(19)

(11)

EP 1 228 387 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.08.2002 Bulletin 2002/32 (21) Application number: 00968918.3 (22) Date of filing: 10.10.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 6/26, G02B 6/14, G02B 6/42 (86) International application number: PCT/US0027/919 (87) International publication number: WO 0135/136 (17.05.2001 Gazette 2001/20)

(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: 09.11.1999 US 442777 (71) Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED Corning, N.Y. 14831 (US)	(72) Inventors: HARSHBARGER, Douglas, E. Corning, NY 14830 (US) NOLAN, Daniel, A. Corning, NY 14830 (US) THOMAS, Leo, C Corning, NY 14830 (US) TRUESDALE, Carlton, M. Corning, NY 14830 (US) (74) Representative: Boon, Graham Anthony et al Elkington and Fife,Prospect House,8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR (GB)