(19)

(11)

EP 1 240 480 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.09.2002 Bulletin 2002/38 (21) Application number: 00977287.2 (22) Date of filing: 29.09.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01F 11/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US0041/032 (87) International publication number: WO 0102/5730 (12.04.2001 Gazette 2001/15)

(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: 01.10.1999 US 156987 P 15.03.2000 US 525976 (71) Applicant: TECHNICAL CONCEPTS, L.P. Mundelein, IL 60060 (US)	(72) Inventors: MUDERLAK, Kenneth, J. Shorewood, WI 53211 (US) SHIEH, Rocky Hsin Chu (TW) (74) Representative: Newstead, Michael John et al Page HargraveSouthgateWhitefriarsLewins Mead Bristol BS1 2NT Bristol BS1 2NT (GB)