(19)

(11)

EP 1 131 835 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.09.2001 Bulletin 2001/37 (21) Application number: 00965398.1 (22) Date of filing: 22.09.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01H 35/34, H01G 5/18 (86) International application number: PCT/US0026/282 (87) International publication number: WO 0122/460 (29.03.2001 Gazette 2001/13)

(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: 22.09.1999 US 401631 22.09.1999 US 155442 P (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)	(72) Inventors: CRYNOCK, Stephen, M. Morrison, IL 61270 (US) NICE, Donald, E. Morrison, IL 61270 (US) KIDWELL, Richard, T. Dothan, AL 63605 (US) (74) Representative: Goode, Ian Roy et al GE LONDON PATENT OPERATION,Essex House,12/13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)