(19)

(11)

EP 1 323 173 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.07.2003 Bulletin 2003/27 (21) Application number: 01975223.7 (22) Date of filing: 14.09.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01B 12/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US0128/929 (87) International publication number: WO 0202/3557 (21.03.2002 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 Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 15.09.2000 US 232747 P (71) Applicant: SOUTHWIRE COMPANY CarrolltonGeorgia 30119 (US)	(72) Inventors: REECE, David, S. Carrollton, GA 30116 (US) SINHA, Uday, K. Carrollton, GA 30117 (US) MULLER, Albert, C. Eidson, TN 37731 (US) (74) Representative: Brandon, Paul Laurence et al APPLEYARD LEES,15 Clare Road Halifax HX1 2HY Halifax HX1 2HY (GB)