(19)

(11)

EP 1 012 361 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/26 (21) Application number: 97936009.6 (22) Date of filing: 22.04.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: D02G 3/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9705/840 (87) International publication number: WO 9848/089 (29.10.1998 Gazette 1998/43)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE (71) Applicants: Forward, Robert L. Clinton, WA 98236 (US) Hoyt, Robert P. Seattle, WA 98115-4361 (US)	(72) Inventors: Forward, Robert L. Clinton, WA 98236 (US) Hoyt, Robert P. Seattle, WA 98115-4361 (US) (74) Representative: Smith, Norman Ian  fJ CLEVELAND 40-43 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1JQ London WC2A 1JQ (GB)