(19)

(11)

EP 0 972 153 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 19.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/03 (21) Application number: 97916009.0 (22) Date of filing: 13.03.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: F16K 49/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9704/159 (87) International publication number: WO 9840/653 (17.09.1998 Gazette 1998/37)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI NL SE (71) Applicant: TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY Santa Fe Springs,California 90670 (US)	(72) Inventor: BRECHT, William, B. Seal Beach, CA 90740 (US) (74) Representative: Kensett, John Hinton et al Saunders & Dolleymore,9 Rickmansworth Road Watford,Hertfordshire WD1 7HE Watford,Hertfordshire WD1 7HE (GB)