(19)

(11)

EP 1 230 629 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 14.08.2002 Bulletin 2002/33 (21) Application number: 00969569.3 (22) Date of filing: 27.10.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G07F 15/00, G07F 7/00 (86) International application number: PCT/EP0010/701 (87) International publication number: WO 0139/145 (31.05.2001 Gazette 2001/22)

(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: 19.11.1999 GB 9927352 20.04.2000 GB 0009701 (71) Applicant: Siemens Metering Limited Oldbury,Bracknell,Berkshire, RG12 8FZ (GB)	(72) Inventor: White, Ian Glossop,Derbyshire SK13 7AY (GB) (74) Representative: Humphrey-Evans, Edward John  Siemens Shared Services Limited,I.P.D,Siemens House,Oldbury Bracknell,Berkshire RG12 8FZ Bracknell,Berkshire RG12 8FZ (GB)