Offc Action Outgoing

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

 

 

 

OFFICE ACTION

 

TO AVOID ABANDONMENT, WE MUST RECEIVE A PROPER RESPONSE TO THIS OFFICE ACTION WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF OUR MAILING OR E-MAILING DATE. 

 

 

Serial Number  76/294398

 

Initially, please note that this application has been reassigned to Trademark Examining Attorney Brian D. Brown of Law Office 105.

 

In the first and FINAL Office Actions, the Applicant was informed that its mark was merely descriptive. At this time, this refusal is maintained and continued.

 

In its response letter however, the applicant requested that the mark be registered on the Supplemental Register. Given the nature of the mark, the examining attorney cannot recommend that the mark be registered on the Supplemental Register.  For further explanation, please see below.

 

THE MARK IS GENERIC AS APPLIED TO THE GOODS:

 

The proposed mark appears to be generic as applied to the goods and, therefore, incapable of identifying the applicant’s goods and distinguishing them from those of others.  In re Gould Paper Corp., 834 F.2d 1017, 5 USPQ2d 1110 (Fed. Cir. 1987); In re Pennzoil Products Co., 20 USPQ2d 1753 (TTAB 1991).  Under these circumstances, the examining attorney cannot recommend an amendment to proceed under Trademark Act Section 2(f), 15 U.S.C. §1052(f), or an amendment to the Supplemental Register.

 

Specifically, generic terms for goods or services are incapable of functioning as registrable trademarks denoting origin or any specific source.  Such terms are not registrable on the Principal Register or on the Supplemental Register. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit set forth the test to determine whether a designation is generic in H. Marvin Ginn Corp. v. International Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc., 782 F.2d 987, 990, 228 USPQ 528, 530 (Fed. Cir. 1986). The test comprises two inquiries:  (1) What is the class of goods or services at issue?  (2) Does the relevant public understand the designation primarily to refer to that class of goods or services?

 

Here, the class of goods at issue are cordless telephones and related items.  Given the routine usage and informational meaning of  “2.4 GHz,” the relevant purchasing public would therefore understand the designation to refer to that class of goods. As further proof, the examining attorney has attached several articles from the Lexis/NexisÒ database which evidences the generic usage of the term “2.4 GHz” for cordless telephones. [1] See attachments. In fact, several telephone manufacturers even refer to their goods as “2.4 GHz cordless telephones.”     

 

As a reminder, generic marks are also not eligible for registration on the Principle Register under Trademark Act Section 2(f), 15 U.S.C. Section 1052(f).      Accordingly, the examining attorney cannot recommend registration of the applicant’s mark to the Supplemental Register for a “cordles telephones and voicemail system.”

 

RESPONSE:

 

Although the examining attorney has refused registration, the applicant may respond to the refusal to register by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration.

 

If the applicant has any questions or needs assistance in responding to this Office action, please telephone the assigned examining attorney.

 

 

 

/Brian D. Brown/

Trademark Attorney

Law Office 105

(703) 308-9105 ext. 178

(703) 872-9825 fax

ecom105@uspto.gov

 

 

 

 

How to respond to this Office Action:

 

To respond formally using the Office’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), visit http://www.gov.uspto.report/teas/index.html and follow the instructions.

 

To respond formally via E-mail, visit http://www.gov.uspto.report/web/trademarks/tmelecresp.htm and follow the instructions.

 

To respond formally via regular mail, your response should be sent to the mailing Return Address listed above and include the serial number, law office and examining attorney’s name on the upper right corner of each page of your response.

 

To check the status of your application at any time, visit the Office’s Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) system at http://tarr.gov.uspto.report/

 

For general and other useful information about trademarks, you are encouraged to visit the Office’s web site at http://www.gov.uspto.report/main/trademarks.htm

 

FOR INQUIRIES OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS OFFICE ACTION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ASSIGNED EXAMINING ATTORNEY.

 

FEE INCREASE:

 

Fee increase effective January 1, 2003

Effective January 1, 2003, the fee for filing an application for trademark registration will be increased to $335.00 per International Class.  The USPTO will not accord a filing date to applications that are filed on or after that date that are not accompanied by a minimum of $335.00. 

 

Additionally, the fee for amending an existing application to add an additional class or classes of goods/services will be $335.00 per class for classes added on or after January 1, 2003.

 

 

Copyright 2002 Journal Sentinel Inc.   

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

 

December 15, 2002 Sunday  FINAL EDITION

 

SECTION: SPORTS;

 

 Pg. 16C 

 

LENGTH: 688 words 

 

HEADLINE: Array of holiday gifts good for outdoor use 

 

BYLINE: BOB RIEPENHOFF briepenhoff£journalsentinel.com 

 

BODY:

 

   One of the more unlikely popular gift ideas for outdoors people this holiday season just might be a new device called the Cracker Whacker. 

 

   Nonetheless, Steve Welch, manager of the Gander Mountain store in Franklin, insists that it's been a real hot seller this year. 

 

   The Cracker Whacker is a hinged hand tool, somewhat reminiscent of a hand launcher used for clay pigeons, that will send a round cracker sailing in the air. 

 

   "You can hone your shooting skills by shooting at Ritz crackers instead of clay pigeons," Welch explained. "With the flick of a wrist you can throw a cracker 35 to 40 yards."

 

     Because of the size and speed of the target, Welch said: "You have to be a pretty good shot to hit it." 

 

   He added: "It can also be used to feed sea gulls. You launch a cracker and the birds pick it out of the air and eat it." 

 

   The Cracker Whacker, manufactured by Cracker Whacker of Fort Wayne, Ind., sells for $19.99. 

 

   Another popular new item this year is Motorola's Full Featured 2.4 GHZ Cordless Telephone that comes in a Realtree Hardwoods camouflage pattern and makes a variety of different wildlife sounds to let you know when someone is calling. 

 

   Novelty gifts 

 

   You can select from the sound of a bugling elk, a Canada goose, a growling bear, a cougar, a mallard, a hawk, a great horned owl, a loon, a coyote and, of course, a plain old ringing bell. 

 

   "This is for the guy who has everything and is hard to buy for," Welch said. "It's for use in the home or office." 

 

   The cordless telephone, by Motorola, of Harvard, Ill., sells for $99.99. 

 

   Ice anglers, raccoon hunters and anyone else who fishes or makes his way to a stand or blind in the dark, might want to consider an Aurora Headlamp. This is a powerful new light-weight, battery-operated light that slips over your cap or directly onto your head and is held in place by an elastic band. 

 

   "It weighs less than three ounces and draws low power" Welch said. "On three AAA batteries. it will last up to 300 hours." 

 

   The headlamp can be set for different levels of spotlight intensity, or as a flickering beacon that can be seen a long way off if you get lost. The lamp is also on a hinge, so you can aim the spotlight at different angles. 

 

   "This has been very popular," Welch said. "Before the gun deer season, we sold out on them." 

 

   The Aurora Headlamp, made by Princeton Tec Spotlights, of Trenton, New Jersey, sells for $19.99. 

 

   Camping equipment 

 

   Beginning campers, or people considering returning to the sport, may be interested in the Coleman Camping Combo. 

 

   You get a seven-by-seven-foot dome tent that sleeps three, a battery operated dome light, a 34-quart cooler and two sleeping bags -- all for $99.99. 

 

   "It's a great deal," Welch said. "It includes everything you need to get going." 

 

   Since the sleeping bags are rated to 45 degrees, Welch noted: "This is not a winter package. It's for summer camping." 

 

   The Coleman Camping Combo is made by Coleman Co. Inc. of Wichita, Kansas. 

 

   Ice anglers might want to check out the new Gander Mountain Guide Series Wooden Tip-up. 

 

   Patterned after the classic old Beaver Dam tip-up, this new one has a few improvements. 

 

   "It has a winder for winding the line," Welch said. "And it's one of the few tip-ups on the market that you can actually take apart and re-lube yourself." 

 

   To re-lubricate the old-fashioned tip-ups, you had to take them back to the factory, Welch said. But to lubricate the new ones, just unscrew one nut, pull the spool shaft apart, add some Blue Lube antifreeze lubricant and reassemble. 

 

   The Guide Series Tip-up, manufactured in China and sold exclusively at Gander Mountain, costs $14.99. Blue Lube sells for $2.99 a bottle. 

 

   If there's an aspiring bow hunter on your list, consider the Micro Midas 2 archery kit. 

 

   "Beginning shooters, about 8 or 9 years old, can start shooting at a 15-pound draw weight and, by simple adjustment of the module, can end up at 45 pounds," Welch said. "So the bow they learn with is the bow they hunt with."

 

   The kit includes a youth compound bow, arrows, sites, a quiver and an arrow rest. 

 

LOAD-DATE: December 15, 2002

Copyright 2002 Gale Group, Inc.

 

ASAP

 

Copyright 2002 Nelson Publishing  

Communications News

 

April 1, 2002

 

SECTION: No. 4, Vol. 39; Pg. 38; ISSN: 0010-3632 

 

IAC-ACC-NO: 85007214 

 

LENGTH: 787 words 

 

HEADLINE: Take the WLAN test challenge: to start 802.11 installations, measure existing interference; Testing And Diagnostics. 

 

BYLINE: Chadwick, Ray 

 

BODY:

 

    Installing an 802.11 b wireless LAN (WLAN) system for a large office setting often requires cellular system engineering techniques, and has the added complexity of operating in an unlicensed band--where interference may not be under the manager's control--frequently in a harsh indoor RF environment. 

 

    Access points (APs) for these installations are analogous to cellular phone system base stations, connecting to clients within the coverage area. An Ethernet backhaul ties them together and into the network. Adjacent APs must be channelized so that they do not interfere with each other. 

 

      The most basic available test tool is a laptop with an 802.11b card, adequate for small installations and maintenance of small systems where interference is not significant. For larger installations and maintenance, or areas with significant interference, a tool with spectrum and demodulation analyses, and a directional antenna, is recommended. 

 

    Start an 802.11 installation by measuring the existing interference. Microwave ovens, 2.4-GHz cordless telephones, other 802.11b WLANs, 802.11 frequency hoppers and Bluetooth devices all can interfere with and degrade performance of an 802.11b system. 

 

    Use a specialized WLAN test tool or spectrum analyzer with a sensitivity of at least--90 dBm to check for and measure the interference throughout the system's coverage area. A peak hold or logging of the data is essential to establish the noise floor that will be interfering with the WLAN in different areas. More rigorous checks would measure for a day or more, with data logging, then move to different locations. 

 

    Use a test tool, preferably with signal strength (measured in dBm), as well as packet error rate (PER) and scanning of multiple channels, or 802.11b card which is more sensitive and yields more information about coverage of APs, channelization and co-channel interference--to demodulate any existing 802.11b interference on the air. 

 

    A directional antenna and receiver can help locate sources of interference, eliminating as many as possible, and can even find unauthorized users or stolen equipment. Some interference may be impractical to eliminate, so plan to have a higher density of APs, spend more time planning channelization and using special techniques. 

 

    Among directional antennas, measurements vary with manufacturers, but ability to measure signal strength and quality is common. Specialized test tools can measure to traceable quantities and dBm, and many can detect and measure interference, AP signal strength and PER from an AP. 

 

    The coverage area of an AP is experimentally found by locating the AP at a candidate site and measuring the signal strength and PER with a test tool or 802.11b. A spectrum analyzer could be used, but a receiver with demodulation is desirable. It can measure the signal strength of the AP coverage under test, and the signal to noise is indirectly measured by the PER. 

 

    A typical signal level required for adequate coverage is around -80 dBm or stronger, which includes margin for typical interference and signal fading. The signal strength required will be greater in areas with interference levels greater than -90 dBm. 

 

    After testing AP coverage in several locations, the APs required for adequate coverage and overlap can be located, requiring an educated estimate or specialized propagation software, both imperfect, so additional APs may need to be added or locations adjusted. For continuous coverage, APs must overlap, and the frequencies in overlap areas should be different for each AP to avoid interference. 

 

    Survey the installation site to ensure that all areas have sufficient signal strength, have good PER from at least one AP and are without significant co-channel interference (when energy on the same channel is received from different APs), which should be at least 15 dB weaker than the stronger AP. 

 

    A site survey or WLAN operation will probably reveal areas where coverage is inadequate. Adding or moving an AP closer to an area with high interference will boost the signal level. Use directional antennas, like corner reflectors, on the AP to direct coverage into and reduce interference received from outside the coverage area. A directional antenna may also be used at the client. 

 

    Periodic checks and monitoring can avoid problems, but be prepared for a client with little or no throughput. Tools can quickly verify the RF link for signal level, PER and interference, and can help debug a new interfering AP or find the antenna that has been knocked over. 

 

    Circle 260 for more information from Berkeley Varitronics 

 

    Chadwick is with Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc., Metuchen, NJ, www.bvsystems.com. 

 

IAC-CREATE-DATE: April 24, 2002 

 

LOAD-DATE: April 25, 2002

Copyright 2000 Business Wire, Inc.   

Business Wire

 

June 13, 2000, Tuesday

 

DISTRIBUTION: Business Editors & High Tech Writers 

 

LENGTH: 537 words 

 

HEADLINE: Casio Communications Unveils Feature-Packed 2.4 GHz Cordless Telephone With Call Waiting Caller ID 

 

DATELINE: TORRANCE, Calif., June 13, 2000 

 

BODY:   

 

   CP-2070 Features Three-Line LCD on Handset, 50-Record Caller ID Memory, 20-Number Autodial Memory, New Call Indicator, and More 

 

   Telecommunications pioneer Casio Communications today introduced the CP-2070, a 2.4 GHz hybrid cordless telephone with Call Waiting Caller ID, competitively priced at an estimated street price of$89.95. 

 

   The CP-2070's 2.4 GHz hybrid transmission system ensures clearer calls and superior reception when compared with 900 MHz cordless telephones. 

 

   For subscribers of Call Waiting Caller ID, the CP-2070 stores up to 50 Caller ID records and 20 name and number autodial records, which can be viewed on a large three-line LCD, even when the unit is wall-mounted. 

 

     Through the CP-2070's Scroll and Dial feature, users can display and dial any telephone number, Caller ID record or autodial record with the touch of a button. Users can also transfer Caller ID records to autodial memory or learn at a glance if a new call has been received, simply by checking the New Call indicator on the handset and base. 

 

   "Home and home office users looking to upgrade to the extended range and clarity of a 2.4 GHz cordless phone will appreciate the CP-2070 because it gives them the features and superior reception they want at a very reasonable price," said Dennis Cox, vice president of marketing, Casio Communications. "Factor in the phone's Call Waiting Caller ID capabilities and convenient new call indicators, and this phone is a terrific value." 

 

   The CP-2070 includes a call timer for tracking the length of each call, plus a headset jack and belt clip for hands-free conversations. The unit also features hold with extension release, an Ultra Clear(R) noise reduction circuit and a bracket for wall mounting. The unit's contemporary design supports reversible handset charging, which ensures both a constant charge and an ability to view the LCD at any time. 

 

   The CP-2070 will be available in the third quarter at specialty retail, consumer electronics stores and other retail outlets nationwide, for the promotional price of $89.95.

 

   About Casio Communications 

 

   Casio Communications, Inc., as the successor to Casio PhoneMate, Inc., is a leader in the development and design of telecommunications products for home, home/office and small business consumers. 

 

   Casio has consistently introduced "firsts," including one of the first commercially available telephone answering devices (TAD), the first TAD with integrated cordless telephone, the first implementation of synthesized voice prompting and time/day stamp, the first all-digital TAD, the first cordless telephone with Call Waiting Caller ID display, the first combination telephone answering device to let users check their electronic mail and, with Modem Monitor(TM), the first technology that prevents the telephone from interrupting an online session or a fax transmission. Based in Torrance, California, Casio Communications continues to pioneer high-quality, reliable and cost-effective communications solutions. 

 

       CONTACT: Casio Communications, Inc.

Dennis Cox, 310/618-9910

Dcox£casio.com

or

Edge Communications, Inc.

Ken Greenberg, 818/719-9292

ken£edgepress.com

 

       URL: http://www.businesswire.com 

 

LOAD-DATE: June 14, 2000

Copyright 2000 Information Access Company,

 

a Thomson Corporation Company;

 

ASAP

 

Copyright 2000 Poole Publications, Inc.   

Trailer Boats

 

January 1, 2000

 

SECTION: No. 1, Vol. 30; Pg. 32 ; ISSN: 0300-6557 

 

IAC-ACC-NO: 59136202  

 

LENGTH: 1174 words 

 

HEADLINE: ELECTRONICS Q&A. 

 

BYLINE: WEST, GORDON 

 

BODY:

 

    DIAGNOSING GPS ROLLOVER 

 

    How can I determine whether or not my fixed-mount GPS survived the August 22 GPS rollover or the millennium brownout? 

 

    George Haddad 

 

    Coral Gables, Florida 

 

    Just turn it on and look. If your GPS immediately acquires the satellites and the usual latitude and longitude readout at the slip, your equipment has survived the rollovers without any problem. If your equipment refuses to see the satellites, then goes into "sky search, " you have a receiver that may need some factory help. Most GPS manufacturers are posting the August and millennium status of their GPS equipment on their websites. Look them up. 

 

    If your equipment is old and the manufacturer is no longer around (e.g. Micrologic), simply leave the set turned on, and it will eventually find the satellites and give you an accurate position readout. Once you turn it off however, it may to take an hour or so to cycle back up. 

 

      GOOD GROUNDING 

 

    I will soon install a marine single side band (S SB) radio in my boat. One marine electronics company said I must line the flying bridge and bilge with copper screen to achieve a good ground. They say it is a FCC regulation that 100 square feet of ground must be laid in the hull to make this thing work. A friend said to install a single ground plate, and the seawater connection will outdo anything else inside the hull for grounding. Who is correct? 

 

    Michael Snodgrass 

 

    Dana Point, California 

 

    Your friend is correct. One good porous ground shoe connection to the seawater will provide more than enough ground plane surface area for your SSB to operate at peak efficiency. There is a defunct FCC rule that requires 100 square feet of grounding surface. This dates back to the old 2 MHz AM radios with the loading coil tuner on the inside of the radio itself There is no need to line your boat with copper grounding screen, Just make contact with the seawater, and it will do the rest for you. Be sure to use copper foil to interconnect the ground shoe to your remote-mounted automatic antenna tuner. 

 

    THE MEANING OF 'CE' 

 

    I was told that marine electronic equipment with a "CE" label is a better choice than equipment without this rating. I am considering a new depth sounder - what will a CE-rated piece of equipment do for me? 

 

    Sandy Michelson 

 

    Seattle, Washington 

 

    The CE rating may not help you see more fish on the screen, but it could give you better performance from your radio equipment onboard. The CE rating is a European electromagnetic compatibility test in which the marine electronic equipment must not radiate electronic noise or "hash. "Some older LCD sounders without the CE rating could generate so much hash that a VHF radio was almost unusable with the sounder turned on. 

 

    LONG RANGER WANTED 

 

    Down at the marina, our dockmaster has a cordless telephone with a big pull-up telescopic whip that works up to a couple miles away from the base. It is not a cellular telephone- it's a plain old cordless telephone, and he says he bought it in New York City with a guaranteed 1-mile range. This is what I need around the house, around the block and all over the docks. 

 

    Fred Rohrs 

 

    Atlantic City, New Jersey 

 

    Regular U.S. cordless telephones will not do more than half a block, and certainly not two miles, or for that matter, two blocks away from the base station. Over water, the new 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz cordless telephones could go about 1000 feet. Typical cordless telephone range down at the docks and at the house is usually quite pathetic. 

 

    Your dockmaster has a 45 MHz/72 MHz export cordless telephone with frequencies and power levels not authorized by the FCC. I see them for sale in New York and I really wonder how many consumers are buying these units. Tell the dockmaster he is operating the telephone illegally. 

 

    JUST PUSH THE BUTTON 

 

    I recently trailered my boat down to Mexico, and there is a terrific early morning VHF weather and gab net on Channel 22. Everyone around me could hear it loud and clear, but I didn't hear squat. I know my VHF and antenna are working fine because I can talk ship to ship more than 40 miles away. What gives with my radio?

 

    Harold Ort 

 

    Chula Vista, California 

 

    See that button marked INT/DOM on your radio? It could also be labeled INT/USA. For Channel 22 reception in the United States or Mexico, it needs to be in the "A" channel mode, not "INT." The international button is only used in Europe. Incidentally, once you do this, you will hear all U.S. Coast Guard announcements broadcast on this channel. 

 

    YOU ARE IN TROUBLE 

 

    I recently purchased a new submersible VHF radio. The instructions said to tighten the battery compartment so water won't leak in. They suggested doing this with a dime. I cranked that puppy so tight that something went click inside the radio, and now I can't back out the battery screw. Any ideas what went wrong? 

 

    Anonymous 

 

    San Francisco, California 

 

    I would say you dogged it down too tight and broke the plastic screw receiver on the inside of the handheld radio. You are not alone with this problem -- I did it myself to a Standard Communications handheld during some submersible sea trials. Your equipment will certainly stay watertight, but you are never going to get the battery out. You will have to send it back to the factory. 

 

    GREEN WITH ENVY 

 

    Does anyone make a color depthfinder readout that can easily be seen in direct sunlight? I have a video color sounder that I love, but I need a cardboard hood in order to make out what I am seeing when the sun hits the screen, 

 

    Frank Wilson 

 

    Coos Bay, Oregon 

 

    Modern LCD color screens have all but eliminated "sunlight washout." These thin-film transistor color displays are costly, so you won't find this type of readout in an inexpensive depthfinder. Si-Tex has done a remarkable job with its color LCD depthfinder to give you great daylight visibility with several shades of blue, green, yellow and plenty of rust-colored shades. It might not be the true color we would all like to see from the rainbow but it does an excellent job of differentiating strong targets from weak targets by coloring them different shades. Furuno has also done an outstanding job of incorporating bright LCD color displays into its proven depthfinders. 

 

    DO-IT-YOURSELF RADAR 

 

    Is it practical to install my own radar? I have been told I need to have a licensed technician certify it after it's aboard. Will I need to do any soldering of tiny plugs and wires?

 

    Dick Hammond 

 

    Elk Grove. Illinois 

 

    Small marine radar systems with the enclosed antennas are easily user-installed and do not require any FCC technician certification or any marine station license. The plugs are pre-wired so you won't need to do any soldering. The other end of the cable has color-coded wires with lugs already attached. Simply follow the numbering scheme in the installation manual. The new radars self-calibrate, self-tune and some Raytheon Pathfinder radars will even read out a self diagnostic test acceptance. 

 

IAC-CREATE-DATE: April 17, 2000 

 

LOAD-DATE: April 18, 2000

Copyright 1998 PR Newswire Association, Inc.   

PR Newswire

 

December 3, 1998, Thursday

 

SECTION: Lifestyle 

 

DISTRIBUTION: TO FEATURES AND RETAILING EDITORS 

 

LENGTH: 605 words 

 

HEADLINE: Hammacher Schlemmer Offers Holiday Shoppers the Best, the Only  And the UnexpectedLEXIS-NEXIS Related Topics  <=1>  Full Article  <=2>  Related Topics Overview

 

This document contains no targeted Topics.  

 

DATELINE: CHICAGO, Dec. 3 

 

BODY:

 

    Shoppers this holiday season will find more than 400 unique items for family, friends and business associates at Hammacher Schlemmer, the retailer internationally recognized for items that are "the Best, the Only and the Unexpected." 

 

   Established in 1848, Hammacher Schlemmer is celebrating 150 years of offering a wide selection of unusual items for consumers looking for a truly innovative gift.  Holiday shoppers looking for that special, one-of-a-kind gift can choose the Only Aerial Photography Model Cessna.  This reconnaissance Cessna uses a 35mm outdoor camera to snap mid-air photographs outdoors -- it's a terrific idea for parties or family gatherings.  The plane can receive remote control signals from 1,000 feet away. ($119.95)

 

     Busy shoppers will appreciate the Only Credit-Card Alarm Wallet.  It holds up to six cards and features a built-in sensor that triggers an audible alarm when a card is not returned to the wallet within 20 seconds after being removed from its slot. ($29.95) 

 

   Bocce enthusiasts can extend their playing time to after-dark hours with the Only Lighted Bocce Ball Set.  Each of the nine multi-colored balls in the set has a built-in lighting element powered by two AA batteries, making the balls visible up to 100 feet away. ($49.95) 

 

   Another one-of-a-kind option is the Only Caroling Clock. This battery-operated clock plays a refrain from a different Christmas carol every hour.  A light sensor automatically reduces the music volume during nighttime. ($39.95) 

 

   Robotics engineering and futuristic technology keep Robo Rex(TM) on the move. Designed for ages nine and up, this robotic dinosaur can move its arms, legs and hands up and down independently with a remote. ($99.95) 

 

   The First Expandable Multi-User 2.4 GHz Cordless Telephone System uses leading edge engineering expertise to make it possible to place up to eight cordless handsets throughout home or office.  All of the eight handsets operate off the corded base unit and a single phone jack, and up to four of the cordless handsets may be used simultaneously. ($399.95) 

 

   The World's First Kinetic Quartz-Accurate Watch never needs winding or a battery.  Instead, it uses kinetic energy stored in an ultra-miniature generator and automatically releases the energy to ensure precise timekeeping. This gold-plated timepiece features a scratch-resistant crystal case and calf-skin leather band. ($284.95)  

 

   Scaled down to the size of a point-and-shoot 35mm camera, the World's Smallest Camcorder makes it easier than ever to capture vacation scenes, special events or business research while traveling.  Weighing just 12 ounces, this convenient camcorder can record up to 30 minutes of Hi-8mm XR quality video or up to 350 still images with five seconds of audio each. ($799.95) 

 

   Shoppers can order these and other Hammacher Schlemmer items by calling toll-free at 800-543-3366.  In addition, shoppers can visit the Hammacher Schlemmer website at http://www.hammacher.com to view or order items. The website has been rated number-one in customer convenience among catalog marketer sites by Bill Spaide, a noted direct-marketing operations consultant. 

 

   Hammacher Schlemmer is the nation's longest continuously published catalog, and has been introducing innovative, high quality products to further the lifestyles of American consumers since 1848.  The company also operates retail stores in New York City, Chicago and Beverly Hills.

SOURCE  Hammacher Schlemmer

      CONTACT: Sabrina Balthazar of Hammacher Schlemmer, 312-664-8170, or e-mail, Sbalthazar£hammacher.com 

 

LOAD-DATE: December 4, 1998

Copyright 1998 The Omaha World-Herald Company  

Omaha World-Herald

 

August 2, 1998, Sunday  SUNRISE EDITION

 

SECTION: ;BUSINESS;

 

 Pg. 3m 

 

LENGTH: 725 words 

 

HEADLINE: Business Happenings N.Y. Firm Buys Iowa Company 

 

BODY:

 

    Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. of New York City has completed its acquisition of Kirke-Van Orsdel Inc., a 1,500-employee insurance and benefits administration company based in West Des Moines. 

 

    The acquisition includes KVI's 49 percent stake in J&H/KVI, a joint benefits administration venture between KVI and Johnson & Higgins. 

 

    KVI's human resources operation is being sold to Automatic Data Processing, a payroll processing company based in Roseland, N.J., in a separate transaction. KVI will become part of Seabury & Smith Inc., a division of Marsh & McLennan. 

 

      KVI President Kirke Dorweiler will continue to head the company's plan and insurance brokerage operations with the same management and sales teams, the company said. 

 

   Dollar General 

 

    Dollar General, a retail chain based in Nashville, Tenn., will hold a grand opening Saturday at its new store in Omaha at 5470 N.  90th St. in the Fort Plaza Center. 

 

    The store is one of 3,000 in the chain and will employ six to 10 people. 

 

   Uniglobe 

 

    Uniglobe Premier Travel has opened a travel agency office with a bilingual Spanish-English staff at 2218 L St. 

 

    Rigoberto Perez will manage the office, which will be a branch of the office at 15712 West Center Road. Uniglobe's owner is Bill Meyers. 

 

   American Business 

 

    American Business Information Inc. and InfoSpace Inc. have signed an agreement to provide expanded Internet sales and distribution of American Business Information's business and consumer databases. 

 

    The agreement lets anyone using the databases to download sales leads, mailing lists and business reports at a cost of $5 each.  InfoSpace syndicates Internet content. 

 

   First Federal

 

    First Federal Lincoln Bank will begin remodeling its office at 1811 West 2nd St. in Grand Island, Neb. 

 

    An exterior renovation was completed this spring. The interior work, to be completed by October, will include new drive-up lanes and a drive-up automatic teller machine, an expanded teller window, a large lobby, improved lighting and enhanced customer meeting rooms. 

 

   Bicor 

 

    CSL Ltd. has purchased the Bicor Animal Health facility at 2720 N. 84th St. in Omaha from Bayer Corp.'s agricultural division. 

 

    CSL, an Australian company, was previously known as Commonwealth Serum Laboratories and was owned and operated by the Australian Department of Health from 1916 until it was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1994. 

 

   Ballenger Automotive 

 

    Jeff Ballenger has purchased Ballenger Automotive Service of Council Bluffs from his father, Bill Ballenger; his uncle, Harold Ballenger; and another family member, Harold Clizbe. Ron Romans will serve as general manager. Romans has more than 15 years of experience working for Tim O'Neill Chevrolet, where he served as parts and service director. 

 

   American Business 

 

    American Business Information has bundled its CD-ROM directory, Yellow Pages USA, with Panasonic's new 2.4 GHz cordless telephones.  The new service was designed to give Panasonic's customers access to highly detailed business information. This technology takes advantage of a new frequency recently allocated by the Federal Communications Commission. 

 

   HomeSource 

 

    Todd and Mary Shearer of Omaha have opened HomeSource, Home Inspection Co., offering inspection services for house purchases, sales, insurance and preservation. 

 

    The business operates from their home and is affiliated with the American Home Inspectors Training Institute. Todd Shearer has 17 years of experience in construction engineering and management. 

 

   American Business 

 

    Yahoo! has licensed American Business Information's database of 10 million businesses for its enhanced Yahoo! Yellow Pages (yp.yahoo.com). 

 

    In addition, GTE New Medica Services, a GTE Corp. division, agreed to offer American Business Information's business database services through its SuperPages Service, an online directory and shopping service. SuperPages Service can be found at superpages.gte.net. 

 

   Briefs

 

    Millennium Rail of Chicago, which has railcar operations in Council Bluffs, has opened new shops in Hockley, Texas, and Zwolle, La... Citation Teleservices Inc. of Omaha has opened a call center in Charleston, S.C., with about 160 stations offering inbound voice service and interactive customer support services. 

 

 

 

LOAD-DATE: August 2, 1998