(19)

(11)

EP 0 871 399 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/43 (21) Application number: 96940038.0 (22) Date of filing: 29.11.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 5/ 11( . ) G01G 19/ 44( . ) A61B 5/ 103( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1996/002964 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/019636 (05.06.1997 Gazette 1997/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 29.11.1995 GB 19950024358 (71) Applicant: SMS SANDLAND MANUFACTURING SERVICES LIMITED Harlow, Essex CM19 5TL (GB)	(72) Inventors: WENMAN, Alan Essex CM6 1UQ (GB) DAUGHTERY, Christopher Hertfordshire CM23 4PX (GB) MALOY, Peter Essex CM6 1HG (GB) STOPPS, Martin Hertford SG13 7RT (GB) (74) Representative: Gillam, Francis Cyril, et al  SANDERSON & CO. 34, East Stockwell Street Colchester Essex CO1 1ST Colchester Essex CO1 1ST (GB)