(19)

(11)

EP 1 276 952 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 22.01.2003 Bulletin 2003/04 (21) Application number: 01923856.7 (22) Date of filing: 26.04.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E21B 4/14, E21B 7/28 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0101/879 (87) International publication number: WO 0108/1704 (01.11.2001 Gazette 2001/44)

(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: 26.04.2000 GB 0010212 (71) Applicant: EURO ISEKI LIMITED Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 9LQ (GB)	(72) Inventor: KAYES, Allan George Sittingbourne,Kent ME9 7JF (GB) (74) Representative: Charlton, Peter John  Elkington and FifeProspect House8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR (GB)