(19)

(11)

EP 1 024 967 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/32 (21) Application number: 98930297.1 (22) Date of filing: 16.06.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B60C 3/00, B60C 9/28, B60C 11/04 (86) International application number: PCT/US9812/547 (87) International publication number: WO 9858/810 (30.12.1998 Gazette 1998/52)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 20.06.1997 US 50336 P (71) Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A. CH-1763 Granges-Paccot (CH)	(72) Inventor: RADULESCU, Robert, Ciprian Simpsonville, SC 29681 (US) (74) Representative: Diernaz, Christian  Michelin & CieService SGD/LG/PI-LAD 63040 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 09 63040 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 09 (FR)