(19)

(11)

EP 0 960 326 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 01.12.1999 Bulletin 1999/48 (21) Application number: 98900612.0 (22) Date of filing: 15.01.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B01L 3/ 14( . ) G01N 35/ 04( . ) G01N 1/ 10( . ) G01N 35/ 10( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1998/000128 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/036260 (20.08.1998 Gazette 1998/33)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 15.02.1997 GB 19970003185 (71) Applicant: RTS Thurnall PLC Manchester M2 2JF (GB)	(72) Inventor: CLOUGH, Graham Bury,Lancashire BL8 2HU (GB) (74) Representative: Downey, William Gerrard, et al  Wilson, Gunn, M'Caw, 41-51 Royal Exchange, Cross Street Manchester M2 7BD Manchester M2 7BD (GB)