(19)

(11)

EP 1 218 585 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 03.07.2002 Bulletin 2002/27 (21) Application number: 00959737.8 (22) Date of filing: 31.08.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: D06L 1/02, C11D 7/50, C23G 5/024 (86) International application number: PCT/US0024/037 (87) International publication number: WO 0116/422 (08.03.2001 Gazette 2001/10)

(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: 01.09.1999 US 388817 (71) Applicant: Niran Technologies, Inc. West Orange, NJ 07052-4844 (US)	(72) Inventor: STEVENS, E. West Orange, NJ 07052-4844 (US) (74) Representative: Senior, Janet et al Abel & Imray20 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4PQ London WC1R 4PQ (GB)