(19)

(11)

EP 1 290 618 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 11.04.2002 (43) Date of publication: 12.03.2003 Bulletin 2003/11 (21) Application number: 01941791.4 (22) Date of filing: 31.05.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06K 7/00, G06K 19/07 (86) International application number: PCT/US0117/769 (87) International publication number: WO 0109/5242 (13.12.2001 Gazette 2001/50)

(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: 06.06.2000 US 589001 (71) Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE Richland, WA 99352 (US)	(72) Inventors: GILBERT, Ronald, W. Benton City, WA 99320 (US) ANDERSON, Gordon, A. Benton City, WA 99320 (US) STEELE, Kerry, D. Kennewick, WA 99336 (US) CARRENDER, Curtis, Lee Richland, WA 99352 (US) (74) Representative: Brown, Fraser Gregory James et al fJ Cleveland 40-43 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1JQ London WC2A 1JQ (GB)