Smart Bulb maker announces first-ever dimming computer chip inside fluorescent lamps; Beacon Light Products Inc teams up with Panasonic for marketing

Business Wire, Nov 4, 1994

MERIDIAN, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 1994--Beacon Light Products Inc, maker of the world's first-ever computerized incandescent light bulb, the Smart Bulb, announced today the commercialization of another super-charged computer chip for lighting, this time for fluorescent lamps.

"The company's Quick Start Module (QSM) is a discovery of equal magnitude," according to company CEO, Dale W. Williams. "Beacon's fluorescent lamp computer will break open the lagging fluorescent lamp market with its quick, flicker free starting; greatly extended lamp life; and a compelling cost advantage," Williams said.

Concurrently, Beacon announced a joint marketing program between it and Panasonic USA to promote the new technology. "Our joint marketing effort blends two leaders in lighting technology," according to Williams. "Panasonic has the preferred high-lumen lamps in the world and Beacon has the proprietary technology to deliver big benefits to customers. Enhanced performance and the cost breakthrough will turn the commercial lighting markets clearly in favor of high-output CFLs," he forecasted.

When the Beacon QSM is used in energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), total lamp cost will drop from the existing $18-$22 range to $6-$7. The new patented chip will extend the life of an ordinary fluorescent lamp by at least four times thereby reducing replacement costs and harmful mercury contamination in landfills.

The long lamp life made possible by Beacon's new technology addresses important environmental issues. The greatly extended lamp life means that this product will cut mercury contamination in land fills to at least one-half of current levels. Further, it will eliminate the need for radioactive disposal (due to the radio-isotope found in all conventional glow bottle starters).

"Beacon will rapidly accelerate the use of fluorescent lamps in this country," said Sam Johnson, Beacon VP of engineering. "We brought down the total cost of using fluorescent lamps and made them better and user friendly; they'll now delight customers rather than annoy them," Johnson said. He noted the added labor savings for commercial users -- savings from reduced lamp replacement labor should come close to $100 per year per lamp.

Smart Bulb technology for incandescent light bulbs debuted in 1993 when contracts between Beacon and Philips Lighting USA, and ABCO Lighting were signed. Beacon Light Products Inc. is privately held.

CONTACT: BEACON LIGHT PRODUCTS, INC.

              Tom Brown, IR & PR, 208/343-4607
                             OR
              Dale Williams, CEO, 208/888-5905