(19)

(11)

EP 1 088 183 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/14 (21) Application number: 99930533.7 (22) Date of filing: 23.06.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: F16K 35/04, F16K 51/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9914/042 (87) International publication number: WO 0000/765 (06.01.2000 Gazette 2000/01)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE DK ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 26.06.1998 IT TO980550 (71) Applicant: MASCO CORPORATION Taylor, MI 48180 (US)	(72) Inventor: KNAPP, Francesco I-27061 Cava Manara (IT) (74) Representative: Oppermann, Mark, Dipl.-Ing.  Oppermann & OppermannPatentanwälteAm Wiesengrund 35 63075 Offenbach 63075 Offenbach (DE)