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EP 1 079 734 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 07.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/10 (21) Application number: 99919473.1 (22) Date of filing: 21.05.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 6/00, A61B 6/08 (86) International application number: PCT/IB9900/930 (87) International publication number: WO 9960/928 (02.12.1999 Gazette 1999/48)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT CH DE FR GB IT LI NL SE (30) Priority: 22.05.1998 ZA 9804356 (71) Applicant: DEBEX (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED 8301 Kimberley (ZA)

(72) Inventors: POTGIETER, Johannes Hermanus 1685 Midrand (ZA) BOOYSEN, Andre 1709 Roodepoort (ZA) VAN LOOY, Paul 2194 Randburg (ZA) DE JAGER, Gerhardus 7700 Cape (ZA) BENINGFIELD, Stephen, James 7800 Constantia (ZA) BAUTZ, Peter, Curt 7405 Pinelands (ZA) BOWIE, Gillan 7405 Pinelands (ZA) (74) Representative: Charlton, Peter John  Elkington and FifeProspect House8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR (GB)