(19)

(11)

EP 1 084 007 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/12 (21) Application number: 99925179.6 (22) Date of filing: 02.06.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B23K 20/16, B23K 35/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9901/733 (87) International publication number: WO 9962/667 (09.12.1999 Gazette 1999/49)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE ES FR GB IT LI (30) Priority: 02.06.1998 GB 9811860 (71) Applicant: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED Cambridge CB2 1TS (GB)	(72) Inventors: SHIRZADI-GHOSHOUNI, Amir, Abbas Cambridge CB2 1ST (GB) WALLACH, Eric, Robert Cambridge CB3 9LS (GB) (74) Representative: Haley, Stephen  Gill Jennings & Every,Broadgate House,7 Eldon Street London EC2M 7LH London EC2M 7LH (GB)