(19)

(11)

EP 1 025 361 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 15.07.1999 (43) Date of publication: 09.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/32 (21) Application number: 98949147.7 (22) Date of filing: 26.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: F04C 2/107, F04C 11/00, F04C 15/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9803/181 (87) International publication number: WO 9922/141 (06.05.1999 Gazette 1999/18)

(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: 24.10.1997 GB 9722463 06.11.1997 GB 9723387 (71) Applicant: Sneddon, John Leishman EllonAberdeenshire AB4 9NFScotland (GB)	(72) Inventor: Sneddon, John Leishman EllonAberdeenshire AB4 9NFScotland (GB) (74) Representative: Pacitti, Pierpaolo A.M.E. et al Murgitroyd and Company373 Scotland Street Glasgow G5 8QA Glasgow G5 8QA (GB)