(19)

(11)

EP 0 847 282 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.06.1998 Bulletin 1998/25 (21) Application number: 97917345.0 (22) Date of filing: 17.04.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61L 15/ 12( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/001066 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/038646 (23.10.1997 Gazette 1997/45)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 18.04.1996 GB 19960008004 18.07.1996 GB 19960015129 06.03.1997 GB 19970004641 (71) Applicant: Smith & Nephew plc London WC2R 3BP (GB)	(72) Inventors: YEOMANS, Kevin, Andrew Boston Spa, West Yorkshire LS23 6AL (GB) WEST, Peter, John York YO3 9QN (GB) PEEL, Claire York YO1 3UH (GB) SHELVEY, Michael, Francis York YO4 5QJ (GB) BENTLEY, Peter, Hubert York YO3 0EQ (GB)