August 27, 2010

Jennifer Harris
jharris@clovisinc.com
312.346.1700

CHICAGO – Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione has announced the five finalists in the 2nd Annual Brinks Innovation Competition, held in conjunction with the Midwest Clean Tech 2010 Conference at McCormick Place in Chicago on September 14-15, 2010. To learn more about the conference, visit www.midwestcleantech2010.com.

Each of the finalists will exhibit their new technologies at the Midwest Clean Tech 2010 Conference. The winners of the Brinks Innovation Competition will be announced during the conference at an awards ceremony on September 14, 2010.

This year's entries were reviewed by a panel of eight judges, including angel investors, venture capital investors and seasoned entrepreneurs. The judges reviewed entries from entrepreneurs in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as India and Belgium.

“The judges noted that this year’s entrants were very strong and represented a broad spectrum of innovative clean technologies and concepts,” commented G. Peter Nichols, a shareholder at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione and co-director of the Brinks Innovation Competition.

Allen Dines, president of the Midwest Research University Network and co-director of the Brinks Innovation Competition, noted, “With Midwest Clean Tech being held this year in conjunction with the International Manufacturing Technology Show, it is significant that several of our Brinks Innovation Competition entrants are developing very exciting advanced manufacturing solutions.”

The five finalists are:

BioIonix, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin
James A. Tretheway, CEO
BioIonix manufactures advanced food safety disinfection and water reuse systems that eliminate pathogens from food products and permit the recycling of process water. The company’s products are being manufactured and sold to leading food processors.

EcoThermics, Peoria, Illinois
Merle Rocke, CEO and Chairman
EcoThermics has developed the first U.S.-made natural refrigerant compressor, an enabling component for high-efficiency, environmentally sustainable OEM manufactured heat pumps. The company has core competencies in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, and leverages multiple partnerships, including Water Furnace Renewable Energy, a U.S. clean tech company, and world-renowned Herrick Labs at Purdue University.

Fusion Coolant Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Andrew McColm, CEO
Fusion Coolant Systems’ patented cryogenic high-pressure lubrication (CHiP Lube) system is the most significant advancement in metal working fluids in several decades. CHiP Lube is composed of naturally occurring, renewable components and is therefore environmentally sustainable. It reduces material usage and allows for a single pass system, so recycling and reconditioning of the metal working fluids is eliminated. The components of the system are non-toxic and bacteria-free, which dramatically improve both lubricity and cooling.

Lumec Control Products, Peoria, Illinois
Stephen I. Ogonek, CEO
Lumec Control Products is developing and commercializing its Dynamic Orifice Valve (DOV), a highly capable flow control valve of proprietary design suitable for low-pressure gas applications, such as natural gas combustion. The valve delivers high turndown, near-linear flow characteristics unavailable from competing valves. High pressure, liquid and additional DOV applications will be forthcoming.

NextCAT, Detroit, Michigan
Charles Salley, Founder
NextCAT is commercializing patented heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production that will reduce net production costs by at least $1.00 per gallon and significantly lower feedstock costs. This technology is a product of research performed at the funded National Biofuels Energy Lab at Wayne State University, and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

About the Brinks Innovation Competition
The purpose of the Brinks Innovation Competition is to provide a platform for developers of new technologies to showcase their products, services or processes to a qualified panel of experts. Entries must provide solutions to global challenges in such areas as environmental technologies, renewable and alternative energy, infrastructure and community, or green building science, and must offer competitive returns for investors and customers. The competition is sponsored by Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione in conjunction with the Midwest Research University Network. To learn more about the Brinks Innovation Competition, please visit www.midwestcleantech2010.com/?page_id=19.

About MRUN
The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN) is an alliance of university business development professionals dedicated to facilitating growth of technology spinout companies through start–up formation. MRUN provides a forum for universities, investors and entrepreneurs to work regionally in pursuit of local venture formation. More information about MRUN is available at www.mrun.us.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has more than 170 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries; and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. The firm’s trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country, including Washington DC. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.