(19)

(11)

EP 1 157 277 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.11.2001 Bulletin 2001/48 (21) Application number: 99927299.0 (22) Date of filing: 07.06.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 35/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9912/686 (87) International publication number: WO 0045/180 (03.08.2000 Gazette 2000/31)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR (30) Priority: 01.02.1999 US 118225 P 05.02.1999 US 245949 (71) Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US)	(72) Inventors: KO, John, H. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) PETERSON, James, R. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) (74) Representative: VOSSIUS & PARTNER  Siebertstrasse 4 81675 München 81675 München (DE)