(19)

(11)

EP 1 149 388 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 31.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/44 (21) Application number: 99974115.0 (22) Date of filing: 08.10.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G21C 19/28 (86) International application number: PCT/US9923/588 (87) International publication number: WO 0127/933 (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) Inventor: MARBLE, William, Joel Rocklin, CA 95765 (US) (74) Representative: Szary, Anne Catherine, Dr. et al GE London Patent Operation,Essex House,12-13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)