(19)

(11)

EP 1 874 256 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 22.11.2007 (43) Date of publication: 09.01.2008 Bulletin 2008/02 (21) Application number: 06749705.7 (22) Date of filing: 11.04.2006

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61G 13/12(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2006/013402 (87) International publication number: WO 2006/110703 (19.10.2006 Gazette 2006/42)

(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 LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR Designated Extension States: AL BA HR MK YU (30) Priority: 19.09.2005 US 229759 11.04.2005 US 670027 P 11.04.2005 US 670040 P 11.04.2005 US 670041 P 26.09.2005 US 720598 P (71) Applicant: Allen Medical Systems, Inc. Batesville, IN 47006 (US)	(72) Inventors: Skipps, Thomas K Acton MA 01720 (US) Wong George T Chelmsford, MA 01824 (US) Licari Paul Boxborough, MA 01719 (US) Warburton, David Lexington, MA 02421 (US) Daley, Edward J., II Maynard, MA 01754 (US) (74) Representative: Findlay, Alice Rosemary  Reddie & Grose 16 Theobalds Road London WC1X 8PL London WC1X 8PL (GB)