(19)

(11)

EP 1 137 481 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/40 (21) Application number: 99958995.5 (22) Date of filing: 15.11.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B01D 61/14 (86) International application number: PCT/US9927/095 (87) International publication number: WO 0029/097 (25.05.2000 Gazette 2000/21)

(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: 16.11.1998 US 108584 P 07.04.1999 US 128115 P 28.06.1999 US 141332 P 26.08.1999 US 383703 30.08.1999 US 385405 (71) Applicant: A.B. Technologies, L.L.C. Dresher, PA 19025-1431 (US)	(72) Inventor: SCHMIDT, William, J. Dresher, PA 19025-1431 (US) (74) Representative: Hegner, Anette et al Hofman-Bang Zacco A/S,Hans Bekkevolds Allé 7 2900 Hellerup 2900 Hellerup (DK)