(19)

(11)

EP 1 051 089 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 15.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/46 (21) Application number: 99903793.0 (22) Date of filing: 26.01.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A24B 15/28, A24B 15/12 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9900/260 (87) International publication number: WO 9938/396 (05.08.1999 Gazette 1999/31)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 28.01.1998 GB 9801797 (71) Applicant: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited London WC2R 3LA (GB)	(72) Inventor: SAMPSON, John Roger Hertfordshire AL7 4EU (GB) (74) Representative: Walford, Margot Ruth  Patents DepartmentBritish American Tobacco (Investments) LimitedR & D CentreRegents Park Road Southampton SO15 8TL Southampton SO15 8TL (GB)