(19)

(11)

EP 1 242 744 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 25.09.2002 Bulletin 2002/39 (21) Application number: 00982243.8 (22) Date of filing: 28.11.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: F04D 29/70, F04B 39/06 (86) International application number: PCT/US0032/384 (87) International publication number: WO 0103/8743 (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 TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 29.11.1999 US 167839 P (71) Applicant: THOMAS INDUSTRIES, INC. SheboyganWisconsin 53082-0029 (US)	(72) Inventors: LEONHARD, Todd, W. Sheboygan, WI 53082 (US) Leu, Shawn Newton, WI 53063 (US) (74) Representative: Lippert, Hans, Dipl.-Ing. et al Holtz Martin LippertEmil-Claar-Strasse 20 60322 Frankfurt am Main 60322 Frankfurt am Main (DE)