(19)

(11)

EP 0 943 121 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 22.09.1999 Bulletin 1999/38 (21) Application number: 97947179.0 (22) Date of filing: 03.12.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B25J 9/ 16( . ) G05B 19/ 418( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/003342 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/026338 (18.06.1998 Gazette 1998/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE ES FR GB SE (30) Priority: 09.12.1996 GB 19960025515 (71) Applicant: British Nuclear Fuels PLC Risley Warrington Cheshire, WA3 6AS (GB)	(72) Inventor: SAUNDERS, John Peter, British Nuclear Fuels plc Salwick, Preston PR4 0XJ (GB) (74) Representative: Harrison Goddard Foote  Belmont House, 20 Wood Lane Leeds LS6 2AE Leeds LS6 2AE (GB)