(19)

(11)

EP 1 232 307 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 03.05.2001 (43) Date of publication: 21.08.2002 Bulletin 2002/34 (21) Application number: 00973347.8 (22) Date of filing: 05.07.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E01F 1/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US0018/423 (87) International publication number: WO 0100/2648 (11.01.2001 Gazette 2001/02)

(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: 06.07.1999 US 142365 P (71) Applicant: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc. St. Petersburg, FL 33716-3807 (US)	(72) Inventors: OUSTERHOUT, John, N. Wilson Creek, WA 98860 (US) TACKE, Kenneth, L. Woodinville, WA 98072 (US) (74) Representative: Klunker . Schmitt-Nilson . Hirsch  Winzererstrasse 106 80797 München 80797 München (DE)