(19)

(11)

EP 0 957 763 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 24.11.1999 Bulletin 1999/47 (21) Application number: 97901164.0 (22) Date of filing: 22.01.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 5/ 11( . ) A61B 5/ 113( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/000191 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/026824 (31.07.1997 Gazette 1997/33)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 24.01.1996 GB 19960001395 (71) Applicant: FOTHERGILL, Ian Robert Manchester M2 5TF (GB)	(72) Inventor: FOTHERGILL, Ian Robert Manchester M2 5TF (GB) (74) Representative: Quest, Barry, et al  Wilson, Gunn, M'Caw, 41-51 Royal Exchange, Cross Street Manchester M2 7BD Manchester M2 7BD (GB)