Recent RuBee Press Releases
August 17th, 2011
Five-Year DoE Auto-ID and RFID Study Concludes RuBee Wireless System is Only Acceptable Safe, Secure and Accurate Auto-ID Asset Visibility Solution in Harsh, High Explosive Environments
PRESS RELEASE August 17, 2011
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RuBee (IEEE 1902.1) Identified in Pantex Study as Only Acceptable Technology
for Secure Visibility and Management of High Valued Assets
Five-Year DoE Auto-ID and RFID Study Concludes RuBee Wireless System is Safe, Secure and Accurate Auto-ID Asset Visibility Solution in Harsh, High Explosive Environments
Stratham, N.H. (August 17, 2011) – Visible Assets, today announced that RuBee (IEEE 1902.1) wireless technology has been identified by Pantex, as the only Auto-ID technology that addresses all of the key risks necessary to provide a viable foundation for an automated material management system. Pantex, the Department of Energy (DoE) plant charged with maintaining the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile, released the results of a comprehensive five-year independent study that reviewed Auto-ID technologies for use in secure material and asset management at DoE facilities across the USA.
Presented on July 19th at the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Annual Meeting, the study reviewed wireless security risks within classified facilities, intrinsic safety risks (accidental detonation of explosives) and accuracy of reads and writes in harsh environments for a wide variety of wireless radio frequency visibility technologies (RFID, Wi-Fi, RTLS, ZigBee and RuBee). RuBee was found to have no security risks, no intrinsic safety risks for high explosives, and had 100-percent read rates in harsh environments near and on steel and water.
“RuBee wireless systems enable us to manage critical inventory and production items within and across our facilities,” said Leesa Duckworth, program manager, non-proliferation scientist, at B&W Pantex, and author of the paper. “Automation and removal of human error is critical, not just to reduce costs and improve safety but to guarantee we have maximized asset security.” “We began a thorough evaluation of all ‘Auto-ID’ technologies that showed promise to move us in the ‘full automation’ direction – including RuBee, RFID, optical tracking, RTLS and many other passive and active RF tracking technologies. The environment at Pantex has unique security and safety requirements. RuBee met these requirements, in addition to providing high performance around metal and liquids, which were problems for RF-based technologies.”
“The DoE Pantex lab is one of the most demanding, highest security facilities in the world, given their vital role in assembling and disassembling nuclear weapons,” said John K. Stevens, CEO of Visible Assets. “This is far more than just a materials asset management study, it also validates RuBee’s unique Three-Layer Security. RuBee Three-Layer Security enhances existing Video, Alarms, Access Control (VAAC) security systems and adds a new Return on Investment to the equation through the cost reductions and error reductions seen with full automation. I am very pleased that the DoE has taken such a rigorous scientific approach to this study, and the outcome demonstrates that RuBee improves security, safety and accurately manages real-time mission critical asset visibility”
RuBee is based on magnetic energy, not RF energy. RuBee works on and inside steel, as well as under water. RuBee provides asset security and visibility in harsh environments where RFID, Wi-Fi and ZigBee are unable to operate. Visible sells several integrated network Three-Layer Security products, including Armory 20/20™, Asset 20/20™ and Server 20/20™. Armory 20/20 provides real-time secure, fully automated weapons inventory, check in/out and ultra sensitive, exit/entry management. RuBee Three-Layer networks are all based on embedded Oracle software systems, and provide high security visibility, with no significant eavesdropping, tempest or target risk. RuBee is the only wireless asset visibility technology that is approved for use in secure areas within the United States. RuBee has no known intrinsic safety risks and is approved for use by the U.S. government for safe use on high explosives.
To view the full Pantex report, visit: www.rubee.com/pantex
To view Pantex Press release, visit: www.rubee.com/pantexPR
About Visible
Visible Assets, Inc. is a privately held U.S. company, based in Stratham, N.H. Visible designs, manufactures and sells RuBee wireless real-time asset security and visibility networks based on the IEEE 1902.1 standard. Visible Assets provides its integrated visibility solutions though partners, including Epson/Seiko, National Oilwell Varco, Laser Devices, Azimuth, Marasel, Spearpoint, Dasco Data and Oracle. RuBee Visibility Networks are installed and working in numerous facilities and government sites throughout the world. Visible Assets, Inc. has an active RuBee licensing program. For more information, visit www.rubee.com.
Media Contacts:
Dave Bowker or Britt Gottlieb
Schwartz Communications
+1.781.684.0770
VisibleAssets@schwartzcomm.com
Company Contacts:
John K. Stevens - CEO
john@visible-assets.com
+1.603.418.8721
Craig Weich – Executive VP
craig@visible-assets.com
+1.603.601.0333
August, 17th 2011
Automated RuBee system “sees” material movement in real-time.
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Contact:
Greg Cunningham
806-477-5140
B&W Pantex Demonstrates Magnetic Auto-ID Technology
to Track Material in Secure Areas of Plant
Automated system “sees” material movement
When it comes to tracking the nearly 50,000 custom tools, 11,500 shipping containers and millions of records, parts and components at Pantex, barcodes and physical inventories may be making way for a more modern way to manage material.
B&W Pantex recently piloted magnetic auto-ID technology to identify, track and inventory the plant’s material assets in even the most restrictive security areas. The technology demonstrates the ability to remove direct human interaction from the great majority of the asset management process, improving accuracy and efficiency.
The project, called the Advanced Inventory and Materials Management (AIMM) pilot, launched in February following an extensive evaluation and intense collaboration with the vendor. The AIMM pilot project concluded in May.
When RuBeeTM tags were affixed to such items as tooling and chemicals, RuBee antennas enabled users to view their movement on a computer screen, via Oracle software, as they migrated throughout the pilot test areas. The antennas provide the greatest degree of weapons compatibility available today while ensuring transmitted information is controlled within the bounds of Pantex facilities.
“My experience is that most people think the labs are noted for innovation, but I feel the plants have a lot to offer,” said John Doggett, Pantex Site Office authorization official. “I believe our ability to demonstrate the use of RuBee shows innovative thought by Pantexans, but also a dedication to the overall improvement of operations locally that can have a broader impact to improve operations in the enterprise.”
Pantex is the first site in the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration enterprise to install RuBee technology in a secure area, called the Limited Area. Because of success in the first two pilot phases, Pantex was also the first to install and evaluate RuBee in a Material Access Area – the most restrictive security area.
Project findings are being published in the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Conference Journal, and the project plan has been shared with other facilities in the nuclear security enterprise eager to find a materials management solution.
“Pursuing RuBee exemplifies Pantex’s pursuit of becoming a High Reliability Organization,” said John Woolery, B&W Pantex general manager. “We strive to be an HRO by purposefully and continuously looking for ways to improve our systems and processes through redesign or deployment of new technologies and capabilities. We are constantly striving to improve our accuracy, efficiency and reliability.”
“Pantex, like other facilities across the nuclear security enterprise, has been searching for better solutions to the issues with property management for years,” said Leesa Duckworth, AIMM project lead for Pantex. “The problem has been finding a solution that could pass the high levels of scrutiny required for operation in Pantex work environments.”
RuBee is now employed at the Pantex Armory for gun issuance and receipt, and a related RuBee project is under way to demonstrate a fully synchronized RuBee-enabled building at the Pantex Medical Facility. Future applications could include environmental and radiological sampling and special nuclear materials container management.
Results of the RuBee magnetic auto-ID technology pilot at Pantex are available at
www.rubee.com/pantex
******
B&W Pantex manages and operates the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, Texas, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. B&W Pantex is also the proud recipient of the DOE’s Voluntary Protection Program STAR status for safety excellence. The company was also named one of America’s safest companies by Occupational Hazards magazine and has received numerous awards from the National Safety Council.
June 7th, 2011
Visible Assets, Inc. -- Provider of RuBee Wireless Asset Visibility and Security Networks, Expands its Board of Directors with the Addition of Richard A. Clarke, Security Czar to Three U.S. Presidents
Provider of RuBee Wireless Asset Visibility and Security Networks, Expands its Board of Directors with the Addition of Richard A. Clarke, Security Czar to Three U.S. Presidents
Stratham, N.H. (June 7th, 2011) – Visible Assets, Inc. (Visible®), a global provider of RuBee (IEEE 1902.1), wireless asset visibility and security networks, today announced the appointment of Richard A. Clarke to its board of directors.
"As an advisor on national security affairs to three presidents, and as Chairman and CEO of Good Harbor Consulting, Clarke has championed and managed many country-wide security programs both in the U.S. and globally. His proven leadership, experience in government and business sectors and broad knowledge of the new security challenges faced by all governments today will enhance the high quality board we already have in place,” said John K. Stevens, chairman and chief executive officer of Visible. “This addition ensures we will continue to be driven by a diverse board of directors with a wide range of experiences and opinions. We are truly honored that someone of Dick’s stature and experience has agreed to join the Visible Board.”
“Visible’s RuBee wireless technology opens many new doors and opportunities for enhanced security of mission-critical assets throughout the world,” said Clarke. “Current and pending RuBee installations around the globe have the potential to enhance security and mitigate the loss of high-value weapons and other critical military assets. I am excited to be part of the Visible Assets Board and look forward to working with the company to help raise its visibility and to advise on, promote and optimize RuBee-based deployments globally.”
RuBee is similar to RFID, but is based on magnetic energy not RF energy. RuBee works on and inside steel, as well as under water. RuBee provides asset security and visibility in harsh environments where RFID, WiFi and ZigBee are unable to operate. Visible sells several integrated network security products, including Armory 20/20™, Asset 20/20™ and Server 20/20™. Armory 20/20 provides real-time secure, fully automated weapons inventory, check in/out and ultra sensitive, exit/entry management. RuBee networks are all based on embedded Oracle software systems, and provide high security visibility, with no significant eavesdropping, tempest or target risk. RuBee is the only wireless asset visibility technology that is approved for use in secure areas within the United States. RuBee has no known intrinsic safety risks and is approved for use by the U.S. government for safe use on high explosives.
This board addition increases the number of directors from seven to eight. Current board members include Jim Boyle, partner, Inflexion Fund; Philippe Duleyrie, partner, Firestead Capital; Jeffrey Hurst, partner, Commonwealth Capital; Michael Kim, CEO, MedTrack; Floyd Loop M.D., retired CEO and chairman of the Cleveland Clinic; Pat Toole, chief information officer, of IBM; and John Stevens, CEO, Visible Assets, Inc.
About Visible
Visible Assets, Inc. is a privately held U.S. company, based in Stratham, N.H. Visible designs, manufactures and sells RuBee wireless real-time asset security and visibility networks based on the IEEE 1902.1 standard. Visible Assets provides its integrated visibility solutions though partners, including Epson/Seiko, National Oilwell Varco, Laser Devices, Azimuth, Marasel, Dasco Data and Oracle. RuBee Visibility Networks are installed and working in numerous facilities and government sites throughout the world. Visible Assets, Inc. has an active RuBee licensing program. For more information, visit www.rubee.com.
Media Contacts:
Dave Bowker or Britt Gottlieb
Schwartz Communications
+1.781.684.0770
VisibleAssets@schwartzcomm.com
Company Contacts:
John K. Stevens - CEO
john@visible-assets.com
+1.603.418.8721
Craig Weich – Executive VP
craig@visible-assets.com
+1.603.601.0333
October 5th, 2010
Visible Assets, Inc. to Supply NSWC with Secure RuBee, IEEE 1902.1 Wireless Weapon Shot Counting Tags, That Provide Preventive Maintenance, Diagnostics and Optimized Health Care for Combat Carbines.
Visible Assets, Inc. is Awarded a $5 Million, Five Year Contract For Weapon Shot Counters From Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.
Visible Assets, Inc. to Supply NSWC with Secure RuBee, IEEE 1902.1 Wireless Weapon Shot Counting Tags, That Provide Preventive Maintenance, Diagnostics and Optimized Health Care for Combat Carbines.
STRATHAM, NH, October 5, 2010 Visible Assets, Inc.(VISIBLE™) today announced that it has been awarded a five (5) year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract for a maximum of US$5 million for RuBee™ shot counter tags. The contract was awarded based on Request For Proposal N0016410RJN87 “Weapon Shot Counter” (WSC), from Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, to procure Weapon Shot Counter for the Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR)/MK16/MK 17 rifle and M4. The WSC are intended to provide overall weapon maintenance and the prevention of catastrophic weapon failures. An initial $637,563.00 Purchase Order was placed for RuBee Ruggedized HandHeld Readers and RuBee shot counter tags.
VISIBLE has developed a family of shot counter tags for a variety of weapons. These tags include highly secure two way wireless RuBee data links, as well as, custom sensors and high gain, dynamic amplification CMOS technology. The tags are based on several custom integrated circuits designed by VISIBLE. These unique chip designs help reduce power consumption so the tags have a minimum five year battery life to a maximum fifteen year battery life in normal field use, with conventional coin size Li batteries. Long battery life wireless tags make it possible to permanently seal tags into a MIL-STD-810G rugged package. The advanced state machine CPU contained in the tags is capable of providing complex real-time signal processing, waveform analysis, round interval statistics and a programmable predictor of barrel wear based on barrel temperature histograms. Independent tests of the VISIBLE shot counter have consistently shown a 99% or better accuracy in basic shot counting mode.
John K. Stevens, CEO of Visible Assets, Inc. said, “This award represents an important milestone for our company. We have made a major investment in this technology and have worked hard over last several years to meet the high standards set by the US military for a combat based weapon shot counter. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the experts at Crane as a result of the award. This award will help optimize our current weapon shot counting tag with many additional battlefield features so we can improve safety, reliability and performance of mission critical weapons used by our troops”
The same shot counting tags also support full weapon visibility networks within any armory. Armory 20/20™, the VISIBLE automated armory system, provides real-time secure, fully automated weapons inventory, weapons issuance check in/out with full exit/entry management and weapons pedigree. RuBee armory networks provide high security with no significant eavesdropping, tempest, or target risk. RuBee is the only wireless technology that has been approved for use in secure areas within the United States. VISIBLE offers a number of automated armory visibility products and systems (www.rubee.com/Armory), including Smart Storage Racks, GateGuard™, DoorGuard™ and Oracle based software application modules to manage multiple site armories. Armory 20/20 RuBee wireless networks have been installed and are in routine use in many US armories for over two years.
For further information on RuBee and Visible Assets, visit www.rubee.com
About Visible Assets, Inc.
Visible Assets, Inc. is a privately held US company, based in Stratham, New Hampshire. Visible Assets designs, manufactures, and supports RuBee wireless real-time asset visibility solutions and networks based on the IEEE 1902.1 standard. Visible Assets provides integrated visibility solutions for a variety of markets though RuBee application partners, including Epson and National Oilwell Varco, and Oracle. RuBee Visibility Networks are installed and working in numerous commercial facilities and government sites. Visible Assets, Inc. has an active RuBee licensing program.
Company Contacts:
John Stevens, CEO
603-418-8721
john@rubee.com
Craig Weich, Executive VP
603-601-0333
cweich@rubee.com
.