(19)

(11)

EP 1 161 308 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.12.2001 Bulletin 2001/50 (21) Application number: 99966336.2 (22) Date of filing: 16.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B07B 1/49, B23P 15/16 (86) International application number: PCT/US9929/951 (87) International publication number: WO 0038/849 (06.07.2000 Gazette 2000/27)

(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: 23.12.1998 US 113456 P (71) Applicant: Thermo Black Clawson Inc. Middletown, OH 45042 (US)	(72) Inventors: CHUPKA, David, E. Middletown, OH 45042 (US) WILLIAMSON, Gary, S. Middletown, OH 45042 (US) WEATHERLY, Stephen, M. Middletown, OH 45044 (US) (74) Representative: Johnstone, Douglas Ian et al Baron & Warren,18 South End Kensington,London W8 5BU Kensington,London W8 5BU (GB)