(19)

(11)

EP 1 004 031 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 31.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/22 (21) Application number: 98943182.0 (22) Date of filing: 10.08.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01R 23/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9816/521 (87) International publication number: WO 9909/422 (25.02.1999 Gazette 1999/08)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE FR GB LI NL SE (30) Priority: 14.08.1997 WO PCT/US97/14497 (71) Applicant: HENDRY MECHANICAL WORKS Goleta, CA 93117 (US)	(72) Inventors: PARKER, Michael, T. Camarillo, CA 93010 (US) HAM, MARGARET, F. Fresno, CA 93720 (US) KEENAN, James, J. Santa Barbara, CA 93110 (US) BENOIT, Luc, Pierre La Canada, CA 91011 (US) (74) Representative: Casey, Lindsay Joseph  F. R. Kelly & Co.27 Clyde RoadBallsbridge Dublin 4 Dublin 4 (IE)