(19)

(11)

EP 0 961 922 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 08.12.1999 Bulletin 1999/49 (21) Application number: 98964936.0 (22) Date of filing: 23.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01N 1/ 00( . ) B01L 3/ 02( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1998/027613 (87) International publication number: WO 1999/032870 (01.07.1999 Gazette 1999/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE FI FR GB IT LI NL (30) Priority: 23.12.1997 US 19970997030 (71) Applicant: RAININ INSTRUMENT CO.,INC. Emeryville, CA 94608 (US)	(72) Inventor: HOMBERG, William, D. Oakland, CA 94618 (US) (74) Representative: Manitz, Finsterwald & Partner  Postfach 22 16 11 80506 München 80506 München (DE)