Date: October 2, 2007

Eaton’s STC^® EZ-Torque Connector Wins Design News’ Prestigious Golden Mousetrap Award

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has won Design News magazine’s prestigious Golden Mousetrap award for its innovative, next-generation Snap-To-Connect EZ-Torque hydraulic connector. Selected from a record number of entries as the best new product in its category by the editors of Design News, the STC EZ-Torque was recognized as an outstanding example of “engineering innovation and creativity in product design.”

The Design News awards program highlights the best and brightest in the engineering community for more than two decades. Winners are selected from entries gathered by the publication’s chief editor and judged by field editors who are experts in their own areas of specialization.

Golden Mousetraps are awarded annually in four major categories: Motion Control/Automation, Hardware/Software, Materials/Fastening/Joining/Assembly, Electronics, and in 24 subcategories. STC EZ-Torque won in the Motion Control/Automation category in the Fluid Power Connectors and Components subcategory. The award will be accepted by the design team on behalf of all of Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations Fluid Conveyance team during a ceremony tin Chicago during Manufacturing Week.

"STC EZ-Torque is a unique concept," said Jeff Finch, general manager, Fluid Conveyance, Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations. “This new fitting is compatible with most common threaded ports and it opens up new opportunities and solutions in both mobile and stationary applications. We are honored that the Golden Mousetrap has been awarded to Eaton. It was the collective effort of the team that began with customer input and evolved into the concept that became the winning product.”

“STC EZ-Torque is another addition to the long line of break through fluid conveyance connector technologies introduced by Eaton,” said Jason Dahms, lead engineer, Eaton. When customers think of STC, they have come to expect products that demonstrate speed, ergonomics, performance and innovation. STC EZ-Torque builds on that tradition.”

STC EZ-Torque is a revolutionary solution that simplifies port connections by allowing direct connection to existing ports. In addition to connecting to common threaded ports and eliminating the need for an adapter, STC EZ-Torque reduces hose fitting installation time to provide increased throughput and productivity. The lock-down or anti-rotation design feature allows for the installer to orient the connection with the proper phase angle.

Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations is a business segment of Eaton’s Fluid Power Group. The business is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of a comprehensive line of reliable, high-efficiency hydraulic systems and components for use in mobile and industrial applications. Mobile and industrial markets include agriculture, construction, mining, forestry, utility, material handling, earthmoving, truck and bus, machine tools, molding, primary metals, automotive, power generation, port machinery and entertainment. Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations provides customer-driven solutions under brand names such as Aeroquip^®, Boston^®, Char-Lynn^®, Eaton^®, Hydro-Line^®, Vickers™ and Weatherhead^®. For more information, visit www.hydraulics.eaton.com.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2006 sales of $12.4 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 62,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.