(19)

(11)

EP 1 011 424 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/26 (21) Application number: 98907726.8 (22) Date of filing: 26.02.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 5/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9804/390 (87) International publication number: WO 9838/908 (11.09.1998 Gazette 1998/36)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 03.03.1997 US 39751 02.05.1997 US 46809 (71) Applicant: SCHNEIDER MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Portola Valley, CA 94028 (US)	(72) Inventor: SCHNEIDER, M., Bret Portola Valley, CA 94028 (US) (74) Representative: Orchard, Oliver John et al JOHN ORCHARD & CO.Staple Inn Buildings NorthHigh Holborn London WC1V 7PZ London WC1V 7PZ (GB)