(19)

(11)

EP 1 030 907 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 30.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/35 (21) Application number: 98952179.4 (22) Date of filing: 06.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12M 1/20 (86) International application number: PCT/US9821/274 (87) International publication number: WO 9924/552 (20.05.1999 Gazette 1999/20)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 06.11.1997 FR 9713943 (71) Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED Corning, N.Y. 14831 (US)	(72) Inventor: DANNOUX, Thierry, L., A. F-77210 Avon (FR) (74) Representative: Marchant, James Ian et al Elkington and Fife,Prospect House,8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR (GB)