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(11)

EP 0 875 065 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.11.1998 Bulletin 1998/45 (21) Application number: 97939704.0 (22) Date of filing: 02.09.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H01B 5/ 14( . ) H01B 7/ 08( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/015336 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/018138 (30.04.1998 Gazette 1998/17)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FI FR GB IT NL SE (30) Priority: 18.10.1996 US 19960739354 (71) Applicant: W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC. Newark, Delaware 19714-9206 (US)	(72) Inventors: POLENSKE, Jimmie, H., Jr. Gilbert, AZ 85233 (US) REYNOLDS, J., Scott, Sr. Tempe, AZ 85283 (US) RUSSELL, Robert, A. Phoenix, AZ 85018 (US) (74) Representative: McCallum, William Potter, et al  Cruikshank & Fairweather 19 Royal Exchange Square Glasgow G1 3AE Scotland Glasgow G1 3AE Scotland (GB)