(19)

(11)

EP 0 938 736 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 01.09.1999 Bulletin 1999/35 (21) Application number: 98947183.0 (22) Date of filing: 17.09.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H01H 9/ 42( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1998/019705 (87) International publication number: WO 1999/014776 (25.03.1999 Gazette 1999/12)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR IT (30) Priority: 18.09.1997 US 19970932486 28.07.1998 US 19980123652 (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)	(72) Inventors: ARNOLD, David Chester, CT 06412 (US) CASTONGUAY, Roger, Neil Terryville, CT 06786 (US) (74) Representative: Pedder, James Cuthbert  GE London Patent Operation, Essex House, 12/13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)