(19)

(11)

EP 1 373 682 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.01.2004 Bulletin 2004/01 (21) Application number: 02704924.6 (22) Date of filing: 06.03.2002

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E21B 43/017, E21B 33/035, E21B 33/038, H01R 13/523 (86) International application number: PCT/GB2002/001030 (87) International publication number: WO 2002/072999 (19.09.2002 Gazette 2002/38)

(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: 09.03.2001 GB 0105856 (71) Applicant: Alpha Thames Limited Upminster,Essex RM14 2SU (GB)	(72) Inventors: APPLEFORD, David, Eric Epping,Essex CM16 7JD (GB) LANE, Brian, William Canvey Island,Essex SS8 8NF (GB) (74) Representative: Johnstone, Douglas Ian  Baron & Warren,19 South End Kensington,London W8 5BU Kensington,London W8 5BU (GB)