(19)

(11)

EP 0 958 096 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 24.11.1999 Bulletin 1999/47 (21) Application number: 97930665.0 (22) Date of filing: 10.07.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B23K 26/ 00( . ) B23K 26/ 08( . ) B23K 26/ 06( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/001855 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/002273 (22.01.1998 Gazette 1998/03)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE FR GB IT LI (30) Priority: 11.07.1996 EP 19960305125 (71) Applicant: MOLINS PLC Milton Keynes, MK14 5LU (GB)	(72) Inventors: AINDOW, Alan, Michael University Park Hilo, HI 96720 (US) CAHILL, Michael, John Coventry CV4 8HS (GB) HADDOW, Philip, Gordon Coventry CV4 8HS (GB) VERNON, Geoffrey, William Coventry CV4 8HS (GB) (74) Representative: Webb, John Charles  Molins PLC Group Patent Department Haw Lane Saunderton High Wycombe, Bucks. HP14 4JE High Wycombe, Bucks. HP14 4JE (GB)