(19)

(11)

EP 1 082 562 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 14.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/11 (21) Application number: 99925829.6 (22) Date of filing: 25.05.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: F16K 7/04 (86) International application number: PCT/US9911/533 (87) International publication number: WO 9961/825 (02.12.1999 Gazette 1999/48)

(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: 27.05.1998 US 86896 P (71) Applicant: Zerfas, Gerald B. Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (US)	(72) Inventor: Zerfas, Gerald B. Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (US) (74) Representative: Miller, James Lionel Woolverton et al Kilburn & Strode,20 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4PJ London WC1R 4PJ (GB)