(19)

(11)

EP 0 950 273 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 20.10.1999 Bulletin 1999/42 (21) Application number: 98957431.0 (22) Date of filing: 29.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H01R 39/ 00( . ) H01R 39/ 64( . ) G01R 31/ 01( . ) G01R 1/ 04( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1998/023027 (87) International publication number: WO 1999/023731 (14.05.1999 Gazette 1999/19)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT CH DE FR GB IE IT LI NL (30) Priority: 04.11.1997 US 19970064244P (71) Applicant: ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. Portland, OR 97229-5497 (US)	(72) Inventor: GARCIA, Douglas, J. Escondido, CA 92026 (US) (74) Representative: Carter, Stephen John, et al  Mewburn Ellis York House 23 Kingsway London WC2B 6HP London WC2B 6HP (GB)