(19)

(11)

EP 1 044 384 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.10.2000 Bulletin 2000/42 (21) Application number: 97953441.9 (22) Date of filing: 29.12.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 5/128 (86) International application number: PCT/US9723/871 (87) International publication number: WO 9934/240 (08.07.1999 Gazette 1999/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT DE FR GB NL (71) Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY St. Paul,Minnesota 55133-3427 (US)	(72) Inventor: WEBER, Gabriele, I. D-41470 Neuss (DE) (74) Representative: VOSSIUS & PARTNER  Siebertstrasse 4 81675 München 81675 München (DE)