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We are convinced that we are able to offer an attractive solution to every human medical and veterinary application with our new range of products!

Mr. Erhard Fichtner, Managing Director and proprietor of PROTEC, was invited to this special event as lecturer besides other executives of universities, associations and enterprises like Philips or General Electric. A major consideration was given to the prospect of Medical Technology as a key segment of health care industry.

In particular, Mr. Fichtner emphasised 'the need to act in the market keeping ears perked up and eyes peeled'. For PROTEC he underlined the recipe for success in 'maintaining flexibility to be able to provide fast and customer oriented, individual solutions'. PROTEC's success was principally based on the very loyal relationship to its approx. 500 distributors in more than 100 countries worldwide and thus the close contact to customers whose requirements enjoy highest priority, Erhard Fichtner explained.

The concept shows three possible ways for our dealers, but also for new potential partners to get to a DR x-ray image:

1. With the CONAXX DR-Software PROTEC can already operate many flatpanel detectors of the known manufacturers and generate a DICOM x-ray image.

2. The next step will be PROTEC’s own complete solution consisting of software, flatpanel detector and switchbox including power supply, which can be used for retrofitting existing analogue x-ray units into DR-Systems, too.

3. Besides image acquisition our CONAXX DR-Software can operate x-ray generators, too. Synchronizing the flatpanel detectors with the generators will become more easy with this software solution. This could be interesting for all manufacturers of digital x-ray systems.

To our distribution partners we will send a newsletter with more detailed information about PROTEC’s DR activities shortly.

As a manufacturer we sell only brand new processors and therefore we have offered our latest model ECOMAX™. It was designed especially for the entry level market segment, i.e. private practitioners or smaller clinics with less throughput of film or veterinarians who do x-rays.

Since the original inquiry was for a second hand processor we did not expect to get the order, because we thought our price could not be competitive. Therefore we were even more surprised when we received the purchase order from Afghanistan.

After clarifying all shipping details and payment terms, our ECOMAX™ with serial no. 0290 went via Dubai off to Kabul where it has arrived safely. What we can see from the pictures and the friendly letter that we have received from “DK - German Medical Diagnostic Centre”, it seems our ECOMAX™ has landed in caring hands.

We are very happy that with our ECOMAX™ x-ray film processor we can give a small contribution for improving the diagnostic infrastructure in Kabul. The positive feedback directly from the enduser is another proof for us that it was the right decision to launch a new x-ray film processor model in the digital age. In addition we have managed to design a processor that works troublefree even in environments where the circumstances are not always optimal.

We wish “DK - German Medical Diagnostic Centre” all the best and hope they can enjoy working with our ECOMAX™ for a very long time.

“PROImager E plus” comes with identical features as the “PROMImager E”. However, in addition it can print on 8” x 10” medical films, too.

This is another proof for PROTEC’s flexibility: Despite the fact that this huge quantity had to be handled in addition to our regular ongoing business, we were able to keep all deadlines. An important factor making this possible was the excellent cooperation and communication with our Russian partner Amico.

Up to now, we have exclusively launched our OPTIMAX processor in a special Mammo-version, which has done quite a good job to bring ourselves good prospects in this niche.

As a high-end-mammo-processor, we are now launching our new model “COMPACT 2 Mammo”.

This film processor is based on the much valued, known COMPACT 2 which in this version has experienced major modifications::

• in the area of film detection and film transport
• in the dryer section and thus in its drying pattern leading to outstanding image quality

There is no doubt that „C2 Mammo“ in this advanced class of processors will be unbeatable in price/performance ratio and reliability

• Novelty: X-ray cassettes and screens by PROTEC for conventional films
• PROSCAN standard set with optional DICOM printer
• Newly revised version of COMPACT 2 X-ray film processor for mammographic application (available in April 2007)

Further details regarding above enhancement of our product range will be personally presented to you during your visit to our booth at ECR.

KEY FACTS IN BRIEF:

• By end of February we have successfully passed the re-audit for DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. At the same time, and for the first time, the certification according to standard DIN EN ISO 13485:2003 (quality management system for medical devices) has been accomplished.
  
  Due to our expansion in the digital segment, in addition to the above standards, we regard the approval for medical imaging, communication and archiving software according to Annex II of directive 93/42/EEC as a key sales feature of our software products.
  
  Thus, it is not only the DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 we correspond to since many years already which imposingly puts forward PROTEC´s quality standards. But also we have been in position to fulfil those significantly extended requirements of DIN EN ISO 13485:2003 and Annex II of directive 93/42/EEC at first go ! This impressively demonstrates our performance and competitiveness.
• CONAXX medical imaging software: While having been introduced in August 2006, a continuous development and enhancement is being carried on. Among others, the DICOM header of images or even the range of its “tool box” has been enlarged bringing this touch screen compatible software in unique position. The latest CONAXX version 1.3.3 will be released at ECR.
• Today already, CONAXX medical imaging software brings Microsoft VISTA-compatibility. The same is currently in final verification for our DICOM PACS „PROMIS“, which will be confirmed shortly.
• As a cooperation partner in the research project for improved X-ray imaging diagnosis by means of a digital detector while at the same time reducing X-ray radiation, we are pleased having gained the innovation award for the advancement of medical technology 2006. Further detailed info to that is available on the website of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research directly, at: http://www.gesundheitsforschung-bmbf.de/de/1432.php

In 2004 the Corporate Design of PROTEC Medizintechnik and its subsidiary PROTEC medical information systems was harmonised. Since that time the marketing and sales activities of both firms were combined in one joint sales department, too. Consquentially the integration is now finalized by the merger of both companies. Therefore „PROTEC Medizintechnik GmbH & Co. KG“ together with „PROTEC medical information systems GmbH & Co. KG“ are becoming now:

Please change our basic data in your files and from now on use only the new company name for future communication as well as for raising invoices, credit notes etc.

All contacts, phone and fax nos. as well as email addresses remain unchanged, in order to keep communication undisturbed and continue our good business relationship. In case you have any questions or need further information regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

CONAXX Acquisition System

The CONAXX Acquisition System is included in the standard delivery and operates the complete PROSCAN CR-System. On a touchscreen the software guides you in a user-friendly way through the complete workflow according to the process in a practice or clinic.

The CONAXX Acquisition System consists of:

• Image Acquisition Module
• DICOM Store
• GDT Data Input/Response
• E-mail Module

With CONAXX multi-clinic applications, e.g. when doctors share modalities, can easily be realized (optional Multi-Clinic-Module). In addition it offers the following functions:

Patient acceptance / identification

• manual entering of new patients
• acceptance from patient/practice administration systems via GDT
• automatic worklist acceptance (SCU) including transfer of jobs (DICOM Input Module, optional)
• DICOM Query (part of optional DICOM Input Module)

Creation of x-ray jobs

• creation of individual scan-jobs with body part selection, incl. allocation of correct scan mode
• general and patient orientated job management

Image preview and optimization

• realtime image preview
• “crop”-function (cutting of images for data reduction)
• comments, turn, flip, mirror, L/R-signs and annotations
• automatic window levelling and visual histrogram
• brightness and contrast
• selection of several standard filters
• x-ray journal with automatic transfer of dose-area-product (optional)

Data transfer and archiving

• creation of DICOM-file with header information
• feedback to worklist-server (DICOM Input Module)
  or patient/practice administration system (GDT Data Input/Response Module incl.)
• image export as DICOM or in other formats (JPG, TIFF, BMP)
• DICOM Store - transfer of images to a DICOM compliant PACS (e.g. PROMIS)
• internal “safety-archive” with automatic memory adjustment
• printing images on Windows printer or sending images by email

The essential was safety however, not any diagnosis of possibly injured players. In order to guarantee safety in and around the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium in Stuttgart, the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) of Baden-Württemberg uses three PROSCAN CR-Systems. They were installed in three different cars and vans for mobile use and could have moved quickly to any location in the Federal State. They were especially needed, if unattended baggage or other suspicius objects had to be x-rayed, to find out about their risk potential. Thus, for example a bomb could have been identified and disarmed without having to move it.

Although we were hoping there was no need to use our PROSCAN CR-Systems at all, we are of course happy that we have contributed to the safety of the Football Worldcup in Germany.

The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive of the EU is effective since July 1, 2006 and mandatory for manufacturers of electronic devices in Germany, too. Purpose of this Directive is to abolish the use of substances that are hazardous for the environment, like for example lead in solder of PCBs.

Although the validity of this directive for medical products has been adjourned indefinitely, the products of PROTEC do fulfill the strict restrictions of the RoHS Directive already. This is another proof for PROTEC’s foresight and innovation.

PROTEC’s PROSCAN 35 CR system is installed in the Ruijin hospital in Shanghai which is one of the biggest and most modern hospitals in China. There it is used in the fight against the H5N1 virus, better known as “bird flu”.

Whenever a patient is suffering from symptoms of flu in China their lungs are being X-rayed with the conventional X-ray equipment using imaging plates as detectors. The imaging plates will then be scanned in with PROSCAN 35 CR system.

The head of the radiological department is highly satisfied with the quality of the images generated through PROSCAN 35 CR system besides the advantages of low space requirement and easy workflow.

With 10% more exhibitors (400 in total) and 25% more visitors (20.000 in total) compared to 2005 this exhibition proofs to be the most important medical equipment fair in Turkey.

Like the years before PROTEC’s distributor Ekol has participated and showcased the complete product range of PROTEC. With their continuous, untiring commitment Ekol became the No. 1 supplier for x-ray film processors in Turkey. Congratulations.

• optimized image quality, because of a brand new tank design
• reduction of wasted chemicals due to oxidation, because of smaller tank sizes
  (this is environment friendly and saves money for consumables)
• less space is required, due to a more compact overall design of the processor
• easier access to components that require regular maintenance saves time and reduces maintenance costs
• preset, optimal parameters ensure consistent good results

The ECOMAX™ convinces with its simplicity, its design and the image quality it produces.

Barbara J. Smith, Director of Quality, and Richard S. Morabito, Chief Purchasing Officer and Vice President, explained their choice with PROTEC's outstanding and furthermore cost-saving performance in the field of KODAK Medical x-ray processors.

During the past 12 months, PROTEC® has continuously supplied Kodak with high quality products, amongst high productivity and permanent complying with lead time and delivery, Kodak moreover declared.

German-Japanese cooperation (October 2005)

In cooperation with Shimadzu International, Inc. (Tokyo), PROTEC® has won a tender for 25 OPTIMAX® 2010 x-ray film processors in Bosnia. Thus the German-Japanese cooperation in the "Project for Improvement of Medical Equipment in Primary Health Care Institutions Republic of Srpska" was extremely succesful. The processors will be installed in various hospitals nationwide. Responsible for installation and coordination in Bosnia is PROTEC'S long term partner "Senzal Trade" with headquarters in Belgrade. The project was financed with Japanese Aid funds.

PROMIS Software from now on with USB-Dongle as standard (June 2005)

So far our PROMIS Software and our PROSCAN Standard-Set have been provided with an LPT-Dongle as standard. From now on this will be replaced by a USB-dongle in the standard delivery. (However, on request the USB-dongle can still be replaced by an LPT-dongle).

New PROSCAN standard set (December 2004)

As per January 1, 2005 there are some important changes in the product range of PROTEC medical information systems concerning especially the PROSCAN CR-System:

The PROSCAN 30 CR-System will be discontinued. It will be replaced completely with the PROSCAN 35 which is of higher value. Due to this, all PROSCAN users, including those who mainly work with smaller formats will benefit from an even better image quality.

At the same time we upgrade the PROSCAN 35 CR-System with additions to the standard set.: From now on we will supply 2 imaging plates and 4 protection sleves each of the formats 18 x 24 cm, 24 x 30 cm und 35 x 43 cm.

In addition we will grant an extended 2 years warranty on all PROSCAN 35 CR-readers shipped after January 1, 2005.

Responsibilities change within the Sales Department (December 2004)

In order to provide our customers with the best service possible, we have slightly modified the sales areas of our Area Sales Managers. Bjoern Salwat will take over responsibility for Eastern Europe and Spain from Doris Tontsch. This change is effective January 1, 2005. Due to this change Doris Tontsch will have more time for the challenges of the dynamically growing digital market segment in Western Europe.

The sales regions are currently assigned as follows:

Something new! At 20 more attractive and informative than ever (November 2004)

A birthday is a welcome occasion for a new outfit. And since all good things come in threes, PROTEC is presenting not only its website but also its image brochure and dealer information in a new look. We have focussed both on more attractive packaging and improved contents. Providing even more comprehensive and targeted information for our dealers is one of our main concerns. Which is why in addition to a clearer PROTEC Info layout - this special issue of which is the prototype, so to speak - it is now possible to download relevant and up-to-date information on our website as well.

We are interested to find out what you think of our new appearance and look forward to receiving your feedback. By the way: you can order the new image brochures from us free of charge as a sales support measure.

The future is digital - Forwards full of innovation (November 2004)

Since the first film processor was built in the year 1984, PROTEC has made it its task to develop the area of diagnostic imaging continually and in a future-oriented way. As Germany's largest film-independent manufacturer of automatic X-ray film processors, we exploit our strong position

in the conventional sector to build up new growth markets: the subsidiary PROTEC medical information systems (PROTEC MIS) founded in 2001 deals intensively with the subject of digital systems for medical imaging.

Just how serious PROTEC MIS takes its dedication in the digital world is proved by the presentation of a new product at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna in March 2003. The CR-System PROSCAN forges links between conventional X-rays and digital images. The X-ray image is recorded by a reusable imaging plate, a scanning procedure results in a digital image that can be processed, sent and filed. X-ray images and findings can thus be sent conveniently and independently of where they were produced via

the Internet to where they are currently required. Short read-out duration and high resolution make quick and certain diagnoses possible - meaning the darkroom is no longer required and costs for developing chemicals and films are a thing of the past. Simple and quick archiving ensures savings in costs and space.

Exactly one year later at the ECR 2004 the launch of the PROSCAN 35 is opening up additional customer circles. With an infeed width of 35 cm it covers all conventional image formats and is thus suitable for radiologists and lung specialists, for example. Together with the image processing and archiving software PROMIS as well as a wide range of consultancy, training and support services, PROTEC MIS provides all you need for a perfect start to digital radiology.

We are very pleased indeed about the sales success of PROSCAN and PROMIS – since they pay tribute to our innovative strength and make it absolutely clear that we will play an important role in the digital future.

several weeks ago, this new eraser for imaging plates has been successfully introduced to the market in combination with our PROSCAN 35 CR-system where it is included in standard delivery. It convinces every enduser due to its closed compact construction (which makes an installation of the whole CR-system possible on only 0,4 m2) and due to the extremely fast erasing process of approximately 10 secs. only.

PROSCAN for mobile application (September 2004)

PROSCAN for mobile application – for PROSCAN CR-system we can now offer a transport case especially constructed to protect and accommodate PROSCAN including all accessories as well as the Basic-Eraser. Neither you have to take out the CR-system nor the Basic-Eraser when processing an image – just open the case and start ! This transport case easily converts the PROSCAN in a mobile CR-system (e. g. for vets).

PROMIS MEDICAL IMAGING SOFTWARE – “ARCHIVE MODULE“ (September 2004)

The modified PROMIS archive module will be available soon facilitating archiving of images with PROMIS medical imaging software due to an even more comfortable and user-friendly user interface. With a simple mouse click the oldest locally stored images are automatically selected during the archiving process and saved on the digital data medium. The following media formats are supported: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. Of course, the images archived on the data medium can be re-imported into the local data base at any time.

PROTEC® HORIZON® DRY IMAGER (September 2004)

As far as dry printers for creating print-outs of X-ray images on paper or film are concerned, lately we have worked a lot, too. Our product range now comprises three different versions of the Horizon® Dry Imager - series which deal with most demanding aspects of throughput / speed, image quality for diagnosis and efficiency. All three types are compatible with many industry standard protocols including DICOM and Windows network printing.

Public Relations Of PROTEC® (June 2004)

The 7th German-Arab Business Forum has taken place from June 2 to 4 in Berlin where various topics regarding existing and potential common projects between the Arab world and Germany have been focused in several rounds of discussions, presentations and workshops.

More than 300 participants and visitors from the entire Arabic world have met in Berlin in order to pay attention to the presentations with great interest and actively participate in the exchange of views.

As healthcare and medical technology was one of the core topics, we have taken this occasion to report the large number of audience about telemedicine / teleradiology and the activities and products of PROTEC® MIS.

This particular example of the numerous marketing activities we undertake permanently shows that we put very high efforts to establish the name PROTEC® in mind of national and international experts. We hope not only to achieve an own, direct advantage of such activities, but also to further strengthen your position as a dealer meeting your customers.

Further propositions on your part regarding possible participations at such events which could help achieving that goal, are always very welcome – just keep us informed !

New structure in the Sales Team (April 7, 2004)

After the successful implementation of the Kanban System in our assembly line, our next target is a further improvement of our customer orientation. This means we want to improve our internal processes in a way that we find more time for our customers and become even more flexible. In order to achieve this target we will allocate the responsibilities within the sales department in a way, that one part of the employees focuses on all direct customer issues and the other part focuses on all internal processes that are customer and sales related.

In addition we will bundle the sales activities of “PROTEC Medizintechnik” and “PROTEC medical information systems”, so that all customers from one geographic area have only one contact person in the sales department for analogue and for digital products.

Payment by credit card (April 7, 2004)

Since beginning of this year we can offer payment by credit card as additional means of payment. This helps to make payments easier for you and us, especially of invoices with a smaller amount like for spare parts. But orders for processors can be paid by credit card, too. We accept “Visa” and “Mastercard”.

In case you want to settle your account by credit card we need the following information from you:
· Cardholder's name
· Credit card number
· Check digit (= last 3 digits on the back of the card)
· Validity of the card

It would be best and easiest for both sides if you send us a copy of your credit card (front and back) by fax including the information which invoice number should be settled with the credit card payment. In case you have any questions about payment by credit card, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Training Video on CD-ROM (April 7, 2004)