EP0721033B1 - Nettoyeur automatique de bassin - Google Patents

Nettoyeur automatique de bassin Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0721033B1
EP0721033B1 EP96105686A EP96105686A EP0721033B1 EP 0721033 B1 EP0721033 B1 EP 0721033B1 EP 96105686 A EP96105686 A EP 96105686A EP 96105686 A EP96105686 A EP 96105686A EP 0721033 B1 EP0721033 B1 EP 0721033B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pair
valve
chamber
exits
liquid
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96105686A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0721033A2 (fr
EP0721033A3 (fr
Inventor
Terry Roy Jackson
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.)
KREEPY KRAULY Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
KREEPY KRAULY Pty Ltd
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 KREEPY KRAULY Pty Ltd filed Critical KREEPY KRAULY Pty Ltd
Publication of EP0721033A2 publication Critical patent/EP0721033A2/fr
Publication of EP0721033A3 publication Critical patent/EP0721033A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0721033B1 publication Critical patent/EP0721033B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
    • E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
    • E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners
    • E04H4/1663—Self-propelled cleaners the propulsion resulting from an intermittent interruption of the waterflow through the cleaner

Definitions

  • THIS invention relates to cleaners for submerged surfaces. More particularly it relates to suction operable automatic swimming pool cleaners.
  • Suction operable automatic swimming pool cleaners are known in the art.
  • One such a cleaner is disclosed in US Patent 4,023,227.
  • This machine comprises a body having a planar peripheral region defining a main inlet and which region is releasably engageable with a surface to be cleaned.
  • the body comprises a head defining the aforementioned main inlet, a chamber and a pair of symmetrical exits from the chamber.
  • the body further comprises a pair of similar elongate drive tubes communicating with the pair of exits; and a coupling arrangement connected to the pair of drive tubes and defining an outlet. In use, the body is connected via the outlet to an inlet of a pump and filtration system of a swimming pool.
  • a symmetrical valve having planar continuous faces for oscillating in the chamber and for intermittently varying the flow of water through the body, thereby to impart kinetic energy to the body, causing the body to move automatically over the surface to be cleaned. As the body moves over the surface, debris is sucked up from the surface through said inlet.
  • apparatus for cleaning a surface submerged in a liquid
  • the apparatus comprising a body defining a flow passage therethrough extending between a main inlet and an outlet from the body; the body comprising a head defining the main inlet, a chamber and a pair of exits comprising a first exit member and a second exit member from the chamber; a pair of elongate drive tubes comprising a first tube member and a second tube member communicating with the pair of exits; and a coupling arrangement connected to the first and second drive tubes and defining the outlet; the apparatus further comprising a pivotal valve located in the chamber, the pivotal valve having a pair of opposed sealing faces comprising a first face member and a second face member for cooperating with a pair of seats comprising a first seat member and a second seat member at said pair of exits, in use, alternately and repeatedly to obstruct said exits, the apparatus being characterised in that at least one pair of members of said pair of exits, said pair of elongate drive
  • first and second tube members may have different diameters and/or the first and second exit members may have different diameters and/or the first and second faces may be asymmetrical about a centre axis of the valve etc.
  • a baffle plate may be provided between the main inlet and the chamber and a port may be defined off-centre in the baffle plate.
  • valve may be mounted off-centre in the chamber.
  • At least one hole may be defined in each of said opposed sealing faces in asymmetrical regions of the opposed faces.
  • Two further inlets may be defined in asymmetric regions in opposed sidewalls of the head in a region upstream from the valve.
  • the apparatus may further comprise liquid guide means for imparting whirling motion to liquid flowing through at least part of the body.
  • the means for intermittently varying the flow of liquid through the body is preferably located downstream of the liquid guide means for imparting whirling motion to liquid flowing through at least part of the body.
  • the liquid guide means for imparting whirling motion to liquid flowing through at least part of the body comprises a plurality of curvilinear projections provided in said peripheral region of the body and defining a plurality of curvilinear channels between them.
  • the plurality of curvilinear projections may be provided on a face of a footpad, which is mountable on the body in the peripheral region thereof.
  • the liquid guide means for imparting whirling motion to liquid flowing through at least part of the body may alternatively or in addition comprise at least two further inlets defined in asymmetric regions in opposed sidewalls of the body.
  • the two further inlets may have different sizes.
  • At least one of said first and second elongate drive tubes may comprise at least one axially extending internal strake.
  • the head of the apparatus may comprise external fins which are inclined relative to a general plane of said peripheral region.
  • the apparatus may comprise a bumper assembly arching out from the body, the bumper assembly is preferably made of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of water.
  • a suction operable automatic swimming pool cleaner according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 in figure 1.
  • the cleaner comprises a body 12 comprising a head 14, first and second elongate drive tubes 16, 18 extending from the head 14 and a coupling arrangement 20.
  • the body defines a flow passage for water therethrough extending between a main inlet 26 to the body and an outlet 41 from the body.
  • the head 14 has a planar peripheral region 22 provided by a flange 24.
  • the main inlet 26 is defined in the peripheral region.
  • Main inlet 26 communicates with a lower chamber 28 which is bounded by a baffle plate 29 defining a port 30 communicating with a chamber 32 for pivotal hammer valve 34.
  • Chamber 32 has first and second exits 36 and 38 communicating with the elongate drive tubes 16 and 18 respectively.
  • Coupling arrangement 20 comprises a swivel coupling 40 defining outlet 41 and which coupling, in use, is connectable via a flexible hose (not shown), to an inlet of a pump and filtration system (also not shown) of a swimming pool.
  • valve 34 having opposed sealing faces 34.1 and 34.2 is mounted off-centre in chamber 32 and, in use, pivots under the influence of water flow through chamber 32, between a first position wherein it obstructs exit 36 and a second position wherein it obstructs exit 38.
  • a footpad 42 is removably mountable on flange 24.
  • the footpad 42 comprises a circular body 43 defining a central hole 44, which , in use, communicates with main inlet 26.
  • a plurality of curvilinear projections 46 defining a plurality of curvilinear channels 48 extending from the outer periphery of the footpad inwardly towards the hole 44.
  • At least some of the projections 46 are made of a porous resilient material.
  • the projections 46 made of the aforementioned material act like suction pads and serve to improve traction of the footpad 42 on the surface being cleaned.
  • the aforementioned curvilinear channels impart whirling motion to the water entering the body.
  • Water is also admitted through further inlets 50 and 52, which also impart whirling motion to the water admitted.
  • the apparatus assumes the attitude illustrated in figure 1 on a submerged horizontal surface to be cleaned.
  • suction is applied to the apparatus 10 by the said pump, water entraining debris enters the body via curvilinear channels 48 in footpad 42, hole 44 and main inlet 26.
  • the operation of the cleaner described hereinbefore may be improved by providing asymmetry between the members of one or more pairs of corresponding parts of the cleaner.
  • the two drive tubes 16, 18 and/or exits 36 and 38 may have slightly different diameters.
  • the sealing of the hammer valve 34 on seats 36.1 and 38.1 respectively may be different. This may be achieved by mounting a symmetrical valve 34 off-centre in chamber 32. It may also be achieved by providing the valve 34 with asymmetrical curved sealing faces as shown at C in the broken lines in figure 7.
  • Another or additional way to achieve asymmetry is to provide asymmetrical positioned holes 64.1 and 64.2 in valve 34, one of which 64.2 straddles one edge of the corresponding valve seat 38.1, in chamber 32.
  • a plurality of holes may be provided in the hammer. It has been found that such holes reduce noise emitted by the cleaner during operation.
  • Asymmetry may also be achieved by offsetting port 30.
  • each drive tube 16, 18 comprises a plurality of axially and radially inwardly extending internal strakes 53. These strakes serve to straighten the flow of water as it passes through the drive tubes 16, 18.
  • a clearance 53 between swivel coupling 40 and a bearing 54 which is a friction fit in the body of coupling arrangement 20.
  • a washer 56 is supported on an inwardly directed flange 58 on the body below the lower end of the coupling 40 and is so shaped that water drawn into the coupling arrangement through the clearance 53 is directed along the inside wall of the coupling 40 in the same direction as the main water flow. This arrangement not only reduces vortices in flow in the region of the coupling arrangement 20, but also increases the flow towards the pump.
  • the bumper arrangement 60 shown in figure 1 is made of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of water. This increased weight together with the leverage effect of being applied at a distance from the body 12, improves the ability of the cleaner 10 to turn off a sidewall (not shown) of a swimming pool (also not shown).
  • the external fins 62 on the head 14 are slightly inclined relative to the plane of the peripheral region 22. These fins act like airfoils to press the cleaner 10 into closer contact with the surface being cleaned.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning And De-Greasing Of Metallic Materials By Chemical Methods (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Appareil pour nettoyer une surface submergée dans un liquide, l'appareil comprenant un corps (12) définissant un passage d'écoulement traversant (28, 32, 16, 18 et 20), s'étendant entre une entrée principale (36) et une sortie (41) du corps; le corps comprenant une tête (14) définissant l'entrée principale, une chambre (32) et une paire de sorties comprenant un premier élément de sortie (36) et un second élément de sortie (38) de la chambre; une paire de tubes d'entraínement allongés comprenant un premier élément de tube (16) et un second élément de tube (18) communiquant avec une paire de sorties; et un système de raccord (20) raccordé aux premier et second tubes d'entraínement et définissant la sortie; l'appareil comprenant en outre une valve pivotante (34) installée dans la chambre, la valve pivotante battante ayant une paire de faces d'étanchéité opposées comprenant un premier élément de face (34.1) et un second élément de face (34.2), pour coopérer avec une paire de sièges comprenant un premier élément de siège (36.1) et un second élément de siège (38.1) à ladite paire de sorties, pour obstruer de manière alternée et répétée, en service, lesdites sorties, l'appareil étant caractérisé en ce que au moins une paire des éléments choisis parmi ladite paire de sortie, ladite paire de tubes d'entraínement allongés, ladite paire de faces d'étanchéité et ladite paire de sièges de vannes est asymétrique.
  2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel une plaque servant de chicane (20) peut être prévue entre l'entrée principale (26) et la chambre et un orifice excentré (30) est défini dans la plaque servant de chicane.
  3. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, dans lequel la valve est montée dans la chambre de manière excentrée.
  4. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel au moins un trou (64.1, 64.2) peut être défini dans chacune des faces d'étanchéité de la valve.
  5. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel au moins deux autres entrées (50, 52) peuvent être définies dans les régions asymétriques dans les parois latérales opposées (14.1) de la tête dans une région en amont de la valve.
  6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, comprenant un moyen de guidage (48) du liquide pour imprimer un mouvement tourbillonnaire au liquide traversant au moins une partie du corps.
  7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le moyen pour faire varier de manière intermittente l'écoulement du liquide à travers le corps est situé en aval du moyen de guidage du liquide pour imprimer un mouvement tourbillonnaire au liquide circulant dans, au moins, une partie du corps.
  8. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le moyen de guidage du liquide pour imprimer un mouvement tourbillonnaire du liquide traversant, au moins, une partie du corps comprend une pluralité de saillies curvilignes (46) disposées dans ladite région périphérique du corps et définissant une pluralité de canaux curvilignes (48) entre elles.
  9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, dans lequel la pluralité de saillies curvilignes peut être aménagée sur une face d'une semelle (42) qui peut être montée sur le corps dans sa région périphérique.
  10. Appareil selon l'une des revendications 6 à 9 dans lequel le moyen de guidage du liquide permettant d'imprimer un mouvement tourbillonnaire au liquide traversant au moins une partie du corps comprend également au moins deux autres entrées (50, 42) définies dans des régions asymétriques dans les parois opposées du corps.
  11. Appareil selon la revendications 10 dans lequel les deux autres entrées peuvent avoir des tailles différentes.
  12. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à à 11, dans lequel au moins l'un des premier et second tubes d'entraínement allongés peut comprendre au moins une arête (53) interne s'étendant axialement.
  13. Appareill selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, dans lequel la tête de l'appareil peut comprendre des nervures externes (62) qui sont inclinées par rapport au plan général de ladite région périphérique.
  14. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13, comprenant un système pare-chocs (60) faisant saillie du corps, le système pare-chocs étant, de préférence, réalisé en un matériau ayant un poids spécifique supérieur à celui de l'eau.
EP96105686A 1991-11-20 1992-11-19 Nettoyeur automatique de bassin Expired - Lifetime EP0721033B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU88025/91 1991-11-20
AU88025/91A AU8802591A (en) 1991-11-20 1991-11-20 Improvements in automatic pool cleaners
EP92119752A EP0543387B1 (fr) 1991-11-20 1992-11-19 Nettoyeur de bassin automatique

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92119752.1 Division 1992-11-19
EP92119752A Division EP0543387B1 (fr) 1991-11-20 1992-11-19 Nettoyeur de bassin automatique

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0721033A2 EP0721033A2 (fr) 1996-07-10
EP0721033A3 EP0721033A3 (fr) 1996-10-16
EP0721033B1 true EP0721033B1 (fr) 1999-05-12

Family

ID=3763275

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96105686A Expired - Lifetime EP0721033B1 (fr) 1991-11-20 1992-11-19 Nettoyeur automatique de bassin
EP92119752A Expired - Lifetime EP0543387B1 (fr) 1991-11-20 1992-11-19 Nettoyeur de bassin automatique

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92119752A Expired - Lifetime EP0543387B1 (fr) 1991-11-20 1992-11-19 Nettoyeur de bassin automatique

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0721033B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU8802591A (fr)
DE (2) DE69220187T2 (fr)
ES (2) ES2131889T3 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA928984B (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002070837A1 (fr) * 2001-03-07 2002-09-12 Zoltans Pool Products Pty Ltd Nettoyeur de piscine automatique à vanne va-et-vient
WO2002075082A1 (fr) * 2001-03-20 2002-09-26 K.K.Australia Pty Ltd Arrangement ameliore de clapet pour un nettoyeur automatique de piscine

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ZA944756B (en) * 1993-07-09 1995-02-16 Zarina Holdings Cv Swimming-pool cleaner operating head
US5546982A (en) * 1994-10-28 1996-08-20 Baracuda International Corp. Automatic swimming pool cleaners and associated components
AU721028B2 (en) * 1995-07-06 2000-06-22 Kreepy Krauly Australia Pty Ltd Automatic cleaners for sweeping and cleaning swimming pools
US5617606A (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-04-08 Baracuda International Corp. Fluted swimming pool cleaner discs
GB2322539B (en) * 1997-02-26 2000-06-28 Michael Chandler Pool cleaning apparatus
US5930856A (en) * 1997-04-08 1999-08-03 Baracuda International Corp. Automatic swimming pool cleaners and associated components
US6049933A (en) * 1997-08-12 2000-04-18 Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. Bumper assemblies for swimming pool cleaners
US5882512A (en) * 1997-11-05 1999-03-16 Baracuda International Corporation Automatic swimming pool cleaners and associated components and systems
US6226826B1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2001-05-08 Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. Bumper assemblies for swimming pool cleaners
FR2812015B1 (fr) 2000-07-24 2003-01-24 Jacques Alexandre Habif Robot nettoyeur de piscine a depression alimente en pression , et procede
US6423217B1 (en) 2000-09-15 2002-07-23 Letro Products, Inc. Pool cleaner having vortex drive tube
US6436720B1 (en) 2000-09-15 2002-08-20 Cellular Process Chemistry, Inc. Residence time providing module/apparatus
US6625833B1 (en) * 2000-09-15 2003-09-30 Pentair Pool Products, Inc. Pool cleaning apparatus with adjustable bumper assembly
AU2002234433B8 (en) * 2001-03-07 2002-09-19 Zoltans Pool Products Pty Ltd Automatic pool cleaner with flip flop valve
US6473928B1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-11-05 Polaris Pool Systems, Inc. Magnetic control valve for a suction powered pool cleaner
FR2830559B1 (fr) * 2001-10-04 2003-12-19 Alain Habif Aspirateur de bassin mu par la force hydraulique
CN2821043Y (zh) * 2005-08-12 2006-09-27 王怀平 自动清洁器底板
US8082617B2 (en) * 2005-09-13 2011-12-27 Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc. Automatic swimming pool cleaners
US8453284B2 (en) * 2007-02-06 2013-06-04 Zodiac Pool Care South Africa (Pty) Limited Swimming pool cleaner
KR101622716B1 (ko) * 2014-09-24 2016-05-19 엘지전자 주식회사 로봇 청소기

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1889603A (en) * 1931-03-20 1932-11-29 Jordie J Johnston Device and apparatus for cleaning tanks and the like
US3046583A (en) * 1960-02-08 1962-07-31 Emil J Drennan Swimming pool cleaner
DE1684604A1 (de) * 1966-01-19 1971-03-18 Robert Conrad Absaugegeraet fuer Schwimmbecken
US3753496A (en) * 1971-12-20 1973-08-21 E Boyd Converging vortex apparatus for separating oil from water
CA1066462A (fr) * 1975-02-25 1979-11-20 Fernand L.O.J. Chauvier Appareil pour le nettoyage de surfaces immergees
US4193156A (en) * 1976-08-19 1980-03-18 Daniel Jean Velere Denis Chauvier Apparatus for cleaning submerged surfaces
US4208752A (en) * 1976-08-23 1980-06-24 Hofmann Helmut J Cleaning apparatus for submerged surfaces
NZ203376A (en) * 1982-03-09 1987-02-20 Daniel J V D Chauvier Swimming pool cleaner with rotatable"bumpers"on a carrier element
US4642833A (en) * 1985-03-14 1987-02-17 Coxwold (Proprietary) Limited Valve assembly
FR2604351A1 (fr) * 1986-09-30 1988-04-01 Dentraygues Michel Mecanisme de propulsion d'un aspirateur de bassin
ES2017033A6 (es) * 1988-08-15 1990-12-16 Bph Patent Holding Ag Limpiador de piscinas.

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002070837A1 (fr) * 2001-03-07 2002-09-12 Zoltans Pool Products Pty Ltd Nettoyeur de piscine automatique à vanne va-et-vient
WO2002075082A1 (fr) * 2001-03-20 2002-09-26 K.K.Australia Pty Ltd Arrangement ameliore de clapet pour un nettoyeur automatique de piscine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69229187T2 (de) 1999-10-28
EP0543387A2 (fr) 1993-05-26
EP0543387A3 (en) 1993-09-01
DE69229187D1 (de) 1999-06-17
ES2103869T3 (es) 1997-10-01
AU8802591A (en) 1993-06-17
EP0721033A2 (fr) 1996-07-10
EP0721033A3 (fr) 1996-10-16
EP0543387B1 (fr) 1997-06-04
DE69220187D1 (de) 1997-07-10
DE69220187T2 (de) 1997-10-02
ZA928984B (en) 1994-05-20
ES2131889T3 (es) 1999-08-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0721033B1 (fr) Nettoyeur automatique de bassin
KR0155152B1 (ko) 세척장치
US7159263B2 (en) Flexible plate for swimming pool suction cleaner
US5392472A (en) Pool skimmer apparatus
HUE026311T2 (en) Painting cabinet equipped with cleaning equipment
US6662394B2 (en) Automatic cleaners for cleaning swimming pools
JPH09512734A (ja) ノズル装置とその使用
EP0556029B1 (fr) Appareil de nettoyage automatique de piscine et son dispositif de guidage
US4274812A (en) Jet pump
RU2136352C1 (ru) Оросительный мокрый сепаратор
AU593377B2 (en) Improvements in floor polishing machine
CN213103482U (zh) 一种用于清洗物体表面的清洗头
CN214808713U (zh) 过滤装置
DE69400060D1 (de) Flachstrahldüse, insbesondere für Hochdruckreiniger
CN111957639A (zh) 一种用于清洗物体表面的清洗头
US20250389131A1 (en) Pool cleaner with scouring jets
CN223446065U (zh) 抽吸系统的吸嘴、用于环卫设备的抽吸系统和环卫设备
CN223196749U (zh) 一种公路隧道施工用灰尘清除设备
KR101185263B1 (ko) 진공 청소기
CN220546225U (zh) 一种用于清洁机的清洁结构及清洁机
JP4739611B2 (ja) 湿式ブラストノズル及び湿式ブラスト方法
CN223380543U (zh) 一种抽吸稳定性好的清洁设备
EP2633792B1 (fr) Buse de nettoyage de dispositifs
RU2175577C2 (ru) Циклон для очистки воздуха
CN207446831U (zh) 电缆清洁器

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

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 543387

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB PT

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: JACKSON, TERRY, ROY

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB PT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19961213

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19971121

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

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 543387

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB PT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69229187

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19990617

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2131889

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19991029

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 19990729

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19991104

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 19991110

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19991117

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19991204

Year of fee payment: 8

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
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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001119

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

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001120

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

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010531

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20001119

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

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010731

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

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010801

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES

Effective date: 20010531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20011214