"I think that there is a very good chance that it has been put in place to quickly facilitate an equity offering by a partner or partners."

FJ, perhaps I'm not thinking straight yet this morning, but I'm not sure of this thinking that this shelf has anything to do with an equity partner. I can't figure how this Shelf works in the context of that statement of yours quoted above.

If they want another partner or partners, they can place the shares privately, without the need for a shelf registration. They could then registered the privately issued shares later on, that happens very often.

To me, it seems as though they see a need for some more cash in the next few months for what reason(s), I have no clue. Could it be they're looking to acquire a company or a tecnology for cash? And it is always good to have fairly easy access to cash.