Abstract:
A portable database can be used by a client organization with substantial numbers of patents to identify target organizations that may be interested in licensing said patents. The database combines the power of citation analysis for identifying licensing targets with the power of citation neighbor searching for identifying similar patents and for overcoming some of the weaknesses inherent with citation analysis. A company can identify targets outside of its core industry that may be interested in licensing the technology in its patents.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a portable database that can be used by a client organization with substantial numbers of patents to identify target organizations that may be interested in licensing said patents. The database combines the power of citation analysis for identifying licensing targets with the power or citation neighbor searching for identifying similar patents and for overcoming some of the weaknesses inherent with citation analysis. One of the real strengths in this invention is the ability for a company to identify targets outside of its core industry that may be interested in licensing the technology in its patents.  
         [0003]     2. Prior Art  
         [0004]     With the realization that IBM receives more than $1 billion in revenues based on out-licensing of its patent assets, numerous companies with substantial patent holdings such as Intel, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and others have started to significantly increase the out-licensing of their patent assets. (“Microsoft opens technology to more licensing”, Ina Fried, CNET News.com, Dec. 3, 2003; “HP seeks profits from its patents”, Dawn Kawamoto and Ian Fried, CNET News.com, Feb. 24, 2003.)  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,992 (Barney et al.) is an early patent recognizing the increased role of licensing programs, but this patent is primarily concerned with determining the value of a patent or patents and not with identifying the potential licensees of a patent or patents.  
         [0006]     U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0004775 (Kossovsky et al.) is an online licensing exchange which provides a method for licensees to find patent owners with relevant technology. However this is a passive system from the patent owners perspective and does not allow the patent owners to proactively search for potential licensees.  
         [0007]     U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0178029 (Nutter et al.) is a software system (TaeusWorks) for both evaluating patent and for identifying licensees. However, the system depends on evaluative information supplied by the user in order to evaluate license potential of a patent. See, also, an undated brochure entitled “Patent Portfolio Management,” from Taeus.  
         [0008]     In a 1995 newsletter (“Patent Citation Analysis is a Tool for Technology Transfer,” CHI&#39;s Research, May 1995) CHI Research discusses the use of forward-citations in identifying licensing targets. This is further discussed in an article, “The many applications of patent analysis,” Breitzman and Mogee, Journal of Information Science, 2002, pp. 187-205. However, citation analysis provides no obvious way to identify licensees for recent patents and those that have no forward citations. Also, this method provides no way to cluster sets of patents that may be valuable as a set of patents to a particular licensee.  
         [0009]     CHI Research&#39;s neighbor searching algorithm has been in use since 1987 and provides a means to identify patents that are technologically similar to a source patent or set of source patents. An example of the application of the algorithm performed in 2002 by CHI Research, Inc. for U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,993 (Karp) is shown in the Appendix below. However, this method has always been used as a means to strengthen a patent search or as the beginning of a larger analysis or patents. Also, since this algorithm mines the entire U.S. patent database to obtain neighbors for a specific patent or small set of patents, it could not be used in a portable database that can be given to clients for their own data mining. Moreover, the algorithm has no obvious use for licensing, because if an entire organization&#39;s portfolio were entered, a set of nonsensical results would be obtained after an interminable delay.  
         [0010]     Accordingly, there is still a need for improved methods of identifying licensing targets for a portfolio of patents. The present invention fulfills such a need by combining citation analysis with a new improved neighbor searching method, such that a portable database can be created and given to clients such that they can (in real-time) mine their patent portfolios and find licensees. Moreover the weaknesses of citation analysis are overcome. Finally, the entire U.S. database need not be mined for each exploration so that data-mining for licensees can be done in real-time and the proprietary information in the main database need not be sent to the client organization.  
         [0011]     After considering the following description, those skilled in the art will be able to use the teachings of the present invention to create a database that uses the neighbor citation process to identify licensing targets.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     A process for identifying potential licensees for a portfolio of patents is implemented by performing at least the following steps:  
         [0013]     1. Provide a database that includes the portfolio of patents, a set of patents that are neighbor patents with respect to the portfolio of patents, and a table that defines the neighbor relationship between the portfolio of patents and the set of neighbor patents.  
         [0000]     2. Query the database with a search term of interest that exists in at least one of the patents in the database.  
         [0000]     3. Output a result set based on the query that identifies potential licensees for the portfolio of patents. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, and an example of how the invention is used in a real-world project. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a visual schematic used to illustrate forward and backward citations.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a screenshot of the cover sheet of a CHI Research neighbor search. This particular one is from the previously referenced neighbor search of U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,993. However, the description of the algorithm appears in all such neighbor searches which have been sold or given to hundreds of clients, potential clients, academics, and others since 1987 when the algorithm was first developed.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is schematic showing in detail the neighbor relationship between a source patent and a neighbor patent.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a screen shot of a report (result set) generated by the database showing neighbor patents for two source patents from Illinois Tool Works.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a screen shot of a report (result set) showing the top assignees with the most neighbor patents linked to a subset of patents from Illinois Tool Works.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a screen shot of a report (result set) showing neighbor patents of Illinois Tool Works from the pharmaceutical industry.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a screen shot of a form within the database for doing forward searches based on subsets of a source portfolio of patents.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a screen shot of a form within the database for doing backward searches based on subsets of a neighbor patent set.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a screen shot of a form within the database for creating a search and then viewing standard reports based on said search. This is also known as the main analysis form.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  shows the database schema; that is, the three tables that make up the portable neighbor database.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  shows the steps involved in creating a set of first generation neighbors from a portfolio of patents (source set).  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  shows a sample of first generation neighbors.  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  shows the steps involved in creating a set of second generation neighbors from a set of first generation neighbors.  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  shows a sample of second generation neighbors.  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  shows the steps involved in creating the main table within the database from the table of second generation patents.  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  shows some sample records from the main database table. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]     Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference letters are employed for designating the same elements throughout the several figures.  
         [0000]     1. Definitions  
         [0032]     The following definitions are provided to promote understanding of the invention.  
         [0000]     Source Patent—is any single starting patent of interest.  
         [0000]     Source Set—is one or more patents in a portfolio of patents of interest.  
         [0033]     Neighbor Patent—is a patent that is linked to a source patent or source set of patents via forward-citation, backward citation or multiple generations of citations. The concept of neighbor as well as forward and backward citations is discussed in detail in the specification below.  
         [0000]     Neighbor Set—is a set of patents that neighbors of specific source set of patents.  
         [0034]     Metadata—for a patent, refers to data not included in the published patent document but optionally added to the database for each patent record. Examples include an industry designation for the assignee (e.g., pharma industry, semiconductor industry etc.), a business unit designation, or broad technology designation such as biotechnology, software, etc.  
         [0000]     2. Detailed Disclosure  
       A. First Preferred Embodiment  
       [0035]      FIG. 1  illustrates the basic idea of forward and backward citations. A 1994 IBM patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,955 (Forte et al.) is shown that references 9 earlier US patents, 5 foreign patents and 6 non-patent references. These references represent prior art for the IBM patent. These references are also known as backward citations. When later patents issue and reference the IBM patent, these references to the IBM patent are known as forward citations.  FIG. 1  shows that the IBM patent has received 6 forward citations.  
         [0036]     The terminology of forward and backward citations is useful when discussing the neighbor search algorithm because a neighbor search is essentially a compiling of all combinations of multiple generations of forward and backward citations between a source patent (or portfolio of patents) and all other patents.  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a screen shot of the cover page that appears on CHI neighbor searches. In terms of the forward and backward citation terminology a neighbor search identifies all patents that have links to a source patent A. Each patent identified in the neighbor search has a strength (essentially a closeness measure) between it and source patent A that is determined by the number and type of link between said patent and source patent A.  
         [0038]     More precisely if patent B is a neighbor of source patent A, the closeness or strength between A and B is determined by counting up all links between A and B based on the following weighting scheme. 
    Forward Citations have weight 1.0.     Backward Citations have weight 1.0.     Forward-Forward Citations have weight 0.5.     Forward-Backward Citations have weight 0.5.     Backward-Backward Citations have weight 0.5.     Backward-Forward Citations have weight 0.5.     Forward-Forward-Forward Citations have weight 0.333.     etc.    
 
         [0047]     In the preferred embodiment, a maximum of two generations are used. Clearly the number of generations used can be extended beyond 3 and the weighting can be changed in alternative embodiments.  
         [0048]      FIG. 3  shows a neighbor patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,036 (Shaolian et al.) that is related to source patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,086 (Goicoechea et al.) with a total strength of 15. (The example has been modified with additional patent links for illustration purposes.) This strength is determined as shown based on a forward citation with weight 1, a Forward-Forward citation with weight 0.5 where U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,086 is cited by U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,640 (Penn et al.) which is then cited by U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,036 (Matsui et al.),  23  back-forward citations weighted 0.5 each and 4 forward-back citations weight 0.5 each. To clarify things further, one of the 23 back-forward citations will be discussed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,932 (Kornberg et al.) is cited by the source patent and also by the neighbor patent. Thus the path between the source and neighbor patent is back-forward, since U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,932 is a backward citation from the source patent, and then U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,932 is forward cited by the neighboring patent.  
         [0049]     The complete neighbor search referenced earlier (neighbor of U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,993 referenced above) and included with this application consists of all neighbors to U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,993. The process for producing such a neighbor list consists of searching through the entire database for each source patent and compiling the set of neighbors. This can be time consuming and requires access to the entire US patent database.  
         [0050]     The portable licensing database disclosed herein is best described via an example. For the remainder of this document, a database will be discussed that contains patents from Illinois Tool Works and its neighbors. Illinois Tool Works has obtained about 5000 U.S. patents in the last 20 years and will likely have a significant number of licensable patents. The company was chosen arbitrarily as a midsize example. Illinois Tool Works produces small special-application engineered products and systems, including metal and plastic components, tools and small assemblies.  
         [0051]     The present invention improves on the basic neighbor search algorithm described above by precomputing each neighbor of every patent contained in the database so that neighbor sets can be built in real time for any subset of patents within the database. As an example within the database it is possible to identify all neighbors of a subset of a portfolio of patents (source patents) that mention certain keywords.  
         [0052]     Specifically, in the current example the database is searched for all Illinois Tool Works&#39; patents that mention the keyword ‘fastener’ in their title. There are 321 such source patents and about 3400 neighbor patents.  
         [0053]      FIG. 4  shows a screen shot of a single page of the 300 plus page report (result set) showing all source patents that mention ‘fastener’ along with all of the neighbor patents. This report shows all neighbors with a strength of 1 or more. Strength was discussed above.  
         [0054]     A feature of the current invention is the idea of a licensing advantage shown in the report of  FIG. 4 . As discussed above, a patent that references an earlier patent (a forward citation for the source patent) is a potential licensing target for the earlier patent. For this reason an advantage is computed based on forward citation links between the source patent and neighbor patents. Specifically, all links are totaled and forward links and forward-forward links are each counted +1 each and backward links and backward-backward links are counted −1 each (Forward-backward, and backward-forward links count 0). This suggests that in  FIG. 4  the Max Co. is a better licensing candidate than Hilti AG.  
         [0055]     Since the goal is to identify companies that will license the patents of the target company (Illinois Tool Works in this case), identifying the individual neighbor patents is less useful than identifying the companies with the most neighbor patents.  FIG. 5  shows a result set containing top assignees with the most neighbor patents related to the source patents that mention ‘fastener.’ Specifically, the result set shows that Pactiv has 426 patents that are neighbors to the 321 Illinois Tool Works patents that mention ‘fastener.’ The 426 neighbor patents have a total strength of 2086.5 which suggests that the average strength of each neighbor is roughly 5. Similarly, the average advantage is about 3 for Pactiv, which suggests that Pactiv is a good licensing target for Illinois Tool Works&#39; fastener patents. Conversely, Hilti AG is a bad choice for a licensing target for this subset of Illinois Tool Works patents.  
         [0056]     In these examples, the subset of source patents was chosen based on keywords. However, it is possible to search via any search term of interest. The search terms may include any field within the patent including, keywords in the text, patent numbers, assignees, patent classifications, or meta-data not included in the patent but optionally added to each patent record such as a pre-built technology category, (for example, many companies have their patents pre-bucketed by business unit), or industry category based on assignee (e.g. semiconductor industry, pharma industry etc.).  
         [0057]     The examples described so far are from the source patent side (patent portfolio subsets from Illinois Tool Works in this case). It is also possible to search for specific subsets of neighbor patents in order to find licensees from a specific industry, technology, or assignee. (A search from the source patent portfolio perspective is called a forward search, and a search from the neighbor set perspective is called a backward search.) For example,  FIG. 6  shows a subset of neighbor patents based on a backward search of patents from the Pharmaceutical industry. By listing the neighbor assignees based on this backward search, it would be possible to identify the best licensing assignee candidates from the pharmaceutical industry.  
         [0058]     Both forward and backward searches can be combined, so that for example, combining the two discussed examples, a new subset could be created consisting of all source patent neighbor combinations where the source patents mention fastener and the neighbor patents come from the pharmaceutical industry.  
         [0059]      FIG. 7  shows a screen shot of the forward-search form used for doing the fastener example above. Note that the forward search also allows for entering specific date ranges, or specific patent numbers, or predefined technology buckets as well as patents that mention specific keywords.  
         [0060]      FIG. 8  shows a screen shot of the backward-search form used for doing the pharmaceutical industry example above. Note that the backward search also allows for entering the specific date ranges, specific patent numbers, predefined technology buckets, specific assignees, or neighbor patents that mention specific keywords.  
         [0061]      FIG. 9  shows a screen shot of the main analysis form of the database. The reports discussed above are done in three steps. In the first step, the user builds a search set via the search forms shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  via the top left button or the top right button. Once a search is defined, the analysis is set via one of the three middle buttons. For example the fastener forward analysis set was built by using the ‘forward search only’ button, the pharmaceutical industry backward analysis set was built using the ‘backward search only’ button, and to create a subset of source patents that mention ‘fastener’ linked to neighbors from the pharmaceutical industry, the ‘both directions’ button is used.  
         [0062]     Once an analysis set is defined, a variety of reports can be generated. Two of the reports were shown in the previous examples. The detail reports include source detail reports which show abstracts and claims for any of the source patents, neighbor detail reports which show the same for the neighbor patents. The top neighbor industry and Top neighbor technology reports are similar to the assignee report shown in  FIG. 5 , except they show lists of industries or technology categories. The source and neighbors report was shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0063]     In the examples above, reports were shown for identifying licensees from the pharmaceutical industry or licensees with patents related to fasteners. To review, the main idea is to provide a database to someone (in this case, Illinois Tool Works) that will allow him/her to identify potential licensees for their portfolio. Moreover, that portfolio can be mined both forwards and backwards by identifying specific subsets of patents of interest in the source set or specific neighbor patents of interest.  
         [0064]     The fastener and pharmaceutical examples illustrate how someone might use the database. Next, a number of examples are shown to further gain an appreciation of the power of the method. Many companies wish to identify patents that their competitors find to be of interest so that they can use that knowledge in a cross-licensing negotiation. As an example, Illinois Tool Works might wish to examine the neighbor patents and neighbor assignees of the subset of patents it owns related to machine tools. Further, they may be negotiating a cross-license with Caterpillar Tractor and may wish to identify all source-neighbor patent combinations where the neighbor patents are owned by Caterpillar Tractor.  
         [0065]     Another frequent problem is that companies do a good job of licensing their patents in their core technologies but do a poor job of licensing their patents outside of their industries. By using the backward search feature, a user may find patents from the source company (Illinois Tool Works) that are useful to companies outside of the tool industry. Specifically it is easy to find neighbor patents from the food, pharmaceutical, or forestry industry that build upon (and thus are neighbors of) patents from Illinois Tool Works. Further, it is possible to drill down further, to identify the specific patents of say, Pfizer, which are neighbors of Illinois Tool Works.  
         [0066]     At this point, an overview of using the database has been provided. The key tables within the database and how they are produced are now discussed so that someone skilled in the art could produce such a database.  
         [0067]      FIG. 10  shows the three tables that are included in the database. The main table consists of all combinations of source-neighbor pairs along with the strength and the advantage as discussed above. The other tables contain all of the basic information (dates, titles, assignees, and so on) for the source and neighbor patents respectively.  
         [0068]     Note that since the strengths and advantages are additive, the strengths and advantages for any subset can be computed in real-time using the precomputed strengths and advantages in the main table. For example, in  FIG. 5  discussed above, Pactiv had 426 neighbor patents related to Illinois Tool Works patents that mentioned the word “fastener.” The total strength of 2086.5 was obtained by adding up the strengths for the 426 source patent-neighbor records in the main table where the source patents mention fastener and the neighbor patents are owned by Pactiv. This can be done in real-time because the strengths for the individual source-neighbor patents are precomputed. Thus, if the search is modified such that the neighbor patents are from Pactiv and have issue dates between 1995 and 1996, the total number of neighbors and the total strength will be instantly recomputed and reduced. The same can be said for the advantage computations.  
         [0069]     This is a significant improvement over the original neighbor algorithm where a specific set of neighbors was identified by querying the entire U.S. patent system for all links to a set of source patents. The strengths were then computed, and if a new source set was desired, the process would have to be completely repeated. This unwieldy process is avoided in the current invention by use of the main table in  FIG. 10 . This table is created once for all neighbors of all source patents and then neighbor subsets can be obtained in real-time without re-querying (or including all patents in) the entire database.  
         [0070]     It will be clear to anyone with basic skill in the art on how to populate the source patent table and neighbor patent table of  FIG. 10 , since they just contain basic information (such as dates, assignees, titles, etc.) for each patent. Thus, the main discussion will focus on how to populate the main table in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0071]     The main table is built using a standard database containing patents and their references and two intermediate work tables called firstGeneration and secondGeneration. The latter two worktables are temporary tables created in order to make the main table and then discarded. Here, the patent database is a relational database with a table called references that contains a patent and reference pair for every reference of every patent in the database. One assumes that another table of source patents exists that contains all patents owned by Illinois Tool Works.  FIG. 11  shows these two starting tables along with the steps necessary to build the first work table called firstGeneration. A set of sample records from the work table firstGeneration is shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0072]      FIG. 13  shows the steps necessary for creating a second work table from the first generation work table.  FIG. 14  shows some sample records from this second work table called secondGeneration.  
         [0073]      FIG. 15  shows the steps necessary for creating the main table in the neighbor database from the second generation work table.  FIG. 16  shows some sample records from the main table. It is important to note that the two work tables are not included in the neighbor database. These two tables are used to create the main table for use in the neighbor database, but are then excluded from the client&#39;s database. In this way, the client gets the advantage of the neighboring algorithm without requiring a large amount of proprietary data. This is significant because the intermediate links used to create the neighbors often require ten times the number of records as the main table that is included. For example, in the Illinois Tool Works example database, the first work table (firstGeneration) has 24,633 records, the second work table (secondGeneration) has 678,152 records, but the main table of source-patent neighbor pairs contains only 76,031 records. Again, the reason the main table can be reduced from the second work table and that table discarded is because the strengths and advantages are additive.  
         [0074]     The neighbor database and how it is produced has now been completely described.  
       B. First Alternative Embodiment  
       [0075]     The first preferred embodiment used neighbors built from up to two generations of citations and references. An alternative embodiment can use more than two generations of citations and references to create the neighbor database.  
       C. Second Alternative Embodiment  
       [0076]     A second alternative embodiment includes the two work tables discussed above, (firstGeneration and secondGeneration). It is most often desirable to exclude the work tables for the reasons discussed above (size and proprietary information). However, for some clients it may be desirable to allow them to identify the intermediate links that cause sets of patents to be neighbors.  
       D. Third Alternative Embodiment  
       [0077]     A third alternative embodiment uses essentially the same algorithm but uses different weights for neighbor clustering other than 1.0 for first generation citations, 0.5 for second generation citations, and 0.333 for third generation citations.  
         [0078]     The present invention may be implemented with any combination of hardware and software. If implemented as a computer-implemented apparatus, the present invention is implemented using means for performing all of the steps and functions described above.  
         [0079]     The present invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer useable media. The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the mechanisms of the present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as part of a computer system or sold separately.  
         [0080]     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
       APPENDIX  
       [0081]     The search was performed at level 2 All neighbors have been listed. Patents other than “type  1 ” patents are included, if any occur. If a patent was not found in the major data-base, it was not listed. Assignees have been unified Linkages for all neighbors are not included in this report. The patent tree (tracing) is not included in this report. A patent file of neighbors was made.  
       BRIEF EXPLANATION OF CHI RESEARCH PATENT CITATION NEIGHBOR SEARCHES  
       [0082]     CHI&#39;s Patent Citation Neighbor Search finds patents linked to a given source patent by references (citations). For example, if the front page of patent A, under the heading “references cited” lists patent B as a reference, then we say patent A cites patent B. This establishes a link of strength 1.0 between patents A and B. If patent B, in turn, cites patent C, this establishes a link of strength ½ between patents A and C. Similarly, if A cites B, B cites C and C cites D, then the strength of the link between A and D is ⅓.  
         [0083]     Example: 
        A ---references--&gt; B ---references--&gt; C ---references--&gt; D 
            Patent A is linked to patent B with strength 1.     Patent A is linked to patent C with strength ½.     Patent A is linked to patent D with strength ⅓.    
               
 
         [0088]     CHI&#39;s standard Patent Citation Neighbor Search finds all patents linked to the given source patent by links of strength ⅓ or more. Any pair of patents may be linked through many different referencing paths. The Neighbor Search lists the linked patents in order, most strongly linked listed first, where strength is defined as the sum of strengths for each unique path connecting the pair. The most strongly linked patent to the given source patent is, in this sense, the “nearest neighbor” patent.  
         [0089]     Example: 
        Path 1: A ---references--&gt; B ---references--&gt; D     Path 2:A ---references--&gt; B ---references--&gt; C ---references--&gt; D 
            In Path 1, patent A is linked to patent D with strength ½.     In Path 2, patent A is linked to patent D with strength ⅓.    
            The total strength of the links between patents A and D is 0.83.        
 
         [0095]     The Patent Citation Neighbor Search which follows contains four sections: 
        Section 1: List of Neighbors 
            Provides a complete list of all neighboring patents to the given souce patent that are linked with strength at least ⅓. For each neighboring patent the patent number, total strength, year, class/subclass, title, and assignee are given.    
            Section 2: List of Neighboring Assignees 
            Summarizes the neighboring patents surrounding the given source patent according to assignee of the neighboring patents.    
            Section 3: List of Neighboring Classes 
            Summarizes the neighboring patents surrounding the given source patent according to major patent class.    
            Section 4: List of Linkages 
            Shows in complete detail all the referencing pathways used in establishing the total strength of the relationship between the given source patent and every neighboring patent.    
               
 
         [0104]     An explanatory brochure and more information are available from:  
       Chi Research, Inc. White Horse Pike Haddon Heights, N.J. 08053 (609) 546-0600 
       [0105]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Rank 
                 Number 
                 Strength 
                 Year 
                 1st US Class 
                 Patent Title 
                 Assignee 
                 Cites 
                 NPR 
                 TCT 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 05282963 
                 5.50 
                 1994 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetically attached magnet for oil filters 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 5 
                 0 
                 8.5 
               
               
                 2 
                 05078871 
                 4.50 
                 1992 
                 210/222.000 
                 Magnetic oil filter particle trap 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 16 
                 0 
                 18.5 
               
               
                 3 
                 05817233 
                 4.00 
                 1998 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic filtering apparatus 
                 FLUID MAGNETICS INC 
                 1 
                 2 
                 8.5 
               
               
                 4 
                 05354462 
                 4.00 
                 1994 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic filter strap 
                 OWEN; SHANE MARIE 
                 6 
                 0 
                 20.0 
               
               
                 5 
                 05556540 
                 3.50 
                 1996 
                 210/222.000 
                 Magnetic assembly for a closed pressurized 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 4 
                 0 
                 10.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 flow path of lubricating oil 
               
               
                 6 
                 04894153 
                 3.50 
                 1990 
                 210/222.000 
                 MAGNETIC ATTACHMENT FOR A FILTER 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 10 
                 0 
                 21.5 
               
               
                 7 
                 05571411 
                 3.00 
                 1996 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic attachment for filtering oil 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 2 
                 0 
                 6.5 
               
               
                 8 
                 04826592 
                 3.00 
                 1989 
                 210/223.000 
                 MAGNETIC FILTER APPARATUS 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 10 
                 0 
                 20.5 
               
               
                 9 
                 04218320 
                 3.00 
                 1980 
                 210/223.000 
                 Lubricating oil filter device 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 13 
                 0 
                 ** 
               
               
                 10 
                 05716517 
                 2.50 
                 1998 
                 210/130.000 
                 Filter assembly including a magnetized 
                 DANA CORP. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 29.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 component 
               
               
                 11 
                 04629558 
                 2.50 
                 1986 
                 210/130.000 
                 OIL AND FUEL FILTER 
                 FERROFILTA PTY LTD. 
                 16 
                 0 
                 27.5 
               
               
                 12 
                 04450075 
                 2.50 
                 1984 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic oil filter insert 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 13 
                 0 
                 20.5 
               
               
                 13 
                 04446019 
                 2.50 
                 1984 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic filtration in a spin-on fluid filter 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 18 
                 0 
                 24.3 
               
               
                 14 
                 06139737 
                 2.00 
                 2000 
                 210/223.000 
                 Transmission fluid filter having a 
                 SPX CORP. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 22.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ferrite-filled nylon magnetic body 
               
               
                 15 
                 05273648 
                 1.50 
                 1993 
                 210/222.000 
                 Filter cartridge magnetic belt 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 5 
                 0 
                 12.5 
               
               
                 16 
                 05089129 
                 1.50 
                 1992 
                 210/223.000 
                 Fluid contaminate filtration system 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 18 
                 0 
                 11.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 including a filter, a contaminate particle 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 trap, and a cold start fluid circulation 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 system 
               
               
                 17 
                 04851116 
                 1.50 
                 1989 
                 210/222.000 
                 MAGNET FILTER 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 9 
                 0 
                 29.3 
               
               
                 18 
                 04592836 
                 1.50 
                 1986 
                 210/168.000 
                 ELECTROSTATIC ENGINE OIL CLEANER 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 6 
                 0 
                 15.5 
               
               
                 19 
                 04501660 
                 1.50 
                 1985 
                 210/209.000 
                 OIL FILTER 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 6 
                 0 
                 24.5 
               
               
                 20 
                 06210572 
                 1.00 
                 2001 
                 210/223.000 
                 Filter and method for purifying liquids 
                 TECHNOLOGY 
                 1 
                 1 
                 19.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 containing magnetic particles 
                 COMMERCIALIZATION 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 CORP 
               
               
                 21 
                 06207050 
                 1.00 
                 2001 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic core for an oil filter 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 1 
                 0 
                 11.5 
               
               
                 22 
                 06007716 
                 1.00 
                 1999 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic filtration device 
                 WHITE LIGHTNING 
                 0 
                 1 
                 10.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 PREVENTATIVE 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 MAINTENANCE INC 
               
               
                 23 
                 05441647 
                 1.00 
                 1995 
                 210/695.000 
                 Magnetic device for removing metallic matter 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 6 
                 0 
                 6.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 from lubricating fluids 
               
               
                 24 
                 05389252 
                 1.00 
                 1995 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic filter aid 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 5 
                 0 
                 11.5 
               
               
                 25 
                 05345462 
                 1.00 
                 1994 
                 372/045.000 
                 Semiconductor surface emitting laser having 
                 LUCENT REASSIGNED 
                 10 
                 9 
                 3.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 enhanced polarization control and transverse 
                 FROM AT&amp;T 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 mode selectivity 
               
               
                 26 
                 05314625 
                 1.00 
                 1994 
                 210/695.000 
                 External oil pan magnet 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 6 
                 0 
                 9.5 
               
               
                 27 
                 04763092 
                 1.00 
                 1988 
                 335/305.000 
                 Magnetic filter 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 7 
                 0 
                 23.5 
               
               
                 28 
                 E0750374 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                   
                 Method and apparatus for back facet control 
                 XEROX CORP. 
                 0 
                 2 
                 6.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 of laser diode power output 
               
               
                 29 
                 E0744986 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                   
                 MAGNETIC FILTRATION DEVICE 
                 WHITE LIGHTNING 
                 0 
                 0 
                 2.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 PREVENTATIVE 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 MAINTENANCE INC 
               
               
                 30 
                 E0728527 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                   
                 Magnetic drain bolt 
                 ILLINOIS TOOL 
                 0 
                 0 
                 8.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 WORKS, INC. 
               
               
                 31 
                 E0711195 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                   
                 MAGNETIC FILTER ADAPTER 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 0 
                 0 
                 16.5 
               
               
                 32 
                 E0673277 
                 0.50 
                 1995 
                   
                 MAGNETIC FILTER STRAP 
                 OWEN; SHANE MARIE 
                 0 
                 0 
                 22.5 
               
               
                 33 
                 E0356832 
                 0.50 
                 1990 
                   
                 Fuel filter. 
                 KNECHT FELTERWERKE 
                 0 
                 0 
                 ** 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 GESELLSCHAFT MIT 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 BESCHRAENK 
               
               
                 34 
                 E0237923 
                 0.50 
                 1987 
                   
                 Filter module. 
                 INDIVIDUAL PATENTER 
                 1 
                 0 
                 15.5 
               
               
                 35 
                 E0110674 
                 0.50 
                 1984 
                   
                 Apparatus for the removal of solid particles 
                 DAI NIPPON INSATSU KK 
                 1 
                 1 
                 10.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 from printing ink or other liquids. 
               
               
                 36 
                 06337012 
                 0.50 
                 2002 
                 210/223.000 
                 Universal magnetic filter insert 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 0 
                 7 
                 13.0 
               
               
                 37 
                 06285527 
                 0.50 
                 2001 
                 360/099.080 
                 Disc drive having hydrodynamic labyrinth 
                 SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY 
                 0 
                 8 
                 8.7 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 seal and magnet shield 
                 LLC 
               
               
                 38 
                 06224754 
                 0.50 
                 2001 
                 210/130.000 
                 Filter head and liquid filter assembly with 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 16.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 valve arrangements 
               
               
                 39 
                 06217755 
                 0.50 
                 2001 
                 210/116.000 
                 In-tank fluid filter with valve assembly 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 15.8 
               
               
                 40 
                 06188711 
                 0.50 
                 2001 
                 372/096.000 
                 Polarization-controlled VCSELs using 
                 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES 
                 0 
                 6 
                 6.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 externally applied uniaxial stress 
               
               
                 41 
                 06165355 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/131.000 
                 Fluid filter having a three way valve 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 15.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 construction 
               
               
                 42 
                 06159367 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/222.000 
                 Telescopic housing for a magnet array 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 0 
                 0 
                 8.5 
               
               
                 43 
                 06156201 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/416.400 
                 Fuel filter with return path for reducing 
                 AISAN KOGYO KK 
                 0 
                 0 
                 4.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 electrical charge buildup 
               
               
                 44 
                 06151344 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 372/038.000 
                 Automatic power control of semiconductor 
                 MOTOROLA INC. 
                 0 
                 1 
                 9.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 laser 
               
               
                 45 
                 06126835 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/695.000 
                 Device and method for magnetic separation of 
                 BIOCRYSTAL LTD 
                 0 
                 0 
                 8.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 biological molecules 
               
               
                 46 
                 06126823 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/206.000 
                 Spin-on coolant filter 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 14.3 
               
               
                 47 
                 06117318 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/222.000 
                 Rotating motorized conveyor pulley drum 
                 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 28.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 having a magnetic particulate trap 
               
               
                 48 
                 06110380 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/695.000 
                 Device and method for magnetic separation of 
                 BIOCRYSTAL LTD 
                 0 
                 0 
                 8.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 biological molecules 
               
               
                 49 
                 06107906 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 335/306.000 
                 Magnet array and support bracket 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 0 
                 0 
                 20.0 
               
               
                 50 
                 06096208 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/249.000 
                 Seal arrangement for spin-on filters 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 15.5 
               
               
                 51 
                 06083381 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/086.000 
                 Fuel filter with sediment drain valve and 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 13.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 level indicator 
               
               
                 52 
                 06055126 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 360/099.080 
                 Disc drive having hydrodynamic labyrinth 
                 SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY, 
                 0 
                 8 
                 7.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 seal and magnet shield 
                 INC. 
               
               
                 53 
                 06024869 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 210/130.000 
                 Spin-on filter assembly with valve 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 1 
                 0 
                 15.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 arrangements 
               
               
                 54 
                 06012485 
                 0.50 
                 2000 
                 137/558.000 
                 Fluid filter arrangement including valve 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 1 
                 0 
                 12.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 arrangement, fluid level indicator, and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 methods thereof 
               
               
                 55 
                 05995531 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 372/096.000 
                 VCSEL having polarization control and method 
                 MOTOROLA INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 3.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 of making same 
               
               
                 56 
                 05969903 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 360/099.080 
                 Magnetic particle trap for hydrodynamic 
                 SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY, 
                 0 
                 7 
                 6.6 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 bearing 
                 INC. 
               
               
                 57 
                 05956204 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 360/098.070 
                 Magnetic disc drive having magnetic particle 
                 SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY, 
                 2 
                 7 
                 6.7 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 trap for hydrodynamic bearing 
                 INC. 
               
               
                 58 
                 05944987 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 210/180.000 
                 Multipurpose combinatory oil, air, gas, &amp; 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 0 
                 0 
                 13.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 pollution filtration system 
               
               
                 59 
                 05888384 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 210/130.000 
                 Liquid filter 
                 FILTERWERK MANN &amp; 
                 2 
                 0 
                 8.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 HUNNEL GMBH 
               
               
                 60 
                 05886972 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 369/116.000 
                 Recording information in a phase change 
                 MOTOROLA 
                 2 
                 0 
                 3.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 optical medium with a vertical cavity 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 surface emitting laser 
               
               
                 61 
                 05885447 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 210/132.000 
                 Liquid filtration system incorporating a 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 0 
                 0 
                 13.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 bypass filter element 
               
               
                 62 
                 05872310 
                 0.50 
                 1999 
                 073/053.050 
                 Method for maintaining clean surfaces for 
                 INDIVIDUAL PATENTER 
                 0 
                 0 
                 14.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 valve seat faces of internal combustion 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 engine 
               
               
                 63 
                 05850408 
                 0.50 
                 1998 
                 372/027.000 
                 Method of driving semiconductor laser with 
                 CANON KK 
                 0 
                 8 
                 3.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 wide modulation band, optical communication 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 method, semiconductor laser device, node, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 and optical communication system 
               
               
                 64 
                 05833766 
                 0.50 
                 1998 
                 134/022.120 
                 Method and conditioning system for 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 1 
                 0 
                 5.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 regenerating replacement filters 
               
               
                 65 
                 05830371 
                 0.50 
                 1998 
                 210/787.000 
                 Reusable fluid filter and adapter 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 2 
                 0 
                 25.5 
               
               
                 66 
                 05820356 
                 0.50 
                 1998 
                 417/313.000 
                 Power steering pump apparatus 
                 FORD GLOBAL 
                 3 
                 0 
                 12.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 TECHNOLOGIES INC 
               
               
                 67 
                 05757836 
                 0.50 
                 1998 
                 372/050.000 
                 Vertical cavity surface emitting laser with 
                 MOTOROLA INC. 
                 7 
                 1 
                 2.7 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 laterally integrated photodetector 
               
               
                 68 
                 05714063 
                 0.50 
                 1998 
                 210/222.000 
                 Apparatus for the removal of ferrous 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 4 
                 0 
                 16.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 particles from liquids 
               
               
                 69 
                 05702598 
                 0.50 
                 1997 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic filter 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 2 
                 0 
                 4.0 
               
               
                 70 
                 05675200 
                 0.50 
                 1997 
                 310/090.000 
                 Dynamic pressure air bearing type electric 
                 TOSHIBA KK 
                 3 
                 0 
                 7.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 motor with air circulating arrangement 
               
               
                 71 
                 05661740 
                 0.50 
                 1997 
                 372/045.000 
                 TEM mode quantum wire or well structure 
                 USA ARMY SECRETARY 
                 0 
                 0 
                 6.5 
               
               
                 72 
                 05634755 
                 0.50 
                 1997 
                 411/383.000 
                 Magnetic drain bolt 
                 ILLINOIS TOOL 
                 2 
                 0 
                 26.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 WORKS, INC. 
               
               
                 73 
                 05569373 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                 210/090.000 
                 Reusable fluid filter and adapter 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 5 
                 3 
                 22.5 
               
               
                 74 
                 05564526 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                 184/006.250 
                 Magnetic drain plug 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 0 
                 0 
                 2.5 
               
               
                 75 
                 05548893 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                 029/888.011 
                 Spin-on oil filter replacement element 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 14 
                 0 
                 4.5 
               
               
                 76 
                 05510024 
                 0.50 
                 1996 
                 210/186.000 
                 Filter cartridge magnetic attachment 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 7 
                 0 
                 5.0 
               
               
                 77 
                 05469458 
                 0.50 
                 1995 
                 372/045.000 
                 Surface-emitting semiconductor device 
                 NEC CORP. 
                 2 
                 2 
                 2.5 
               
               
                 78 
                 05465078 
                 0.50 
                 1995 
                 335/305.000 
                 Magnetic drain bolt 
                 ILLINOIS TOOL 
                 10 
                 0 
                 14.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 WORKS, INC. 
               
               
                 79 
                 05420557 
                 0.50 
                 1995 
                 335/305.000 
                 Magnetic drain plug 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 2 
                 0 
                 36.8 
               
               
                 80 
                 05418914 
                 0.50 
                 1995 
                 710/113.000 
                 Retry scheme for controlling transactions 
                 NCR CORP. 
                 22 
                 0 
                 6.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 between two busses 
               
               
                 81 
                 05336396 
                 0.50 
                 1994 
                 210/090.000 
                 Waste oil management system 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 5 
                 0 
                 12.2 
               
               
                 82 
                 05226053 
                 0.50 
                 1993 
                 372/045.000 
                 Light emitting diode 
                 LUCENT REASSIGNED 
                 20 
                 6 
                 2.7 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 FROM AT&amp;T 
               
               
                 83 
                 05182015 
                 0.50 
                 1993 
                 210/094.000 
                 Plastic oil filter assembly 
                 ALBEREE LTD., INC. 
                 16 
                 0 
                 7.5 
               
               
                 84 
                 05174892 
                 0.50 
                 1992 
                 210/131.000 
                 Permanent fuel filter 
                 DACO MFG. CORP. 
                 8 
                 0 
                 9.5 
               
               
                 85 
                 05115441 
                 0.50 
                 1992 
                 372/045.000 
                 Vertical cavity surface emmitting lasers 
                 LUCENT REASSIGNED 
                 30 
                 6 
                 2.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 with transparent electrodes 
                 FROM AT&amp;T 
               
               
                 86 
                 05019251 
                 0.50 
                 1991 
                 210/133.000 
                 Filter apparatus with a spring loaded safety 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 1 
                 0 
                 11.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 valve plate 
               
               
                 87 
                 05009779 
                 0.50 
                 1991 
                 210/223.000 
                 Magnetic element with magnesium coil for 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 5 
                 0 
                 30.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 filter 
               
               
                 88 
                 04950317 
                 0.50 
                 1990 
                 055/337.000 
                 AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD 
                 DONALDSON CO., INC. 
                 17 
                 0 
                 10.6 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 OF PUTTING FILTER ELEMENT IN SAME 
               
               
                 89 
                 04949351 
                 0.50 
                 1990 
                 372/045.000 
                 SURFACE-EMITTING SEMICONDUCTOR 
                 OMRON TATEISI 
                 31 
                 1 
                 ** 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 LASER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD 
                 ELECTRONICS CO. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 OF SAME 
               
               
                 90 
                 04949350 
                 0.50 
                 1990 
                 372/045.000 
                 SURFACE EMITTING SEMICONDUCTOR 
                 BELL COMMUNICATIONS 
                 63 
                 13 
                 ** 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 LASER 
                 RESEARCH, INC. 
               
               
                 91 
                 04883591 
                 0.50 
                 1989 
                 210/223.000 
                 MULTI-PASS FLUID TREATING DEVICE 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 3 
                 0 
                 8.3 
               
               
                 92 
                 04783266 
                 0.50 
                 1988 
                 210/695.000 
                 Filter for removing particles from a fluid, 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 6 
                 0 
                 10.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 and method therefore 
               
               
                 93 
                 04778584 
                 0.50 
                 1988 
                 204/272.000 
                 Liquid filter device 
                 LIQUID CONCERNED 
                 1 
                 1 
                 21.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 LTD. 
               
               
                 94 
                 04731186 
                 0.50 
                 1988 
                 210/695.000 
                 Magnetic fluid treating method and device 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 9 
                 0 
                 21.5 
               
               
                 95 
                 04705626 
                 0.50 
                 1987 
                 210/130.000 
                 Magnetic oil filter module 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 9 
                 0 
                 20.3 
               
               
                 96 
                 04689144 
                 0.50 
                 1987 
                 210/130.000 
                 DISPOSABLE FILTER UNIT 
                 AUSTRALIAN PACIFIC 
                 8 
                 0 
                 12.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID 
                 MKTG. PTY. LTD. 
               
               
                 97 
                 04657671 
                 0.50 
                 1987 
                 210/086.000 
                 Liquid filter with chip detecting means 
                 VICKERS, INC. 
                 5 
                 0 
                 18.5 
               
               
                 98 
                 04629550 
                 0.50 
                 1986 
                 208/134.000 
                 CATALYTIC REFORMING OF 
                 VEBA OEL 
                 3 
                 0 
                 ** 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 GASOLINE FEEDSTOCKS 
                 ENTWICKLUNGS GMBH 
               
               
                 99 
                 04561395 
                 0.50 
                 1985 
                 123/196.00A 
                 AUXILIARY OIL FILTRATION SYSTEM 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 7 
                 0 
                 18.5 
               
               
                 100 
                 04415448 
                 0.50 
                 1983 
                 210/333.100 
                 Flush-back filter 
                 BOLL &amp; KIRCH 
                 5 
                 0 
                 12.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 FILTERBAU GMBH 
               
               
                 101 
                 04389041 
                 0.50 
                 1983 
                 266/194.000 
                 Pyrometallurgical furnace system with 
                 KLOCKNER-HUMBOLDT- 
                 1 
                 0 
                 ** 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 readily removable wall sections 
                 DEUTZ AG 
               
               
                 102 
                 04371439 
                 0.50 
                 1983 
                 210/232.000 
                 Cam actuated filter assembly 
                 FRAM CORPORATION 
                 13 
                 0 
                 26.8 
               
               
                 103 
                 04350590 
                 0.50 
                 1982 
                 204/661.000 
                 Filtration system 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 18 
                 0 
                 11.5 
               
               
                 104 
                 04329231 
                 0.50 
                 1982 
                 210/416.400 
                 Insulating fuel filter cover 
                 MITTHOFF CORPORATION 
                 4 
                 0 
                 14.5 
               
               
                 105 
                 04265755 
                 0.50 
                 1981 
                 210/222.000 
                 Magnetic fluid treating unit 
                 ZIMMERMAN; GEORGE 
                 36 
                 0 
                 11.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 M. SR. 
               
               
                 106 
                 04254393 
                 0.50 
                 1981 
                 335/209.000 
                 Treatment of fuel 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 6 
                 0 
                 13.5 
               
               
                 107 
                 04238326 
                 0.50 
                 1980 
                 210/695.000 
                 Fluid processor apparatus and method 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 28 
                 0 
                 10.5 
               
               
                 108 
                 04183591 
                 0.50 
                 1980 
                 384/473.000 
                 Recirculating bearing oil filter assembly 
                 THERMO KING CORP. 
                 3 
                 0 
                 18.5 
               
               
                 109 
                 04161013 
                 0.50 
                 1979 
                 361/500.000 
                 ELECTROMECHANOCHEMICAL DEVICE 
                 MIT 
                 10 
                 2 
                 11.0 
               
               
                 110 
                 04053410 
                 0.50 
                 1977 
                 210/132.000 
                 FILTER ASSEMBLY WITH MODULATING 
                 CATERPILLAR INC. 
                 6 
                 0 
                 25.3 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 BYPASS VALVE 
               
               
                 111 
                 04053409 
                 0.50 
                 1977 
                 210/130.000 
                 REMOVABLE FILTER ASSEMBLY 
                 CATERPILLAR INC. 
                 13 
                 0 
                 10.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 WITH BYPASS VALVE 
               
               
                 112 
                 04052312 
                 0.50 
                 1977 
                 210/223.000 
                 STRAINER MAGNETS 
                 FLOW EZY FILTERS, 
                 5 
                 0 
                 9.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 INC. 
               
               
                 113 
                 04026805 
                 0.50 
                 1977 
                 210/223.000 
                 MAGNETIC FILTER 
                 MAPCO, INC. 
                 17 
                 0 
                 18.5 
               
               
                 114 
                 03890232 
                 0.50 
                 1975 
                 210/223.000 
                 FLUID FILTER 
                 KUSS (R.L.) &amp; CO. 
                 17 
                 0 
                 9.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 INC. 
               
               
                 115 
                 03887469 
                 0.50 
                 1975 
                 210/223.000 
                 LUBRICATING OIL FILTERING DEVICE 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 4 
                 0 
                 8.3 
               
               
                 116 
                 03840045 
                 0.50 
                 1974 
                 137/495.000 
                 ELECTRICALLY OPERATED VALVES 
                 AUTOMOBILES CITROEN 
                 8 
                 0 
                 5.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 OR DISTRIBUTORS FOR CONTROLLING 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 FLUID UNDER PRESSURE 
               
               
                 117 
                 03827020 
                 0.50 
                 1974 
                 335/285.000 
                 UNIVERSAL HOLDING DEVICES 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 16 
                 0 
                 6.5 
               
               
                 118 
                 03788473 
                 0.50 
                 1974 
                 210/112.000 
                 PARTICLE SEPARATOR 
                 KING; ARTHUR S. 
                 7 
                 0 
                 17.5 
               
               
                 119 
                 03762135 
                 0.50 
                 1973 
                 096/001.000 
                 SEPARATING DEVICE FOR FINE 
                 TOKYO ROKI 
                 13 
                 1 
                 10.5 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 PARTICLES, SUCH AS CARBONS 
                 KABUSHIKI KAISHA 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 AND THE LIKE 
               
               
                 120 
                 03753183 
                 0.50 
                 1973 
                 335/284.000 
                 METHOD OF FORMING A MAGNETIZED 
                 VICKERS, INC. 
                 6 
                 0 
                 9.8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 HELICAL COIL 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0106]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 # of 
                 % total 
                 average 
               
               
                 rank 
                 assignee 
                 name 
                 patents 
                 patents 
                 strength 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 658160 
                 ** UNASSIGNED ** 
                 45.00 
                 37.50 
                 1.21 
               
               
                 2 
                 DONALDSN 
                 DONALDSON CO. INC. 
                 11.00 
                 9.17 
                 0.68 
               
               
                 3 
                 MOTOROLA 
                 MOTOROLA INC 
                 4.00 
                 3.33 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 4 
                 SEAGATE 
                 SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY 
                 4.00 
                 3.33 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 5 
                 LUCENT 
                 LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES 
                 3.00 
                 2.50 
                 0.67 
               
               
                 6 
                 ILLTOOL 
                 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC 
                 3.00 
                 2.50 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 7 
                   999 
                 INDIVIDUAL PATENTER 
                 2.75 
                 2.29 
                 0.91 
               
               
                 8 
                 642652 
                 WHITE LIGHTNING PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INC 
                 2.00 
                 1.67 
                 0.75 
               
               
                 9 
                  67179 
                 BIOCRYSTAL LTD 
                 2.00 
                 1.67 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 10 
                 EATON 
                 EATON CORP 
                 2.00 
                 1.67 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 11 
                 CATERPIL 
                 CATERPILLAR INC 
                 2.00 
                 1.67 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 12 
                 436277 
                 OWEN; SHANE MARIE 
                 1.25 
                 1.04 
                 3.60 
               
               
                 13 
                 210246 
                 FLUID MAGNETICS INC 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 4.00 
               
               
                 14 
                 DANA 
                 DANA CORPORATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 2.50 
               
               
                 15 
                 200454 
                 FERROFILTA PTY LTD. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 2.50 
               
               
                 16 
                 SPX 
                 SPX CORP 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 17 
                 578163 
                 TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION CORP 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 18 
                 USA 
                 US ARMY 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 19 
                 SCIAPPL 
                 SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INT&#39;L 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 20 
                 EMERSON 
                 EMERSON ELECTRIC COMPANY 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 21 
                 NEC 
                 NEC CORPORATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 22 
                 AGILENT 
                 AGILANT TECHNOLOGIES INC. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 23 
                 DAINIPPT 
                 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 24 
                 KLOCKHD 
                 DEUTZ AG 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 25 
                 OMRON 
                 OMRON CORPORATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 26 
                 AISAN 
                 AISAN INDUSTRY COMPANY LIMITED 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 27 
                 363670 
                 MAPCO, INC. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 28 
                 HONEYWEL 
                 HONEYWELL INC 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 29 
                 324261 
                 KING; ARTHUR S. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 30 
                  46861 
                 AUSTRALIAN PACIFIC MKTG. PTY. LTD. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 31 
                 FORD 
                 FORD MOTOR COMPANY 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 32 
                 592870 
                 TOKYO ROKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 33 
                 209830 
                 FLOW EZY FILTERS, INC. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 34 
                 CANON 
                 CANON INC 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 35 
                 138285 
                 DACO MFG. CORP. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 36 
                 BPAMOCO 
                 BP P.L.C. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 37 
                  72881 
                 BOLL &amp; KIRCH FILTERBAU GMBH 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 38 
                 PEUGEOT 
                 PEUGEOT S.A. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 39 
                 656817 
                 ZIMMERMAN; GEORGE M. SR. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 40 
                  17296 
                 ALBEREE LTD., INC. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 41 
                 327160 
                 KNECHT FELTERWERKE GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENK 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 42 
                 MANNHUMM 
                 MANN &amp; HUMMEL 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 43 
                 392291 
                 MITTHOFF CORPORATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 44 
                 XEROX 
                 XEROX CORPORATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 45 
                 NCR 
                 NCR CORPORATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 46 
                 MIT 
                 MIT/MASS INST OF TECHNOLOGY 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 47 
                 INGERAND 
                 INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 48 
                 489260 
                 KUSS (R.L.) &amp; CO. INC. 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 49 
                 TOSHIBA 
                 TOSHIBA CORPORATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 50 
                 MITSELEC 
                 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP 
                 0.33 
                 0.28 
                 1.50 
               
               
                 51 
                 656302 
                 ZEOTEC LRC CORP. 
                 0.33 
                 0.28 
                 1.50 
               
               
                 52 
                 350232 
                 LIQUID CONCERNED LTD. 
                 0.33 
                 0.28 
                 1.50 
               
               
                   
                   
                 All Assignees Combined 
                 120.00 
                 100.00 
                 0.92 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0107]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 # of 
                 % total 
                 average 
               
               
                 rank 
                 class 
                 class name 
                 patents 
                 patents 
                 strength 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 210 
                 LIQUID PURIF. OR SEPARATION 
                 69.00 
                 57.50 
                 1.18 
               
               
                 2 
                 372 
                 COHERENT LIGHT GENERATORS 
                 12.00 
                 10.00 
                 0.54 
               
               
                 3 
                 335 
                 ELECTRICITY: MAGNET. OPERATED SWIT 
                 7.00 
                 5.83 
                 0.57 
               
               
                 4 
                 360 
                 DYNAMIC MAGNETIC INFORMATION STORAG 
                 4.00 
                 3.33 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 5 
                 204 
                 CHEMISTRY: ELECTRICAL &amp; WAVE ENERG 
                 2.00 
                 1.67 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 6 
                 137 
                 FLUID HANDLING 
                 2.00 
                 1.67 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 7 
                 029 
                 METAL WORKING 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 8 
                 184 
                 LUBRICATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 9 
                 710 
                 ELECTRICAL COMPUTERS &amp; DIGITAL DATA 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 10 
                 310 
                 ELECTRICAL GENERATOR, MOTOR STRUCTU 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 11 
                 266 
                 METALLURGICAL APPARATUS 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 12 
                 055 
                 GAS SEPARATION 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 13 
                 417 
                 PUMPS 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 14 
                 361 
                 ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS &amp; 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 15 
                 208 
                 MINERAL OILS: PROCESSES &amp; PRODUCTS 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 16 
                 073 
                 MEASURING &amp; TESTING 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 17 
                 369 
                 DYNAMIC INFORMATION STORAGE OR RETR 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 18 
                 411 
                 EXPANDED, THREADED, DRIVEN, HEADED, 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 19 
                 384 
                 BEARINGS 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 20 
                 096 
                 GAS SEPARATION: APPARATUS 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 21 
                 134 
                 CLEANING &amp; LIQUID CONTACT WITH SOLI 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 22 
                 123 
                 INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES 
                 1.00 
                 0.83 
                 0.50 
               
               
                   
                   
                 All Unknown Classes 
                 8.00 
                 6.67 
                 0.50 
               
               
                   
                   
                 All Classes Combined 
                 120.00 
                 100.00 
                 0.90