EP0802553B1 - Combinaison de fusible, procédé de sa production, et circuit de fusible l'intégrant - Google Patents

Combinaison de fusible, procédé de sa production, et circuit de fusible l'intégrant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0802553B1
EP0802553B1 EP19970106311 EP97106311A EP0802553B1 EP 0802553 B1 EP0802553 B1 EP 0802553B1 EP 19970106311 EP19970106311 EP 19970106311 EP 97106311 A EP97106311 A EP 97106311A EP 0802553 B1 EP0802553 B1 EP 0802553B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fuse
contacts
support
combination
elements
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
EP19970106311
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0802553A2 (fr
EP0802553A3 (fr
Inventor
Jun Yasukuni
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.)
Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Original Assignee
Sumitomo Wiring Systems 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 Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd filed Critical Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Publication of EP0802553A2 publication Critical patent/EP0802553A2/fr
Publication of EP0802553A3 publication Critical patent/EP0802553A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0802553B1 publication Critical patent/EP0802553B1/fr
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
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/04—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
    • H01H85/041—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges characterised by the type
    • H01H85/0411—Miniature fuses
    • H01H85/0415—Miniature fuses cartridge type
    • H01H85/0417—Miniature fuses cartridge type with parallel side contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/04—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
    • H01H85/041—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges characterised by the type
    • H01H85/0411—Miniature fuses
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/04—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
    • H01H85/041—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges characterised by the type
    • H01H85/0411—Miniature fuses
    • H01H2085/0412—Miniature fuses specially adapted for being mounted on a printed circuit board
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/04—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
    • H01H85/05—Component parts thereof
    • H01H85/055—Fusible members
    • H01H2085/0555—Input terminal connected to a plurality of output terminals, e.g. multielectrode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/20—Bases for supporting the fuse; Separate parts thereof
    • H01H2085/2085—Holders for mounting a fuse on a printed circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H69/00—Apparatus or processes for the manufacture of emergency protective devices
    • H01H69/02—Manufacture of fuses

Definitions

  • This Application is directed to a fuse combination including a plurality of fuse elements on an insulative support, as well as a method of making the combination and its use in an electrical circuit.
  • Fuses 1 comprise fusible portions 2 which, in this case, are connected to a single unnumbered connector. Fuses 1 are stamped out of a conductive metal plate and, to predetermine the capacity of the fuses, fusible portions 2 are cut narrower than the remainder of the fuse. However, this is very difficult to do when stamping a metal plate, and thus is not entirely satisfactory. On the other hand, if a thinner metal plate is used, this will also cause the fusible portions to be thinner and permit control of the current flowing. However, the remainder of the fuses will also be thinner and will be difficult to connect to other terminals.
  • the present Invention is intended to provide a fuse combination which can be stamped from sheet metal and can be designed so that it will limit the circuit in which it is placed to a low current capacity.
  • this Invention includes contacts of sufficient strength and thickness so that they can readily be inserted into other terminals.
  • a fuse combination having a plurality of fuse elements arranged in a plane on an insulative support.
  • the fuse elements are generally elongated in shape and have first and second contacts with fusible portions therebetween.
  • the latter are of shallower depths than the former.
  • the fuse elements are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other.
  • a first band connects adjacent first contacts at their ends and, in a preferred form of the Invention, a second band connects the second contacts at their ends. In this way, the plurality of fuse elements is held in proper spaced relationship.
  • An insulative support generally complementary to the plane of the fuse elements, is also provided.
  • One dimension of the support is shorter than the distance between the ends of the fuse elements. In this way, the outer ends of the first and second contacts extend beyond the insulative support.
  • the support also is provided with cavities which correspond to the fusible portions of the fuse elements.
  • the fusible portions are placed on the support so that the fusible elements traverse the cavities.
  • the cavities are actually holes completely through the support. The fuse elements and the support are fixed together to complete the fuse combination.
  • the combination is then bent into a U-shape about an axis transverse to the elongated fuse elements and passing through the cavities or holes. It has been found particularly useful if the support is weakened along the foregoing axis in order to provide a bending hinge.
  • a cover preferably transparent, is placed over the fusible portions to protect them. Since the cover is transparent, if a fuse has melted, it can readily be determined by visual inspection. The combination, with the first and second contacts protruding beyond the support, can then be inserted into a complementary socket.
  • Metal plate 12 has first and second portions 12a with third portion 12b therebetween. Third portion 12b is preferably thinner than either of the other two portions. As shown in Figures 1 to 8, a plurality of fuse elements 11 is stamped out of metal plate 12. Each fuse element 11 consists of first and second contacts 16 and fusible portion 20. The ends of contacts 16 are attached to bands 13 by connecting portions 14.
  • Insulative support 15 is provided with openings 22 and locking projections 19. At hinge 23, support 15 is reduced in thickness to assist in bending. Fuse elements 11 are placed on support 15 so that locking projections 19 fit into notches 16a, thereby positioning fuse elements 11 as required. Projections 19 are higher than the thickness of contacts 16 and, as shown in Figure 6, they are bent over the edges of the contacts in order to secure them to the insulative support. This can be accomplished, for example, by heat and pressure. Thereafter, bands 13 are removed by cutting connecting portions 14 and discarded.
  • support 15 is then bent or folded about hinge 23 into the U-shape as shown in Figure 3.
  • cover 21 is placed over at least fusible portions 20 for protection. It is preferred that cover 21 be transparent so that, if a fuse has melted due to a current overload, it can be visually detected.
  • Fuse combination is shown, for example, in Figure 4 as it is about to be inserted into socket 17.
  • Socket 17 contains a plurality, corresponding to the plurality of fuse elements 11, of terminal chambers 25.
  • Busbar contacts 26 from, for example, a circuit board, extend up into the terminal chambers.
  • Fuse combination 29 is pressed downwardly (as shown in Figure 4) so that the outer walls of cover 21 fit into insertion walls 27. This properly positions fuse combination 29 and permits each of contacts 16 to enter its corresponding insertion opening 25a.
  • insulative support 15 is bent about hinge 23, cut out portions 28 are formed in which fusible portions 20 are located.
  • a branched fuse is provided. Fuse elements 31 are electrically connected by connecting piece 33 which, in turn, is joined to contact 32.
  • connecting piece 33 electrically uniting all of fuse elements 31. However, there are two contacts 32 for appropriate circuitry.
  • the present Invention has numerous advantages over the fuse combinations previously known. To predetermine the amount of current which the fuse will tolerate, it is necessary that the cross sections of the fusible portions of the fuse elements be carefully controlled. In accordance with the present Invention, this is accomplished by the provision of the metal plate having thick sections (which ultimately form the contacts) and a thin section (which ultimately forms the fusible portions).
  • the thicknesses of the fusible portions - and hence the maximum permitted current - can be easily controlled.
  • the manufacturing process is quite simple and a large number of fuse elements can be produced at once.
  • the thin portion of the metal plate can be readily and accurately formed by rolling or otherwise, thereby providing accurate control of the fusible portions and the current flowing therethrough.
  • the Invention is of particular value where low current capacities are required.
  • Bands are provided on the ends of the fuse elements. These are formed at the same time - and in the same operation - as the fuse elements themselves. They serve to hold the elements in position with respect to each other so that the entire plurality may be handled at the same time. Once they are placed on the support, the latter can be bent into its U-shape, thereby forming all of the fuses in one operation. Grouping the fuses in this manner saves space and permits the fuses to be used in constricted areas. In addition, the structure of the inventive fuse combination permits insertion vertically into the receiving sockets. This minimizes the area required for installation and removal.
  • the fusible portions are out of contact therewith. Thus, if a fusible portion melts, no smoke is generated, nor is any damage done to the support. Moreover, these openings allow dissipation of heat so that the substrate does not influence the melting of the fuse. This provides improved accuracy.
  • the provision of locking projections on the support and corresponding notches or holes in the contacts permits simple and foolproof attachment of the fuse elements.
  • the projections position the fuse elements as well as retain them in position. Since the height of the projections is greater than that of the contacts, it is possible - as by the application of heat and/or pressure - to distort the ends of the projections so that they overlie edges or portions of the contacts. Alternatively, when holes are used, enlarged ends of the projections allow the fuse elements to be "snapped" into position and held there.
  • bands 13 can be eliminated and the fuse elements placed on the support individually.
  • the support may first be bent and the fuse elements affixed thereafter.
  • the insulative support can be provided with two sets of projections, one for positioning the fuse elements and the other for locking them. Instead of locking projections, the fuse elements may be soldered directly to the support. Also, it is not essential that the fusible portions be suspended apart from the insulative support. They can lie flat thereon and still perform their function.
  • branching circuits may be formed having the fuses all connected to a single contact and, if desired, any number of fusible portions may be provided, depending upon individual requirements.

Landscapes

  • Fuses (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Combinaison de fusibles comprenant une pluralité d'éléments de fusible (11) agencés dans un plan, et un support isolant (15) pour ces éléments, lesdits éléments de fusible comprenant des premiers contacts (16) aux premières extrémités desdits éléments de fusible et des deuxièmes contacts (16) aux deuxièmes extrémités desdits éléments de fusible, et des parties fusibles (20) entre lesdits premiers contacts et lesdits deuxièmes contacts, caractérisée en ce que lesdits premiers contacts ont des premières profondeurs, lesdits deuxièmes contacts ont des deuxièmes profondeurs et lesdites parties fusibles ont des troisièmes profondeurs, lesdites troisièmes profondeurs étant plus minces que lesdites premières profondeurs ou lesdites deuxièmes profondeurs, lesdits éléments de fusible étant mutuellement parallèles et espacés les uns des autres dans ledit plan,
    ledit support étant sensiblement complémentaire audit plan, et ayant une dimension parallèle audit plan et plus courte qu'une distance entre lesdites premières extrémités et lesdites deuxièmes extrémités, ledit support comportant des cavités (22) en correspondance desdites parties fusibles, lesdits éléments de fusible étant fixés audit support.
  2. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit support, auquel sont fixés lesdits éléments de fusible, est plié en forme de U.
  3. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle au moins des portions desdites parties fusibles s'étendent au-dessus de chacune desdites cavités.
  4. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle lesdites parties fusibles sont enfermées dans un capot transparent (21).
  5. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 1, comprenant une première bande (13) reliant les dites premières extrémités adjacentes de sorte que les dits éléments sont maintenus dans ladite relation d'espacement parallèle.
  6. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle ladite première bande peut être séparée desdites premières extrémités après fixation desdits éléments de fusible audit support.
  7. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle lesdits premiers contacts et les dits deuxièmes contacts présentent des bords adjacents à encoches (16A), des unités complémentaires (19) étant prévues sur ledit support, lesdites unités s'appliquant contre lesdites encoches pour fixer lesdits éléments de fusible audit support.
  8. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle lesdits premiers contacts et les dits deuxièmes contacts comportent des trous traversants (19), des saillies de blocage étant prévues en relief sur ledit support de façon à passer dans lesdits trous de sorte que lesdits éléments de fusible sont fixés audit support.
  9. Procédé de fabrication de la combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 1 à partir dudit support et d'une plaque de métal ayant une première partie (12a), une deuxième partie (12a) et une troisième partie intermédiaire (12b), ledit procédé comprenant :
    la formation desdits éléments de fusible à partir de ladite plaque, de sorte que ladite première partie et ladite deuxième partie constituent lesdits premiers contacts et lesdits deuxièmes contacts, respectivement, et ladite troisième partie constitue ladite partie fusible,
    la mise en place desdits éléments de fusible sur ledit support d'une manière telle que lesdits premiers contacts et lesdits deuxièmes contacts viennent en prise avec des unités complémentaires en saillie sur ledit support, de sorte que lesdits éléments de fusible sont fixés audit support ; et
    le pliage dudit support et desdits éléments de fusible en forme de U autour d'un axe passant par lesdites cavités.
  10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel il y a une première bande connectant lesdites premières extrémits adjacentes et une deuxième bande connectant lesdites deuxièmes extrémités adjacentes, ledit procédé comprenant :
    la coupe de ladite première bande pour la séparer desdits premiers contacts,et de ladite deuxième bande pour la séparer desdits deuxièmes contacts après ladite mise en place.
  11. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 4, comprenant une douille (17) ayant une pluralité d'orifices d'insertion (25a) dans une première surface de la douille, lesdits premiers contacts dans lesdits orifices d'insertion venant en contact électrique avec des bornes (18) situées à l'intérieur, une paroi d'insertion (27) formée sur ladite surface et perpendiculaire à celle-ci, une partie inférieure dudit capot transparent étant logée dans ladite paroi d'insertion.
  12. Combinaison de fusibles selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle lesdites bornes sont des barres omnibus montées sur une carte de circuit.
  13. Circuit de fusibles comprenant une douille pour la combinaison de fusibles selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, 11 et 12, ayant une pluralité d'or rifices d'insertion (25a), lesdits premiers contacts et lesdits deuxièmes contacts étant logés dans lesdits orifices d'insertion et en contact électrique avec eux, et les contacts de barre omnibus étant logés dans lesdites chambres à borne et en contact électrique avec elles.
EP19970106311 1996-04-17 1997-04-16 Combinaison de fusible, procédé de sa production, et circuit de fusible l'intégrant Expired - Lifetime EP0802553B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP9573796A JPH09282999A (ja) 1996-04-17 1996-04-17 ヒューズ素子とその製造方法及びヒューズ装置
JP9573796 1996-04-17
JP95737/96 1996-04-17

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0802553A2 EP0802553A2 (fr) 1997-10-22
EP0802553A3 EP0802553A3 (fr) 1997-10-29
EP0802553B1 true EP0802553B1 (fr) 1999-06-23

Family

ID=14145806

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19970106311 Expired - Lifetime EP0802553B1 (fr) 1996-04-17 1997-04-16 Combinaison de fusible, procédé de sa production, et circuit de fusible l'intégrant

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0802553B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH09282999A (fr)
DE (1) DE69700288T2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7983024B2 (en) 2007-04-24 2011-07-19 Littelfuse, Inc. Fuse card system for automotive circuit protection

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0939967B1 (fr) * 1996-11-22 2002-01-23 Audio Ohm di Tonani Caterina E.C. S.N.C. Dispositif de distribution de courant
JPH10199396A (ja) * 1997-01-13 1998-07-31 Taiheiyo Seiko Kk 多極型ヒューズ素子およびこの素子を使用した多極型ヒューズ
FR2773911B1 (fr) * 1998-01-20 2000-03-17 Renault Dispositif de connexion a fusibles
ES2150856B1 (es) * 1998-06-18 2001-06-16 Mecanismos Aux Es Ind S L Elemento fusible con distribucion de potencia incorporado.
US6642834B1 (en) 1999-03-04 2003-11-04 Littelfuse, Inc. High voltage automotive use
JP2003037920A (ja) * 2001-07-24 2003-02-07 Sumitomo Wiring Syst Ltd 電気接続箱
US6878004B2 (en) 2002-03-04 2005-04-12 Littelfuse, Inc. Multi-element fuse array
JP2007512185A (ja) 2003-11-26 2007-05-17 リッテルフューズ，インコーポレイティド 車両用電気的保護装置、及び車両用電気的保護装置を使用するシステム
CN101138062B (zh) 2004-09-15 2010-08-11 力特保险丝有限公司 高电压/高电流熔断器
JP4870999B2 (ja) * 2006-02-20 2012-02-08 太平洋精工株式会社 多極ヒューズ

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4349802A (en) * 1981-01-08 1982-09-14 Mcgraw-Edison Company Current limiting fuse having transverse parallel weak spots
US4498068A (en) * 1982-12-13 1985-02-05 Mcgraw-Edison Company Magnetic arc extinguished fusible elements
GB2195064A (en) * 1986-09-10 1988-03-23 Salplex Ltd Fuseboards
IT208434Z2 (it) * 1986-11-17 1988-05-28 Codognese Meccanotec Zoccolo adattatore per fusibili alama.

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7983024B2 (en) 2007-04-24 2011-07-19 Littelfuse, Inc. Fuse card system for automotive circuit protection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0802553A2 (fr) 1997-10-22
EP0802553A3 (fr) 1997-10-29
DE69700288D1 (de) 1999-07-29
JPH09282999A (ja) 1997-10-31
DE69700288T2 (de) 2000-01-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5841338A (en) Fuse combination, method of making the same, and fuse circuit including the same
EP1213741B1 (fr) Boîte à fusibles
US6558198B2 (en) Fuse device and fuse device connecting structure
EP0802553B1 (fr) Combinaison de fusible, procédé de sa production, et circuit de fusible l'intégrant
US4670729A (en) Electrical fuse
US4837546A (en) Fuse block
US5095297A (en) Thin film fuse construction
US20030166352A1 (en) Multi-element fuse array
JPH0230136B2 (fr)
JPH06342623A (ja) チップヒューズ
US4254394A (en) Electric fuse having plug terminals
EP3511971B1 (fr) Ensemble de fusible symétrique en plusieurs parties
US4872262A (en) Holder for a blade-type circuit element
US4056884A (en) Method of making a miniature plug-in fuse
US4040175A (en) Method of making a miniature plug-in fuse with fragile fuse link
US6159049A (en) Electrical contact and bandolier assembly
US5372521A (en) Electrical connection bar for terminals
CA1104675A (fr) Cavalier souple pour l'electricite, et methode de fabrication connexe
US5781096A (en) Planar fuse and method for making the same
US4214223A (en) Fuse
US20050136710A1 (en) Female Terminal for Inserting in a Printed Circuit Board
GB2195064A (en) Fuseboards
JPS6114625B2 (fr)
US4670725A (en) Relay tongue unit
JPS6231466B2 (fr)

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

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19970416

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19980723

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

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69700288

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19990729

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
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: GB

Payment date: 20020410

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20020410

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20020424

Year of fee payment: 6

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: 20030416

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: 20031101

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

Effective date: 20030416

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: 20031231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST