[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

EP0602572A1 - Distributeur de détergents pour des détergents liquides et/ou en poudre notamment pour des machines à laver - Google Patents

Distributeur de détergents pour des détergents liquides et/ou en poudre notamment pour des machines à laver Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0602572A1
EP0602572A1 EP93120020A EP93120020A EP0602572A1 EP 0602572 A1 EP0602572 A1 EP 0602572A1 EP 93120020 A EP93120020 A EP 93120020A EP 93120020 A EP93120020 A EP 93120020A EP 0602572 A1 EP0602572 A1 EP 0602572A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lever
dispenser device
washing
profile
movement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP93120020A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0602572B1 (fr
Inventor
Daniele Cerruti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eltek SpA
Original Assignee
Eltek SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eltek SpA filed Critical Eltek SpA
Publication of EP0602572A1 publication Critical patent/EP0602572A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0602572B1 publication Critical patent/EP0602572B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4409—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants by tipping containers or opening their lids, e.g. with the help of a programmer

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to dispenser device for liquids and/or powder agents for a washing machine, in particular a dispenser device for a domestic dish-washing machine, of the type comprising a first and a second delivery device for washing agents which have to be introduced in a washing chamber during distinct moments and/or washing phases.
  • dispenser devices having two distinct compartments is very common, being able to deliver different washing agents, such as liquid and/or powder detergents and additives; such devices are provided for carrying out the delivery of the detergents, normally in powder form, and of the additives, generally a brightening liquid, at different predetermined times, under the control of the programmer, or timer, of the dish-washing machine.
  • washing agents such as liquid and/or powder detergents and additives
  • additives such devices are provided for carrying out the delivery of the detergents, normally in powder form, and of the additives, generally a brightening liquid, at different predetermined times, under the control of the programmer, or timer, of the dish-washing machine.
  • the dispenser device is normally composed by at least one container, housed in the front loading door of the machine, comprising a single-dose cell equipped with a small oscillating lid, which is made to open at the appropriate moment of the washing phase.
  • Certain devices in addition to the cited single-dose cell, which contains the powder detergent, also present a dosage tub for a liquid additive (connected to a tank reservoir); such dispensers of liquid agents exploit in general the opening and closure movement of the front loading door, which is horizontal when open and vertical when closed, for loading the liquid additive from the tank reservoir to the dosage tub; also in this case the timer of the machine provides to command the discharge, at the opportune moment, of the liquid additive from the dosage tub to the washing chamber of the dish-washing machine.
  • dispenser devices have been realised, being equipped with a plurality of actuators, each of which being able to command a delivery operation; such solutions therefore provide separate actuation devices for the delivery in the washing chamber of the detergent and of the brightening liquid, with high costs and with double the possibilities of breakdowns.
  • the cited dispenser devices are equipped with means which provide for resetting the delivery cycle when the door is opened; said dispensers are therefore negatively effected by common operations carried out by the user (such as, for example, the addition of dishes in the machine after the beginning of the washing cycle, when the delivery of the powder detergent has already taken place): in this kind of situation, all the successive delivery phases in the same washing cycle result in being out of phase in respect to those provided for, with consequences which can be easily imagined.
  • the aim of the present invention is that of solving the cited drawbacks, and in particular to indicate a dispenser device having an actuating system which, together with its functionality, is of simple structure, low-cost and reliable in all the operating conditions.
  • a further aim of the present invention is then that of indicating a dispenser device the operation of which is not influenced by eventual openings of the loading door of the washing machine, during its operating cycle.
  • the subject of the present invention is a dispenser device for liquid and/or powder agents for a washing machine, in particular a dispenser device for a domestic dish-washing machine, of the type comprising a first and a second delivery device of washing agents which have to be introduced in a washing chamber in distinct moments and/or washing phases, the delivery of said washing agents being controlled through a command system comprising a single actuating device and a kinematic element for the actuation in different times of the first and of the second delivery device, characterised in that the kinematic element comprises a cam that, after a first actuation of the actuating device, determines a movement of the kinematic element being able to activate the functioning of the first delivery device without causing the functioning of the second delivery device, while after a second actuation of the actuating device, said cam determines a movement of the kinematic element being able to activate the functioning of the second delivery device.
  • the dispenser device subject of the present invention is indicated as a whole, which presents a box-like body 2, which can be housed in the door lining of a dish-washing machine.
  • a tank reservoir 3 for a liquid additive (for example a brightening liquid) and a cell 4 for containing a determined quantity of powder detergent are defined.
  • a dosage tub of the liquid additive to be delivered is indicated, which is inside of tank 3, being substantially in correspondence with a charging opening, normally closed by a removable plug 6; such a dosage tub 5 of the liquid additive has a conduit 7, which is tilted for facilitating the conveyance of the additive in the direction of a discharge hole 8, which faces on the washing chamber of the dish-washing machine.
  • such a conduit 7 is subdivided into two sectors having different inclinations, indicated with A and B, being separated by an interception valve 9; such a valve 9 operates in closure of conduit 7 by means of a pin 11A, which blocks a passage hole 11B.
  • Cell 4 which presents a wall having a tilted profile in order to facilitate the release via gravity of the powder detergent, is closed by a small lid 12; with 13 a spring is indicated, reacting between the box-like body 2 and the small lid 12, and being able to bring such a small lid 12 in the opening position when a small releasing lever 14 frees a tilted hooking tooth 15, directly obtained in the small lid 12 (see figure 1b).
  • a small shaft is indicated, which passes through body 2 of the device 1; the first end of such small shaft 16 is an integral part of the small releasing lever 14, while the opposite end is integral to a first lever 17, being placed in the rear part of body 2.
  • a second lever is also arranged, indicated as a whole with 18, being able to interact with first lever 17.
  • the small shaft 16 constitutes the fulcrum of lever 17: the first arm of such a lever 17 is arranged under the piston 19 of an electric actuator 20, being provided with terminals 21 for the electric supply; piston 19 is able to operate in thrust on the first arm of lever 17, in opposition to the force F1 generated by a spring 22, being fixed between body 2 and lever 17; on the other arm of lever 17, in proximity of its end, a pin 23 is present, comprising an element, for example of metallic material, being inserted partially in the lever 17 (such a pin 23 can also be obtained directly, as a protrusion of the lever 17 itself).
  • Second lever 18 is realised by a single piece in thermoplastic material, being substantially L-shaped, which has between its vertical part and its horizontal part an elastic hinge 24.
  • lever 18 The force F2 generated by a spring 25 acts on lever 18, being fixed between body 2 and lever 18; lever 18 is hinged in a point 10, in its horizontal part; on such a horizontal part of lever 18 the cited pin 11A being part of valve 9, is hooked in a point 18C (see figure 1a); said pin 11A can slide through an elastic membrane 26 and is maintained in the closure position of passage 11B by means of spring 25.
  • the functioning of the dispenser device according to invention is the following.
  • the user Before washing the dishes, the user provides to load in the opening 4 of the device 1 with the powder detergent: during the normal manual closing operation of the lid 12, upon the filling with a dose of the powder detergent, the particular inclined form of the hooking tooth 15 causes a partial rotation of the release lever 14; in such manner a partial rotation of the shaft 16 is produced and therefore of the lever 17; the mentioned movement of the lever 17 results in being calibrated in such a way that, if the pin 23 results in being erroneously positioned for the beginning of the washing cycle (as could be the case for example in figure 4), such pin 23 is automatically moved to the correct initial delivery position (that being seen in figure 2) vice versa, in the case in which the pin 23 is already positioned correctly (figure 2), the operation of closing the lid 12 does not cause any repositioning.
  • the user thus, after having filled the cell 4 with the powder detergent and closed the lid 12, can close the door of the washing machine.
  • a determined quantity of brightening liquid contained in the tank 3 is withheld in the dosage tub 5. Note the illustrated condition in the figures 2, 2a and 2b.
  • the user after having closed the door of the washing machine starts the washing program: in a determined successive moment, the programmer of the machine energises for the first time the electroactuator 20.
  • the piston 19 withdraws until reaching its original position: under the action of the spring 22, which operates in traction, also the lever 17 returns to its original position and the pin 23 moves in the cam profile 27, running along the left side from the top downwards, until assuming the position visible in figure 4b.
  • the profile 27 is shaped in a such a way that the pin 23, before arriving to the top dead center during the first actuation of the actuator 20, it presses on the same profile making the lever 18 bend in correspondence with the elastic hinge 24; descending along the left branch, the pin 23 presses against the profile 27, making the lever 18 bend towards the right, until it reaches the bottom dead center of the lever 17.
  • the powder detergent is thus introduced in the washing chamber as in the illustrated condition of Figures 4, 4a and 4b.
  • the programmer of the dish-washing machine commands a new supply to the electroactuator 20: the piston 19 moves once again downwards, deplacing the lever 17.
  • the pin 23 transmits the push of the lever 17 to the lever 18, in a longitudinal sense if compared to the bending point, or the hinge 24.
  • the horizontal portion of the lever 18 is also made to move, which, rotating around its fulcrum 10, causes the pin 11A to raise: the opening 11B is opened and the brightening liquid can flow down by way of gravity from the tub 5 to the washing tub of the washing machine, through the discharge opening 8; the elastic membrane 26 ensures the sealing, thus avoiding liquid losses from the tank 3 towards the exterior of the body 2.
  • the dispenser device according to the invention has a noticeable embodiment simplicity, high functionality and reliability in all conditions of use and an industrial cost being very contained.

Landscapes

  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
EP93120020A 1992-12-16 1993-12-11 Distributeur de détergents pour des détergents liquides et/ou en poudre notamment pour des machines à laver Expired - Lifetime EP0602572B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT92AL000004A IT1265750B1 (it) 1992-12-16 1992-12-16 Dispositivo dispensatore di sostanze liquide e/o in polvere, in particolare per macchine di lavaggio
ITAL920004 1992-12-16

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0602572A1 true EP0602572A1 (fr) 1994-06-22
EP0602572B1 EP0602572B1 (fr) 2002-07-17

Family

ID=11333317

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93120020A Expired - Lifetime EP0602572B1 (fr) 1992-12-16 1993-12-11 Distributeur de détergents pour des détergents liquides et/ou en poudre notamment pour des machines à laver

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0602572B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69332114T2 (fr)
IT (1) IT1265750B1 (fr)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0719517A3 (fr) * 1994-12-06 1997-05-07 Prealpina Tecnoplastica Tiroir de dosage pour machines à laver la vaiselle pouvant être utilisé en tant que doseur à actionnement simple ou double
EP0780087A2 (fr) 1995-12-21 1997-06-25 Bosch-Siemens HausgerÀ¤te GmbH Dispositif pour la distribution de produit de neltoyage, an particulier pour lave-vaisselle
WO2001073182A2 (fr) * 2000-03-29 2001-10-04 Eltek S.P.A. Distributeur de produit de lavage pour machine a laver domestique, notamment un lave-vaisselle
EP1226779A2 (fr) * 2001-01-26 2002-07-31 ELTEK S.p.A. Distributeur de produits de lavage pour machine à laver domestique , en particuler pour machine à laver la vaisselle
WO2007017755A1 (fr) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-15 Eletek S.P.A. Distributeur d'agent de lavage destine une machine a laver domestique, en particulier a un lave-vaisselle
WO2007017749A1 (fr) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-15 Eltek S.P.A. Dispositif et procede d'actionnement
EP1847211A1 (fr) * 2006-04-20 2007-10-24 Maytag Corporation Distributeur pour lave-vaisselle de type tiroir
EP2062520A2 (fr) 2007-11-23 2009-05-27 Eltek S.p.A. Distributeur d'agents de nettoyage pour une machine de nettoyage domestique, en particulier un lave-vaisselle
EP2062521A2 (fr) 2007-11-23 2009-05-27 Eltek S.p.A. Distributeur d'agents de nettoyage pour une machine de nettoyage domestique, en particulier un lave-vaisselle
US7837802B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2010-11-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Dishwasher and method of controlling the same
ITTO20110051A1 (it) * 2011-01-24 2012-07-25 T & P Spa Dispositivo dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio per una macchina di lavaggio di uso domestico, in particolare una lavastoviglie, e relativa macchina di lavaggio
WO2012107886A1 (fr) 2011-02-08 2012-08-16 Bitron S.P.A. Dispositif intégré pour distribuer des agents de lavage pour une machine à laver, en particulier un lave-vaisselle
WO2012117090A1 (fr) 2011-03-02 2012-09-07 Bitron Poland Sp. Z O.O. Dispositif intégré pour distribuer des agents de lavage pour une machine à laver, en particulier pour un lave-vaisselle
EP2976983A1 (fr) 2014-07-24 2016-01-27 Indesit Company S.p.A. Distributeur de substance pour lave-vaisselle
IT201900015746A1 (it) 2019-09-06 2021-03-06 Eltek Spa Dispositivo dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio per lavastoviglie
WO2021098167A1 (fr) * 2019-11-19 2021-05-27 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 Distributeur et appareil de lavage électrique

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8881748B2 (en) 2012-12-18 2014-11-11 Whirlpool Corporation Dishwasher detergent dispenser
CN109219380B (zh) * 2016-06-01 2022-10-11 伊利诺斯工具制品有限公司 电机驱动式室内洗碗机清洗助剂分配器

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3827600A (en) * 1972-01-10 1974-08-06 Whirlpool Co Apparatus for dispensing a liquid and another material
EP0005989A1 (fr) * 1978-05-31 1979-12-12 Eaton S.A.M. Distributeurs pour machines à laver
FR2489858A1 (fr) * 1980-09-05 1982-03-12 Esswein Sa Ensemble distributeur de lessive et distributeur-doseur de produit liquide et machine a laver munie d'un tel ensemble
DE3304037A1 (de) * 1983-01-10 1984-07-12 Aweco Apparate- und Gerätebau GmbH & Co KG, 7995 Neukirch Vorrichtung fuer die zugabe bzw. dosierung von zwei detergentien
FR2593379A1 (fr) * 1986-01-29 1987-07-31 Elbi Int Spa Dispositif de distribution d'agents detergent et de rincage pour machine a laver la vaisselle
EP0360771A1 (fr) * 1988-09-22 1990-03-28 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Dispositif de commande pour lave-vaisselle

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3827600A (en) * 1972-01-10 1974-08-06 Whirlpool Co Apparatus for dispensing a liquid and another material
EP0005989A1 (fr) * 1978-05-31 1979-12-12 Eaton S.A.M. Distributeurs pour machines à laver
FR2489858A1 (fr) * 1980-09-05 1982-03-12 Esswein Sa Ensemble distributeur de lessive et distributeur-doseur de produit liquide et machine a laver munie d'un tel ensemble
DE3304037A1 (de) * 1983-01-10 1984-07-12 Aweco Apparate- und Gerätebau GmbH & Co KG, 7995 Neukirch Vorrichtung fuer die zugabe bzw. dosierung von zwei detergentien
FR2593379A1 (fr) * 1986-01-29 1987-07-31 Elbi Int Spa Dispositif de distribution d'agents detergent et de rincage pour machine a laver la vaisselle
EP0360771A1 (fr) * 1988-09-22 1990-03-28 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Dispositif de commande pour lave-vaisselle

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0719517A3 (fr) * 1994-12-06 1997-05-07 Prealpina Tecnoplastica Tiroir de dosage pour machines à laver la vaiselle pouvant être utilisé en tant que doseur à actionnement simple ou double
EP0780087A2 (fr) 1995-12-21 1997-06-25 Bosch-Siemens HausgerÀ¤te GmbH Dispositif pour la distribution de produit de neltoyage, an particulier pour lave-vaisselle
WO2001073182A2 (fr) * 2000-03-29 2001-10-04 Eltek S.P.A. Distributeur de produit de lavage pour machine a laver domestique, notamment un lave-vaisselle
WO2001073182A3 (fr) * 2000-03-29 2002-05-02 Eltek Spa Distributeur de produit de lavage pour machine a laver domestique, notamment un lave-vaisselle
EP1226779A2 (fr) * 2001-01-26 2002-07-31 ELTEK S.p.A. Distributeur de produits de lavage pour machine à laver domestique , en particuler pour machine à laver la vaisselle
EP1226779A3 (fr) * 2001-01-26 2003-05-14 ELTEK S.p.A. Distributeur de produits de lavage pour machine à laver domestique , en particuler pour machine à laver la vaisselle
US7823236B2 (en) 2005-08-05 2010-11-02 Eltek S.P.A Actuation device and method
WO2007017755A1 (fr) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-15 Eletek S.P.A. Distributeur d'agent de lavage destine une machine a laver domestique, en particulier a un lave-vaisselle
WO2007017749A1 (fr) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-15 Eltek S.P.A. Dispositif et procede d'actionnement
US7934623B2 (en) 2005-08-05 2011-05-03 Eltek S.P.A. Washing agent dispenser for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher
US7832417B2 (en) 2006-04-20 2010-11-16 Maytag Corporation Dispenser for a drawer-type dishwasher
EP1847211A1 (fr) * 2006-04-20 2007-10-24 Maytag Corporation Distributeur pour lave-vaisselle de type tiroir
CN101069631B (zh) * 2006-04-25 2011-04-20 Lg电子株式会社 洗碗机及控制该洗碗机的方法
US7837802B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2010-11-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Dishwasher and method of controlling the same
EP2062520A3 (fr) * 2007-11-23 2013-08-28 Eltek S.p.A. Distributeur d'agents de nettoyage pour une machine de nettoyage domestique, en particulier un lave-vaisselle
EP2062520A2 (fr) 2007-11-23 2009-05-27 Eltek S.p.A. Distributeur d'agents de nettoyage pour une machine de nettoyage domestique, en particulier un lave-vaisselle
EP2062521A2 (fr) 2007-11-23 2009-05-27 Eltek S.p.A. Distributeur d'agents de nettoyage pour une machine de nettoyage domestique, en particulier un lave-vaisselle
ITTO20110051A1 (it) * 2011-01-24 2012-07-25 T & P Spa Dispositivo dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio per una macchina di lavaggio di uso domestico, in particolare una lavastoviglie, e relativa macchina di lavaggio
EP2478819A1 (fr) * 2011-01-24 2012-07-25 T & P - S.p.A. Dispositif de distribution d'agent de nettoyage pour machine à laver pour utilisation domestique, en particulier un lave-vaisselle et machine à laver correspondante
WO2012107886A1 (fr) 2011-02-08 2012-08-16 Bitron S.P.A. Dispositif intégré pour distribuer des agents de lavage pour une machine à laver, en particulier un lave-vaisselle
WO2012117090A1 (fr) 2011-03-02 2012-09-07 Bitron Poland Sp. Z O.O. Dispositif intégré pour distribuer des agents de lavage pour une machine à laver, en particulier pour un lave-vaisselle
EP2976983A1 (fr) 2014-07-24 2016-01-27 Indesit Company S.p.A. Distributeur de substance pour lave-vaisselle
IT201900015746A1 (it) 2019-09-06 2021-03-06 Eltek Spa Dispositivo dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio per lavastoviglie
WO2021098167A1 (fr) * 2019-11-19 2021-05-27 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 Distributeur et appareil de lavage électrique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69332114T2 (de) 2003-03-20
ITAL920004A0 (it) 1992-12-16
IT1265750B1 (it) 1996-12-02
ITAL920004A1 (it) 1994-06-17
DE69332114D1 (de) 2002-08-22
EP0602572B1 (fr) 2002-07-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0602572A1 (fr) Distributeur de détergents pour des détergents liquides et/ou en poudre notamment pour des machines à laver
US6923191B2 (en) Washing agents dispenser device for a domestic washing machine, namely a dishwasher
US7337635B2 (en) Washing agent dispenser for a domestic washing machine, namely a dishwasher
US7302956B2 (en) Washing agents dispenser device for a dishwashing machine
US7934623B2 (en) Washing agent dispenser for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher
US3411671A (en) Dispensing mechanism for a liquid and a powder
US20030106570A1 (en) Washing agent dispensing device for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher
US4149654A (en) Dishwasher multiple additive dispensing apparatus
EP1450661B1 (fr) Dispositif de distribution destine en particulier aux lave-vaisselle
US3102664A (en) Sequential detergent dispenser
CA1088849A (fr) Distributeur de detergent pour lave-vaisselle
ITBL940006U1 (it) Dispensatore integrato di detersivi ed additivi in polvere e liquidi per macchine lavatrici, in particolare macchine lavastoviglie domesti
US3426944A (en) Treating agent dispenser for automatic washing machine
EP1740082B1 (fr) Distributeur integre d'agent de lavage destine notamment a un lave-vaisselle
EP1610663A2 (fr) MACHINE A LAVER COMPORTANT UN DISTRIBUTEUR POUR LA DISTRIBUTION DIVERSIFEE D’AGENTS DE LAVAGE, AINSI QUE DISPOSITIF ET PROCEDE POUR LA MISE EN OEUVRE DE CETTE DISTRIBUTION
PL223690B1 (pl) Zintegrowane urządzenie do dozowania środków myjących do maszyny myjącej, zwłaszcza do zmywarki do naczyń
US3344957A (en) Dispensing mechanism
EP1920100B1 (fr) Dispositif et procede d'actionnement
US4149655A (en) Dishwasher additive dispenser having a timer controlled cam mechanism
EP2478819B1 (fr) Dispositif de distribution d'agent de nettoyage pour machine à laver pour utilisation domestique, en particulier un lave-vaisselle et machine à laver correspondante
FR2489858A1 (fr) Ensemble distributeur de lessive et distributeur-doseur de produit liquide et machine a laver munie d'un tel ensemble
EP2101627B1 (fr) Lave-vaisselle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19941217

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19970725

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69332114

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020822

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030422

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20121227

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20130128

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20130117

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69332114

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20131210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20131210

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20131212