(19)

(11)

EP 1 766 315 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 30.03.2006 (43) Date of publication: 28.03.2007 Bulletin 2007/13 (21) Application number: 05749473.4 (22) Date of filing: 13.05.2005

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  F28F 13/18(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2005/016963 (87) International publication number: WO 2005/114086 (01.12.2005 Gazette 2005/48)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 13.05.2004 US 570858 P 25.10.2004 US 972734 (71) Applicant: Wolverine Tube, Inc. Huntsville, Alabama 35801 (US)	(72) Inventors: THORS, Petur Decatur, Alabama 35603 (US) KOUSE, Bruce Springfield, Ohio 45502 (US) MINSHALL, Gerry Alcester Warks B49 6EA (GB) (74) Representative: Hammler, Martin Franz et al Phillips & Leigh 5 Pemberton Row London EC4A 3BA London EC4A 3BA (GB)