(19)

(11)

EP 1 021 575 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/30 (21) Application number: 98943252.1 (22) Date of filing: 21.08.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C22C 9/02, C22C 9/06, H01R 13/03 (86) International application number: PCT/US9817/196 (87) International publication number: WO 9913/117 (18.03.1999 Gazette 1999/11)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 05.09.1997 US 57779 P (71) Applicant: The Miller Company Meriden, CT 06450-1010 (US)	(72) Inventors: MANDLE, David, H. Meriden, CT 06450-1010 (US) FARQUHARSON, Daniel, D. Meriden, CT 06450-1010 (US) (74) Representative: Kraus, Walter, Dr. et al Kraus & Weisert,Thomas-Wimmer-Ring 15 80539 München 80539 München (DE)