(19)

(11)

EP 1 084 281 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/12 (21) Application number: 99919370.9 (22) Date of filing: 26.04.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C22C 13/00, F16F 15/32, F16F 15/34 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9901/282 (87) International publication number: WO 9955/924 (04.11.1999 Gazette 1999/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE ES FR GB IE IT NL PT SE (30) Priority: 27.04.1998 GB 9808981 (71) Applicant: Itri Limited Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PJ (GB)	(72) Inventors: NIMMO, Kay, Louise Benson,Oxfordshire OX10 6LY (GB) PEARCE, Jeremy, Arthur Iver,Buckinghamshire SL0 9RP (GB) AHLUWAHLIA, Harbans, Kaur Hayes,Middlesex UB3 4AT (GB) (74) Representative: Allard, Susan Joyce  BOULT WADE TENNANT,Verulam Gardens70 Gray's Inn Road London WC1X 8BT London WC1X 8BT (GB)