(19)

(11)

EP 1 102 640 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 30.05.2001 Bulletin 2001/22 (21) Application number: 99944350.0 (22) Date of filing: 03.08.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B05B 12/00 (86) International application number: PCT/EP9905/749 (87) International publication number: WO 0007/741 (17.02.2000 Gazette 2000/07)

(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: 06.08.1998 IT MI981858 (71) Applicant: ABB Flexible Automation SpA 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (Mi) (IT)	(72) Inventors: FERRARI, Giovanni I-28041 Arona (IT) VIOLA, Pierangelo I-10044 Pianezza (IT) (74) Representative: Giavarini, Francesco  ABB Ricerca S.p.A.Viale Edison, 50 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (MI) 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (MI) (IT)