(19)

(11)

EP 0 980 453 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.02.2000 Bulletin 2000/08 (21) Application number: 97942551.9 (22) Date of filing: 18.09.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E01F 9/00, E01F 9/04 (86) International application number: PCT/US9716/542 (87) International publication number: WO 9850/635 (12.11.1998 Gazette 1998/45)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 08.05.1997 US 852986 (71) Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY St. Paul,Minnesota 55133-3427 (US)	(72) Inventor: NOWICKI, Thomas, E. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) (74) Representative: VOSSIUS & PARTNER  Siebertstrasse 4 81675 München 81675 München (DE)