EP0237478B1 - Abdichtung einer Giessdüse gegen den Giessraum einer Stranggiessvorrichtung mit mindestens einem umlaufenden, flexiblen Kokillenband - Google Patents

Abdichtung einer Giessdüse gegen den Giessraum einer Stranggiessvorrichtung mit mindestens einem umlaufenden, flexiblen Kokillenband Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0237478B1
EP0237478B1 EP87810106A EP87810106A EP0237478B1 EP 0237478 B1 EP0237478 B1 EP 0237478B1 EP 87810106 A EP87810106 A EP 87810106A EP 87810106 A EP87810106 A EP 87810106A EP 0237478 B1 EP0237478 B1 EP 0237478B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
belt
sealing means
casting
means according
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
Application number
EP87810106A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0237478A1 (de
Inventor
Wilhelm Friedrich Lauener
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.)
Larex AG
Original Assignee
Larex AG
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 Larex AG filed Critical Larex AG
Priority to AT87810106T priority Critical patent/ATE43264T1/de
Publication of EP0237478A1 publication Critical patent/EP0237478A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0237478B1 publication Critical patent/EP0237478B1/de
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/06—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
    • B22D11/0637—Accessories therefor
    • B22D11/064—Accessories therefor for supplying molten metal
    • B22D11/0645—Sealing means for the nozzle between the travelling surfaces

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sealing of a casting nozzle against the casting space of a continuous casting device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a known continuous casting device of this type is characterized by a so-called casting wheel, which is provided with a wheel rim internally cooled by means of a liquid (US Pat. No. 3,429,363).
  • This has a depression corresponding to the desired strand dimension to be cast over the circumference and forms three sides of the casting space with the edges of the depression on both sides.
  • the fourth side is now formed by a metal band resting on the edges and partially wrapping around the wheel rim, hereinafter referred to as the mold band, which creates a closed casting space over the circumference of the strand cross section to be cast.
  • the mold belt is usually endless and is guided and tensioned over deflection rollers in order to form a casting mold of the desired length for a given wheel diameter.
  • the mold belt is intensively cooled on the outside over the entire length of the casting space by means of an aqueous liquid. If the casting wheel is rotated by a drive, the mold belt runs along, creating a mold running with the cast material.
  • a similar continuous casting device with casting wheel is also known from FR-A 1 418 754.
  • the mold belt is covered with rigid plates which rest on the two edges of the casting wheel in the area of the casting wheel and thus do not exert any defined pressure on the casting nozzle which grips between the casting wheel and the mold belt.
  • a further known continuous casting device is characterized in that the casting space is formed by two circumferential mold belts which are opposite one another at a certain distance and so-called side dams arranged on both sides between them (US Pat. No. 2,904,860 or 3,036,348).
  • Circulating, endless mold belts are usually provided, which are guided and tensioned over appropriate deflection rollers. If a casting operation with interruptions is permissible, mold strips unwinding from a bundle can also be used, which are wound again after passing through the casting section or fed to the further processing as a cover layer combined with the casting material (DE Patent No. 1 508 876).
  • the heat given off by the cast material to the mold belt is dissipated by means of intensive cooling through an aqueous liquid on the back of the mold belt.
  • the melt is fed into the casting chamber by means of a feed device in the direction of the mold movement, where solidification takes place as a result of the heat removal, after which, depending on the casting material, a completely or partially solidified strand emerges from the casting room.
  • So-called open or closed feed systems are used. In the open system, the melt flows through a suitable trough into the casting chamber, the inflow of the melt being regulated in a known manner. If high demands are placed on the quality of the cast strand, only a closed feed system can be used.
  • a so-called pouring nozzle is used to feed the melt into the casting chamber, which protrudes into the casting chamber and closes it backwards.
  • the material of the pouring nozzle is adapted to the properties of the molten metal.
  • the material used for this must meet the requirements in terms of temperature, thermal shock on first contact with the melt, heat conduction, erosion, chemical reaction with the melt, machinability and economy.
  • ceramic materials are in the foreground, depending on the existing requirements of various types. For example, pouring nozzles made of ceramic fibers based on Si 0 2 and A1 2 0 3 impregnated, compressed and fired with binder and filler, aluminum titanate, graphite, bomitride, quartz are used.
  • the gap width is usually on the order of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.
  • the metallostatic pressure of the melt at the outlet of the nozzle must be regulated within narrow limits. With increasing pressure and / or decreasing viscosity or surface tension of the melt, the sealing becomes more and more important. It is now known to create an increased sealing effect by suitable shaping of the nozzle. Even with the measures described, however, the risk of flowing backwards and the associated consequences remains.
  • the aim of the present invention is now, in the case of casting devices of the two types described at the outset, to create a perfect seal of the casting space across its width between the mold belt and the casting nozzle. This goal is achieved by the measures according to the characterizing part of claim 1.
  • the contact pressure is therefore dimensioned such that the metallostatic pressure of the melt at the outlet of the nozzle cannot lift the mold belt from the latter.
  • the height difference corresponds to the difference between the level height in the tundish and the height of the lower mold surface at the nozzle outlet.
  • the bar advantageously extends over the entire casting width of the nozzle.
  • the bar can be in one piece or divided into several individual parts of any length. Plastic, metal or ceramic can be used as the material.
  • the bar preferably has a width of 8 to 12 mm and a height of the same order of magnitude.
  • Fig. 3 shows a vertical arrangement of the casting device.
  • Another possibility is to bypass the pistons and allow the pressure medium to act directly on the strip 14 with appropriate sealing.
  • springs 15 (FIG. 1) or pistons 16 (FIG. 3) are used, these are provided at a suitable distance a (FIG. 2) and are dimensioned such that the mold belt does not deviate from the metallostatic pressure at the outlet of the nozzle Nozzle is lifted off.
  • FIG. 4 shows this solution in a vertical orientation.
  • a force component acts on the mold belt.
  • the leakage of the coolant backwards can be kept within permissible limits by means of a labyrinth seal 22, wherein the leakage liquid can be collected in the housing of the device and returned to the coolant system.
  • the liquid stream 20 emerging from the coolant nozzle at a high speed covers the gan with a corresponding cooling effect ze back surface of the mold belt.
  • FIG. 5 An additional variant according to FIG. 5 is that the static liquid pressure prevailing in the chamber 18 acts on the mold belt and presses it against the casting nozzle.
  • the coolant on the belt 13 flows directly from the pressurized chamber 18 through the subsequent coolant nozzle 19. Since the kinetic energy of the liquid flow is exhausted some distance after the nozzle exit, the coolant can be replaced in a known manner at regular intervals.
  • the mold strips can also be pressed in that the mold strip is guided in such a way that it runs in a diverging direction in front of the mouth of the pouring nozzle with respect to the center line thereof and is deflected in the pouring nozzle on the pouring nozzle, as a result of the tension of the Mold belt is generated a force acting on the nozzle.
  • 6 illustrates a solution of this type in that both opposing mold belts 13 are directed via guides 22, the distance a of which is less than the height h of the pouring nozzle. This results in a diverging direction of the mold strip 13 with respect to the center line C-C of the pouring nozzle 11. As a result of the tension in the circumferential direction thereof, a force F directed against the pouring nozzle results.
  • rollers can also be provided.
  • A is the cross section of a mold belt, a is the tensile stress in it and ⁇ is the deflection angle on the casting nozzle, then:
  • the contact pressure can be adapted to the metallostatic pressure prevailing at the outlet of the nozzle in all of the solutions described above.
  • cooling can also be done by spraying from nozzles arranged at short intervals or using so-called support heads, e.g. according to EP-A 0 148 384. Since a certain friction arises between the pouring nozzle and a mold belt using the present invention, it is advantageous to apply a wear-resistant layer to the friction point of the nozzle. This can be done by known methods using the flame or plasma spray technique by adding a 0.1 to 0.2 mm thick layer, e.g. made of aluminum oxide.
  • the mouthpiece of the nozzle 11 is provided with inserted wear plates 12.
  • Materials such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide or nitride, metal carbides, etc. are suitable for this.
  • One of the measures mentioned can prevent premature wear of the pouring nozzle.
  • the Swiss patent no. 508 433 describes a pouring nozzle with inlays made of a self-lubricating material attached near the mouth.
  • the inserts serve the purpose of guiding the mouthpiece between the rigid mold halves of a caterpillar mold in such a way that the nozzle surface does not come into contact with the mold, even claiming that the inserts protrude from the surface of the nozzle in order to provide a direct To prevent contact of the nozzle surface with the mold by providing a gap of 0.2 to 0.3 mm between the nozzle and the mold surface.
  • a sealing effect can only be achieved with a low metallostatic pressure of at most 20 to 30 mm liquid aluminum column.
  • the present invention essentially differs from the type and mode of operation in question, firstly, that the inlays do not protrude from the nozzle surface, secondly, that the inlays are as close as possible to the nozzle outlet, and thirdly, that the inlays are made of a hard, wear-resistant material, to increase the operating time of the nozzle under the condition that the mold belts are pressed against it, and to create an integrity seal between the nozzle and the mold belt at all metallostatic pressures in the casting chamber that occur practically even when pouring in increasing direction.
  • the pressing and sealing device allows, in contrast to the usual known systems, the cooling of the mold belts only after the pressing or sealing point, directly at the mouth of the pouring nozzle 11, i.e. still in the area of the pouring nozzle between the pressing point and the mouth , can take place.
  • the cooling starts directly at the mouth of the pouring nozzle 11.
  • the orientation of the pouring device or the pouring process is arbitrary. Instead of horizontal or vertical, as shown, it could also be inclined or directed upwards.
  • the seal according to the invention has the advantage in any case that it is possible to work with higher metallostatic pressures when the melt supply system is closed, be it that a relatively high pressure results as a result of the vertical arrangement, or that the level in the horizontal or upward pouring direction Tundish is higher than usual.
  • the vertical arrangement also offers advantages with regard to symmetrical cooling and generally symmetrical conditions during the casting and solidification process. The higher casting pressure leads to a safe reflow of the melt in the solidification area and thus to a high-quality structure of the cast strip.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
EP87810106A 1986-03-10 1987-02-23 Abdichtung einer Giessdüse gegen den Giessraum einer Stranggiessvorrichtung mit mindestens einem umlaufenden, flexiblen Kokillenband Expired EP0237478B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87810106T ATE43264T1 (de) 1986-03-10 1987-02-23 Abdichtung einer giessduese gegen den giessraum einer stranggiessvorrichtung mit mindestens einem umlaufenden, flexiblen kokillenband.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH97286 1986-03-10
CH972/86 1986-03-10

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0237478A1 EP0237478A1 (de) 1987-09-16
EP0237478B1 true EP0237478B1 (de) 1989-05-24

Family

ID=4199483

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87810106A Expired EP0237478B1 (de) 1986-03-10 1987-02-23 Abdichtung einer Giessdüse gegen den Giessraum einer Stranggiessvorrichtung mit mindestens einem umlaufenden, flexiblen Kokillenband

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US4785873A (es)
EP (1) EP0237478B1 (es)
JP (1) JP2593470B2 (es)
AT (1) ATE43264T1 (es)
CA (1) CA1293848C (es)
DE (1) DE3760169D1 (es)
ES (1) ES2008705B3 (es)
GR (2) GR890300033T1 (es)

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3703997A1 (de) * 1987-02-10 1988-08-18 Mannesmann Ag Vorrichtung zum stranggiessen von duennen straengen aus metall, insbesondere aus stahl
CA2517447C (en) * 1994-07-19 2007-05-29 Alcan International Limited Process and apparatus for casting metal strip and injector used therefor
US5725046A (en) * 1994-09-20 1998-03-10 Aluminum Company Of America Vertical bar caster
US5640868A (en) * 1995-12-28 1997-06-24 Larex A.G. Apparatus and method for work hardening an endless belt for use in a belt caster
US5687789A (en) * 1995-12-28 1997-11-18 Larex A.G. Caster with improved coil changing system
US5787968A (en) * 1995-12-28 1998-08-04 Larex A.G. Movably mounted side dam and an associated method of sealing the side dam against the nozzle of a belt caster
US5671801A (en) * 1996-01-11 1997-09-30 Larex A.G. Cooling system for a belt caster and associated methods
US5613547A (en) * 1996-01-11 1997-03-25 Larex A.G. Nozzle with a baffle for a caster and an associated method of casting molten metal
US5711367A (en) * 1996-01-11 1998-01-27 Larex A.G. Apparatus for delivering molten metal to a caster including wear strips
US5778967A (en) * 1996-01-11 1998-07-14 Larex A.G. Side dam for a caster having improved contact with solidifying metal
US6173755B1 (en) 1996-05-23 2001-01-16 Aluminum Company Of America Nozzle for continuous slab casting
US5823246A (en) * 1997-03-03 1998-10-20 Larex A.G. Tundish including a baffle for directing molten metal therethrough and an associated caster and method of casting molten metal
US5967220A (en) * 1997-03-25 1999-10-19 Larex, A.G. Caster including a gas delivery means to resist backflowing and freezing of molten metal to the tip of a nozzle
DE102010046292A1 (de) 2009-12-29 2011-06-30 SMS Siemag AG, 40237 Stranggießanlage und Verfahren zum Stranggießen
DE102011078370A1 (de) 2011-06-29 2013-01-03 Sms Siemag Ag Verfahren zum Stranggießen eines Gießstrangs und Stranggießanlage

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1418754A (fr) * 1958-11-19 1965-11-26 Pechiney Prod Chimiques Sa Améliorations à la technique de la coulée continue
CH416955A (de) * 1964-04-20 1966-07-15 Alusuisse Verfahren und Maschine zum Stranggiessen von Metallen
CH423109A (de) * 1964-08-31 1966-10-31 Alusuisse Giessmaschine zur Herstellung von Bändern
FR1435936A (fr) * 1965-03-08 1966-04-22 Siderurgie Fse Inst Rech Procédé et dispositif de coulée continue de produits liquides
US3429363A (en) * 1966-04-14 1969-02-25 Hazelett Strip Casting Corp Method of cooling the casting belt in a continuous metal casting machine of the drum and belt type
DE1758957A1 (de) * 1968-09-07 1971-04-01 Schloemann Ag Stranggiesskokille
CH508433A (de) * 1970-06-24 1971-06-15 Prolizenz Ag C O Schweiz Kredi Düse für die Zuführung des geschmolzenen Metalles beim Bandgiessen in Raupenkokille
US3933193A (en) * 1971-02-16 1976-01-20 Alcan Research And Development Limited Apparatus for continuous casting of metal strip between moving belts
US3937270A (en) * 1973-11-09 1976-02-10 Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation Twin-belt continuous casting method providing control of the temperature operating conditions at the casting belts
JPS582735B2 (ja) * 1974-07-30 1983-01-18 古河電気工業株式会社 レンゾクチユウゾウソウチニオケル チユウユホウホウ
DE3029223C2 (de) * 1980-08-01 1984-09-27 Fried. Krupp Gmbh, 4300 Essen Einlauf für die Metallschmelze in Stranggießvorrichtungen
JPS5820356A (ja) * 1981-07-29 1983-02-05 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 水平型連続鋳造装置
DE3231321C2 (de) * 1982-08-23 1984-06-07 Fried. Krupp Gmbh, 4300 Essen Abdichtung zwischen einer Gießdüse und einer diese umschließenden Stranggießkokille für Stahl mit einem rechteckförmigen Gießquerschnitt
JPS59153552A (ja) * 1983-02-22 1984-09-01 Nippon Kokan Kk <Nkk> 薄肉鋳片の水平連続鋳造装置
DE3345982C2 (de) * 1983-12-20 1985-11-14 Fried. Krupp Gmbh, 4300 Essen Einlauf für die Metallschmelze in Stranggießvorrichtungen, die eine feststehende feuerfeste Gießdüse und eine Kokille mit nur in Gießrichtung bewegten Kokillenwänden aufweisen

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0237478A1 (de) 1987-09-16
US4785873A (en) 1988-11-22
GR890300033T1 (en) 1989-04-12
JP2593470B2 (ja) 1997-03-26
ES2008705B3 (es) 1989-08-01
ATE43264T1 (de) 1989-06-15
JPS62214854A (ja) 1987-09-21
CA1293848C (en) 1992-01-07
DE3760169D1 (en) 1989-06-29
GR3000131T3 (en) 1990-11-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0237478B1 (de) Abdichtung einer Giessdüse gegen den Giessraum einer Stranggiessvorrichtung mit mindestens einem umlaufenden, flexiblen Kokillenband
DE3719976C2 (es)
DE1483644B2 (de) Verfahren zum Gießen von endlosen, breiten Metallplatten und Maschine hierfür
CH624322A5 (en) Device for cooling and guiding a revolving mould belt in a continuous casting installation
DE2709540A1 (de) Verfahren zum kuehlen und fuehren eines umlaufenden kokillenbandes an einer vorrichtung zum kontinuierlichen giessen von straengen
EP0233147B1 (de) Walzgiessverfahren und Walzgiessanlage zur Durchführung desselben
EP1704005B1 (de) Giessmaschine
DE3207010A1 (de) Metallblech-durchlaufgiesseinrichtung
DE68903964T2 (de) Stranggiessmaschine vom typ raupenkette.
DE3402751C2 (es)
EP3993921A1 (de) Schmelzezuführung für bandgussanlagen
EP0156764B1 (de) Elektromagnetische Stranggiesskokille
DE2731748B2 (de) Rollenführungsgerüst für eine Stahlstranggießanlage
EP1646464B1 (de) Verfahren zum betrieb einer bandgiessmaschine f r die erzeug ung eines metallbandes
EP0737118B1 (de) Transportband einer bandstranggiesseinrichtung zum giessen von bändern aus metall
DD201650A5 (de) Metalleinlauf in stranggiessvorrichtungen mit bewegten kokillenwaenden
DE102008031476A1 (de) Gießvorrichtung
EP4452536B1 (de) Kokille einer stranggiessanlage
DE865940C (de) Maschine zum Giessen von Metallbaendern u. dgl.
EP3223978B1 (de) Vorrichtung zum bandgiessen von metallischen produkten
DE2521218A1 (de) Oszillierbare kokille mit in stranglaufrichtung kreisbogenfoermigem formhohlraum
CH608731A5 (en) Continuous casting apparatus, in particular for aluminium plates
DE2613363B2 (de) Kühlvorrichtung unterhalb einer Stranggießkokille
CH662073A5 (de) Verfahren zum zufuehren einer metallschmelze und giessmaschine zur durchfuehrung des verfahrens.
EP0197135B1 (de) Stranggiessvorrichtung

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): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19871002

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19880428

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 43264

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19890615

Kind code of ref document: T

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3760169

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19890629

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
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: GR

Ref legal event code: FG4A

Free format text: 3000131

ITTA It: last paid annual fee
EPTA Lu: last paid annual fee
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 87810106.2

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20011214

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20011221

Year of fee payment: 16

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: AT

Payment date: 20020107

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20020108

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20020124

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20020131

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20020201

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20020212

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20020228

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20020318

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20020325

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20030223

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20030223

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20030223

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20030224

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20030224

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

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20030228

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20030228

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20030228

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

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20030901

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: 20030902

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

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20030904

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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: 20031031

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20030901

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20030224

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

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050223