(19)

(11)

EP 1 214 501 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 02.08.2001 (43) Date of publication: 19.06.2002 Bulletin 2002/25 (21) Application number: 00958874.0 (22) Date of filing: 12.09.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E21B 47/12, E21B 47/04 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0003/491 (87) International publication number: WO 0120/129 (22.03.2001 Gazette 2001/12)

(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: 14.09.1999 GB 9921554 (71) Applicant: Machines (U.K.) Limited Ellon,Aberdeenshire AB41 7RS (GB)	(72) Inventors: Van Der Ende, Andre Martin Ellon,Aberdeenshire AB41 7RS (GB) Cope, John Portlethen,Aberdeen AB12 4QW (GB) (74) Representative: Allan, Jamie et al Murgitroyd & Company,373 Scotland Street Glasgow G5 8QA Glasgow G5 8QA (GB)