(19)

(11)

EP 1 117 899 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 25.07.2001 Bulletin 2001/30 (21) Application number: 99947715.1 (22) Date of filing: 30.09.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E21B 19/09, E02B 17/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9903/250 (87) International publication number: WO 0019/059 (06.04.2000 Gazette 2000/14)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 30.09.1998 GB 9821163 07.10.1998 GB 9821738 18.11.1998 GB 9825163 (71) Applicant: Dixon-Roche, Keith Canterbury,Kent CT1 3ER (GB)	(72) Inventor: Dixon-Roche, Keith Canterbury,Kent CT1 3ER (GB) (74) Representative: Pacitti, Pierpaolo A.M.E. et al Murgitroyd and Company373 Scotland Street Glasgow G5 8QA Glasgow G5 8QA (GB)