EP0280871B1 - Procédé et dispositif pour remplir aseptiquement un emballage - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif pour remplir aseptiquement un emballage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0280871B1
EP0280871B1 EP88101140A EP88101140A EP0280871B1 EP 0280871 B1 EP0280871 B1 EP 0280871B1 EP 88101140 A EP88101140 A EP 88101140A EP 88101140 A EP88101140 A EP 88101140A EP 0280871 B1 EP0280871 B1 EP 0280871B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
steam
fluid
filling
filling head
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
EP88101140A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0280871A1 (fr
Inventor
Willi Löliger
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.)
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Original Assignee
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
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 Societe des Produits Nestle SA filed Critical Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Priority to AT88101140T priority Critical patent/ATE77321T1/de
Publication of EP0280871A1 publication Critical patent/EP0280871A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0280871B1 publication Critical patent/EP0280871B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/022—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages of flexible containers having a filling and dispensing spout, e.g. containers of the "bag-in-box"-type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/001—Cleaning of filling devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a package with a fluid and for washing and keeping a filling head space sterile, in which, the packaging being sterile and closed, the filling head space and the part are sterilized. outside of the packaging provided for the entry of the fluid and the packaging is filled with fluid.
  • the invention further relates to the device for implementing the method.
  • Patent EP-A-0072699 already describes such a process and such a device for the aseptic filling of packaging with a fluid.
  • This device has the disadvantages that the filling head space is difficult to clean between two fillings and that it can be infected when a new packaging is put in place, which would have the effect of breaking the asepsis. Indeed, with this device the only possibility for cleaning the filling head space is to operate mechanically, which is not sufficiently effective and safe and the risk of aseptic rupture can induce bacterial development which should be avoided.
  • the invention makes it possible to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by virtue of a sterile steam or air supply both for cleaning the filling head space and for maintaining asepsis.
  • the invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a package with a fluid and for washing and keeping sterile a filling head space in which, the packaging being sterile and closed, the space is sterilized filling head and the outer part of the packaging intended for the entry of the fluid and the packaging is filled with fluid, into which, before, during or after the sealing of the packaging, steam or liquid is injected.
  • sterile air under pressure coaxially with the filling head so as to move the remaining fluid laterally and the filling head space is protected from infection while maintaining a new atmosphere when placing new packaging constant vapor or sterile air.
  • packaging plastic packaging as well as cardboard packaging or any other type of packaging in the food or medical field.
  • fluid is meant both aqueous solutions and milk, fruit juices or more viscous products, such as jam, marmalade and others, with or without pieces.
  • the residual product is moved in the packaging, either by mechanical means, or by steam displacement, with the packaging open.
  • the residual product is displaced by steam or sterile air, packaging closed, so as to discard said residual product.
  • the prior sterilization of the filling head space is carried out for 2 to 30 seconds at a temperature between 135 and 165 ° C and under a vapor pressure between 2 and 6 atmospheres.
  • the cleaning operation is done with steam, at a pressure between 1 and 4 atmospheres for 0.5 to 2 seconds at a temperature between 120 and 150 ° C. If operating with sterile air, it is introduced at a pressure of between 0.5 and 3 atmospheres and at room temperature.
  • a flow rate that provides a screen avoiding any form of infection of the headspace. It is preferably carried out at atmospheric pressure at a temperature between 98 and 110 ° C in the case of steam and at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature in the case of sterile air.
  • the invention further relates to a device for implementing this method comprising a filling head, a packaging support placed under the filling head and designed to seal the packaging at the end of filling, said head comprising a valve. for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate as well as means for actuating it, in which the filling head further comprises a valve for adjusting the flow rate of steam or air as well as means for actuating it , this valve being in coaxial movement with respect to the fluid flow control valve and sliding therein, a fluid inlet and outlet conduit and, laterally disposed on the bottom of the filling head, a valve with a drain line for cleaning at the end of filling.
  • the packaging support consists of jaws for holding the packaging in place and a sealing head.
  • a packaging with a tip comprising a tear-off outer membrane and an inner closure membrane as shown in the figures and in patent EP 72699, or a package with tip comprising a tear-off outer membrane but without a closure membrane.
  • the fluid flow control valve has vapor inlet channels and a bellows membrane.
  • the valve for regulating the flow of steam or air has at its bottom a knife and a central steam inlet channel. This valve further comprises at its middle part a cone with a bore for the arrival of steam or air when placing new packaging.
  • the filling head designated by (1) comprises a fluid inlet (2) and outlet (3) channel with seal (26), a valve (4) for adjusting the fluid inlet flow, a valve (5) for adjusting the steam supply rate and an outlet pipe (6) for cleaning the filling head.
  • a packaging (7) comprising an end piece (8) with a tearable membrane (9) and a closure membrane (10).
  • the packaging is held in place by jaws (11), under which is placed the sealing head (12) which ensures the closure of the packaging at the end of filling.
  • the valves (4) and (5) are coaxial and vertically movable by pneumatic systems or the like (not shown).
  • the fluid inlet valve (4) has a seal (13), steam inlet channels (14) and a bellows membrane (15).
  • the steam inlet valve (5) has at its lower part a knife (16) and a central steam inlet channel (17) and closes the steam inlet channels (14) and (17) in its low position. At its middle part, it comprises a cone (18) with a bore (19) for the arrival of steam during the fitting of new packaging.
  • the outlet pipe (6) for cleaning and sterilization of the filling head comprises a valve (20), this pipe going either to a bleeder (21), or on a drain pipe (22), a valve (23 ) with three inputs for joining.
  • FIG. 1 there is the device according to the invention in its sterilization phase of the filling head space and of the membrane (9). To do this, the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed and the vapor inlet valve (5) is open. The pressurized steam passes through the channels (14) and (17) from A. The side valve (20) is open and the steam goes to the trap (21). The sealing head (12) remains cold, but presses against the end piece (8).
  • valve stem (5) goes down, closes the channels (14) and (17), the knives (16) tear the membrane (9), close the valve (20), the valve (4) is reassembled and the fluid arrives via the pipe (2) in the packaging (7), the sealing head (12) being of course come down. This filling phase is not shown.
  • Fig. 3 shows the device according to the invention when washing or rinsing the filling head space and sealing the packaging.
  • the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed again and the steam inlet valve (5) is opened. This flows under pressure through the channels (14) and (17), so as to move the residual material towards the open line (6), on the drain line (22), the sealing head (12) being in the high position.
  • the sealing ring (24) is heated, thus closing the packaging (7).
  • the jaws (11) can then release said packaging.
  • Fig. 4 shows the device according to the invention before delivering new packaging.
  • the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed and the vapor inlet valve (5) is in its highest position, so that the cone (18) presses against the seat (25) of the valve (5).
  • the vapor arriving from A passes through the bore (19), which gives a small quantity of vapor which arrives on the channels (14) and (17), thus forming a curtain of vapor which prevents infection of the space. filling head during the change of packaging.
  • This provides a very efficient and safe system, in which the risk of infection is minimized by means of a specific steam supply both during the sterilization phase and during the change of packaging to be filled.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
EP88101140A 1987-03-02 1988-01-27 Procédé et dispositif pour remplir aseptiquement un emballage Expired - Lifetime EP0280871B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88101140T ATE77321T1 (de) 1987-03-02 1988-01-27 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum keimfreien fuellen einer verpackung.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH785/87A CH673819A5 (ja) 1987-03-02 1987-03-02
CH785/87 1987-03-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0280871A1 EP0280871A1 (fr) 1988-09-07
EP0280871B1 true EP0280871B1 (fr) 1992-06-17

Family

ID=4195130

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88101140A Expired - Lifetime EP0280871B1 (fr) 1987-03-02 1988-01-27 Procédé et dispositif pour remplir aseptiquement un emballage

Country Status (22)

Country Link
US (1) US4893659A (ja)
EP (1) EP0280871B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP2744787B2 (ja)
AR (1) AR243451A1 (ja)
AT (1) ATE77321T1 (ja)
AU (1) AU605829B2 (ja)
BR (1) BR8800884A (ja)
CA (1) CA1288677C (ja)
CH (1) CH673819A5 (ja)
DE (1) DE3871987T2 (ja)
DK (1) DK167434B1 (ja)
ES (1) ES2006340A6 (ja)
FI (1) FI84580C (ja)
IE (1) IE60563B1 (ja)
MX (1) MX167703B (ja)
MY (1) MY103060A (ja)
NO (1) NO175456C (ja)
NZ (1) NZ223399A (ja)
PH (1) PH25444A (ja)
PT (1) PT86871B (ja)
SG (1) SG118192G (ja)
ZA (1) ZA88696B (ja)

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1225214B (it) * 1988-11-25 1990-11-02 El Srl Dispositivo per la sterilizzazione dell'imboccatura di contenitori, inparticolare di contenitori a forma di sacco per prodotti alimentari
CH679768A5 (ja) * 1989-05-02 1992-04-15 Nestle Sa
US5432860A (en) * 1990-02-09 1995-07-11 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Speaker system
US5447699A (en) * 1993-11-17 1995-09-05 The West Company Combination container for holding sterilized elements and a sterilizable transfer port
US5505236A (en) * 1994-04-04 1996-04-09 Abbott Laboratories Anesthetic vaporizer filling system
US5479955A (en) * 1994-05-31 1996-01-02 Spartanburg Steel Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for aseptically filling containers
US5979514A (en) * 1998-01-28 1999-11-09 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa Hygienic fill system for a packaging machine
AUPP243598A0 (en) 1998-03-18 1998-04-09 Rapak Asia Pacific Limited Improvements relating to tote bins
US6070622A (en) 1998-05-07 2000-06-06 Packaging Systems, L.L.C. High speed aseptic filling machine
GB9916215D0 (en) 1999-07-09 1999-09-15 Smith David S Packaging Apparatus and method for filling
US6585016B1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-07-01 Datex-Ohmeda, Inc. Keyed anesthetic vaporizer filling system
EP1954565B1 (en) * 2005-11-28 2012-10-24 PDC Facilities, Inc. Filling machine
US7784504B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2010-08-31 Baxter International Inc. Adapters for use with an anesthetic vaporizer
US8522839B2 (en) * 2006-03-06 2013-09-03 Baxter International Inc. Adapters for use with an anesthetic vaporizer
US8534328B2 (en) * 2008-04-09 2013-09-17 Baxter International Inc. Adapters for use with an anesthetic vaporizer
IT1393904B1 (it) * 2009-04-15 2012-05-17 Flextech S R L Apparato di riempimento di contenitori flessibili con un fluido, ad esempio alimentare, quale crema, yogurt, succhi e purea di frutta, verdure e simili
EP2432541B1 (en) * 2009-05-20 2013-05-01 Baxter International Inc Container and pharmaceutical product
US20110017343A1 (en) * 2009-07-24 2011-01-27 Murray R Charles Method and apparatus for filling a container having a tube spout fitment
EP2720950B1 (en) * 2011-06-14 2015-08-12 CFT S.p.A. System for aseptic filling of big containers with an outlet
WO2015044088A1 (de) * 2013-09-25 2015-04-02 Fresenius Kabi Deutschland Gmbh Anlage zum aspetischen befüllen eines behältnisses
DE102014106404A1 (de) * 2014-05-07 2015-11-12 Khs Gmbh Füllvorrichtung
US10912914B2 (en) 2019-06-06 2021-02-09 GE Precision Healthcare LLC Systems and methods for bottle retention

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH497899A (de) * 1967-12-20 1970-10-31 Hansen Gerhard Verfahren und Vorrichtung für das Sterilisieren einer Maschine zum Herstellen, Füllen und Verschliessen eines Kunststoffbehälters
DE1916636A1 (de) * 1969-04-01 1970-10-08 Elbatainer Kunststoff Verfahren zum Herstellen aseptischer Kunststoff-Verpackungen und Vorrichtung zur Durchfuehrung des Verfahrens
DE2230279A1 (de) * 1971-08-27 1973-03-01 Zausner Foods Corp Maschine zum selbsttaetigen fuellen, abdecken und verschliessen einer folge von behaeltern
US4245552A (en) * 1978-09-29 1981-01-20 Campbell Soup Company Protein texturization
US4318431A (en) * 1980-12-08 1982-03-09 Rjr Foods, Inc. Electronic control system for a pouch packaging machine
US4495974A (en) * 1981-02-23 1985-01-29 James Dole Corporation Hot air aseptic packaging system and method
GB2097770B (en) * 1981-04-02 1985-02-13 Bowater Packaging Ltd Apparatus and method for aseptic filling of containers
EP0072699B1 (en) * 1981-08-18 1986-07-23 Wrightcel Ltd. Method and system for aseptically filling a container with fluid
CA1182269A (en) * 1981-08-18 1985-02-12 Wrightcel Limited Aseptic filling station
US4414036A (en) * 1981-09-18 1983-11-08 Anderson Frank E Sanitizer system and sanitizing method for carbonated beverage container filler machine
US4524563A (en) * 1981-12-10 1985-06-25 Tito Manzini & Figli S.P.A. Process and plant for aseptic filling of pre-sterilized, non-rigid containers
US4458734A (en) * 1982-01-29 1984-07-10 Scholle Corporation Apparatus and method for aseptically filling a container
DE3209790A1 (de) * 1982-03-17 1983-09-29 Bausch + Ströbel, Maschinenfabrik GmbH + Co, 7174 Ilshofen Abfuellvorrichtung fuer schuettgut, insbesondere fluessigkeiten
US4559961A (en) * 1984-04-16 1985-12-24 Anderson Frank E Sanitizer system for beverage can filler machine
JPS6135079A (ja) * 1984-07-27 1986-02-19 Hitachi Ltd 音声多重放送受信機
EP0236107B1 (en) * 1986-03-03 1990-06-13 Courtaulds Packaging Australia Limited Aseptic filling station

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PT86871B (pt) 1995-03-31
AU605829B2 (en) 1991-01-24
CH673819A5 (ja) 1990-04-12
DK99188D0 (da) 1988-02-25
NZ223399A (en) 1990-05-28
FI880434A (fi) 1988-09-03
NO175456C (no) 1994-10-19
AR243451A1 (es) 1993-08-31
PT86871A (pt) 1989-03-30
ES2006340A6 (es) 1989-04-16
SG118192G (en) 1993-01-29
EP0280871A1 (fr) 1988-09-07
IE60563B1 (en) 1994-07-27
DE3871987D1 (de) 1992-07-23
DK167434B1 (da) 1993-11-01
NO175456B (no) 1994-07-11
NO880791L (no) 1988-09-05
PH25444A (en) 1991-07-01
IE880231L (en) 1988-09-02
JPS63232129A (ja) 1988-09-28
FI880434A0 (fi) 1988-02-01
US4893659A (en) 1990-01-16
ZA88696B (en) 1988-08-02
NO880791D0 (no) 1988-02-23
MY103060A (en) 1993-04-30
BR8800884A (pt) 1988-10-11
DK99188A (da) 1988-09-03
ATE77321T1 (de) 1992-07-15
JP2744787B2 (ja) 1998-04-28
AU1118288A (en) 1988-09-01
DE3871987T2 (de) 1992-12-03
MX167703B (es) 1993-04-06
CA1288677C (en) 1991-09-10
FI84580C (fi) 1991-12-27
FI84580B (fi) 1991-09-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0280871B1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif pour remplir aseptiquement un emballage
EP0317908B1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif pour remplir aseptiquement avec un fluide un emballage
EP0395933B1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif pour la stérilisation et le nettoyage d'un système de remplissage aseptique
US20060029488A1 (en) Method for controlling flow of process materials
EP1115616B1 (en) Plug and gland aseptic package system
US20090223173A1 (en) Process for aseptic packaging of sterile liquids in flexible containers
EP2028108A1 (en) Aseptic container filling
EP2226252B1 (fr) Procédé et installation pour le conditionnement sous vide en continu de produits alimentaires
FR2505780A1 (fr) Procede et dispositif pour steriliser des recipients d'emballage
FR2639321A1 (fr) Procede et dispositif de sterilisation d'une installation de conditionnement de produits alimentaires ou pharmaceutiques
FR2695108A1 (fr) Emballage, procédé et dispositif de conditionnement pour produit liquide, solide ou pâteux pasteurisé ou stérilisé.
FR2826948A1 (fr) Procede de conditionnement, poste et installation correspondants
JP5222013B2 (ja) 袋口のシール方法及びその装置
AU782472B2 (en) Plug and gland aseptic package system
WO2008122697A1 (fr) Procede de conditionnement de produits alimentaires en emballages souples allonges
FR2852922A1 (fr) Procede d'emballage sterile de produits et dispositif de soudure thermique d'un bouchon avec son embase pour un tel sachet d'emballage.
AU4590599A (en) Plug and gland aseptic package system
FR2658489A1 (fr) Dispositif pour assurer le transfert d'une matiere pulverulente sterile, depuis un premier conteneur jusqu'a un recipient sterile.
FR2892387A1 (fr) Procede de conditionnement de produits alimentaires en emballages souples allonges
WO2006102161A2 (en) Adiabatic and aseptic food packaging method and apparatus

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19880127

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19910624

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: SOCIETA' ITALIANA BREVETTI S.P.A.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

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

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 77321

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19920715

Kind code of ref document: T

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

Ref document number: 3871987

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19920723

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

Ref document number: 88101140.7

ITTA It: last paid annual fee
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 19970101

Year of fee payment: 10

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: 19980127

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

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 19990113

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19990324

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20000127

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20000131

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: SOC. DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A.

Effective date: 20000131

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: SE

Payment date: 20020107

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20020131

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20020227

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20030110

Year of fee payment: 16

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: 20030128

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: 20030801

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20030801

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20030801

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: 20040930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20050126

Year of fee payment: 18

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: 20050127

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20050127

Year of fee payment: 18

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: 20060127

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: 20060131

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20060131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Effective date: 20060127