(19)

(11)

EP 1 685 271 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.08.2006 Bulletin 2006/31 (21) Application number: 04795800.4 (22) Date of filing: 21.10.2004

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C23C 16/26(2006.01) C23C 16/56(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2004/034688 (87) International publication number: WO 2005/042799 (12.05.2005 Gazette 2005/19)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 23.10.2003 US 514372 P 02.04.2004 US 817324 (71) Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC. Minneapolis, MN 55432 (US)	(72) Inventor: HOSSICK-SCHOTT, Joachim Minneapolis, MN 55419 (US) (74) Representative: Hughes, Andrea Michelle  Frank B. Dehn & Co. St Bride's House 10 Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8JD London EC4Y 8JD (GB)