(19)

(11)

EP 1 148 935 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 31.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/44 (21) Application number: 99961907.5 (22) Date of filing: 02.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B01F 11/00, B01F 15/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9928/457 (87) International publication number: WO 0033/951 (15.06.2000 Gazette 2000/24)

(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: 07.12.1998 US 111156 P (71) Applicant: Gloucester Co., Inc. Franklin, MA 02038 (US)	(72) Inventors: ANDERSON, Theodore, P. Uxbridge, MA 01569 (US) BOISE, Lawrence, H. Derry, NH 03038 (US) HERRING, Richard, C. Wellesley, MA 02482 (US) MODRAK, Robert, G. Franklin, MA 02038 (US) (74) Representative: Jorritsma, Ruurd et al Nederlandsch OctrooibureauScheveningseweg 82P.O. Box 29720 2502 LS Den Haag 2502 LS Den Haag (NL)