(19)

(11)

EP 0 966 772 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 29.12.1999 Bulletin 1999/52 (21) Application number: 98900924.0 (22) Date of filing: 20.01.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01R 31/ 36( . ) H01M 10/ 48( . ) H01M 10/ 42( . ) H02J 7/ 00( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1998/000170 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/032181 (23.07.1998 Gazette 1998/29)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 21.01.1997 GB 19970001165 22.08.1997 GB 19970017967 19.09.1997 GB 19970020037 (71) Applicant: Metrixx Limited Aberdeen AB10 1FW (GB)	(72) Inventor: Puchianu, Silviu The Innovation Centre Bridge of Don Aberdeen AB23 8GX (GB) (74) Representative: Beresford, Keith Denis Lewis, et al  BERESFORD & Co. High Holborn 2-5 Warwick Court London WC1R 5DJ London WC1R 5DJ (GB)