(19)

(11)

EP 1 718 803 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 08.11.2006 Bulletin 2006/45 (21) Application number: 05712112.1 (22) Date of filing: 26.01.2005

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  E01B 7/02(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2005/002513 (87) International publication number: WO 2005/083177 (09.09.2005 Gazette 2005/36)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 17.02.2004 US 780116 (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)	(72) Inventor: BIAGIOTTI, Maurizio I-56124 PISA (IT) (74) Representative: Bedford, Grant Richard  London Patent Operation GE International Inc 15 John Adam Street GB-London WC2N 6LU GB-London WC2N 6LU (GB)