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EP 1 289 723 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 12.03.2003 Bulletin 2003/11 (21) Application number: 01945993.2 (22) Date of filing: 24.05.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B29C 31/08, B29C 49/64, B29C 49/68 (86) International application number: PCT/US0116/996 (87) International publication number: WO 0108/9791 (29.11.2001 Gazette 2001/48)

(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: 24.05.2000 US 206881 P (71) Applicant: Uniloy Milacron Inc. Manchester, MI 48158 (US)

(72) Inventors: SALENBIEN, Leon, G. Dundee, MI 48131 (US) BELIN, Michelle, M. Toledo, OH 43606 (US) POTTER, Terry, C. Lambertville, MI 48144 (US) HATAS, Peter, J. Sylvania, OH 43560 (US) POTTER, James Livonia, MI 48150 (US) ZHAO, Liguo Toledo, OH 43606 (US) ROSENBECK, J., Scott Jackson, MI 49201 (US) COOPER, Robert Grass Lake, MI 49240 (US) (74) Representative: James, Anthony Christopher W.P. et al Carpmaels & Ransford43 Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2RA London WC1A 2RA (GB)