CLEVELAND ... Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced that the U.S. District Court in Wilmington, Delaware this week granted a permanent injunction against Parker Hannifin Corporation regarding an Eaton patent for an innovative Snap-to-Connect (STC®) technology used in high-pressure hydraulic applications.

The Nov. 18 ruling by U.S. District Judge Sue Robinson prohibits Parker from manufacturing, marketing or selling its Generation II and Generation III Perma Push connectors and any colorable variations of them.

Additionally, the court confirmed that two other related Eaton patents are also valid and enforceable. Eaton filed the patent infringement suit against Parker on Aug. 15, 2000. Eaton's patented Snap-to-Connect technology has numerous applications for mobile and industrial equipment.

"We are very pleased that the court validated Eaton's patents and that Parker's Perma Push product will no longer be able to infringe upon our patented technology," said Jeff Finch, director of marketing for Eaton hydraulics. "Eaton remains committed to providing our customers and industry with game-changing technologies and to protecting the investments we make in the design, development and deployment of these technologies."

Eaton Corporation is a global diversified industrial manufacturer with 2002 sales of $7.2 billion that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent systems for fuel economy and safety in trucks. Eaton has 51,000 employees and sells products in more than 50 countries.