Nafariouss
18 years ago
MDRA INFO a start at least... Post what you see as relevant Trading ..... Some of this will need to be verified that it is current.
Previous name: DCH Technology, Inc.
Medra Corporation, formerly DCH (Diversified Commercial Hydrogen) Technology, Inc., is engaged in the acquisition, development and commercial exploitation of hydrogen-based technologies. Specifically, the Company concentrates on fuel cells, hydrogen-specific sensors and hydrogen safety. The Company seeks out patented technologies, secures those patented technologies through licensing agreements with the patent holders and converts the technologies into viable products that it then produces and sells. The Company focuses on technologies related to the use of hydrogen, primarily hydrogen gas sensors and fuel cells. The Company's wholly owned subsidiaries historically included DCH Sensors Corp. and Enable Fuel Cell Corporation.
The Company is manufacturing and selling a line of hydrogen sensors that are both mobile (a hand held unit) and stationary (wall ceiling or conduit mounted units) to a wide range of industries and customers. Medra Corporation also develops, manufactures and sells fuel cells from as small as 12 watts to as large as five kW (kilowatts). All these products are consistent with its strategic approach to the growth of a hydrogen-based economy and are based upon licenses for patented technologies. The Robust Hydrogen Sensor is licensed from Sandia National Laboratory. The Company currently manufactures products based on this technology. The Thick Film Hydrogen Sensor is licensed from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This technology is still under development. The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell, licensed from Los Alamos National Laboratory has been developed. The Company is currently commercializing this technology. This technology is in the early stage of commercialization with numerous products sold for evaluation in 2001.
Hydrogen Gas Sensors
The Company's sensors are used to detect gaseous hydrogen, the most plentiful element in the universe. Hydrogen appears in different forms, combined with other elements, in plants, animals, fossil fuels and a wide range of other chemical compounds. Hydrogen in the gaseous state is combustible, odorless and colorless and is widely used in industrial, commercial and medical applications. When hydrogen burns, it generates only energy and water, and thus is a clean non-polluting fuel. Based on industry analyses and investments by several automobile manufacturers in hydrogen-based fuel cells, hydrogen may replace fossil fuels in both electrical power generation and as the fuel of choice for the automotive industry.
The Company's technologies have opened additional markets for hydrogen gas sensors. For example, its sensors have been sold to Westinghouse for installation in the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant as safety monitors. They are the only economically priced hydrogen gas sensors that could withstand the harsh environment of a nuclear power plant. The Company has licensed these sensor technologies from several sources, and is currently developing products based on these technologies: the Robust Hydrogen Sensor and the H2SCAN system.
The Robust Hydrogen Sensor technology was invented and patented by the U.S. Department of Energy at Sandia in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The technology, an Applications Specific Integrated Circuit, or microchip, was developed by Sandia for the U.S. Department of Defense for a classified nuclear weapons application. After Sandia had patented the technology, it was made available to the commercial market for licensing. This process permits the U.S. government to receive royalties and licensing fees for the technology without expending the resources required to commercialize products.
The Company licensed the Robust Hydrogen Sensor technology from Sandia in April 1996. The Sandia license agreement expires on January 1, 2015 or upon the expiration of Sandia's patent rights, whichever is earlier. The Robust Hydrogen Sensor technology consists of an array of two sensing elements: field effect transistors (FET's) and resistors, both made of palladium nickel. Hydrogen reacts with the palladium nickel, and the reactions produce changes in the electrical signal of both devices corresponding to the amount of hydrogen in the environment. The FET's detect hydrogen in concentrations from approximately 0.0001% to 1%. The resistors allow sensing from about 1% to 100% concentration. Its present sensors contain the resistor technology. The Company plans to add the FET to the sensor products in the second quarter of 2002. The technology also includes a micro-thermometer (temperature diode) and micro-heaters for maintaining on-chip temperature control and other chip functions. The heaters are used to temporarily heat the chip to "boil" off hydrogen molecules, which may adhere to the palladium nickel, thus freeing the sensor for repeated use.
The Company's H2SCAN hydrogen-specific sensing systems offer a robust, high performance alternative to gas detectors used in many industries today, including food processing, petrochemical production, semiconductor manufacturing, and glass and metals processing. The H2SCAN system incorporates its Robust Hydrogen Sensor in a system that gathers analyzes and communicates data to control systems or human interface devices at digital speed.
The Thick Film Hydrogen Sensor technology was invented and patented by the U.S. Department of Energy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (ORNL). The sensor is fabricated with conventional thick film materials and methods (primarily because of significant cost advantages). The design consists of several electronic compositions that are separately screen-printed and fired onto an alumna substrate. The key sensor composition is primarily composed of palladium metal because of its documented affinity for hydrogen. Changes in hydrogen concentration in the palladium correspond to changes in the electrical resistance of the palladium and can be easily measured.
The Fiber Optic Hydrogen Sensor technology was invented by the U.S. Department of Energy at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. Medra Corporation, through Amerisen, a joint venture with Midwest Research Technology, Inc. (MRT), commenced development of the Fiber Optic Hydrogen Sensor technology in May 1996 pursuant to a CRADA with NREL. The NREL CRADA required NREL to have primary responsibility for design and development of a prototype sensor, while Amerisen would develop and manufacture a hydrogen detector test station and demonstrate the sensor to potential customers.
Fuel Cells
Several fuel cell manufacturers have indicated that in addition to the transportation sector, fuel cells might be used in markets such as emergency power supplies, medical applications and portable low-power sources. The Company is working with Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico (LANL) to commercialize its Proton-Exchange-Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, a small, stackable device (each unit is approximately the same size as a soda can) that will deliver low power (less than 50 to 500 watts) reliably and cleanly. The current configuration of the PEM fuel cell is not powerful enough to operate an automobile, but it can provide enough power for people in third world countries or in an emergency situation or other venue where no power is present to operate such items as small medical equipment, communication devices and camping equipment. The Company produces PEM fuel cells in two power ranges, 5- to 50-watt and 1-kilowatt to 20-kilowatt.
Several companies in the United States and Canada are involved in fuel cell development, including Hydrogenics, Plug Power, United Technology's ONSI Corporation and Ballard Power Systems.
COMPANY ADDRESS:
Medra Corp
24832 Avenue Rockefeller
Valencia, CA 91355
P: +1 661.775.8120
F: +1 661.257.9398
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Officers and Directors
Biography
Walker, Robert S.
Mr. Walker has served as a member of our Board of Directors since January 1999, and was named Chairman of our Board of Directors in February 2002. Mr. Walker is Chairman of Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, a Washington D.C.-based lobbying firm, where he has served since his retirement from Congress in 1997 where he had served as a representative from Pennsylvania since 1977. During his tenure in the House, he authored the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 and served as Chairman of the House Science Committee. Also, he served as Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee, Chairman of the Republican Leadership, Chief Deputy Minority Whip, and a member of Speaker Newt Gingrich's six person Advisory Group. Mr. Walker also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Aerospace Corporation, the United States Space Science Foundation, and the Susquehana Center for Public Policy. He is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Imax Corporation. He is a fellow at Millersville University and Franklin and Marshall College, and serves as a regular academic lecturer. In addition, he continues to be a frequent guest on CNBC's "Hardball," PBS's "The Lehrer Newshour," and other C-SPAN, CNN, FOX and MSNBC programs. Mr. Walker began his career as a high school teacher and congressional aide. He received a B.S. degree in Education from Millersville University, an M.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Franklin and Marshall College.
Donohue, John T.
Mr. Donahue has been a Member of our Board of Directors since October 2001 and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since March 1, 2001. In February 2002, he was named Vice Chairman of our Board of Directors. From 1999 to March 2001, Mr. Donohue served as President of the $1.2 billion Spirit Energy 76, Unocal Corporation's Lower 48 exploration and production business. During his tenure as President, Mr. Donohue exceeded financial and performance goals for the first time in the four year history of the business unit with pretax earnings exceeding $500 million in year 2000. Mr. Donohue joined Unocal Corporation in 1980 and subsequently held numerous management positions in Operations, Exploration, and Information Services. Of particular note, Mr. Donohue was named General Manager of the Louisiana Onshore Business Unit, a $110 million development and operations business based in Lafayette, LA in 1992. In 1995, he was appointed General Manager of the Alaska Oil and Gas Division, a $250 million Alaskan exploration and production operation. From 1996 until 1999, he served as Vice President of Agriculture Products, a $650 million business consisting of oil and gas exploration and production in Alaska, fertilizer manufacturing in Alaska, Washington, and California, and international and domestic sales. Mr. Donohue is a Director of both the U.S. Oil and Gas Association and the National Ocean Industries Association.
Ilsley, Ronald L.
Mr. Ilsley has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since his appointment in August 2000. Mr. Ilsley joined DCH from his position of Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Ceatech USA Inc., a successful, technology-based aquaculture company supplying food products to domestic and international markets. In this role he provided hands-on operating and financial leadership with responsibility for audits, shareholder relations, corporate finance, treasury, tax, accounting, management information systems, and risk management. Prior to this, he served as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Chemoil Corp., the largest independent integrated supplier of marine fuels in the U.S., with substantial international operations. His responsibilities have also included serving as Treasurer and Director of Finance for Santa Fe International Corporation, a multinational energy company; and as Senior Vice President & Manager, National Corporate Group, for the European American Bank.
Friedericy, Johan
Dr. Friedericy has been a member of our Board of Directors since April 2000 and currently serves as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Friedericy served as our Interim President and CEO from June 2000 through February 2001. Prior to joining DCH, Dr Friedericy held the position of Director of Research and Technology for Defense and Space at Honeywell International's Washington office, having served in this capacity since January 1989. Dr. Friedericy began his career with Honeywell International when he joined the Garrett Corporation, later AlliedSignal, in 1968. Over the years, Dr. Friedericy has been responsible for the technical and administrative direction of all phases of a 500-person engineering and laboratory department, including design, development, program management, sales and product support, as well as being responsible for technology planning and transfer. A graduate of the University of Illinois, he received his Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois in 1960. Dr. Friedericy has 30 publications and seven patents to his credit, and is a member of Sigma Xi and SAE and is currently listed in American Men of Science. Dr. Friedericy is a founding member of the National Hydrogen Association.
Huenemeier, Steven A.
Mr. Huenemeier has served as Vice President and General Manager of our sensors division since his appointment in March of 2000. Prior to joining DCH in March 2000, Mr. Huenemeier was President of R.J. Lison Co., a regional distributor of industrial equipment from 1987 to 1999. Throughout his career, Mr. Huenemeier has held several top management positions in which he was responsible for establishing and overseeing business operations. Mr. Huenemeier holds a BA degree in Business Administration and also holds several network related certifications including Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)+ Internet, and CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Malhotra, Sanjiv
While serving H Power, Mr. Malhotra spearheaded the formation of several strategic business alliances -- forging financial, joint development and marketing agreements generating substantial revenues and establishing significant channels to market. He also negotiated revenue-generating research contracts and licensing fees. Malhotra holds both a Doctorate in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. He has authored and presented several technical and business presentations on fuel cells. Malhotra was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, where he was involved with a fuel cell project funded by the Electric Power Research Institute.
Teran, Daniel
Mr. Teran has served as a member of our Board of Directors since December 1997. Mr. Teran is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the state of California and has had his own practice in the City of Los Alamitos in Orange County since July 1989. He offers services in accounting, systems setup and design and taxation. He also provides tax planning and tax return preparation for individuals and businesses, and represents clients in audits with the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board. Prior to July 1989, he worked as Chief Financial Officer for the Stephen Hopkins Development Company (a shopping center developer) and as Controller for NRC Construction Company. He also served as an auditor for Seidman and Seidman (a large national public accounting firm). He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, and has served on various committees within these professional organizations. He received a B.S. degree in Accounting from California State University at Long Beach.
Winkel, Raymond N.
Mr. Winkel is a retired US Navy Rear Admiral, has served as a member of our Board of Directors since December 1996. He served as Vice President of Programs for Astronautics Corporation of America in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1984 until his retirement in 1995. Prior to this, he was Vice President of the Telephonics Corporation between 1980 to 1983. However, the majority of his career was spent in the United States Navy, working his way up as one of the few enlisted men to ever reach flag Rank. Admiral Winkel joined the Navy in 1947, flew the four engine P4Y2 Privateer Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft during the Korean War and later served in several important capacities until joining the Naval Air Systems Command in Washington in 1971. Admiral Winkel has been awarded the Air Medal, the Naval Aviator's Gold Wings, the Legion of Merit, the Presidential Meritorious Service Medal, the Secretary of the Navy Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (with the Bronze Star), the China Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and a number of other medals and citations. Adm. Winkel earned a B.S. degree at Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, a M.S. degree from Villanova University, and graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University.
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