(19)

(11)

EP 1 639 143 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 24.03.2005 (43) Date of publication: 29.03.2006 Bulletin 2006/13 (21) Application number: 04734559.0 (22) Date of filing: 24.05.2004

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C21D 6/04(1974.07) (86) International application number: PCT/GB2004/002232 (87) International publication number: WO 2004/106559 (09.12.2004 Gazette 2004/50)

(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 PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 27.05.2003 US 473189 P (71) Applicant: Avecia Inc. Wilmington, DE 19803 (US)	(72) Inventor: GARRISON, Timothy, Craig Columbia, TN 38401 (US) (74) Representative: Atkinson, Jonathan David Mark  Urquhart-Dykes & Lord LLP Tower North Central Merrion Way Leeds LS2 8PA Leeds LS2 8PA (GB)