(19)

(11)

EP 0 970 484 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/02 (21) Application number: 98910830.3 (22) Date of filing: 06.03.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01B 13/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9800/665 (87) International publication number: WO 9843/254 (01.10.1998 Gazette 1998/39)

(84) Designated Contracting States: FR GB IT (30) Priority: 26.03.1997 GB 9706257 (71) Applicant: BICC Public Limited Company London W1X 5FH (GB)	(72) Inventors: DEEGAN, Edward FairfieldLiverpool L7 0LP (GB) GRIFFITHS, Carl LlanfechainN. Powys SY22 6YR (GB) FREESTONE, James Danville, IN 46122 (US) (74) Representative: Poole, Michael John  Corning Communications Ltd.,Patent and Licensing Dpt.,Quantum House,Maylands Avenue Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7DE Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7DE (GB)