(19)

(11)

EP 0 956 664 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.11.1999 Bulletin 1999/46 (21) Application number: 98901851.0 (22) Date of filing: 23.01.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61L 2/ 26( . ) H04B 10/ 10( . ) H04B 10/ 22( . ) A61L 2/ 28( . ) H04B 10/ 105( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1998/001286 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/033286 (30.07.1998 Gazette 1998/30)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 29.01.1997 GB 19970001756 (71) Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY St. Paul, Minnesota 55133-3427 (US)	(72) Inventors: VAN DE GRAAF, Peter Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) HARTUNG, Matthias Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) (74) Representative: Hill, Cecilia Ann, et al  3M Europe, Hermeslaan 7 1831 Diegem 1831 Diegem (BE)