Court Rules in BAUER's Favor in Defense of Patent Infringement Lawsuit.

United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan Southern Division Rules in Favor of BAUER Plastics Technology Group, a Division of BAUER Compressors, Inc.

BAUER Gas Assist Equipment & Methods Do Not Infringe Loren Patent.

Detroit, MI - February 12, 2003 - The extensive legal battle between BAUER Compressors, Inc. of Norfolk, Virginia and Epcon Gas Systems of Troy, Michigan came to a final conclusion in favor of BAUER based on the recent ruling by the U.S. District Court. BAUER's NCU gas control units do not infringe the Loren patent (US No. 5,118,455). There is no evidence that BAUER or any of our customers have ever used an NCU unit in an infringing manner.

According to Jan von Dobeneck, BAUER Compressor's President, "We are very relieved that after four years the case is closed and that we prevented our customers from expensive and unproven claims. Finally, we can continue developing the gas assist process and to help educate molders in this technology."