications à jet d'eau haute pression.

Outre les buses à jet d'eau haute pression, MVT offre des solutions pour
l'usinage, la rectification sans pointe, le polissage et le rodage des
matériaux extrêmement durs, comme le saphir, le rubis et diverses céramiques.

Source: Element Six Ltd

Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez contacter Rene Diks, Element Six
B.V., P.O. Box 119, 5430 AC Cuijk, Pays-Bas, Tél. +31-485-395-881,
info@e6.com

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Profile: 09

Air Products Foundation Donates $100,000 to American Red Cross

Air Products Foundation Donates $100,000 to American Red Cross

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Air Products Foundation is making a $100,000 donation to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund of the American Red Cross to help the recovery efforts in the heavily damaged areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina has impacted the company's own industrial gas complex in New Orleans, La. and affected over 150 local employees.

"We can't help but be moved by the devastation in the Gulf Coast area," said John P. Jones, Air Products" Chairman and CEO. "This initial contribution is just the start. Air Products employees around the world have expressed a desire to help in some way. We are determining the best ways to provide humanitarian assistance options for our affected employees, retirees, and the community at large."

Jones added, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Gulf Coast region. We will continue to look for ways to help lessen the burden of this devastating natural disaster and the recovery process."

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $7.4 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and nearly 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.airproducts.com/.

Source: Air Products

CONTACT: Media: Beth Mentesana, +1-610-481-2459,
mentesbk@airproducts.com, or Investor Inquiries: Phil Sproger,
+1-610-481-7461, sprogepc@airproducts.com, both of Air Products

Web site: http://www.airproducts.com/

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Profile: 09

America's Chemical Makers' Statement on the Impact of Hurricane Katrina

America's Chemical Makers' Statement on the Impact of Hurricane Katrina

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement of Jack N. Gerard, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the millions of Americans in the gulf coast region who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods due to the devastation of hurricane Katrina. It may take months or even years for communities and local economies in the region to recover from this devastating storm. American Chemistry Council (ACC) companies and employees have opened their hearts and homes to the victims of Katrina and are contributing millions of dollars to relief efforts.

The number one priority of our companies is caring for the safety and well being of employees impacted by Katrina. On behalf of all our companies, we wish Godspeed to the men and women in the gulf coast region who make the essential and life saving chemical products that Americans rely on.

ACC companies are committed to protecting the gulf coast environment in the wake of Katrina. Our companies plan for such contingencies and design facilities to withstand hurricane forces to ensure minimal environmental impact. All companies either have assessed or are presently assessing the impact on their operations. Based on available information, it appears the integrity of our companies' production facilities has been maintained.

While all is not known at this point, hurricane Katrina's impact on the production of chemical products near the Gulf of Mexico could prove significant. Some chemical facilities in the region currently are idle due to high water and lack of power, transportation and feedstocks.

Since companies that rely on chemical products comprise 25 percent of America's GDP, it is critical for our nation to repair quickly the damage to the gulf coast infrastructure. We support President Bush's efforts and will work closely with the region's governors, mayors and local officials to restore production of chemical products that are essential to the region and the nation's livelihood.

Americans already are seeing rapidly rising gasoline prices and likely will experience additional increases in already soaring natural gas prices in the wake of Katrina. America's chemical makers are particularly impacted by price increases for natural gas, which provides both power and raw materials for the products of modern chemistry. Katrina's aftermath painfully underscores the need for conservation, improvements in the nation's energy infrastructure and access to America's own natural gas resources.

America's gulf coast has supported chemical production for decades and will continue to be a primary source of these essential products. Our companies, government, communities -- indeed all Americans -- will rally to overcome this tragedy, as we have in the past.

Jack N. Gerard, President and CEO
American Chemistry Council

http://www.accnewsmedia.com/

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $516 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies invest more in research and development than any other business sector. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

Source: American Chemistry Council

CONTACT: Jennifer Scott of American Chemistry Council, +1-703-741-5813,
or jennifer_scott@americanchemistry.com

Web site: http://www.accnewsmedia.com/

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Profile: 09

Element Six anuncia su pulverizador de diamante de "larga duración"

Element Six anuncia su pulverizador de diamante de "larga duración"

CUIJK, Paises Bajos, September 2/PRNewswire/ -- Element Six se complace al anunciar su nueva gama de pulverizadores
sintéticos de diamante de "larga duración". La extremada resistencia de los
diamantes en cuanto al desgaste y a la temperatura, además de las propiedades
térmicas, le convierten en el material seleccionado para los orificios y
pulverizaciones que funcionan a gran velocidad o para su uso en los entornos
de elevada producción. Las aplicaciones industriales de estos pulverizadores
de larga duración incluyen los sprays secos, sistemas de inyección de agua,
limpieza, homogenización y pintura. Los pulverizadores de diamantes de larga
duración para las aplicaciones de agua inyectada se han diseñado
principalmente para su uso en producciones de gran volumen, como por ejemplo
la industria del automóvil. En comparación con los pulverizadores de zafiro
se ha conseguido una mejora en la vida útil entre 15 y 20 veces superior
cuando se utilizan diamantes.

Aparte de esta mejora, los diamantes sintéticos no contienen ninguna
grieta o imperfección en su estructura, por lo que se eliminan por completo
los casos de implosión.

El éxito en el desarrollo y pruebas del pulverizador de larga duración se
ha conseguido como resultado de la colaboración entre Element Six, la
compañía suiza MVT (www.mvt.ch) y la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas de
Aargau (Suiza). "Hemos conseguido demostrar que gracias a la utilización del
pulverizador de "larga vida" de agua, realizados en diamante, que inyecta una
elevada calidad de agua, se ha reducido el tiempo de producción de forma
considerable. De esta forma, los pulverizadores de diamantes de larga
duración generarán un gran ahorro de costes", declaró Waelti, director
general de MVT.

"Los diamantes son el material preferido en muchas de las aplicaciones
industriales más exigentes, y está sustituyendo rápidamente a los materiales
convencionales en muchos de los entornos más complejos. Los fabricantes que
utilizan los diamantes como ingrediente se beneficiarán de sus propiedades
superiores y de su excelente relación calidad/precio", comentó Paul Dankers,
responsable general de las operaciones de Element Six en los Países Bajos.

Element Six

Element Six es el productor mundial líder de todas las formas de diamante
sintético para uso industrial. Element Six ha sido pionero en el desarrollo
de la tecnología de diamante CVD desde los 80, en un centro de investigación
mundialmente conocido ubicado en Ascot que se dedica a esta actividad. El
diamante CVD permite la aplicación a nuevas áreas más allá de los usos
abrasivos tradicionales del diamante sintético.

www.e6.com

La Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas

La Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas es uno de los principales institutos
de Suiza en campos como las Ciencias y Tecnología, Economía, Negocios, Arte y
Diseño, Trabajos Sociales y Educación. La universidad está situada en una de
las zonas más industrializadas y desarrolladas del país, Canton Aargau.
Gracias a su localización sirve de enlace entre la investigación y el
desarrollo tecnológico, por lo que el conocimiento juega un papel esencial en
la universidad. El grupo de investigación de ingeniería térmica y de fluidos
está dirigido por el profesor y doctor Kurt C. Heiniger.

MVT AG

Micro-Verschleiss Technik AG es una compañía con sede en Nidau (Suiza).
La principal actividad de MVT AG es la investigación y desarrollo de
pulverizadores y de sus componentes para aplicaciones de agua a alta presión.

Además del suministro de los pulverizadores de agua a alta presión, MVT
ofrece maquinaria, pulverizadoras sin centrado, abrillantadoras y chapeo de
materiales extra-duros, como el zafiro, el rubí y diferentes compuestos
cerámicos.

Source: Element Six Ltd

Contacto: Rene Diks, Element Six B.V., P.O. Box 119, 5430 AC Cuijk (Países Bajos), tel +31-485-395-881, e-mail info@e6.com

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Profile: 09

Spartech Corporation Completes Divestiture of Corrugated Sheet Business

Spartech Corporation Completes Divestiture of Corrugated Sheet Business

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spartech Corporation (NYSE:SEH) announced today it has completed the divestiture of its Corrugated Sheet business to Coroplast, a division of Great Pacific Enterprises Inc. and the market leader in corrugated plastic sheets and containers. The divested business located in Cornwall, Ontario has annual revenues of approximately $9 million that will be integrated into Coroplast's three manufacturing facilities.

Spartech's President and CEO, George A. Abd, stated, "This divestiture is consistent with our ongoing commitment to strengthen our financial performance and focus on Spartech's core operations. This sale achieves our goal of finding a strategic buyer for the corrugated business that is committed to growing the business and better serving this specific niche of customers. Coroplast has a strong market position and can provide focused support for the automotive packaging, graphic arts, and industrial markets served by this business."

Spartech's Executive Vice President & CFO, Randy C. Martin, added, "This transaction will allow both companies to focus on their core strengths with existing customers. The cash proceeds from the sale of just over $6 million will be utilized to pay down our bank debt and invest in strategic developments in our core businesses."

Spartech Corporation is a leading producer of engineered thermoplastic materials, polymeric compounds and concentrates, and engineered product solutions, which following the previously announced plant restructurings, will have 43 facilities located throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, with annual production capacity of more than 1.4 billion pounds and sales of more than $1.2 billion annually. Spartech has previously announced that its earnings release and conference call for its third quarter ended July 30, 2005 will take place on September 8, 2005.

Source: Spartech Corporation

CONTACT: George A. Abd, President and Chief Executive Officer,
+1-314-721-4242, or Randy C. Martin, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, +1-314-721-4242, both of Spartech Corporation

Web site: http://www.spartech.com/

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Profile: 09

Element Six Anuncia Bocal 'Long Life' de Diamante Sintético

Element Six Anuncia Bocal 'Long Life' de Diamante Sintético

CUIJK, Países Baixos, 2 de setembro /PR Newswire/ -- Element Six tem a satisfação de anunciar uma nova variedade de bocais de diamante sintético "Long Life" (vida longa). As propriedades químicas, térmicas e de resistência ao desgaste o tornam o material ideal de escolha para orifícios e bocais que operam em ambientes agressivos de produção ou alta velocidade. As aplicações industriais para estes bocais Long Life incluem spray seco, corte por jato de água, limpeza, homogeneização e pintura. Os bocais de diamante Long Life para a aplicação de corte com jato de água são basicamente projetados para ambientes com grandes volumes de produção, como o setor automotivo. Se comparados aos bocais de safira, há um aumento de 15 a 20 vezes na vida útil com o uso de bocais de diamante.

Além desta melhoria, o diamante sintético não contém fissuras ou outras imperfeições em sua estrutura, eliminando, conseqüentemente, eventos de implosão.

O desenvolvimento e os testes bem sucedidos do bocal Long Life decorrem de uma colaboração entre a Element Six, a empresa suíça MVT (http://www.mvt.ch/) e a Universidade de Ciência Aplicada em Aargau, na Suíça. "Comprovamos que o uso de um bocal de jato de água de diamante Long Life produz uma qualidade de jato de água sistemática com redução significativa do tempo de produção. Portanto, este bocal de diamante Long Life gerará uma grande economia nos custos operacionais", declarou o Sr. Waelti, presidente da MVT.

"O diamante já é o material preferido na seleção para muitas aplicações industriais exigentes e substitui rapidamente os materiais convencionais em muitos ambientes agressivos. Os fabricantes que utilizam o diamante como elemento de viabilização se beneficiam de suas propriedades superiores e melhores índices de preço/desempenho", comentou Paul Dankers, o gerente geral da operação da Element Six nos Países Baixos.

Element Six

A Element Six é a líder mundial no desenvolvimento, fabricação e comercialização de todas as modalidades de diamante sintético para uso industrial e comercial. A Element Six é pioneira no desenvolvimento da tecnologia de diamante CVD desde os anos 80. O diamante CVD abre caminho em várias áreas novas de aplicação fora dos usos abrasivos do diamante sintético.

http://www.e6.com/

A Universidade de Ciência Aplicada

A Universidade de Ciência Aplicada é um dos principais institutos na Suíça nos campos de Ciência e Tecnologia, Economia, Negócios, Arte e Design, Trabalhos Sociais e Educação. A Universidade se localiza em uma das áreas mais industrializadas e desenvolvidas do país, no Cantão de Aargau. Graças a esta localização, as ligações entre pesquisa e prática por meio de uma transferência rápida de tecnologia e conhecimento têm papel preponderante na Universidade. O Prof. Dr. Kurt C. Heiniger dirige o grupo de pesquisas para engenharia térmica e de fluidos.

A MVT AG

A Micro-Verschleiss Technik AG é uma empresa com sede em Nidau, na Suíça. A atividade principal da MVT AG é a pesquisa e o desenvolvimento para bocais e seus componentes em aplicações de jato de água com alta pressão.

Além de fornecer bocais de jato de água com alta pressão, a MVT oferece usinagem, esmerilação acêntrica, polimento e brunidura de materiais superduros, como safira, rubi e vários tipos de cerâmica.

Website: http://www.mvt.ch
http://www.e6.com

Source: Element Six Ltd

CONTATO: Rene Diks, Element Six B.V., Caixa Postal 119, 5430 AC Cuijk,
Países Baixos, +31-485-395-881, ou info@e6.com

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Profile: 09

Daramic Announces Global Energy Surcharge

Daramic Announces Global Energy Surcharge

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In order to address increases in the cost of processing oil, natural gas and energy, Daramic will implement a global energy surcharge of 6% effective October 1, 2005 or as soon as contractually allowable in certain cases.

"Increases in the cost of oil and energy have unfortunately become a significant issue for Daramic, as well as for many other companies," said Tucker Roe, Daramic Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "While Daramic is dedicated to controlling costs through continuous improvements in efficiency and productivity, unprecedented increases in these costs have been too large for Daramic to absorb. Accordingly, we must implement this surcharge to support our continued commitment to new product development and providing best-in-class quality, supply and product performance."

Daramic, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Polypore, Inc., is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of battery separators for automotive, industrial, and specialty applications. Established over seventy-five years ago, the company services the global battery manufacturing industry through marketing and sales offices in North and South America, Europe, Australia, South East Asia and China, supported by seven strategically located manufacturing facilities and two technical centers.

Polypore, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Polypore International, Inc., is a growing worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of highly specialized polymer-based membranes used in separation and filtration processes. Polypore's products and technologies target specialized applications and markets that require the removal or separation of various materials from liquids, with concentration in the ultrafiltration and microfiltration markets. Truly a global provider, Polypore has manufacturing facilities or sales offices in ten countries serving five continents. Polypore's corporate offices are located in Charlotte, NC.

Contacts:
Tucker Roe - Vice President Sales & Marketing: Daramic - 704-587-8408
Mark Hadley - Investor Relations Manager: Polypore - 704-587-8886

Source: Daramic, LLC

Contact: Tucker Roe, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Daramic,
+1-704-587-8408; or Mark Hadley, Investor Relations Manager of Polypore,
+1-704-587-8886

Web site: http://www.polypore.net/

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Profile: 09

Element Six Anuncia Boquilla de Diamante Sintético de Larga Duración

Element Six Anuncia Boquilla de Diamante Sintético de Larga Duración

CUIJK, Holanda, 2 de septiembre /PR Newswire/ -- Element Six se complace en anunciar una nueva variedad de boquillas de diamante sintético de larga duración. Las propiedades extremas de resistencia térmica, química y al desgaste del diamante hacen que sea un material ideal para orificios y boquillas que operan a alta velocidad o en rigurosos entornos de producción. Las aplicaciones industriales para estas boquillas de larga duración incluyen el rociado en seco, los cortes por chorro de agua, la limpieza, la homogenización y la pintura. Las boquillas para la aplicación de cortado por chorro de agua son diseñadas principalmente para entornos de producción de alto volumen, como por ejemplo el sector automotor. En comparación con las boquillas hechas de zafiro, al utilizar diamantes se logra una prolongación de vida de 15 a 20 veces.

Además de esta mejora, el diamante sintético no contiene grietas ni otras imperfecciones estructurales, y por lo tanto se eliminan los casos de implosión.

El desarrollo y la experimentación exitosos de la boquilla de larga duración se debieron a la colaboración entre Element Six, la empresa Suiza MVT (http://www.mvt.ch/) y la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas de Aargau, Suiza. "Hemos demostrado que al utilizar una boquilla de larga duración de chorro de agua hecha de diamante, lo que produce una calidad consistente de chorro de agua, se reducen significativamente los periodos en que no se produce. Consecuentemente, esta boquilla de larga duración de diamante generará ahorros operacionales considerables", declaró el señor Waelti, presidente de MVT.

"Los diamantes ya son el material preferido para muchas aplicaciones industriales y está reemplazando rápidamente a los materiales convencionales en muchos entornos rigurosos. Los fabricantes que usan el diamante como ingrediente de apoyo se están beneficiando de sus propiedades superiores y relación calidad-precio superior", comentó Paul Dankers, gerente general de las operaciones de Element Six en Holanda.

Element Six

Element Six es el líder mundial de desarrollo, fabricación y comercialización de todo tipo de diamantes sintéticos para su uso industrial y comercial. Element Six ha sido el pionero del desarrollo de la tecnología de depósito de vapor químico desde los años ochenta. Los diamantes CVD crean muchos campos de aplicación más allá de los usos abrasivos tradicionales de los diamantes sintéticos.

http://www.e6.com/

Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas

La Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas es uno de los principales institutos de Suiza en los campos de ciencias y tecnología, economía, negocios, arte y diseño, trabajo social y educación. La universidad está ubicada en una de las regiones más altamente industrializadas y desarrolladas del país, el cantón Aargau. Gracias a esta ubicación, la relación entre la investigación y la práctica por medio de la transferencia rápida de tecnología y conocimientos desempeña una función predominante en la universidad. El grupo de investigación de ingeniería térmica y de fluidos está encabezado por el profesor y doctor Kurt C. Heiniger.

MVT AG

Micro-Verschleiss Technik AG es una empresa ubicada en Nidau, Suiza. La principal actividad de MVT AG es la investigación y el desarrollo de boquillas y sus componentes para aplicaciones de chorro de agua de alta presión.

Además de suministrar boquillas de chorro de agua de alta presión, MVT ofrece labrado, rectificación sin centro, pulimentado y bruñido de materiales sumamente duros, como los zafiros, rubíes y diversas cerámicas.

Sitios Web: http://www.mvt.ch
http://www.e6.com

Source: Element Six Ltd

CONTACTO: Rene Diks, Element Six B.V., P.O. Box 119, 5430 AC Cuijk,
Holanda, +31-485-395-881, o info@e6.com

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Profile: 09

PolyOne to Update Third Quarter Outlook

PolyOne to Update Third Quarter Outlook

CLEVELAND, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PolyOne Corporation (NYSE:POL), a leading global polymer compounding and North American distribution company, today announced that it expects to update its third quarter 2005 outlook at the close of business on September 13, 2005. This action is part of PolyOne's effort to proactively inform investors at approximately mid-quarter of any material changes to major business drivers.

PolyOne Third-quarter 2005 Earnings Release and Conference Call

PolyOne intends to release its third-quarter 2005 earnings after the close of business on Thursday, October 27, 2005, and host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, October 28, 2005. The conference dial-in number is 888-489-0038 (domestic) or 706-643-1611 (international), conference topic: PolyOne Earnings Call. The replay number is 800-642-1687 (domestic) or 706-645-9291 (international). The conference ID for the replay is 9932167. The call will be broadcast live and then via replay for two weeks on the Company's Web site at http://www.polyone.com/.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation, with 2004 annual revenues of approximately $2.2 billion, is a leading global compounding and North American distribution company with continuing operations in thermoplastic compounds, specialty polymer formulations, color and additive systems, and thermoplastic resin distribution. Headquartered in northeast Ohio, PolyOne has employees at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and joint ventures in North America and South America. Information on PolyOne's products and services can be found at http://www.polyone.com/.

PolyOne Investor & Media Contact: Dennis Cocco
Vice President, Investor Relations
& Communications
440.930.1538

Source: PolyOne Corporation

CONTACT: Dennis Cocco, Vice President, Investor Relations &
Communications of PolyOne Corporation, +1-440-930-1538

Web site: http://www.polyone.com/

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Profile: 09

Total Donates $1 Million to American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Effort

Total Donates $1 Million to American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Effort

HOUSTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S.-based affiliates of Total S.A. announced today a commitment of $1 million to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. This contribution will aid Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, where the following Total affiliates conduct business: Total E&P USA, Inc., Total Gas & Power North America, Inc., Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc., Arkema Inc., Sigma Coatings USA and Atlantic Trading and Marketing, Inc.

"On behalf of all employees at the Total S.A. Group, I extend the deepest gratitude to the American Red Cross for its efforts and commitment during this difficult situation," said Thierry Desmarest, chairman and CEO of Total S.A. "Our thoughts are with all of the relief staff and volunteers, as well as all of Hurricane Katrina's victims."

The U.S.-based affiliates of Total span the oil and gas chain, from crude oil and natural gas exploration and production to refining, marketing and trading, and also manufacture a broad range of chemicals and performance products.

News Media Contact: Trade Media Contact:

Jenna Wright Rick Hagar
(713) 647-3533 (281) 227-5432
jenna.wright@total.comrick.hagar@total.com

Source: Total U.S. Affiliates

CONTACT: news media, Jenna Wright, +1-713-647-3533, or
jenna.wright@total.com , or trade media, Rick Hagar, +1-281-227-5432, or
rick.hagar@total.com , both of Total U.S. Affiliates

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Profile: 09