(19)

(11)

EP 1 163 518 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 01.02.2001 (43) Date of publication: 19.12.2001 Bulletin 2001/51 (21) Application number: 00908867.5 (22) Date of filing: 09.03.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 33/53 (86) International application number: PCT/CA0000/246 (87) International publication number: WO 0055/624 (21.09.2000 Gazette 2000/38)

(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: 15.03.1999 US 124488 P (71) Applicants: Leyland-Jones, Brian Anjou, Québec H1K 4C5 (CA) Wong, Pierre Montréal, Québec H2X 2B4 (CA)	(72) Inventors: Leyland-Jones, Brian Anjou, Québec H1K 4C5 (CA) Wong, Pierre Montréal, Québec H2X 2B4 (CA) (74) Representative: Jacob, Reuben Ellis  Edward Evans Barker Clifford's Inn, Fetter Lane London EC4A 1BZ London EC4A 1BZ (GB)