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X-Change Corp. Subsidiary AirGATE Applies Its AirAlert(TM) System With SmartBuckle(TM) to Child Booster Seats 10/17/05
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Warns Drivers When Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Belt Buckle is Not Engaged When Using A Booster Seat
AirGATE Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The X-Change Corporation (OTCBB: XCHC), has developed a system using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to detect the status of a vehicle lap/shoulder belt buckle. This new technology is especially valuable when used in conjunction with a child booster seat, warning the driver of seatbelt disengagement without a visual inspection.
DALLAS, Oct 17, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more children die in car crashes than from any other type of traumatic injury. Many of these injuries are incurred because children are either improperly restrained or not restrained at all. Even the most safety-conscious parents may not be aware of the benefits of booster seats or the danger their children face when improperly restrained in adult seat belts.
Through education, training, enforcement, outreach and legislation, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeks to ensure that all children, ages 0-16, are properly restrained in the correct restraint system for their age and size when traveling in a motor vehicle. Children between 40 to 80 lbs., and/or less than 4 feet 9 inches tall should be in a booster seat. A belt-positioning booster seat (BPB) is a type of child safety seat that elevates and positions children so that the vehicle lap and shoulder belt fit properly. Adult seat belts can pose additional dangers when used alone, if the child is too small.
The AirAlert system with RFID-enabled SmartBuckle was initially designed for child safety seats that incorporate a belt/harness buckle.
"In testing, we found that the SmartBuckle worked equally as well with a child booster seat using the vehicle's existing lap/shoulder belt buckle," stated Michael Sheriff, CEO of AirGATE Technologies. "A small RFID tag is attached to the vehicle's lap/shoulder belt buckle nearest to the booster seat. When the vehicle is in operation, if the lap/shoulder belt buckle is not engaged or becomes disengaged, an alarm alerts the vehicle driver. Older children become very adept at undoing the buckle. This will monitor that event and prevent a potentially dangerous situation."
AirGATE has filed patent applications on the technology, and is licensing the technology to child seat manufacturers.
About AirGATE Technologies
AirGATE Technologies, Inc. is an early-stage company specializing in radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless, intelligent, sensor technology. As a full-solution company, AirGATE Technologies handles business assessment, process and technology blending, solution architecture, technology selection, including proprietary AirGATE technology, and system integration and support. The Company has, in an environment of technology cost compression, built a stable of technology partners that are best in class and span a wide range of solutions to support small, medium and large enterprises. Please visit www.AirGATEtech.com for more information.
About the X-Change Corporation
The X-Change Corporation is a company that was organized to seek merger or acquisition candidates. The Company intends to acquire interests in emerging opportunities that the Company believes will generate significant revenues and return a profit to shareholders. Please visit www.x-changecorp.com for further information.
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