Note 8 - Intangible assets:

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

8 - Intangible assets

2011	Cost		Accumulated amortization		Net book value
Patents (1)	$	3,739	$	2,191	$	1,548
2010	Cost		Accumulated amortization		Net book value
Patents (1)	$	3,510	$	1,875	$	1,635

(1) Loss on write-down of patents for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $95 (2010 - $25) relating to certain technologies no longer being pursued by the Company.

Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $335 (2010 - $316).

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets held at December 31, 2011, for each of the five succeeding years is expected as follows:

2012	$	316
2013		297
2014		263
2015		222
2016		135
	$	1,233