(19)

(11)

EP 1 121 649 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 08.08.2001 Bulletin 2001/32 (21) Application number: 00955501.2 (22) Date of filing: 11.08.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 17/30 (86) International application number: PCT/US0022/210 (87) International publication number: WO 0113/276 (22.02.2001 Gazette 2001/08)

(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: 12.08.1999 US 373264 (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)	(72) Inventors: GOLD, Christian, Harvey Roanoke, VA 24018 (US) TUNING, Jeffrey, Lydell North Fulton, GA 30024 (US) (74) Representative: Pedder, James Cuthbert  GE London Patent Operation,Essex House,12/13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)