(19)

(11)

EP 1 131 869 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.09.2001 Bulletin 2001/37 (21) Application number: 99958901.3 (22) Date of filing: 12.11.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H02G 11/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9926/711 (87) International publication number: WO 0031/847 (02.06.2000 Gazette 2000/22)

(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: 20.11.1998 US 197326 (71) Applicants: Burke, Paul C. Lake Forest,Illinois 60045 (US) Skowronski, Richard E. North Hampton, NH 03862 (US)	(72) Inventors: Burke, Paul C. Lake Forest,Illinois 60045 (US) Skowronski, Richard E. North Hampton, NH 03862 (US) (74) Representative: Flosdorff, Jürgen, Dr.  Alleestrasse 33 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen (DE)