(19)

(11)

EP 1 080 251 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/10 (21) Application number: 99914240.9 (22) Date of filing: 29.03.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C25B 3/08 (86) International application number: PCT/US9906/789 (87) International publication number: WO 9958/745 (18.11.1999 Gazette 1999/46)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE IT (30) Priority: 08.05.1998 US 74830 (71) Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY St. Paul,Minnesota 55133-3427 (US)	(72) Inventors: SMELTZER, John, C. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) KOLPIN, Charles, F. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) (74) Representative: VOSSIUS & PARTNER  Siebertstrasse 4 81675 München 81675 München (DE)