(19)

(11)

EP 0 923 720 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.06.1999 Bulletin 1999/25 (21) Application number: 97940924.0 (22) Date of filing: 09.09.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B01L 3/ 02( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/015866 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/010265 (12.03.1998 Gazette 1998/10)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE FR GB LI NL (30) Priority: 09.09.1996 US 19960025694P 09.09.1996 US 19960024724P 10.09.1996 US 19960026853P 09.10.1996 US 19960025871P (71) Applicant: Tyco Group S.A.R.L. 2449 Luxembourg (LU)	(72) Inventors: CONLEY, Paul, G. St. Charles, MO 63301 (US) APPAL, Eugene, R. Florissant, MO 63303 (US) MERWIN, Jeff St. Charles, MO 63303 (US) (74) Representative: Chettle, Adrian John, et al  Withers & Rogers, Goldings House, 2 Hays Lane London SE1 2HW London SE1 2HW (GB)