JUNE 2007: AROUND THE STATE, DISPATCHES
PORTLAND
Crystal Clear Technologies partnered with University of Oregon
chemist Darren Johnson and his lab to take a piece of
Johnson’s research to the global market. About two years
ago Johnson was conducting research on the feasibility of using
nanotechnology to create organic compounds that would
bind with arsenic in a water system. Basically his lab wanted
to create an organic compound that would, when placed in water
filters like those made by Brita or Pure, bind with toxic heavy
metals. Crystal Clear was interested in using that technology
to create an inexpensive water treatment system to remove
mercury, lead, arsenic and uranium from drinking water
worldwide. Through Crystal Clear, Johnson’s lab received
$100,000 from a National Science Foundation grant, as well as
about $200,000 from the Oregon Nanoscience and
Microtechnologies Institute. Johnson has one patent pending on
his filtration system with expectations to file another this
summer. Crystal Clear hopes to have a retail product in about a
year that would, according to president Lisa Farmen,
“purify enough water to support one person for a year for
$1 a day.” Farmen also hopes to recycle the elements
filtered out of the water for use in new products.
Going green is getting easier. Now businesses can qualify for
larger incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon for installing
commercial solar power systems. The new incentives cover
systems that produce up to 50 kilowatts. The maximum incentive
increased to $70,000. Businesses with solar power systems
remain connected to the local electricity grid and receive a
credit for power generated but not consumed.
For those who don’t feel fully dressed without a
Leatherman tool attached to their belt, the Leatherman Tool
Group factory store is the place to go. The 400,000 square-foot
showroom opened in April and stocks a complete line of
Leatherman products. Juli Warner, spokeswoman for Leatherman,
says the showroom marks the first time the company will sell
products directly to the consumers. Visitors can also see the
factory floor through a glass wall within the shop. “You
can play with any of the products,” Warner says. For
those who get a little too close to the business end of a
Leatherman, the staff does have bandages on hand.
Have an opinion? E-mail feedback@oregonbusiness.com
