(19)

(11)

EP 1 105 789 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 13.06.2001 Bulletin 2001/24 (21) Application number: 99945067.9 (22) Date of filing: 14.08.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 1/16, B25J 9/16 (86) International application number: PCT/US9918/587 (87) International publication number: WO 0010/073 (24.02.2000 Gazette 2000/08)

(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: 14.08.1998 US 96484 P (71) Applicant: ViA, Inc. Northfield,Minnesota 55057 (US)	(72) Inventors: CARROLL, David W.,Via, Inc. Northfield, MN 55057 (US) PALMQUIST, Robert D.,Via, Inc. Northfield, MN 55057 (US) (74) Representative: Kinsler, Maureen Catherine et al Kilburn & Strode,20 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4PJ London WC1R 4PJ (GB)