(19)

(11)

EP 1 121 288 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 08.08.2001 Bulletin 2001/32 (21) Application number: 99949168.1 (22) Date of filing: 07.10.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B63B 27/16 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9903/315 (87) International publication number: WO 0023/319 (27.04.2000 Gazette 2000/17)

(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: 17.10.1998 GB 9822593 (71) Applicant: SOIL MACHINE DYNAMICS LIMITED Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE6 3QS (GB)	(72) Inventor: REECE, Alan Richard Wylam,Northumberland NE41 8HU (GB) (74) Representative: Vinsome, Rex Martin et al Urquhart-Dykes & LordSt Nicholas ChambersAmen Corner Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 1PE Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 1PE (GB)