Duraswitch Introduces Flat-Panel Normally Closed -- Normally Open Switch Technology to Market; Duraswitch Receives Notice of Allowance from U.S. Patent Office.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2002

Duraswitch (Nasdaq:DSWT) continues to make advancements in electronic switch technologies, announcing that the U.S. Patent Office has issued a Notice of Allowance to Duraswitch for a normally closed -- normally open switch with redundant common contacts.

This magnetically coupled, single switch design allows for the first flat-panel construction keypad with independent normally closed and normally open switch contacts that can:

-- Completely eliminate the possibility of accidental repetitive actuations -- a common phenomenon experienced when a button is pressed once and two circuit closures happen -- and teasing, which happens when users press a button, but the switch does not activate.

-- Meet manufacturer's extreme precision requirements in the timing from when a switch leaves its rest -- in this case -- normally closed position (creating one function), to the time when the switch arrives at the actuated position, closing the normally open switch (creating a second function). Because of the redundant common contacts, this advanced control has only a 3-millisecond delay between breaking the normally closed function and closing the normally open function.

-- Cycle two independent functions allowing for resting-position diagnostic capability and/or provide a safety switch by requiring the normally closed to be opened before the normally open can be closed.

-- Eliminate switch failure via multiple internal redundant contacts, ensuring the switch performs the function desired by the end user.

While a normally closed -- normally open option is available with mechanical switches, it is a limitation of the traditional, flat-panel membrane and dome technologies. Duraswitch's solution is the first to offer this capability in a slim-profile, electronic control -- addressing trends in today's switch industry.

"Our patented PushGate(TM) technology is a simple, elegant design that allowed for advancement and enhancements of the normally closed -- normally open switch to meet the market's demands," explained Duraswitch COO and EVP, engineering, Tony Van Zeeland.

"In markets demanding high-performance switch technologies, Duraswitch has a clear advantage because of the high-durability and unsurpassed reliability our switches provide," added Tim Kuhn, vice president, business development. "This advancement of our PushGate technology broadens the potential applications for Duraswitch technology to be a solution for our licensees and their customers."

About Duraswitch

Duraswitch licenses, engineers, and markets its patented electronic switch technology to switch manufacturers and OEMs worldwide. Visit www.duraswitch.com or call 480/586-3300 for more information.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the marketability of new technologies and our ability to protect our intellectual property. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results of operations to differ materially from those projected including introduction of new and/or replaceable technology in our field, lack of market acceptance, impairment of our competitive position if we are unable to protect our proprietary technologies, and other uncertainties which are described from time to time in our documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of the press release. Duraswitch disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.