(19)

(11)

EP 1 016 325 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 05.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/27 (21) Application number: 98905388.9 (22) Date of filing: 03.02.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H05B 6/80 (86) International application number: PCT/EP9800/553 (87) International publication number: WO 9835/533 (13.08.1998 Gazette 1998/32)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT SE (30) Priority: 10.02.1997 SE 9700448 (71) Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION Benton HarborMichigan 49022 (US)	(72) Inventors: RISMAN, P., O. S-438 92 Härryda (SE) CARLSSON, Dan S-602 27 Norrköping (SE) (74) Representative: Guerci, Alessandro  Whirlpool Europe S.r.l.Patent DepartmentViale G. Borghi 27 21025 Comerio (VA) 21025 Comerio (VA) (IT)