(19)

(11)

EP 0 977 895 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.02.2000 Bulletin 2000/06 (21) Application number: 98964327.5 (22) Date of filing: 30.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/68 (86) International application number: PCT/US9827/744 (87) International publication number: WO 9934/019 (08.07.1999 Gazette 1999/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE CH DE FR GB IT LI NL SE (30) Priority: 30.12.1997 US 1184 (71) Applicant: MARTIN, William John South Pasadena, CA 91030 (US)	(72) Inventor: MARTIN, William John South Pasadena, CA 91030 (US) (74) Representative: Sexton, Jane Helen  J.A. KEMP & CO.14 South SquareGray's Inn London WC1R 5LX London WC1R 5LX (GB)