Saint-Gobain Granted Patents That Will Enhance Efficacy in Defense, Oil Exploration, Medical Imaging and Other Industries

NORTHBORO, Mass., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint-Gobain has been granted 117 patents over the past two years in North America, more than half of which were awarded to the company's Innovative Materials sector. These R&D achievements were celebrated at the company's North American Inventors' Recognition Dinner earlier this month at Tuckerman Hall in Worcester, Mass., where senior executives gathered to recognize the award of patents to over 80 Saint-Gobain researchers from the company's Innovative Materials sector.  

The evening underscored the company's global commitment to research and development and was also a testament to the critical role that R&D plays within Saint-Gobain, especially at centers such as Northboro, the company's largest and recently expanded worldwide R&D center.

"In 2011, Saint-Gobain is investing euro 400M in R&D to support 3,500 researchers working in 12 major research centers worldwide, including Northboro, where our scientists and engineers are developing technologies that will have a significant impact on a wide range of industries," said Gilles Colas, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Corporation.

The patents granted in North America have applications in the areas of defense, oil exploration, renewable energy, medical imaging and others. Such patents include:  

DEFENSE:

Transparent Ceramic Armor Composite

The transparent armor is 70 percent lighter, allowing for thinner windows on military vehicles without compromising soldiers' defense against armor piercing projectiles. Beyond its ability to keep soldiers safer, the composite also translates to fuel savings and increased mobility.

OIL EXPLORATION:

Catalyst Carrier and a Process for Preparing the Catalyst Carrier

The higher catalyst performance of this solution reduces energy consumption and lowers undesirable emissions.

RENEWABLE ENERGY:

Stack-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

This promising alternative power-generation technology converts natural gas to electricity, resulting in high energy efficiency as well as a reduction in pollution and noise.

MEDICAL IMAGING:

Radiation Detector Device

This high-temperature, high-pressure light reflector for radiation detectors reduces distortion at the edges of field of view, resulting in a significant reduction of false positives.

In addition, in support of Saint-Gobain's focus on sustainable habitat, several of the patents granted will have valuable implications for the construction market, including:

Fiberglass Mesh for Construction Products

Improved 3-D fiberglass mesh increases thickness and bending rigidity for improved installation.

Low-Profile Reinforcing Tape

This very thin drywall joint tape has a reactive coating that requires the use of less compound to finish the joint.

Polyolefin-Coated Fabric Reinforcement and Cementitious Boards

The extruded polyolefin formulations replace PVC plastisol coat glass yarn for cement board        reinforcement, eliminating solvent, PVC and phthalate plasticizers.

"More than one in five of Saint-Gobain's products did not exist five years ago – a result of our researchers' resolve to advance the company through innovation," said Colas. "The team's success in bringing these innovations to market is also a testament to the close working relationship between our researchers and the sales and marketing teams."

About Saint-Gobain in North America

Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building products manufacturer, has its North American headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.  As the world leader in sustainable habitat, Saint-Gobain is committed to inventing solutions to help professionals and communities around the world build and renovate comfortable, healthy, economical and energy efficient buildings. The company has over 265 locations in North America, and approximately 19,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $7.3 billion in 2010. Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CertainTeed earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. For information about Saint-Gobain in North America, visit www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com

About Saint-Gobain Worldwide

Saint-Gobain, the world leader in habitat markets, provides innovative solutions to meet today's challenges of growth, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. With 2010 sales of $53.2 billion, Saint-Gobain operates in 64 countries and nearly 190,000 employees. For more information about Saint-Gobain, please visit www.saint-gobain.com.

SOURCE Saint-Gobain