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| July 20, 2005 |
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| Hitachi Becomes the First Japanese Company to Receive TSA Certification for Explosives Trace Detection System |
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Tokyo, Japan, July 20, 2005 --- Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT/TSE:6501) today announced that the Hitachi "DS-110E-W" Explosives Trace Detection System (ETDS) has received certification from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), one of the world's leading authorities concerning the evaluation of security systems. This makes Hitachi the world's first company outside the U.S. to receive TSA certification. The certified ETDS detects traces of explosives through the mass-spectrometry analysis on the surface of substances that have adhered to special wipe sheets used to swab carry-on and other luggage under inspection.
There has been a growing need for more effective security technology at airports, power plants and other critical infrastructure all over the world. Following the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, the U.S. government established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). TSA, an agency of the DHS, is responsible for transportation security. This agency also evaluates and certifies security equipment such as explosives detection systems, which are indispensable to aviation security. The TSA's certification criteria are internationally recognized as the de facto standard for evaluating security systems. In addition to U.S. airports, numerous airports around the world have also made TSA certification a requirement for the inspection equipment they purchase.
The ETDS developed by Hitachi detects explosives traces by analyzing samples, which are collected by swabbing luggage with special wipe sheets, for traces of explosive substances on the surfaces of baggage, suitcases, parcels or other forms of luggage. This type of explosives detection equipment is generally referred to as an ETDS.
The "DS-110E-W" system achieves outstanding detection accuracy by estimating and determining the molecular composition of ionized samples through the measurement of their mass using a mass spectrometer in the system's analysis unit. The samples are ionized using a clean corona discharge*, instead of the conventional radiation sources used in other ETDS units. This eliminates the need for various applications and certifications required for the management and handling of radiological equipment.
Hitachi has so far applied mass spectrometry technology developed at the Hitachi Central Research Laboratory to inspections for dioxin precursors, illegal drugs and other controlled substances, and the detection of explosives. In this field, in March 2000, Hitachi developed an ETDS prototype. Following joint development with NOF CORPORATION, one of Japan's leading experts in explosives and gunpowder, Hitachi announced the release of its first ETDS product in July 2001. After several improvements were made to the system, Hitachi America, Ltd. entered into a Cooperative Research Development Agreement with Transportation Security Laboratory in November 2003, and has further improved the performance of "DS-110E-W." Building on these advances, in June 2004, Hitachi officially applied the "DS-110E-W" as a candidate for TSA ETDS evaluation trials. After many rigorous evaluation trials, "DS-110E-W" was certified by the TSA as an ETDS unit with functions and specifications that conform to TSA standards.
In addition to explosives detection systems, Hitachi has developed an extensive lineup of physical security-related products, such as conventional X-ray inspection systems, to meet a broad spectrum of market needs. Over the next three years, Hitachi is targeting net sales of 10.0 billion yen in the field of physical security systems, with the aim of contributing to a secure and safe society.
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Corona discharge: a process where a sustained electrical discharge is generated by applying a voltage of several kilovolts to a needle-point electrode. |
| About Hitachi, Ltd. |
| Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidated sales totaled 9,027.0 billion yen ($84.4 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's Website at http://www.hitachi.com. |
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| Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice. |
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