(19)

(11)

EP 0 800 646 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 15.10.1997 Bulletin 1997/42 (21) Application number: 96936625.0 (22) Date of filing: 18.10.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B01L 7/ 02( . ) G01N 11/ 00( . ) G01N 11/ 04( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/016641 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/014949 (24.04.1997 Gazette 1997/18)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 18.10.1995 US A 544863 03.10.1996 US A 724860 (71) Applicant: Cannon Instrument Company State College, PA 16804-0016 (US)	(72) Inventor: Cannon Instrument Company State College, PA 16804-0016 (US) (74) Representative: Lyons, Andrew John, et al  ROYSTONS, Tower Building, Water Street Liverpool L3 1BA, Merseyside Liverpool L3 1BA, Merseyside (GB)