(19)

(11)

EP 1 408 817 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 13.06.2002 (43) Date of publication: 21.04.2004 Bulletin 2004/17 (21) Application number: 01972941.7 (22) Date of filing: 05.09.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 5/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US2001/027540 (87) International publication number: WO 2002/022007 (21.03.2002 Gazette 2002/12)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK FR GB IT LI PT SE (30) Priority: 15.09.2000 US 663698 (71) Applicant: WELCH ALLYN, INC. Skaneateles FallsNew York 13153 (US)	(72) Inventors: NEWMAN, Richard, W. Auburn, NY 13021 (US) DANNA, Dominick Syracuse, NY 13215 (US) (74) Representative: W.P. THOMPSON & CO.  Eastcheap HouseCentral Approach Letchworth Garden City,Hertfordshire SG6 3DS Letchworth Garden City,Hertfordshire SG6 3DS (GB)