(19)

(11)

EP 1 342 279 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 13.03.2003 (43) Date of publication: 10.09.2003 Bulletin 2003/37 (21) Application number: 01991117.1 (22) Date of filing: 30.10.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01M 8/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US0148/417 (87) International publication number: WO 0203/7589 (10.05.2002 Gazette 2002/19)

(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: 30.10.2000 US 244332 P (71) Applicant: Michael A. Cobb & Company Akron, OH 44313-5068 (US)	(72) Inventors: GEORGE, Thomas, J. Star City, WV 26505 (US) MEACHAM, G., B., Kirby Shaker Heights, OH 44122 (US) (74) Representative: Tongbhoyai, Martin, Dr.  Patentanwälte FreischemAn Gross St. Martin 2 50667 Köln 50667 Köln (DE)