(19)

(11)

EP 1 269 139 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 01.08.2002 (43) Date of publication: 02.01.2003 Bulletin 2003/01 (21) Application number: 01917219.6 (22) Date of filing: 23.03.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 1/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0101/276 (87) International publication number: WO 0107/1308 (27.09.2001 Gazette 2001/39)

(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: 23.03.2000 GB 0006946 (71) Applicant: Optima Solutions UK Ltd Aberdeen AB22 8GU (GB)	(72) Inventor: OAG, Jamie Aberdeen AB24 3BT (GB) (74) Representative: Kennedy, David Anthony et al Kennedys Patent Agency Limited,Floor 5,Queens House,29 St Vincent Place Glasgow G1 2DT Glasgow G1 2DT (GB)