(19)

(11)

EP 1 109 647 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.06.2001 Bulletin 2001/26 (21) Application number: 99928942.4 (22) Date of filing: 14.06.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B23K 26/06 (86) International application number: PCT/CA9900/547 (87) International publication number: WO 0000/320 (06.01.2000 Gazette 2000/01)

(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: 29.06.1998 CA 2242139 (71) Applicant: Automated Welding Systems Inc. Markham,Ontario L3R 4R3 (CA)	(72) Inventor: XIAO, Min,Automated Welding Systems Incorporated Markham,Ontario L3R 4R3 (CA) (74) Representative: Gray, James  Withers & Rogers,Goldings House,2 Hays Lane London SE1 2HW London SE1 2HW (GB)