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(11)

EP 1 032 646 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 06.09.2000 Bulletin 2000/36 (21) Application number: 98947126.3 (22) Date of filing: 18.09.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12M 3/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9819/491 (87) International publication number: WO 0017/317 (30.03.2000 Gazette 2000/13)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (71) Applicant: BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. HerculesCalifornia 94547 (US)	(72) Inventors: LEE, Ann, A. San Clemente, CA 92672 (US) LAIB, Jessie, Carolyn Pinole, CA 94564 (US) (74) Representative: Reinhard - Skuhra - Weise & Partner  Postfach 44 01 51 80750 München 80750 München (DE)