(19)

(11)

EP 0 909 384 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.04.1999 Bulletin 1999/16 (21) Application number: 97929408.0 (22) Date of filing: 01.07.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01N 21/ 89( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/001772 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/001746 (15.01.1998 Gazette 1998/02)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 04.07.1996 GB 19960014073 (71) Applicant: Surface Inspection Limited St. Philips, Bristol BS2 OJZ (GB)	(72) Inventor: COULTHARD, Martin Surface Inspection Limited St. Philips Road St. Philips Bristol BS2 (GB) (74) Representative: Beck, Simon Antony, et al  Withers & Rogers, Goldings House, 2 Hays Lane London SE1 2HW London SE1 2HW (GB)