(19)

(11)

EP 1 960 149 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.08.2008 Bulletin 2008/35 (21) Application number: 06826100.7 (22) Date of filing: 17.10.2006

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B23K 11/25(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2006/040524 (87) International publication number: WO 2007/047659 (26.04.2007 Gazette 2007/17)

(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 (30) Priority: 17.10.2005 US 727425 P 08.09.2006 US 517747 08.09.2006 US 517687 (71) Applicant: Schneider Automation Inc. North Andover, Massachusetts 01845 (US)	(72) Inventor: BUDA, Paul, Robert Raleigh, NC 27615 (US) (74) Representative: Jackson, Robert Patrick  Frank B. Dehn & Co. St Bride's House 10 Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8JD London EC4Y 8JD (GB)