(19)

(11)

EP 0 971 815 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 19.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/03 (21) Application number: 98960748.6 (22) Date of filing: 03.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B31B 1/50, B31B 1/68, B31B 1/60, B31B 1/00, B65B 61/00, B65B 35/54 (86) International application number: PCT/US9825/761 (87) International publication number: WO 9928/119 (10.06.1999 Gazette 1999/23)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 04.12.1997 US 67525 P (71) Applicant: ASC Machine Tools, Inc. Spokane, WA 99211 (US)	(72) Inventors: DRAKE, Jon, P. Chattaroy, WA 99003 (US) GERST, Michael, D. Wenatchee, WA 98802 (US) WEBB, Patrick, J. Spokane, WA 99207 (US) (74) Representative: Nicholls, Michael John  J.A. KEMP & CO.14, South SquareGray's Inn London WC1R 5LX London WC1R 5LX (GB)