(19)

(11)

EP 1 269 168 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.01.2003 Bulletin 2003/01 (21) Application number: 01917266.7 (22) Date of filing: 30.03.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 27/00, G01B 7/34 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0101/470 (87) International publication number: WO 0107/5427 (11.10.2001 Gazette 2001/41)

(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: 30.03.2000 GB 0007747 (71) Applicant: University of Bristol Bristol,Avon BS8 1TR (GB)	(72) Inventors: McMASTER, Terence, James Bristol,Avon BS8 1AS (GB) MILES, Mervyn, John Bristol,Avon BS11 0UR (GB) ANTOGNOZZI, Massimo Bristol,Avon BS8 2JH (GB) HUMPHRIS, Andrew, David, Laver Bristol,Avon BS6 6HT (GB) (74) Representative: Stoner, Gerard Patrick et al MEWBURN ELLISYork House23 Kingsway London WC2B 6HP London WC2B 6HP (GB)