(19)

(11)

EP 1 002 249 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 24.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/21 (21) Application number: 98934184.7 (22) Date of filing: 24.06.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 6/16, C03B 37/012 (86) International application number: PCT/US9813/373 (87) International publication number: WO 9905/550 (04.02.1999 Gazette 1999/05)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FI FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 25.07.1997 US 53857 P (71) Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED Corning, N.Y. 14831 (US)	(72) Inventors: FIACCO, Richard, M. Corning, NY 14830 (US) HACKERT, Michael, J. Corning, NY 14830 (US) HAWTOF, Daniel, W. Painted Post, NY 14870 (US) VANRYN, Ted, M. Big Flats, NY 14814 (US) (74) Representative: Finnie, Peter John et al Elkington and Fife,Prospect House,8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR (GB)