Technology enhances safety, prevents damage to automobiles and could do the
same for industrial machinery
WUPPERTAL, Germany, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Delphi Corporation's
Battery Disconnect Safety Device (BDSD) is becoming standard equipment on
vehicles produced by many German automakers known for their leadership in
technology. This technology could also be used in hybrids, trains, boats
and commercial vehicles.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO )
Featuring the pyrotechnic safety switch technology on display at the
2006 Electronica show in Munich Nov. 14-17, BDSD could also be applied to
industrial machines and high-voltage switches to protect both equipment
operators and the machinery, and to high-voltage harnesses used in hybrid
vehicles.
Delphi's BDSD pyrotechnically disconnects high currents or voltages in
less than one millisecond after an electric signal is triggered.
In automobiles, an electric signal from the airbag control unit
triggers activation, severing the current that flows through the cable
connecting the battery with the starter and alternator. High currents that
flow through this cable while starting the vehicle prohibit the use of
fuses. If this cable, the largest electrical cable in an automobile, is not
protected, current that continues to flow through it following a vehicle
crash poses the threat of high-temperature short circuits and arcing, which
could lead to a fire.
In non-automotive applications, electric devices exclusive of airbag
sensors trigger activation of the BDSD, severing high-voltage electrical
connections and protecting against damage to equipment and injuries to
workers caused by unchecked electrical currents and power surges.
While severing power between the battery and the starter and alternator
in passenger vehicles following collisions is not new, Delphi's BDSD is far
more reliable than the systems involving electro mechanic relays and
standard fuses that they replace. In many instances, Delphi's BDSD is also
less expensive, costing up to 20 percent less than competitors' products,
including mosfets, relays and battery safety clamps.
Delphi's BDSD is also available with a safe engine restart option, an
industry first that allows drivers to restart their vehicles following a
collision if there are no electrical hazards. This feature enhances safety
by enabling drivers to move their vehicles off the road, preventing the
occurrence of a possible second collision.
The safe engine restart option incorporates a standard fuse that is
mounted parallel to the BDSD. After the BDSD is triggered, severing the
current, this fuse allows for a warm-engine restart providing the event
that triggered the BDSD did not cause a short circuit. If the crash did
result in a short circuit, this fuse blows immediately, preventing an
unsafe restart.
While Delphi's BDSD disconnects power from the vehicle battery to
unfused cables, it does not sever power to safety functions such as door
locks, hazard lights, interior lighting and automatic emergency call
systems.
Delphi's first BDSD was suitable for placement in low-temperature
environments. The current version incorporates a sealed connector system
and a high-temperature pyrotechnic load, which allows it to be mounted
directly under the hood near the battery, in most cases using only two
bolts. This makes for quick and easy replacement of a deployed BDSD.
Delphi's BDSD is comprised of a small number of parts, all enclosed in
a high-strength fiber-reinforced plastic. Because all moving parts are
enclosed in the plastic housing, and because electrostatic discharge
protection is built in, it is unlikely that an installer could trigger
deployment of the pyrotechnic device. Even if activation occurs during
installation, it would not cause injury or damage.
Delphi's BDSD meets all common specifications in the automotive
industry, is free of heavy metals and is available for immediate
production.
Delphi's next generation BDSD will likely be even smaller than the
current version and is expected to be even more cost-effective.
For more information about Delphi Corp. (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ), visit
http://www.delphi.com
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT
This press release, as well as other statements made by Delphi may
contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect, when
made, the company's current views with respect to current events and
financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as
the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating
to the company's operations and business environment which may cause the
actual results of the company to be materially different from any future
results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from these
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
the ability of the company to continue as a going concern; the ability of
the company to operate pursuant to the terms of the debtor-in-possession
("DIP") financing facility; the company's ability to obtain court approval
with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from
time to time; the ability of the company to develop, prosecute, confirm and
consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the Chapter
11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court
approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the company to
propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the
appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7
cases; the ability of the company to obtain and maintain normal terms with
vendors and service providers; the company's ability to maintain contracts
that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the
Chapter 11 cases on the company's liquidity or results of operations; the
ability of the company to execute its business plans, including the
transformation plan described in the Company's March 31, 2006 press
release, and to do so in a timely fashion; the ability of the company to
attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; the ability
of the company to avoid or continue to operate during a strike, or partial
work stoppage or slow down by any of its unionized employees; and the
ability of the company to attract and retain customers. Other risk factors
are listed from time to time in the company's United States Securities and
Exchange Commission reports, including, but not limited to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Delphi disclaims
any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or
otherwise.
Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any
reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the
company's various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and/or other
equity securities. Additionally, no assurance can be given as to what
values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of
these constituencies. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of
Delphi's common stock receiving no distribution on account of their
interest and cancellation of their interests. Under certain conditions
specified in the Bankruptcy Code, a plan of reorganization may be confirmed
notwithstanding its rejection by an impaired class of creditors or equity
holders and notwithstanding the fact that equity holders do not receive or
retain property on account of their equity interests under the plan. In
light of the foregoing and as stated in its October 8, 2005, press release
announcing the filing of its Chapter 11 reorganization cases, the company
considers the value of the common stock to be highly speculative and
cautions equity holders that the stock may ultimately be determined to have
no value. Accordingly, the company urges that appropriate caution be
exercised with respect to existing and future investments in Delphi's
common stock or other equity interests or any claims relating to
pre-petition liabilities.
SOURCE Delphi Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.delphi.com/media
Photo Notes:
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PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
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CONTACT:
Maraline Kubik, +1-330-373-5682,
maraline.kubik@delphi.com
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