NASA selects Utah engineering firm to showcase state-of-the-art pressure vessel technologies

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2003

Brigham City, Utah--NASA has selected HyPerComp Engineering, Inc., a leading consulting and testing company specializing in high performance composite structures engineering, to develop a new generation of tougher and safer composite pressure vessels whose applications could range from automotive hydrogen fuel storage to improved breathing apparatuses for homeland security. NASA awarded HyPerComp a Phase II SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract, which represents validation by both NASA and the Small Business Administration of HyPerComp's success in placing obscure rocket science technology within the reach of practical everyday uses.

The company will be transforming these innovative space technologies into practical applications that will be utilized in the form of increased safety and oxygen storage capacity for firefighters breathing apparatuses, lighter and safer storage systems for alternative fuel automobiles and buses, as well as lower operating costs and safer storage for all users of high pressure cylinders. Consumers and producers alike will share in the practical everyday benefits of these technologies, which were originally developed for space exploration, much like Teflon, freeze-dried foods and personal computers.

"HyPerComp has proven itself a leader in transforming emerging aerospace technology into important applications that improve our everyday lives," says Utah's Senator Orrin Hatch. "It is because of businesses like HyPerComp that the Utah business community maintains its reputation for innovation and excellence."

James Patterson, president of HyPerComp, adds, "HyPerComp's project was chosen by NASA to be among the most likely to spur economic activity and provide a return on taxpayer dollars."

NASA has selected HyPerComp as its "Showcase" of an innovative small business for the national Society for the Advancement of Material Processing Engineers (SAMPE) trade show in Long Beach, California in May 2003, the composite industry's largest. The company will be featured in NASA's booth to showcase its product technology advancements.

Headquartered in Brigham City, Utah, HyPerComp Engineering, Inc. is a renowned Center of Excellence for filament winding and other advanced technology. The company offers engineering and consulting services including product design, structural analysis, manufacturing expertise, testing and government approvals. HyPerComp's mission is to provide state-of-the-art solutions in the design of new products, to rapidly complete projects, and to quickly solve problems to ensure client success.

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For further information contact:
Mr Thomas Hannum, Director of Operations
HyPerComp Engineering, Inc.
(801) 510-9317
thomash@HyPerCompeng.com