(19)

(11)

EP 1 131 176 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.09.2001 Bulletin 2001/37 (21) Application number: 99969597.6 (22) Date of filing: 04.11.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B22D 25/00, C22C 19/05 (86) International application number: PCT/US9925/976 (87) International publication number: WO 0025/959 (11.05.2000 Gazette 2000/19)

(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: 05.11.1998 US 107141 P 17.02.1999 US 251660 (71) Applicant: ALLISON ENGINE COMPANY, INC. Indianapolis,Indiana 46206-0420 (US)	(72) Inventors: FRASIER, Donald, J. Greenwood, IN 46143 (US) BURKHOLDER, Philip, S. Pittsboro, IN 46167 (US) (74) Representative: Holmes, Matthew Peter et al MARKS & CLERK,Sussex House,83-85 Mosley Street Manchester M2 3LG Manchester M2 3LG (GB)