(19)

(11)

EP 1 024 935 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/32 (21) Application number: 98915017.2 (22) Date of filing: 09.04.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B26F 1/24, B26F 1/14, B28B 11/08, B28B 11/12, B28B 19/00, G01N 21/88, G01B 11/12 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9801/042 (87) International publication number: WO 9846/401 (22.10.1998 Gazette 1998/42)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE Designated Extension States: RO (30) Priority: 11.04.1997 GB 9707372 (71) Applicant: BPB plc Slough,Buckinghamshire SL1 3UF (GB)	(72) Inventor: DEVEREUX, William Notts NG2 7AR (GB) (74) Representative: Lloyd, Patrick Alexander Desmond  Reddie & Grose16 Theobalds Road London WC1X 8PL London WC1X 8PL (GB)