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Intangible Assets
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets
9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Patent costs, which are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
2018
 
 
2017
 
Patent costs
 
$
1,979
 
 
$
2,093
 
Accumulated amortization
 
 
(1,380
)
 
 
(1,386
)
 
 
$
599
 
 
$
707
 
 
Definite lived intangible assets, such as patent rights, are amortized and tested for impairment if a triggering event occurs.
 
Amortization expense was approximately $
119,000
, $
130,000
and $
134,000
in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense from patent assets held as of December 31, 2018, is projected to be $
108,000
, $
103,000
, $
93,000
, $
62,000
and $
51,000
, in fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.