(19)

(11)

EP 0 857 304 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.08.1998 Bulletin 1998/33 (21) Application number: 96936847.0 (22) Date of filing: 23.10.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01R 31/ 28( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/016930 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/015837 (01.05.1997 Gazette 1997/19)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 23.10.1995 US 19950033168P (71) Applicant: AETRIUM INCORPORATED North St. Paul, MN 55109 (US)	(72) Inventor: JONES, Elmer, R. North Reading, MA 01864 (US) (74) Representative: Bankes, Stephen Charles Digby, et al  BARON & WARREN 18 South End Kensington London W8 5BU London W8 5BU (GB)