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4. Accrued product warranty liability
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]
4. Accrued product warranty liability

We generally warrant our products for between 24 and 36 months and record the estimated cost of such product warranties at the time the sale is recorded. Estimated warranty costs are based upon actual past experience of product repairs and the related estimated cost of labor and material to make the necessary repairs.

The following table summarizes the activity recorded in the accrued product warranty liability during the six months ended June 30, 2011:

   
Six months ended
 
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 249  
Accruals for warranties issued during the period
    99  
Changes in estimates
    176  
Settlements during the period
    (154 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 370  

The current portion of the accrued product warranty liability is included in accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.