EP0288391B1 - Befestigungsgurt für Atemschutzmaske und Maske zum Gebrauch mit einem solchen Gurt - Google Patents

Befestigungsgurt für Atemschutzmaske und Maske zum Gebrauch mit einem solchen Gurt Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0288391B1
EP0288391B1 EP88400981A EP88400981A EP0288391B1 EP 0288391 B1 EP0288391 B1 EP 0288391B1 EP 88400981 A EP88400981 A EP 88400981A EP 88400981 A EP88400981 A EP 88400981A EP 0288391 B1 EP0288391 B1 EP 0288391B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
mask
harness
rod
harness 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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP88400981A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0288391A1 (de
Inventor
Fernand Bertheau
Patrick Maire
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.)
Safran Aerosystems SAS
Original Assignee
Intertechnique 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 Intertechnique SA filed Critical Intertechnique SA
Publication of EP0288391A1 publication Critical patent/EP0288391A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0288391B1 publication Critical patent/EP0288391B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A62B18/084—Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets

Definitions

  • the invention relates to harnesses for quick-fitting respiratory masks and it finds a particularly important application on airplanes with pressurized cabin intended to fly at high altitude.
  • the inflation gas is constituted by the respiratory gas which supplies the respiratory regulator on demand carried by the mask.
  • Such a harness allows the user to grasp the mask in a box placed near his seat and put it in place in a few seconds. But in the event of very brutal depressurization at high altitude, the oxygen deficit created by exposure to the rarefied atmosphere during these few seconds may be enough to cause a delayed loss of consciousness, at the end of which it will be too late for the pilot to regain control of the aircraft.
  • the risk is eliminated if the pilot, or one of the pilots, permanently keeps the mask on the face as long as the airplane is at high altitude, for example beyond 10,000 meters. But the permanent wearing of the mask pressed on the face is a source of respiratory fatigue and discomfort. If, in addition, the mask remains supplied with oxygen, the capacity of the storage bottles must be greater than that which is currently required.
  • the invention aims to provide a quick-fitting harness for a respiratory mask which meets the requirements of practice better than those previously known, in particular in that it practically eliminates the delay after incident after which the user has oxygen. respiratory, and this by limiting the discomfort represented by the prolonged wearing of the mask.
  • the invention provides a harness of the type defined above according to claim 1.
  • the switch may include a calibrated valve fitted with a control lever with at least two positions, the calibration of the valve being able to be fixed once or for all.
  • the user of the mask can adapt the residual pressure to his particular morphology, which is particularly advantageous if the mask remains permanently in the cockpit and must be usable by people of very different sizes.
  • the calibrated valve advantageously comprises a shutter sliding on a rod and the control handle comprises an eccentric of displacement of the rod towards a shutter seat, elastic means being provided between the rod and the valve to push the latter towards the seat to a predetermined position relative to the rod.
  • the means with manual inflation control cooperate with the switch so that, when the latter is in the state where it maintains the gas pressure at the residual value, progressive inflation can be caused by the actuation of the manual control means, which in particular allows the user to restore the residual pressure by temporary action on the manual control means if the force of application of the mask increases due to leakage of the element inflatable.
  • FIG. 1 shows an emergency breathing apparatus in the position it is on the head of a user during use.
  • This device can be regarded as comprising an oro-nasal face cover 10 (which can be completed by a transparent visor for protection against fumes) integral with a rigid connection block 14, straps 20 intended to apply the face cover 10 against the face and fixed to the connection block 14 and a housing 16.
  • the housing contains a demand regulator and possibly a microphone.
  • the assembly constituted by the straps 20, the connection block 14 and the elements which it contains can be considered as a harness 12 carrying the regulator on demand and the face cover 10.
  • connection block 14 is provided with a connection end piece for a flexible pipe 17 for supplying pressurized respiratory gas.
  • the connection block puts the regulator in connection with the supply line and carries means with manual harness inflation control, constituted by a valve intended to be actuated by manual pinching of two ears 18, carried by the connection block 14 and one of which is tiltable, between the thumb and forefinger of the user.
  • valve When the valve is at rest, it communicates an interior volume of the connection block with the atmosphere, in order to allow the harness to retract.
  • the tap When the tap is activated, it admits pressurized gas from the supply line 17 into the volume.
  • the harness has two straps 20 each consisting of an inner tube of elastic material contained in an inextensible sheath limiting the elongation of the tubes.
  • the length at rest of the internal tubes is such that they tend to apply the face cover 10 to the face with sufficient pressure to ensure the required seal.
  • the invention would also be applicable, although in this case it presents less of interest, to a harness comprising one or more inextensible bands, or even a halo, intended to be applied against the back of the head, and one or more pneumatic cylinders intended to separate the band or the halo from the mask sufficiently to allow easy passage of the head.
  • the harness according to the invention comprises a switch making it possible, depending on the position it occupies, to connect the straps to the interior volume of the connection block or to retain in the straps an overpressure determined with respect to the volume, when the pressure in the latter decreases below that prevailing in the straps.
  • the valve comprises a body 21 in which is formed a cavity 22 which communicates permanently, through a passage 24, with the internal volume 26 of the switch 28.
  • the cavity 22 opens into a space which receives the pressurized gas coming from line 17 through a first valve seat and opens into the atmosphere through a second seat.
  • These two seats cooperate respectively with a valve 27 for admission of pressurized gas and a valve 29 for venting, carried by the same rod controlled by the tilting ear 18.
  • the pressure of the gas (and possibly a spring of recall not shown) tend to bring the movable assembly constituted by the valves 27 and 29 and the rod 33 in the position shown in Figure 2A for which the cavity 22 is connected to the atmosphere.
  • the tilting lug 18 When the tilting lug 18 is pressed, the latter moves the mobile assembly, separates the cavity 22 from the atmosphere and puts it in communication with the pipe 17 for the arrival of pressurized gas.
  • the switch 28 has on its side, in the case illustrated in FIG. 2A, a passage 30 for placing the volume 26 in communication with the straps, surrounded by a seat for receiving a shutter valve 32.
  • This valve 32 slides on a rod 34 coaxial with the seat, which a control lever 36 makes it possible to move between an advanced position close to the seat (shown in FIG. 2A) and a separated position seat (shown in Figure 2B).
  • this lever consists of a lever rocking about an axis 37 and provided with an eccentric 38 bearing on the rod 34.
  • a spring of low stiffness 39 permanently maintains the rod 34 in support against the eccentric 38.
  • a spring 40 which brings the shutter valve against a stop 41 of the rod when the rod is in the separated or retracted position shown in FIG. 2B, and fixes the residual pressure maintained in the straps when the rod is in the close position shown in Figure 2A.
  • the stroke given to the rod 34 by the eccentric 38 is chosen so that, when the lever is in the "emergency" position shown in FIG. 2B, which corresponds to the effective use of the mask in the event of an incident, the valve 32 is largely detached from the seat and connects the straps 20 and the volume 26.
  • the control lever is placed in the "comfort" position shown in FIG. 2A before the user releases his action on the ear 18, the pressure in the straps only drops to a value fixed by the calibration spring 40 and chosen to allow long-term use.
  • the variant embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 comprises, interposed between the eccentric 38 and the rod 34, an adjustment cam 42 which fixes the distance between the rod and the cam and, therefore, the compression force of the spring 40 when the lever is in the "comfort" position where it is shown in Figure 3.
  • the embodiment shown schematically in Figure 4 further comprises a non-return valve 44 provided with a weak closing spring, intended to allow gas to pass from volume 26 to the straps, when the pressure in volume 26 exceeds the residual pressure in the straps.
  • This valve 44 can be provided at the same time as the cam 42 or independently. It allows in particular, if a leakage of the straps gradually increases the tension of the latter, to relax the straps by re-inflating them to the selected pressure even when the lever 36 is in the "comfort" position. It suffices to pinch the ears 18.
  • the non-return valve 44 advantageously has a small passage section, so that the inflation takes place slowly. Thus, the straps remain in contact with the head during re-inflation and there is no movement of the mask.
  • a valve 44 having a passage section of the order of 0.05 to 0.1 mm2 for a supply pressure of 5 bars generally gives satisfactory results.
  • the device of FIG. 4 can be supplemented by a valve 52 associated with an altimetric capsule which automatically places the internal volume 26 and the harness in communication.
  • a valve 52 associated with an altimetric capsule which automatically places the internal volume 26 and the harness in communication.
  • the manual control lever 36 is mounted on a stirrup 48 so that it can rotate around the axis 37 between a lowered position (where it is shown in solid lines in Figure 1) and a raised position (in phantom).
  • a rod of the handle 36 offset radially from the axis 37, forms the eccentric 38 and carries the adjustment cam 42 which has cut sides bearing on the rod 34, preventing it from inadvertently turning from from the position in which she has been set manually.
  • the latter carries a thumb wheel 50.
  • the cam is mounted to rotate freely on the eccentric so as to maintain the same angular position relative to the rod 34 when the eccentric 38 turns.
  • the procedure for using the mask is as follows.
  • the handle 36 When the mask is stored for use only in an emergency, the handle 36 is in the "emergency" position.
  • the operation is identical to that of the harness described in the patents mentioned above.
  • the user takes it out of its box. He presses on the ears 18 to inflate the harness, then switches the lever 36 to the "comfort" position. If the switch is of the type shown in Figure 5, it then sets the dial 50 to the maximum residual pressure position. He puts the mask in place on the face then relaxes the ears. The harness deflates to the maximum residual pressure. The user then adjusts the tension by acting on the dial 50.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Claims (8)

1. Befestigungsgurt für eine Atemmaske mit wenigstens einem dehnbaren Riemen (20), dessen Enden mit der Maske verbunden sind und der ein durch ein Druckgas aufblasbares Element aufweist, um den Riemen bis zu einem bestimmten Maß auszudehnen, welches Maß ausreicht, es dem Benutzer zu ermöglichen, den Riemen über den Kopf zu ziehen, und mit Handbetätigungsmitteln (18), die zum Ausdehnen und Entleeren des Elements ein Einlassen von Druckgas in das Element erlauben, um ein Anliegen des Riemens gegen den Kopf und ein Halten der Maske zu ermöglichen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Handbetätigungsmittel einen Schalter (32,39) umfassen, der es ermöglicht, das aufblasbare Element wahlweise zu entleeren oder es auf einem bestimmten Restgasdruck zu halten, der kleiner ist als der Druck im vollständig aufgeblasenen Zustand.
2. Befestigungsgurt nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schalter von einem austarierten Klappenventil (32,34) gebildet ist, das einen Betätigungshandgriff (36) mit wenigstens zwei Stellungen aufweist, der in einer Stellung das Verschlußstück des Ventils von seinem Sitz abhebt und es in einer anderen gegen seinen Sitz andrückt, wobei die Tarierung des Klappenventils ein für alle Mal festgelegt oder einstellbar sein kann.
3. Befestigungsgurt nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das austarierte Klappenventil ein auf einem Schaft (34) verschiebbares Verschlußstück (32) umfaßt und daß der Betätigungshandgriff (36) einen Exzenter (38) umfaßt zur Verlagerung des Schafts gegen einen Sitz des Verschlußstücks, wobei zwischen dem Schaft und dem Klappenventil elastische Mittel (40) vorgesehen sind, um das Ventil bezüglich des Schafts bis zu einer vorbestimmten Stellung gegen den Sitz zurückzutreiben.
4. Befestigungsgurt nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß er einen verstellbaren Reguliernocken (42) umfaßt, der zwischen dem Handgriff und dem Klappenventil angeordnet ist.
5. Befestigungsgurt nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Nocken eine Reihe von Stützflanken für den Schaft umfaßt und ein Rädchen (50) zur manuellen Regulierung der Verstellung.
6. Befestigungsgurt nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Handbetätigungsmittel parallel zu einem Rückschlagventil (44) angebracht sind.
7. Befestigungsgurt nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß er ein höhenempfindliches Klappenventil umfaßt, um das genannte Element im Fall eines Druckabfalls ungehindert der Luft auszusetzen.
8. Schnell anlegbare Atemmaske umfassend einen Haltegurt nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der an einem mit einer Gesichtbedeckung formschlüssigen Verbindungsblock befestigt ist und einen bei Bedarf betätigbaren Regler enthält.
EP88400981A 1987-04-22 1988-04-21 Befestigungsgurt für Atemschutzmaske und Maske zum Gebrauch mit einem solchen Gurt Expired - Lifetime EP0288391B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8705682A FR2614208B1 (fr) 1987-04-22 1987-04-22 Harnais de masque respiratoire et masque en comportant application.
FR8705682 1987-04-22

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0288391A1 EP0288391A1 (de) 1988-10-26
EP0288391B1 true EP0288391B1 (de) 1992-04-22

Family

ID=9350366

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88400981A Expired - Lifetime EP0288391B1 (de) 1987-04-22 1988-04-21 Befestigungsgurt für Atemschutzmaske und Maske zum Gebrauch mit einem solchen Gurt

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5690102A (de)
EP (1) EP0288391B1 (de)
DE (1) DE3870304D1 (de)
FR (1) FR2614208B1 (de)

Families Citing this family (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6039045A (en) * 1987-04-22 2000-03-21 Intertechnique Head harness for respiratory mask
US4915106A (en) * 1988-02-26 1990-04-10 Puritan-Bennett Corporation Crew oxygen mask with pneumatic comfort adjustment
FR2706311B1 (fr) * 1993-06-09 1995-09-22 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection respiratoire.
US5623923A (en) * 1993-06-09 1997-04-29 Intertechnique Respiratory equipment with comfort adjustment
FR2710272B1 (fr) * 1993-09-23 1995-12-01 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection respiratoire à mise en place rapide.
FR2715572B1 (fr) * 1994-02-02 1996-04-26 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection de tête à masque respiratoire et écran optique.
US5704073A (en) * 1995-08-01 1998-01-06 Figgie International Inc. Quick donning goggles for use with breathing mask
FR2752165B1 (fr) * 1996-08-12 1998-10-09 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection respiratoire a mise en place rapide
US6062221A (en) 1997-10-03 2000-05-16 3M Innovative Properties Company Drop-down face mask assembly
US6732733B1 (en) 1997-10-03 2004-05-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Half-mask respirator with head harness assembly
US5941245A (en) * 1997-10-20 1999-08-24 Nellcor Puritan Bennett Crew oxygen mask with improved comfort control apparatus
FR2778575B1 (fr) 1998-05-12 2000-07-28 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection respiratoire a mise en place rapide
FR2781381B1 (fr) 1998-07-24 2000-09-29 Intertechnique Sa Regulateur a la demande pour systeme respiratoire
FR2784900B1 (fr) 1998-10-21 2001-01-26 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection respiratoire a mise en place rapide
US6371110B1 (en) 1999-03-25 2002-04-16 Enviromental Tectonics Corporation Automatic release apparatus and methods for respirator devices
FR2806000B1 (fr) * 2000-03-10 2002-05-31 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection de tete a mise en place rapide
US6619285B2 (en) * 2001-06-13 2003-09-16 Albert D. Hawkins, Jr. Ambient air breathing device
FR2840534B1 (fr) 2002-06-10 2005-04-01 Intertechnique Sa Equipements de protection de tete a masque respiratoire et ecran optique
FR2855976B1 (fr) 2003-06-10 2006-03-24 Intertechnique Sa Equipement de protection de tete a masque respiratoire et ecran de protection
US7198079B2 (en) * 2003-09-09 2007-04-03 Tvi Corporation Liquid delivery system of gas mask
US8584676B2 (en) * 2003-11-19 2013-11-19 Immediate Response Technologies Breath responsive filter blower respirator system
US7273052B2 (en) * 2003-12-11 2007-09-25 Tvi Corporation Pneumatic sealing system for protection masks
US7690379B2 (en) * 2004-06-01 2010-04-06 Branch, Banking and Trust Company Pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks
US7469699B2 (en) * 2004-09-03 2008-12-30 Tvi Corporation Thin profile air purifying blower unit and filter cartridges, and method of use
US7458390B2 (en) * 2005-12-21 2008-12-02 Tvi Corporation Breath controlled air inlet for blower
GB0606241D0 (en) * 2006-03-29 2006-05-10 Concept 2 Manufacture Design L An improved harness for breathing apparatus
CA2602005A1 (en) 2006-09-18 2008-03-18 Invacare Corporation Breathing mask
CA2675939C (en) 2007-01-19 2014-07-29 Intertechnique Protective headgear equipment with respirator and optical shield
EP2114535B1 (de) * 2007-02-05 2017-01-11 BE Intellectual Property, Inc. Bedienungsmannschaftsauerstoffmaske mit aufblasbarer banderung
DE102007055238B4 (de) * 2007-11-16 2009-10-22 Msa Auer Gmbh Atemschutz-Halbmaske
GB2499808B (en) * 2012-02-29 2016-05-11 Joseph Anthony Griffiths Airflow control valve
EP3648845B1 (de) 2017-07-05 2022-05-04 Safran Aerotechnics Anordnung mit einer atemmaske und einer stauvorrichtung, verfahren zum verstauen einer atemmaske und verfahren zur herstellung einer atemmaske

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB826198A (en) * 1957-06-07 1959-12-31 Frankenstein & Sons Manchester Improvements in or relating to oxygen breathing masks and helmets
US3013556A (en) * 1959-08-07 1961-12-19 Jr Ellis A Galleher Head strap for respiratory masks
US3431931A (en) * 1963-02-01 1969-03-11 Automatic Sprinkler Corp Valve assembly for breathing apparatus
US3330274A (en) * 1964-10-15 1967-07-11 Puritan Compressed Gas Corp Oro-nasal face mask with improved pneumatic sealing cuff
US3441020A (en) * 1966-05-02 1969-04-29 Garrett Corp Continuous flow inhalator mask with obturator means
FR1506342A (fr) * 1966-06-30 1967-12-22 Intertechnique Sa Harnais automatique de tête pour la mise en place rapide, le port et l'enlèvement rapide de dispositifs divers
GB1274842A (en) * 1968-05-13 1972-05-17 Kidde Walter Co Ltd An oxygen breathing mask
US3545722A (en) * 1968-11-18 1970-12-08 Sylvania Electric Prod Vacuum valve with spring biased plastic diaphragm
US3599639A (en) * 1969-08-20 1971-08-17 Borg Warner Portable suction pump system
US3599636A (en) * 1969-12-12 1971-08-17 Intertechnique Sa Inflatable head harness for respirator devices
US3792702A (en) * 1972-04-10 1974-02-19 Ulmer & Co Soc Harness for rapidly placing in position a device such as a respirator mask
FR2395890A1 (fr) * 1977-07-01 1979-01-26 Intertechnique Sa Installation respiratoire et de protection contre l'acceleration pour avions de combat
US4437462A (en) * 1981-11-19 1984-03-20 Figgie International Inc. Pneumatic head harness
US4664108A (en) * 1984-05-25 1987-05-12 Figgie International Inc. Oxygen supply system and device therefor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0288391A1 (de) 1988-10-26
US5690102A (en) 1997-11-25
DE3870304D1 (de) 1992-05-27
FR2614208A1 (fr) 1988-10-28
FR2614208B1 (fr) 1989-09-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0288391B1 (de) Befestigungsgurt für Atemschutzmaske und Maske zum Gebrauch mit einem solchen Gurt
EP0628325B1 (de) Atemschutzausrüstung
EP1077743B1 (de) Atemschutzgerät zum schnellen anziehen
EP0645164B1 (de) Atemschützgerät zum schnellen Anziehen
CA2373668C (fr) Equipement de protection de tete a mise en place rapide
US6039045A (en) Head harness for respiratory mask
FR3067612B1 (fr) Equipement respiratoire pour aeronef avec masque et harnais gonflable et son espace de rangement.
EP0691871B1 (de) Kopfschutz mit atmungsmaske und augenschutzblende
EP0000312B1 (de) Einrichtung für Atmungsunterstützung und für Beschirmung gegen Beschleunigungseffekte in Kriegsflugzeugen
EP0136223B1 (de) Schutzvorrichtung gegen Beschleunigung
CA2338178C (fr) Regulateur a la demande pour systeme respiratoire
EP3355996B1 (de) Flugzeugcockpit, anordnung mit einer atemmaske und aufbewahrungsvorrichtung sowie aufbewahrungsverfahren und verfahren zur verwendung solch einer anordnung
EP1895865B1 (de) Vorrichtung zur befestigung eines visiers an einer helmschale
EP3431145B1 (de) Beatmungsanordnung für luftfahrzeug
FR2784900A1 (fr) Equipement de protection respiratoire a mise en place rapide
EP3473300B1 (de) Atmungsmaske für luftfahrzeug, und verfahren zum zusammenfalten einer atmungsmaske für ihre verstauung in einer aufbewahrungseinheit
EP0176533A1 (de) Individuelle rettungseinrichtung

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): DE GB IT NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19890328

GBC Gb: translation of claims filed (gb section 78(7)/1977)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19901203

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE GB IT NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3870304

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19920527

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

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

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
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 88400981.2

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: NL

Payment date: 20070316

Year of fee payment: 20

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

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20070319

Year of fee payment: 20

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070410

Year of fee payment: 20

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070410

Year of fee payment: 20

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20070607

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20080420

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 EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20080421

NLV7 Nl: ceased due to reaching the maximum lifetime of a patent

Effective date: 20080421

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20080420