Interpretation ID: nht93-2.37

DATE: March 30, 1993

FROM: David L. Boren -- United States Senator, United States Senate

TO: Howard Smolkin -- Acting Administrator, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 4-15-93 from Howard M. Smolkin to David L. Boren (A41; Redbook (2); Std. 121)

TEXT: Enclosed are copies of correspondence I have recently received from ABAS Marketing, Inc., of Norman, Oklahoma, concerning an invention they have for a noncomputerized antilock braking system.

This company has been trying to get the NHTSA to investigate their product through some research that is currently being conducted by your agency. In an effort to be helpful to my constituents, I would appreciate your review of this correspondence and a response that I can share with them.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to write in behalf of this Oklahoma Company. I will look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Please send your response to my Oklahoma City office to the attention of Jim Hopper. Best wishes.

February 11, 1993

Senator David Boren U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Boren:

Due to the adamant position of President Clinton, regarding the encouragement of small business enterprise as a means to stimulate our economy, we are heartened to rebel against apparent discrimination we have encountered in the Department of Transportation. I am enclosing a letter sent to Jim Britell of the Research and Development section of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explaining the problem. In order for you to better understand the scope and implication thereof, I am providing some background information below.

We have invented and applied for patent on a noncomputerized antilock braking system applicable to trucks and trailers equipped with air, brakes, air over hydraulic brakes, vacuum hydraulic brakes and electric brakes. We have the only products in the world, so far as we know, in the last three categories. In the air brake ABS competition, currently being waged in the U.S., we are pitted against Bendix Corporation, Midland-Grau, Wabco/Rockwell and Bosch, all of whom have a computerized system. Most of the technology they rely upon is

adapted from European products and imported from Germany by Grau, Wabco and Bosch.

We have products that were created in Oklahoma by Oklahomans. They are manufactured in Oklahoma and we are respectfully asking that the leaders of our State assist us in overcoming the barriers. This can easily become a major industry for Oklahoma if we are not stomped on by the giants or forced to sell out to out of state interests.

Will you please give us the benefit of your expertise in the political arena? We have a great contribution to enhance affordable highway safety, but our government regulators are ignoring it.

Very truly yours, STRAIT-STOP MANUFACTURING CO., INC.

Thomas D. Price President

TDP/dlg Encl.

P.S. I sincerely appreciate the help you have given us in the past. There is no question but that you do stimulate the regulators to action.

Attachment: Letter dated 2-10-93 from Thomas D. Price, President, Strait-Stop Manufacturing Co., Inc., to Jim Britell, Research and Development, NHTSA.

(Text omitted.)