(19)

(11)

EP 1 159 028 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 05.12.2001 Bulletin 2001/49 (21) Application number: 00917619.9 (22) Date of filing: 09.02.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61N 1/30 (86) International application number: PCT/US0003/304 (87) International publication number: WO 0047/273 (17.08.2000 Gazette 2000/33)

(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: 09.02.1999 US 119346 P (71) Applicant: Pierce Instruments, Inc. Stowe, VT 05672 (US)	(72) Inventors: PIERCE, Javin Stowe, VT 05672 (US) CRISP, William, E. Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (US) (74) Representative: Chettle, Adrian John et al Withers & Rogers,Goldings House,2 Hays Lane London SE1 2HW London SE1 2HW (GB)