(19)

(11)

EP 0 847 312 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.06.1998 Bulletin 1998/25 (21) Application number: 96928533.0 (22) Date of filing: 23.08.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B22D 19/ 06( . ) C23C 30/ 00( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1996/002044 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/007913 (06.03.1997 Gazette 1997/11)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 24.08.1995 GB 19950017372 (71) Applicant: Bbl Brit Bit Limited East Tullos, Aberdeen AB1 4BG (GB)	(72) Inventor: WARDLEY, Michael, Thomas Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire AB30 1EQ (GB) (74) Representative: Pacitti, Pierpaolo A.M.E., et al  Murgitroyd and Company 373 Scotland Street Glasgow G5 8QA Glasgow G5 8QA (GB)