(19)

(11)

EP 1 031 170 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 30.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/35 (21) Application number: 99941138.2 (22) Date of filing: 17.08.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01M 10/34, H01M 2/14, H01M 2/16 (86) International application number: PCT/US9918/499 (87) International publication number: WO 0011/746 (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: 18.08.1998 US 96963 P (71) Applicant: GNB Technologies Mendota Heights, MN 55118 (US)	(72) Inventor: LAWRENCE, Michael, M. Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 (US) (74) Representative: Knott, Stephen Gilbert et al MATHISEN, MACARA & CO.The Coach House6-8 Swakeleys Road IckenhamUxbridge UB10 8BZ IckenhamUxbridge UB10 8BZ (GB)