(19)

(11)

EP 0 897 580 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 24.02.1999 Bulletin 1999/08 (21) Application number: 97926467.0 (22) Date of filing: 12.05.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G21B 3/ 00( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/008033 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/043768 (20.11.1997 Gazette 1997/50)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 10.05.1996 US 19960644118 (71) Applicant: Case, Leslie C. Winchester, MA 01890 (US)	(72) Inventor: Case, Leslie C. Winchester, MA 01890 (US) (74) Representative: Des Termes, Monique, et al  c/o Société de Protection des Inventions 25, rue de Ponthieu 75008 Paris 75008 Paris (FR)