(19)

(11)

EP 1 159 640 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 05.12.2001 Bulletin 2001/49 (21) Application number: 99966190.3 (22) Date of filing: 13.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 3/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9929/559 (87) International publication number: WO 0036/440 (22.06.2000 Gazette 2000/25)

(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: 14.12.1998 US 112172 P (71) Applicant: Sensir Technologies, LLC Danbury, CT 06810-8153 (US)	(72) Inventors: REFFNER, John, A. Millersville, MD 06902 (US) STING, Donald, W. New Canaan, CT 06840 (US) (74) Representative: Neill, Alastair William et al AppleyardLees & Co.15 Clare Road HalifaxWest Yorkshire HX1 2HY HalifaxWest Yorkshire HX1 2HY (GB)