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EP 1 067 998 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 17.01.2001 Bulletin 2001/03 (21) Application number: 99916150.8 (22) Date of filing: 25.03.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B01D 15/04, B01D 59/00, B01D 61/58, C02F 9/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9906/294 (87) International publication number: WO 9948/586 (30.09.1999 Gazette 1999/39)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 25.03.1998 US 47648 21.04.1998 US 63593 08.06.1998 US 93459 24.03.1999 US 275335 (71) Applicants: Patterson, James A. Sarasota, FL 34239 (US) Furlong, Louis Edward Sarasota, FL 34242 (US) Gruber, Martin J. Anderson, SC 29621 (US) Collins, Gabriel B. Anderson, SC 29621 (US)	(72) Inventors: Patterson, James A. Sarasota, FL 34239 (US) Furlong, Louis Edward Sarasota, FL 34242 (US) Gruber, Martin J. Anderson, SC 29621 (US) Collins, Gabriel B. Anderson, SC 29621 (US) (74) Representative: Legg, Cyrus James Grahame et al ABEL & IMRAY,20 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4PQ London WC1R 4PQ (GB)