11.   But as tech companies push the intellectual property envelope, even people in the industry wonder how some seemingly frivolous claims make it through the patent office.

12.   But at least in the short-term, it has made it easier for companies to push up prices.

13.   But Friday, the company pushed that optimism further out, saying that it did not expect a big jump in profits until the fourth quarter.

14.   But the company is pushing heavily to get into the even bigger business of providing the equipment used by the largest telecommunications companies.

15.   Cellular telephone companies are pushing federal regulators for a new telephone fee system they say would increase the number of cell calls and boost industry revenue.

16.   Chairman Ratan Tata told shareholders last week the company was pushing up its utility-vehicle production and reducing truck production to adjust to market demand.

17.   Companies are pushing the girlie image.

18.   Companies are pushing the government to find a permanent solution.

19.   Compaq Chief Executive Officer Michael Capellas even indicated recently that the companies were pushing to speed up the deal.

20.   Each tobacco company is pushing bills in states where it has major operations.