(19)

(11)

EP 0 731 908 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.09.1996 Bulletin 1996/38 (21) Application number: 95932849.0 (22) Date of filing: 02.10.1995

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01J 3/ 44( . ) G01N 3/ 02( . ) G01N 3/ 46( . ) G01N 3/ 06( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1995/002331 (87) International publication number: WO 1996/010737 (11.04.1996 Gazette 1996/16)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE FR GB LI (30) Priority: 30.09.1994 GB 19940019724 13.07.1995 GB 19950014366 (71) Applicants: Renishaw plc Wotton-Under-Edge Gloucestershire GL12 8JR (GB) CENTRE SUISSE D'ELECTRONIQUE ET DE MICROTECHNIQUE S.A. 2007 Neuchâtel (CH)	(72) Inventors: PITT, Gillies, David Gloucestershire GL15 6UU (GB) HAYWARD Ian, Paul Yorkshire YO3 4UH (GB) ALERS, Paul, Centre Suisse d'Electronique et Maladière 71, CH-2007 Neuchâtel (CH) (74) Representative: Jackson, John Timothy, et al  Renishaw plc Patent Department New Mills Wotton-under-Edge Gloucestershire GL12 8JR Wotton-under-Edge Gloucestershire GL12 8JR (GB)