(19)

(11)

EP 1 320 845 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 10.04.2003 (43) Date of publication: 25.06.2003 Bulletin 2003/26 (21) Application number: 01977454.6 (22) Date of filing: 27.09.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G09F 9/305 (86) International application number: PCT/US0131/041 (87) International publication number: WO 0202/7697 (04.04.2002 Gazette 2002/12)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR (30) Priority: 29.09.2000 US 677088 (71) Applicant: GE FANUC AUTOMATION NORTH AMERICA, INC. Charlottesville, VA 22906 (US)	(72) Inventors: BOEHM, Thomas, Patrick Charlottesville, VA 22911 (US) COMER, Jerry, Wayne Shenendoah, VA 22849 (US) HICKS, Bobby, Lee, Jr. Ruckersville, VA 22968 (US) (74) Representative: Goode, Ian Roy  London Patent OperationGeneral Electric International, Inc.Essex House12-13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)