WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2004--GE Infrastructure, Security, a unit of General Electric Company, announced today that the United States Department of the Interior will deploy several GE EntryScan3 walk-through explosives detection portals in an effort to help protect one of the nation's most treasured symbols of freedom and democracy. Additionally, GE's Itemiser3 desktop explosives detection systems will be deployed to strengthen the monument's checkpoint security program.
This spring, Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton and National Park Service Director Fran P. Mainella announced a visitor use and protection plan that will allow visitors back into the Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty beginning August 3, 2004. Part of the government's protection plan includes the use of GE's explosives trace detection technology to help screen the visitors who will enter the monument each year.
While Liberty Island was closed to the public after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it reopened a few months later. The monument itself, however, has remained closed to the public until now. Louis Parker, President for the Homeland Protection business of GE Infrastructure, Security said, "For over a century, the Statue of Liberty has stood as an enduring symbol of hope and freedom. GE is proud to partner with the government on this important effort to keep this national landmark open to the public."
The GE explosives trace detectors used to help protect the statue are currently deployed worldwide, protecting high-threat facilities and critical infrastructure. GE's EntryScan3 is currently being utilized in the United States Transportation Security Administration's pilot programs for both airport and rail passenger screening.
About EntryScan3
The EntryScan3's patented sample collection system takes advantage of a natural airflow phenomenon called the "human convection plume." This eliminates the need for forced air from a fan, which would stir up contaminants, dirt, and dust, and enables cleaner sample acquisition for higher detection sensitivity. This design also requires fewer moving parts, resulting in quieter operation, reduced weight, and improved long-term reliability.
EntryScan3 utilizes GE Ion Track's patented Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer (ITMS(R)) technology, enabling its users to detect a wider range of contraband with unprecedented sensitivity. It achieves this through a proprietary ion "trap" that increases ionization efficiency, the main factor determining detection sensitivity. EntryScan3 is the only walk-through portal with versatile detection of both positive and negative ions, enabling the detection of the broadest spectrum of contraband in seconds.
About GE Infrastructure, Security
The Security business of GE Infrastructure is a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) focused on communication and information technologies for security, safety, and lifestyle enhancements. Security has operations in more than 30 countries and is represented by some of the best-known brand names for intrusion and fire detection, access and building control, video surveillance, explosive and drug detection, key management, and structured wiring. For more information about GE's Security business and our product offerings, please visit www.gesecurity.com.
About GE Infrastructure
GE Infrastructure (NYSE: GE) is a high-technology platform comprised of some of GE's fastest-growing businesses. These global businesses offer a set of infrastructure protection and productivity solutions to some of the most pressing issues that industries face: pure water, safe facilities, plant automation, and sensing applications in the operating environment. GE Infrastructure is headquartered in Wilton, CT. Learn more at www.geinfrastructure.com.
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CONTACT:
GE Infrastructure, Security
James Bergen, 978-909-1215