(19)

(11)

EP 1 138 046 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/40 (21) Application number: 99974114.3 (22) Date of filing: 12.10.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G21C 17/022, G21C 19/28 (86) International application number: PCT/US9923/795 (87) International publication number: WO 0127/932 (19.04.2001 Gazette 2001/16)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)	(72) Inventors: MARBLE, William, Joel Rocklin, CA 95765 (US) PETERSON, George, Ervin Fremont, CA 94536 (US) RUIZ, Carl, Phillip Fremont, CA 94539 (US) ROBINSON, Randall, Norman San Jose, CA 95127 (US) (74) Representative: Pedder, James Cuthbert  GE London Patent Operation,Essex House,12/13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)