EP0102332A2 - Drehbare Steuereinrichtung mit zurückziehbarem Drehknopf, insbesondere für Haushaltsgeräte - Google Patents

Drehbare Steuereinrichtung mit zurückziehbarem Drehknopf, insbesondere für Haushaltsgeräte Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0102332A2
EP0102332A2 EP83830171A EP83830171A EP0102332A2 EP 0102332 A2 EP0102332 A2 EP 0102332A2 EP 83830171 A EP83830171 A EP 83830171A EP 83830171 A EP83830171 A EP 83830171A EP 0102332 A2 EP0102332 A2 EP 0102332A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
knob
control
shaft
restraint device
component
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
EP83830171A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0102332A3 (en
EP0102332B2 (de
EP0102332B1 (de
Inventor
Roberto Bertazzoni
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.)
Smeg SpA
Original Assignee
Smeg 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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=26329578&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0102332(A2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Smeg SpA filed Critical Smeg SpA
Publication of EP0102332A2 publication Critical patent/EP0102332A2/de
Publication of EP0102332A3 publication Critical patent/EP0102332A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0102332B1 publication Critical patent/EP0102332B1/de
Publication of EP0102332B2 publication Critical patent/EP0102332B2/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H43/00—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operation after the programme is completed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
    • G05G1/087—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels retractable; Flush control knobs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/56—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force
    • H01H13/562—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force making use of a heart shaped cam
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/06—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/08—Turn knobs
    • H01H2003/085—Retractable turn knobs, e.g. flush mounted

Definitions

  • the present invention deals with a rotatory control device having a control handle or knob movable from a work position in which it projects from a surrounding surface to a rest position, being retracted with respect to said surface.
  • Such control devices are sometimes used in household appliances, such as for controlling cocks or switches of gas cookers or electric cookers, respectively, ovens and the like. Their purpose is that of providing an easy handling and working of the knob when this is in the projecting position, and its subsequent travel to the rest position, in which it does not project from the surrounding surface of the household apparatus, generally formed of a control panel, thus being protected from shocks and undesired strokes, and in addition the apparatus aspect is aesthetically improved.
  • the latter is mounted axially movable but not rotatable with respect to a shaft which is integral to the rotating portion of the component to be controlled, such as a cock or a switch, and the knob includes a restraint device being operated in two steps, which upon a first pressure on the knob allows its assuming the retracted position and keeps it there, and upon a second pressure releases the knob and allows its reversal trip, under the action of a spring, to the protruding work position.
  • the necessity of housing this device within the knob causes the latter to considerably extend itself in depth and require a correspondingly deep seat to be completely housed under the external surface of the apparatus.
  • the known devices cannot be adopted in those cases in which there is no sufficient available space in the depth direction.
  • the known not devices could/be used with the timer knob of a dishwashing machine, when it is mounted on the machine door and all the associated linkages as well as the seat for the back stroke of the knob, must be contained in the restricted thickness available between the door and the inner screen-door of the machine.
  • control knob is integral with the control I shaft, this is mounted axially slidable, but not turnable with respect to the rotating portion of the compunent to be controlled, and is connected, at a point located rearward of the control knob, to a restraint.
  • device operated in two steps which upon exerting a first pressure on said shaft by means of the knob, causes it to assume a position with the knob recessed from the surrounding surface, and upon a second pressure releases a spring that biases the shaft to a position with the knob in the forward projecting work position.
  • the restraint device operated in two steps does not affect the knob dimensions in the direction of depth and this can be chosen only in view of the requirements for a correct seizing and operation of the knob, thereby with a smaller size than usually.
  • Correspondingly less deep may be the seat in which the knob must be able to be retracted and it results therefrom the possibility of using the device in arrangements to which the prior art solutions could not be applied.
  • the shaft integral to the knob can be guided within the component to be controlled, or in relationship to parts integral therewith, much more efficiently than the way a slidable knob can be guided along its shaft, and also « results an improved stability of the knob in the "work" position.
  • the two-steps operated restraint device which is design ed to actuate the control shaft, is mounted in a hollow central part of the rotating portion of the component to be controlled or, in an alternative embodiment, is connected to the rear end of the control shaft which in this case extends itself across the whole component to be controlled.
  • the presence of the restraint device does not add to the depth size of the control device assembly, which consequently may have a particularly compact construction.
  • the device size in the depth direction affects no longer the knob, but a region behind the component to be controlled, where there is frequently more availability of space.
  • control shaft to the front end of which the control knob is fixedly mounted, is made integral in its back end portion to a piston-shaped member being axially slidable in the hollow central part of the rotating portion of the component to be controlled and said piston-shaped member is provided with a key-type coupling with said rotating portion, shows its own configurations being part of the two-steps operated restraint device and co-operates with a rear return spring biasing it to the position corresponding to the forward projecting knob.
  • these configurations of the piston member, forming a part of the restraint device comprise a hollow shaped track co-operating with a coupling clip which is inserted in the rotating portion of the component to be controlled.
  • the restraint device is placed at a side (transversely or vertically) of the component to be controlled and is I inked to the rear end of the control shaft through a rocking lever.
  • the rocking lever By this arrangement only the slight dimensions of the rocking lever are to be taken into account, while the size of the restraint device is compris ed, in the depth direction,within the overall size of the component to be controlled whereby a minimum total depth of the device is achieved.
  • the restraint device operated in two step is of a commercial type, commonly used to fasten doors and the like.
  • control device of the invention is the actuation means for operating the programme timer of a dishwasher, washing machine, cooker, oven or the like.
  • numeral 1 represents a programme timer of a generally known type, but having a hollow central portion 2 which is integral to the rotating part of the component and formed of a multiplicity of cams, not shown.
  • This hollow central portion 2 is provided with a key/extending longitudinally within its cavity.
  • the hollow portion 2 houses a coupling clip 4 with a bent free end 5.
  • a piston-shaped member 6 is placed within the hollow portion 2 of the timer and shows a groove corresponding to the key 3 and co-operating therewith, so that the piston 6 can slide axially in the hollow portion 2 while rotates with the latter without relative motion.
  • the piston 6 On the side opposi te to the key 3 the piston 6 has a plane face with a shaped grooved track 7 adapted to co-operate with the bent free end 5 of the coupling clip 4 to form therewith a restraint device operable in two steps, which is well known per se.
  • a control shaft 9 projecting from the timer hollow portion 2 is fixed to the piston-shaped member 6 and a knob 10 is fixedly mounted at its outer end.
  • the knob is placed in correspondence with a recess 12 formed in a surface 11, in this case a dishwasher door.
  • the position of the knob 10 in relationship with the surface 11 is such that when the piston 6 is in its position Far from the bottom of the hollow portion 2 (Fig. 1), the knob 10 protrudes from surface 11, whereas when the piston 6 is near the bottom of the hollow portion 2 (Fig. 2) the knob is within (in this case completely) the recess 12 which is the seat for its housing.
  • the fitting between piston 6 and hollow portion 2 may be precise enough and the control shaft 9 in turn may be efficiently supported in that point where it projects from the hollow portion 2, so that any oscillation of the knob 10 in the "work" forward position can be efficiently orevented.
  • the timer la has its rotating portion, instead of being directly fixed to a control shaft, crossed throughout by an axially slidable control shaft 9a having a coupling means 20 cooperating with said rotating portion of the component to be controlled.”
  • This coupling means 20 is prismatic, such as a key or the like, in order to be able to give said rotating portion the rotation movements imparted to the control shaft 9a by means of the operating knob 10, which is mounted as previously described.
  • the rear end of the control shaft 9a which protrudes backwards behind the timer 1, shows a coupling groove 14-for engagement with a fork-shaped end of a first arm 15 of a rocking lever 15-16 which is pivoted to a stationary support 17, a second arm 16 thereof being engaged with the moving element 18 of a restraint device 19 to be operated in two steps, sidely positioned to the timer 1.
  • This restraint device is of a commercial type, commonly used for keeping doors and the like closed, and contains therein a return spring which is used, when required, also to urge the knob 10 toward the work position.
  • this second embodiment is as follows. Supposing initially the rest position (Fig. 7), upon exerting a pressure on the knob 10 which is retracted in the seat 12, the restraint device 19 is actuated to the effect that the moving element 18 is caused (by means of its own return spring) to have a shift in the direction to the outside with the consequence of urging forward the lever 15-16 and also the shaft 9a: the knob 10 reaches the protruding position of Fig. 6. In this position the operation of the knob is as described before, since the rotation of the shaft 9 is transmitted, through the coupling means 20, to the rotating portion of the timer 1.
  • the knob 10 can be efficiently prevented from oscillating as in the previously described embodiment when making the control shaft efficiently supported at both its ends where it extends from the rotating portion of timer 1.
  • the restraint device operable in two steps, of whichever type, may be mounted directly at the rear end of the control shaft 9.
  • control device has been described as applied to a dishwasher programme timer, it is obvious that such a device can be applied to timers for any different type of household apparatus, as well as to whichever else component to be rotatively controlled, and the knob of which can be advantageously retracted into a seat,provided that such a component allows for a hollow portion at the central zone of its rotating member or can be crossed throughout by an axially movable control shaft, respectively in the first and second described embodiment.
  • the surface 11 may belong, instead of a door, to a control panel and the seat 12, which is entirely free in the represented examples, may be partially occupied by protruding elements adapted to be contained in the rearside cavity 13 of the knob 10, between its mounting hub on the shaft 9 and its outer skirt, which in some cases may provide a further reduction of the dimensions required for the whole device in the depth direction.
  • the shape of the parts forming the device may be modified to conform to the various application requirements and the various components, especially the restraint device operable in two steps, may be replaced with their technical equivalents.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
EP19830830171 1982-08-26 1983-08-26 Drehbare Steuereinrichtung mit zurückziehbarem Drehknopf, insbesondere für Haushaltsgeräte Expired - Lifetime EP0102332B2 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT5363282 1982-08-26
IT5363182 1982-08-26
IT5363182 1982-08-26
IT5363282 1982-08-26

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0102332A2 true EP0102332A2 (de) 1984-03-07
EP0102332A3 EP0102332A3 (en) 1985-08-14
EP0102332B1 EP0102332B1 (de) 1989-03-15
EP0102332B2 EP0102332B2 (de) 1993-09-01

Family

ID=26329578

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19830830171 Expired - Lifetime EP0102332B2 (de) 1982-08-26 1983-08-26 Drehbare Steuereinrichtung mit zurückziehbarem Drehknopf, insbesondere für Haushaltsgeräte

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0102332B2 (de)
AU (1) AU1734483A (de)
DE (1) DE3379435D1 (de)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2236380A (en) * 1989-09-25 1991-04-03 Toshiba Kk Retractable operating knobs for washing machines
GB2248120A (en) * 1990-07-06 1992-03-25 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Adjusting mechanism for binoculars
EP0626705A3 (de) * 1993-05-28 1995-01-18 Eaton Corp Kombinierter Druckknopf- und Drehschalter.
EP0644402A1 (de) * 1993-08-16 1995-03-22 Ford Motor Company Spielfreie Kupplung für einen Drehkodierer
EP0671681A1 (de) * 1994-03-09 1995-09-13 Whirlpool Europe B.V. Versenkbarer Drehknebel
EP0778511A1 (de) * 1995-12-09 1997-06-11 AEG Hausgeräte GmbH Versenkbare Drehknebeleinheit
EP0797052A1 (de) * 1996-03-20 1997-09-24 Schott Glaswerke Versenkbares Bedienelement
WO1997022984A3 (de) * 1995-12-18 1997-11-06 Roland Kalb Schaltvorrichtung und verfahren zum steuern eines fremdkraftbetätigten verstellantriebes eines kraftfahrzeugs
EP0860847A3 (de) * 1997-02-20 2001-02-07 Grässlin Kg Manuelle Schaltvorrichtung für Zeitschaltuhren
EP1128407A3 (de) * 2000-02-22 2004-10-20 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Haushaltsgerät mit einer Zeitschaltereinrichtung
EP1892602A1 (de) * 2006-08-22 2008-02-27 Miele & Cie. KG Versenkbarer Bedienknebel für ein Haushaltsgerät mit einer Welle zur Ankoppelung an einen Energiesteller, Wahlschalter oder dergleichen
US8944057B2 (en) 2008-09-17 2015-02-03 Resmed Limited Method and apparatus for controlling a CPAP device
US9072848B2 (en) 2007-11-05 2015-07-07 Resmed Limited Ventilation system and control thereof
US10739011B2 (en) 2018-09-19 2020-08-11 Midea Group Co., Ltd. Retracting and extending control selectors

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3557637A (en) 1969-07-28 1971-01-26 Gen Motors Corp Control knob
GB2088639A (en) 1980-11-19 1982-06-09 Alps Electric Co Ltd Actuating mechanism for a pushbutton operating shaft

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3100404A (en) * 1961-07-13 1963-08-13 Whirlpool Co Retractable knob device
FR1419775A (fr) * 1964-10-19 1965-12-03 Procedes Sauter Manette de commande rotative pour appareil ménager
DE2250621C3 (de) * 1972-10-16 1979-09-06 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Drehknopf für eine EinstellweUe

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3557637A (en) 1969-07-28 1971-01-26 Gen Motors Corp Control knob
GB2088639A (en) 1980-11-19 1982-06-09 Alps Electric Co Ltd Actuating mechanism for a pushbutton operating shaft

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2236380B (en) * 1989-09-25 1994-01-12 Toshiba Kk Clothes washing machine
GB2236380A (en) * 1989-09-25 1991-04-03 Toshiba Kk Retractable operating knobs for washing machines
GB2248120A (en) * 1990-07-06 1992-03-25 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Adjusting mechanism for binoculars
US5191471A (en) * 1990-07-06 1993-03-02 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Adjusting mechanism of binoculars
GB2248120B (en) * 1990-07-06 1994-03-23 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Binoculars
EP0626705A3 (de) * 1993-05-28 1995-01-18 Eaton Corp Kombinierter Druckknopf- und Drehschalter.
EP0644402A1 (de) * 1993-08-16 1995-03-22 Ford Motor Company Spielfreie Kupplung für einen Drehkodierer
US5438172A (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-08-01 Ford Motor Company Zero backlash position encoder
EP0671681A1 (de) * 1994-03-09 1995-09-13 Whirlpool Europe B.V. Versenkbarer Drehknebel
EP0778511A1 (de) * 1995-12-09 1997-06-11 AEG Hausgeräte GmbH Versenkbare Drehknebeleinheit
WO1997022984A3 (de) * 1995-12-18 1997-11-06 Roland Kalb Schaltvorrichtung und verfahren zum steuern eines fremdkraftbetätigten verstellantriebes eines kraftfahrzeugs
EP0797052A1 (de) * 1996-03-20 1997-09-24 Schott Glaswerke Versenkbares Bedienelement
EP0860847A3 (de) * 1997-02-20 2001-02-07 Grässlin Kg Manuelle Schaltvorrichtung für Zeitschaltuhren
EP1128407A3 (de) * 2000-02-22 2004-10-20 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Haushaltsgerät mit einer Zeitschaltereinrichtung
EP1892602A1 (de) * 2006-08-22 2008-02-27 Miele & Cie. KG Versenkbarer Bedienknebel für ein Haushaltsgerät mit einer Welle zur Ankoppelung an einen Energiesteller, Wahlschalter oder dergleichen
US9072848B2 (en) 2007-11-05 2015-07-07 Resmed Limited Ventilation system and control thereof
US8944057B2 (en) 2008-09-17 2015-02-03 Resmed Limited Method and apparatus for controlling a CPAP device
US11298483B2 (en) 2008-09-17 2022-04-12 ResMed Pty Ltd Display and controls for a CPAP device
US10739011B2 (en) 2018-09-19 2020-08-11 Midea Group Co., Ltd. Retracting and extending control selectors
US11280498B2 (en) 2018-09-19 2022-03-22 Midea Group Co., Ltd. Retracting and extending control selectors

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU1734483A (en) 1984-03-01
DE3379435D1 (en) 1989-04-20
EP0102332A3 (en) 1985-08-14
EP0102332B2 (de) 1993-09-01
EP0102332B1 (de) 1989-03-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0102332A2 (de) Drehbare Steuereinrichtung mit zurückziehbarem Drehknopf, insbesondere für Haushaltsgeräte
EP3483331B1 (de) Türschloss
KR101635255B1 (ko) 도어를 개방하기 위한, 특히 가정용품의 도어를 위한 시스템
CA1285158C (en) Shaft detent assembly for a timing mechanism
CA2021366C (en) Electromechanical programmer assembly
JP2022019696A (ja) 双安定リレー用の機械的操作アセンブリ及び双安定リレーアセンブリ
US2919333A (en) Electrical switch mechanism
KR970076137A (ko) 타이머 캠스택 및 클러치
WO1998011574A1 (en) Control knob used for household appliances
EP3067458B1 (de) Waschmittelschalenanordnung für waschmaschine und waschmaschine
WO1998011574A9 (en) Control knob used for household appliances
JP6668059B2 (ja) スイッチ
US4346271A (en) Manually actuated timer for appliances
JP2018185070A (ja) 加熱調理器
EP2469551B1 (de) Kochvorrichtung mit einem versenkbaren Drehknebel
US3548136A (en) Trigger actuated switch device with adjustment means for establishing a plurality of predetermined trigger positions
CN111119603A (zh) 一种门锁结构及应用有该门锁结构的清洗机
KR20200035624A (ko) 배전용차단기의 보조개폐장치
EP2082086B1 (de) Verriegelungsvorrichtung für die tür eines haushaltsgeräts, insbesondere für die tür einer waschmaschine
CN113693434B (zh) 一种水箱自动推出结构及具有该结构的烹饪装置
CN211182131U (zh) 一种断路器自动分合闸装置的传动机构
JPH0448664Y2 (de)
CN223286946U (zh) 烹饪器具
GB2047966A (en) Washing machine with safety device
US6097170A (en) Signaling machine for computer controlled appliance

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

Designated state(s): DE FR GB SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): DE FR GB SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19851025

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SMEG S.P.A.

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19870819

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 SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3379435

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19890420

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: AKO-WERKE GMBH & CO. KG

Effective date: 19890831

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

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

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 19930901

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB SE

ET3 Fr: translation filed ** decision concerning opposition
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 83830171.1

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20020323

Year of fee payment: 20

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20020709

Year of fee payment: 20

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

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20020725

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: 20021016

Year of fee payment: 20

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: 20030825

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed