(19)

(11)

EP 0 977 917 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.02.2000 Bulletin 2000/06 (21) Application number: 98917457.8 (22) Date of filing: 24.04.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: D07B 1/06 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9801/193 (87) International publication number: WO 9849/388 (05.11.1998 Gazette 1998/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 25.04.1997 GB 9708576 (71) Applicant: BRIDON PLC Doncaster,South Yorkshire DN4 8DG (GB)	(72) Inventors: WALTON, John, Mawson Doncaster DN5 7LP (GB) STEPHENSON, Alan Doncaster DN4 7BQ (GB) (74) Representative: Godwin, Edgar James  MARKS & CLERK,57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields London WC2A 3LS London WC2A 3LS (GB)