SOA XRF Test Protocol Gets Space Foundation Hall of Fame Nomination
CRI Acknowledged For Contribution toward Transfer of Space Technology to SOA Program

Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

Dalton, GA (August 29, 2005) - Kevin Cook, Space Foundation Director of Brand Management, confirmed "Quantitative Evaluation Techniques for Carpet Cleaning Procedures using enhanced XRF Fluorescence Spectroscopy" has been nominated for the 2006 Space Foundation Space Technology Hall of Fame. The nominees are Robert Shannon, Ph.D. and Lloyd Starks of KeyMaster Technologies, Inc. in Kennewick, Washington, and Gary Asbury and Lloyd Cooper of Professional Testing Labs in Dalton, Georgia. Mr. Cook also confirmed the nomination acknowledges the contributions of the Carpet and Rug Institute and KeyMaster Technologies, Inc.

The Space Foundation has received a number of excellent nominations for "down to Earth" technologies to be considered for induction into the Space Technology Hall of Fame and we are pleased to have the XRF technology among them. The 52 technologies currently in the Hall of Fame are great examples of why what we do in space matters on Earth," said Cook.

The development of the new technology was commissioned by the CRI to create a new test methodology to evaluate the performance of carpet cleaning equipment and systems. The CRI has incorporated the new technology into a Seal of Approval program which will be unveiled September 12, 2005 at the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Anyone interested in attending the "launch" of the new program is invited to attend the event at the Kennedy Space Center. Join with members of the carpet and cleaning industries, NASA, the Space Foundation and government officials to welcome the space age of carpet cleaning.

The festivities begin at 3:00 pm with:

• Opening program with keynote speakers
• Time to explore the Rocket Garden, space history exhibits as well as a full-size walk-through Space Shuttle display
• Special tour of Kennedy Space Center facilities

Carpet cleaning has now become rocket science through the use of NASA- enhanced x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, used by NASA for the Space Shuttle program. CRI incorporated XRF technology into its testing protocol to certify the best performing vacuum cleaners and extractors. Equipment that passes these tests are eligible to receive CRI's Seal of Approval and certification from the Space Foundation.

This launch event is being hosted by the NASA Southeast Regional Technology Transfer Center, The Carpet and Rug Institute, The Space Foundation, The John F. Kennedy Space Center, and The Marshall Space Flight Center. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required for each individual planning to attend the event.

In 1988, the Space Foundation in cooperation with NASA, established the Space Technology Hall Fame. Its purpose is threefold: to honor the innovators who have transformed technology originally developed for space use into commercial products; to increase public awareness of the benefits of space spinoff technology; and to encourage further innovation.

"We're extremely honored to be part of the Space Foundation Hall of Fame nomination. This is the first time an entire commercial industry has been able to benefit from a NASA-certified technology and we're very excited about what it means not only to us, but more importantly, what it means to the consumer. This is a wonderful example of how private industry can partner with NASA to make life here on Earth better for everyone. What a win-win situation," said Werner Braun, CRI president.

"The launch at Kennedy Space Center will be quite a celebration and we encourage anyone with an interest in it to register for the event and come join us. It's not often one gets this kind of an opportunity to see the space center so up close and personal," Mr. Braun added.

Technologies and innovators selected for induction will be recognized during special awards ceremonies at the highly anticipated 22nd National Space Symposium, scheduled April 3-6, 2006.