(19)

(11)

EP 1 062 177 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.12.2000 Bulletin 2000/52 (21) Application number: 99907738.1 (22) Date of filing: 09.03.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B66B 9/08 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9900/697 (87) International publication number: WO 9946/198 (16.09.1999 Gazette 1999/37)

(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: 09.03.1998 GB 9805003 (71) Applicant: BISON BEDE LIMITED County Durham DH8 8JB (GB)	(72) Inventor: WHITEHOUSE, Derrick Joseph Wolsingham,Co. Durham DL13 3A7 (GB) (74) Representative: Butcher, Ian James et al A.A. Thornton & Co.235 High Holborn London WC1V 7LE London WC1V 7LE (GB)