(19)

(11)

EP 0 859 677 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.08.1998 Bulletin 1998/35 (21) Application number: 96943710.0 (22) Date of filing: 12.12.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B22D 17/ 00( . ) B22D 17/ 30( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/019763 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/021509 (19.06.1997 Gazette 1997/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR IT LU (30) Priority: 12.12.1995 US 19950571230 (71) Applicant: Thixomat, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (US)	(72) Inventor: CARNAHAN, Robert, D. Park City, UT 84060 (US) (74) Representative: Nicholls, Michael John  J.A. KEMP & CO. 14, South Square Gray's Inn London WC1R 5LX London WC1R 5LX (GB)