(19)

(11)

EP 0 912 982 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 06.05.1999 Bulletin 1999/18 (21) Application number: 98910715.0 (22) Date of filing: 20.02.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H01B 3/ 44( . ) H01B 13/ 06( . ) H01B 13/ 22( . ) H01B 7/ 02( . ) H01B 13/ 10( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/EP1998/000999 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/038651 (03.09.1998 Gazette 1998/35)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT SE (30) Priority: 27.02.1997 DE 19971008028 (71) Applicant: W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES GmbH 85640 Putzbrunn (DE)	(72) Inventors: WATSON, David D-91785 Pleinfeld (DE) GRÜNSTEUDL, Herbert D-91723 Dittenheim (DE) (74) Representative: Harrison, Robert John  W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH, Hermann-Oberth-Strasse 22 85640 Putzbrunn 85640 Putzbrunn (DE)