(19)

(11)

EP 0 813 460 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 29.12.1997 Bulletin 1997/52 (21) Application number: 96905543.0 (22) Date of filing: 16.02.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B23K 9/ 073( . ) B23K 9/ 173( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/002214 (87) International publication number: WO 1996/027471 (12.09.1996 Gazette 1996/41)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 08.03.1995 US 19950399089 (71) Applicant: THE BABCOCK & WILCOX COMPANY New Orleans, Louisiana 70160-0035 (US)	(72) Inventor: RAPER, Larry, W. Orrville, OH 44667 (US) (74) Representative: Pilch, Adam John Michael, et al  D. YOUNG & CO., 21 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1DA London EC4A 1DA (GB)