(19)

(11)

EP 1 173 625 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.01.2002 Bulletin 2002/04 (21) Application number: 00906767.9 (22) Date of filing: 24.02.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C21D 9/40, C21D 9/36, C22C 38/18, C21D 8/00 (86) International application number: PCT/NL0000/116 (87) International publication number: WO 0063/449 (26.10.2000 Gazette 2000/43)

(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: 15.04.1999 NL 1011805 (71) Applicant: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V. 3430 DT Nieuwegein (NL)	(72) Inventors: BESWICK, John, Michael NL-3417 WX Montfoort (NL) WICKS, Garry NL-3722 TE Bilthoven (NL) (74) Representative: Jorritsma, Ruurd  Nederlandsch Octrooibureau Scheveningseweg 82 P.O. Box 29720 2502 LS Den Haag 2502 LS Den Haag (NL)