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(11)

EP 1 105 733 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 13.06.2001 Bulletin 2001/24 (21) Application number: 99943790.8 (22) Date of filing: 19.08.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 33/53, C08B 37/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9918/995 (87) International publication number: WO 0013/019 (09.03.2000 Gazette 2000/10)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 26.08.1998 US 140196 25.09.1998 US 160922 (71) Applicant: The Collaborative Group, Ltd. Stony Brook, NY 11790 (US)	(72) Inventors: WAKSHULL, Eric, M. Princeton, MA 01541 (US) ADAMS, David, S. Worcester, MA 01609 (US) (74) Representative: Christiansen, Ejvind et al Hofman-Bang A/SHans Bekkevolds Allé 7 2900 Hellerup 2900 Hellerup (DK)