(19)

(11)

EP 1 334 351 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 13.08.2003 Bulletin 2003/33 (21) Application number: 01981604.0 (22) Date of filing: 16.10.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 25/00, G01T 1/16 (86) International application number: PCT/US0132/191 (87) International publication number: WO 0204/4700 (06.06.2002 Gazette 2002/23)

(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: 16.10.2000 US 240062 P (71) Applicant: Philip Morris Products Inc. RichmondVirginia 23234 (US)	(72) Inventor: WATKINS, Michael, L. Chester, VA 23831 (US) (74) Representative: Marlow, Nicholas Simon et al Reddie & Grose16, Theobalds Road London WC1X 8PL London WC1X 8PL (GB)