correction....

 http://www.uspto.gov/main/faq/p120013.htm

"usually ends 20 years from the date you first applied for the patent"

I noted from the Issue Date in my prior post. I have read  of enforcement actions leaning on the 20 / issue date.

 however....

utility patents are 20 years from first apllied date...

Patent number: 5491774...Comp General Corporation
Filing date: Apr 19, 1994.......2014 - 2008 = 6 years
Issue date: Feb 13, 1996

 Patent number: 5787445...Norris Communications
Filing date: Mar 7, 1996.........2016 -2008 = 8 years
Issue date: Jul 28, 1998

Patent number: 5839108...Norris Communications
Filing date: Jun 30, 1997........2017 -2008 = 9 years
Issue date: Nov 17, 1998

Patent number: 5842170...Norris Communications
Filing date: Dec 23, 1996........2016 -2008 = 8 years
Issue date: Nov 24, 1998

Patent number: 5742737...Norris Communications
Filing date: Mar 3, 1997........2017 - 2008 = 9 years
Issue date: Apr 21, 1998

 sorry about that

doni