(19)

(11)

EP 1 256 150 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 31.01.2002 (43) Date of publication: 13.11.2002 Bulletin 2002/46 (21) Application number: 01912779.4 (22) Date of filing: 16.02.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01S 5/04, H01S 3/25 (86) International application number: PCT/US0105/078 (87) International publication number: WO 0106/1800 (23.08.2001 Gazette 2001/34)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 18.02.2000 US 506633 (71) Applicant: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Newark, DE 19714-9206 (US)	(72) Inventors: JAYARAMAN, Vijaysekhar Goleta, CA 93117 (US) WELCH, David Santa Maria, CA 93455 (US) (74) Representative: Shanks, Andrew et al Cruikshank & Fairweather,19 Royal Exchange Square Glasgow G1 3AE Glasgow G1 3AE (GB)