(19)

(11)

EP 0 746 243 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 11.12.1996 Bulletin 1996/50 (21) Application number: 93925082.0 (22) Date of filing: 27.10.1993

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/ 32( . ) A61F 9/ 013( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1993/010312 (87) International publication number: WO 1994/009710 (11.05.1994 Gazette 1994/11)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE (30) Priority: 28.10.1992 US 19920967800 (71) Applicants: KMI, INC. West Chester, PA 19382 (US) ASSIL, Kerry K. St. Louis, MO 63108 (US)	(72) Inventors: ASSIL, Kerry K., 232 Kingshighway St. Louis, MO 63108 (US) KNEPSHIELD, William, R. Malvern, PA 19355 (US) FAY, Kristen, K. Glen Mills, PA 19342 (US) (74) Representative: Hill, Richard, et al  Wilson, Gunn, M'Caw, 41-51 Royal Exchange, Cross Street Manchester M2 7BD Manchester M2 7BD (GB)