(19)

(11)

EP 1 055 244 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 29.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/48 (21) Application number: 99966098.8 (22) Date of filing: 10.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01H 83/04, H02H 1/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9929/282 (87) International publication number: WO 0036/623 (22.06.2000 Gazette 2000/25)

(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: 14.12.1998 US 211242 (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)	(72) Inventors: FUHR, Kevin J. Goshen, CT 06756 (US) SEYMOUR, Raymond, Kelsey Plainville, CT 06062 (US) MAGHAM, Murali K. Plainville, CT 06062 (US) (74) Representative: Goode, Ian Roy  London Patent OperationGeneral Electric International, Inc.Essex House12-13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)