(19)

(11)

EP 1 494 832 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.01.2005 Bulletin 2005/02 (21) Application number: 03723799.7 (22) Date of filing: 25.03.2003

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B23K 31/02, B24B 39/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US2003/008747 (87) International publication number: WO 2003/082512 (09.10.2003 Gazette 2003/41)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK (30) Priority: 26.03.2002 US 367623 P 01.11.2002 WO PCT/US02/35214 (71) Applicant: Surface Technology Holdings, Ltd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (US)	(72) Inventor: PREVEY, Paul, S.-III Cincinnati, OH 45246 (US) (74) Representative: James, Anthony Christopher W.P. et al Carpmaels & Ransford43-45 Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2RA London WC1A 2RA (GB)