(19)

(11)

EP 0 961 747 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 08.12.1999 Bulletin 1999/49 (21) Application number: 96931132.0 (22) Date of filing: 13.09.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B65G 27/ 04( . ) B65G 27/ 30( . ) B65G 27/ 24( . ) B65G 27/ 34( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1996/002270 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/010164 (20.03.1997 Gazette 1997/13)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE ES FR GB SE (30) Priority: 15.09.1995 GB 19950018905 (71) Applicant: British Nuclear Fuels PLC Risley Warrington Cheshire, WA3 6AS (GB)	(72) Inventor: GLENVILLE, Reginald Paul, Salwick Preston PR4 0XJ (GB) (74) Representative: Harrison Goddard Foote  1 Stockport Road Marple, Stockport SK6 6BD Marple, Stockport SK6 6BD (GB)