(19)

(11)

EP 1 025 296 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 02.06.2000 (43) Date of publication: 09.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/32 (21) Application number: 99945164.4 (22) Date of filing: 24.08.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: D01H 13/26, D02G 3/26, D02G 3/36, H01G 7/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9919/277 (87) International publication number: WO 0011/680 (02.03.2000 Gazette 2000/09)

(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: 25.08.1998 US 139557 19.05.1999 US 314317 (71) Applicants: Gentry, Bobby C. Carrollton, GA 30117 (US) Hesterlee, Jerry M. Carrollton, GA 30117 (US) Watkins, Clinton E. Villa Rica, GA 30180 (US) Sullivan, James H. Carrollton, GA 30117 (US)	(72) Inventors: Gentry, Bobby C. Carrollton, GA 30117 (US) Hesterlee, Jerry M. Carrollton, GA 30117 (US) Watkins, Clinton E. Villa Rica, GA 30180 (US) Sullivan, James H. Carrollton, GA 30117 (US) (74) Representative: Brandon, Paul Laurence et al APPLEYARD LEES,15 Clare Road Halifax HX1 2HY Halifax HX1 2HY (GB)