(19)

(11)

EP 0 825 898 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.03.1998 Bulletin 1998/10 (21) Application number: 96915848.0 (22) Date of filing: 15.05.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01N 35/ 04( . ) B65D 85/ 20( . ) B01L 9/ 06( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/007018 (87) International publication number: WO 1996/036437 (21.11.1996 Gazette 1996/51)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: SI (30) Priority: 15.05.1995 GB 19950009776 20.07.1995 GB 19950014913 (71) Applicants: SMITHKLINE BEECHAM CORPORATION King of Prussia, PA 19406-0939 (US) Universal Machine Company Stowe, PA 19464 (US)	(72) Inventors: O'BRYAN, David, P. Kennett Square, PA 19348 (US) CONSTABLE, Kevin, N. Claymont, DE 19703 (US) SIMPSON, James, R. Reading, PA 19606 (US) (74) Representative: Walker, Ralph Francis, et al  Corporate Intellectual Property, New Horizons Court Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9EP Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9EP (GB)