EP0462929B1 - Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Einleitung der selbsttätigen Regelung des Betriebsstroms einer Stromquelle beim Schliessen des Stromkreises - Google Patents

Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Einleitung der selbsttätigen Regelung des Betriebsstroms einer Stromquelle beim Schliessen des Stromkreises Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0462929B1
EP0462929B1 EP91810439A EP91810439A EP0462929B1 EP 0462929 B1 EP0462929 B1 EP 0462929B1 EP 91810439 A EP91810439 A EP 91810439A EP 91810439 A EP91810439 A EP 91810439A EP 0462929 B1 EP0462929 B1 EP 0462929B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
current
control
circuit
value
voltage
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
EP91810439A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0462929A2 (de
EP0462929A3 (en
Inventor
Peter Muntwyler
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.)
Oerlikon Metco AG
Original Assignee
Sulzer Metco 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 Sulzer Metco AG filed Critical Sulzer Metco AG
Publication of EP0462929A2 publication Critical patent/EP0462929A2/de
Publication of EP0462929A3 publication Critical patent/EP0462929A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0462929B1 publication Critical patent/EP0462929B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/10—Regulating voltage or current 
    • G05F1/46—Regulating voltage or current  wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC
    • G05F1/56—Regulating voltage or current  wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices
    • G05F1/565—Regulating voltage or current  wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor
    • G05F1/569—Regulating voltage or current  wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor for protection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/10—Regulating voltage or current 
    • G05F1/46—Regulating voltage or current  wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC
    • G05F1/56—Regulating voltage or current  wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices
    • G05F1/575—Regulating voltage or current  wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices characterised by the feedback circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H05H1/36—Circuit arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for the automatic control of the operating current of a current source when the circuit is closed and a control device for carrying out the method.
  • a controlled electric valve of this type leads from the ignition point to current up to the zero crossing of the alternating voltage or to the transition of the current to another valve, e.g. in the case of a multi-phase rectifier, without the value of this valve current being able to be influenced at the moment.
  • the current value cannot be changed until the next ignition of this valve by shifting the ignition point.
  • the current can assume uncontrollable values, i.e. As a result of the control delay, settling processes can occur which cannot be easily controlled with a control of this type.
  • the reason for the difficulties mentioned is that the current control normally starts at the beginning of the current flow and therefore the controller has to process a relatively large difference between the setpoint and actual value of the current.
  • the problem should therefore be solvable if the difference between the target and actual value of the current at the time the use of the control system is as small as possible, ie if the actual value of the current has already reached the target value at the start of the control action, that is to say to a certain extent has previously been raised to the target value.
  • This possibility is provided that the current used when closing the circuit can be effectively limited by other measures until the control effect begins.
  • the method according to the invention is based on this finding and consists in first controlling the current source by presetting the circuit parameters so that the current used when closing the circuit does not exceed a preset setpoint value, and that the current control is only brought into effect when the Difference between the actual value and the setpoint of the current falls below a certain limit.
  • a relatively simple, in certain cases sufficient embodiment of the method according to the invention can consist in that before the circuit is closed Open-circuit voltage of the current source is regulated on the basis of the preset current value to a value which, when the circuit is closed, leads to a current in the operating current which is at least approximately the same and that the voltage regulation is switched off when the current regulation is brought into effect.
  • the current control only begins when the difference between the Actual value and the target value of the current is practically zero.
  • another embodiment of the method according to the invention can be expedient, which is characterized in that the open circuit voltage of the current source is controlled to an upper limit value before the circuit is closed and that the current control when switched on initially with an impressed, the desired value of the Operating current corresponding actual value comes into effect. This means that the current control initially counteracts the rising current.
  • the application of the control method according to the invention in a circuit which has a current source controlled with intermittent actuation, e.g. a power source with electric valves controlled by gate control, e.g. Thyristors has the advantage that the current rise can be controlled perfectly when the circuit is closed and, in particular, no more current peaks exceeding the nominal value of the operating current occur in any phase of the short switch-on process.
  • a special application relates to a power supply unit for the operation of industrial gas discharge devices, for example for the operation of a plasma torch or for the optional operation of several plasma torches of different outputs.
  • the commissioning of such devices with independent gas discharge i.e. the closing of the circuit by igniting the gas discharge, presents difficulties insofar as the correct ignition of the gas discharge and the maintenance of a stable operating state of the plasma have different requirements, to which the circuit parameters must be adjusted.
  • the transition from the ignition phase to the operating phase should be carried out as smoothly as possible, to which a switching of the circuit parameters that is as delay-free as possible can contribute.
  • the invention also relates to a control device for carrying out the method according to the invention in a power supply unit, in particular for the operation of a plasma torch, which is equipped with a rectifier formed by gate valves controlled by gate control, for example thyristors, a headset for timing the ignition of the valves, and a control arrangement influencing the headset consisting of a current and a voltage regulator, which the latter is designed so that the power supply unit works as a constant voltage source when idling and as a constant current source in operation.
  • a control device for carrying out the method according to the invention in a power supply unit, in particular for the operation of a plasma torch, which is equipped with a rectifier formed by gate valves controlled by gate control, for example thyristors, a headset for timing the ignition of the valves, and a control arrangement influencing the headset consisting of a current and a voltage regulator, which the latter is designed so that the power supply unit works as a constant voltage source when idling and as a constant current source in
  • a control device of this type is known from the patent DE-A-27 16 332.
  • the current regulator is subordinate to the voltage regulator and the rest of the arrangement is such that the current is regulated to a predetermined open circuit voltage and with flowing current to the maximum achievable voltage.
  • control device is characterized in that the voltage regulator and the current regulator can be optionally switched on by a changeover switch, the changeover switch being controlled by a signal which is dependent on the difference between the actual value and the desired value of the current, and in that means are provided with which the setpoint value of the open circuit voltage on the voltage regulator and the setpoint value of the current on the current regulator can be set to a value corresponding to the setpoint value of the operating current.
  • the time of switching from the voltage regulator to the current regulator depends on the process variant used. If the control device according to the invention is used in a power supply unit for operating industrial gas discharge devices, in particular a plasma torch, this changeover is preferably carried out immediately after the ignition phase has ended, i.e. at a point in time when the operating current has only reached a fraction of its desired value.
  • This fraction of the setpoint hereinafter referred to as the initial value of the operating current, is a quantity gained through experience and, for example, through a correspondingly set threshold switching detectable.
  • this measure also has the advantage that an operating current limited to the same degree can initially be selected for the optional operation of a plurality of plasma torches of different powers, so that the various plasma torches have a single, constant basic setting of the Control device put into operation and for this basic setting the cheapest, optimal parameters for stable ignition of the plasma can be selected in each of these plasma torches.
  • the rectifier 1 comprises a rectifier 1 connected to a three-phase network and a plasma torch 2 fed from the rectifier 1.
  • the rectifier 1 contains controllable valves, which are arranged, for example, in a three-phase bridge circuit.
  • the controllable valves are preferably thyristors, the throughput of which is regulated by gate control.
  • the working circuit also contains means (not shown) for measuring the actual values of current and voltage required for the control device, the current being measured primarily on the AC side and the voltage being measured at the connection terminals of the plasma torch 2.
  • the control device comprises circuit devices 3, 4, 5 and 6 for the formation of signals which correspond to the target and actual values of voltage and current Us, Ui, Is and Ii in the working circuit, as well as a voltage regulator 7, a current regulator 8 and a changeover switch 9 for switching from voltage to current control.
  • the resulting control signal is sent via an amplifier 10 to a control unit 11 for timing the firing of the thyristors of the rectifier 1.
  • the setpoints Us and Is of voltage and current are predetermined signals in the form of voltages with a positive sign, for example, which are matched in value to the type of consumer, in the present example to a number of plasma torches of different powers.
  • the circuit devices 3 and 6 essentially contain an inverter, so that their output signals have negative potential to have.
  • the circuit device 6 contains an integrator which, in the event of an abrupt change in the current setpoint value Is, causes a relatively slow change in the operating current.
  • the circuit device 4 essentially contains an impedance converter and the circuit device 5 contains a rectifier. Both circuit devices 4 and 5 deliver signals in the form of voltages with a positive sign. The comparison of the respective negative setpoint signals and positive actual value signals can thus be carried out both in the voltage regulator 7 and in the current regulator 8 by simple signal addition at a node.
  • the switch 9 responds to the actual value of the current and generates a switching signal S which, by changing the polarity, causes the switch from voltage to current control as soon as the operating current exceeds a certain threshold value.
  • the changeover switch 9 contains a threshold circuit.
  • the circuit structure of the current regulator 8 is shown in FIG. 2.
  • the basic element of the same is an operational amplifier OP1 operating as a PI controller with an integrating element arranged in the negative feedback circuit, which is formed by a capacitor C1 and a resistor R4.
  • the negative signal Is representing the nominal value of the current and the positive signal Ii representing the actual value of the current are at the inverting input of the operational amplifier OP1 linked together, while its non-inverting input is connected to ground via a resistor R5.
  • a zener diode Z1 with a series resistor R3 limits the setpoint signal Is.
  • a first electronic switch S1 is used to switch the negative feedback circuit on and off.
  • the capacitor C1 can be connected to a voltage source via a second electronic switch S2, the voltage value being adjustable using a potentiometer P.
  • These electronic switches are self-blocking field-effect transistors, an transistor of the N-channel type being used for the switch S1 and a transistor of the P-channel type being used for the switch S2.
  • the two switches S1 and S2 are controlled jointly by the switching signal S supplied by the changeover switch 9, each via a resistor R2 or R1. As long as this switching signal S is negative, switch S1 is in the open state and switch S2 is in the closed state. With this switch position, the negative feedback circuit is interrupted and the signal at the output of the operational amplifier has no control effect.
  • the operational amplifier OP1 begins to work as a PI controller, specifically with the actual value specification impressed by the state of charge of the capacitor C1.
  • the voltage regulator 7 is switched off.
  • the same switching signal S can be used for this.
  • the basic element of the switch 9 shown in FIG. 3 is an operational amplifier OP2, which operates as a threshold switch and at whose output the switching signal S appears.
  • the signal Ii corresponding to the actual value of the current reaches the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier OP2 via the resistor R8.
  • a positive reference voltage which is taken from a voltage divider R6, R7.
  • the Zener diode Z2 serves to stabilize the reference voltage and the Zener diode Z3 serves to limit the signal Ii.
  • a capacitor C2 is connected in parallel with the Zener diode Z3.
  • the output signal is fed back to the inverting or non-inverting input of the operational amplifier OP2 with the resistors R9 and R10. If the current-dependent signal Ii is small, the output signal representing the switching signal S is negative.
  • the switching signal S changes its sign as soon as the operating current I and thus the signal Ii exceeds the threshold value given by the reference signal, and remains positive as the current I increases.
  • the mode of operation of the control device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 is as follows: When the power supply unit is switched on, a preparation phase is initiated. During this, the rectifier 1 is connected to the operating voltage. Furthermore, the predetermined setpoint signals Us and Is for voltage and current are fed to the control device. Because of the switching signal S which is negative when current I is still missing, the voltage regulator 7 starts the control operation, while the current regulator 8 does not yet perform any control function. The open circuit voltage at the plasma torch 2 is limited to a specific value by the voltage regulator 7. At the same time, the capacitor C1 of the current regulator 8 is charged to a specific voltage value via the switch S2 which is still closed. As a result, the current regulator 8 is practically given an actual value which preferably corresponds to the initially desired setpoint of the operating current. This completes the preparatory phase.
  • the ignition of the plasma torch 2 which is accomplished with separate means, not shown, closes the working circuit, ie a current I begins to flow, which rises very rapidly.
  • a current I begins to flow, which rises very rapidly.
  • the voltage regulation is switched off and the current regulation is switched on due to the polarity change of the switching signal S.
  • the current controller 8 begins to work with the impressed actual value, which corresponds, for example, to the setpoint value Is of the operating current.
  • the rectifier 1 is regulated back at the moment, ie it is counteracted until the actual actual value of the operating current can come into effect in the control loop.
  • overshoot of the current regulator 8 is practically impossible.
  • FIG. 5 shows the time course of the inrush current when the plasma torch is ignited.
  • the current I increases from zero to the preset nominal value of 150 A, for example, and is kept at this value on average by the current controller 8. After just a few tenths of a second, the nominal value of the current can be raised (or possibly also lowered) to the current value required for the operation of the plasma torch 2 (for example 1000 A), the current I changing only gradually as a result of the timing element in the switching device 6 Fig. 5 can be seen.
  • FIG. 4 shows the current increase under otherwise identical conditions, but without the above-mentioned mode of operation of the control device. Current peaks of the order of 400 A are to be expected.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Plasma Technology (AREA)
  • Arc Welding Control (AREA)
  • Control Of Voltage And Current In General (AREA)
  • Control Of Electrical Variables (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
EP91810439A 1990-06-18 1991-06-11 Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Einleitung der selbsttätigen Regelung des Betriebsstroms einer Stromquelle beim Schliessen des Stromkreises Expired - Lifetime EP0462929B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4019355 1990-06-18
DE4019355A DE4019355C1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1990-06-18 1990-06-18

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0462929A2 EP0462929A2 (de) 1991-12-27
EP0462929A3 EP0462929A3 (en) 1992-10-14
EP0462929B1 true EP0462929B1 (de) 1996-03-06

Family

ID=6408586

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91810439A Expired - Lifetime EP0462929B1 (de) 1990-06-18 1991-06-11 Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Einleitung der selbsttätigen Regelung des Betriebsstroms einer Stromquelle beim Schliessen des Stromkreises

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5268831A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
EP (1) EP0462929B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPH04252311A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
AT (1) ATE135121T1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (2) DE4019355C1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4329168A1 (de) * 2022-08-23 2024-02-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Reglerschaltung

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS499818B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1969-04-11 1974-03-06
US3617859A (en) * 1970-03-23 1971-11-02 Nat Semiconductor Corp Electrical regulator apparatus including a zero temperature coefficient voltage reference circuit
US3651333A (en) * 1970-04-02 1972-03-21 Monsanto Co Controller by-pass transfer station for an electron process control servosystem
CH531272A (de) * 1970-08-18 1972-11-30 Siemens Ag Einrichtung zur Steuerung netzgeführter Stromrichter, insbesondere für Anlagen zur Hochspannungs-Gleichstromübertragung
DE2649087C2 (de) * 1976-10-28 1983-02-24 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Stromversorgungseinrichtung mit zwei ausgangsseitig parallelgeschalteten, geregelten Stromversorgungsgeräten
DE2716332C3 (de) * 1977-04-13 1982-01-28 Plasmainvent AG, Zug Stromversorgungseinheit für eine Plasma-Anlage
US4594501A (en) * 1980-10-09 1986-06-10 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pulse width modulation of printhead voltage
US4560857A (en) * 1983-02-21 1985-12-24 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Consumable electrode type arc welding apparatus having a selectable start current
AT388271B (de) * 1984-09-26 1989-05-26 Voest Alpine Ag Regelungsvorrichtung fuer einen hochleistungsplasmabrenner, insbesondere fuer einen schmelzofen
IT1184820B (it) * 1985-08-13 1987-10-28 Sgs Microelettronica Spa Generatore di corrente stabilizzata ad alimentazione singola,particolarmente per circuiti integrati di tipo mos
EP0383962A1 (de) * 1989-02-20 1990-08-29 Hauzer Holding B.V. Hochspannungsgleichrichter und zugeordnete Steuerelektronik

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0462929A2 (de) 1991-12-27
ATE135121T1 (de) 1996-03-15
DE59107499D1 (de) 1996-04-11
EP0462929A3 (en) 1992-10-14
JPH04252311A (ja) 1992-09-08
US5268831A (en) 1993-12-07
DE4019355C1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1991-09-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO1991017597A1 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung zur reduzierung des einschaltstromstosses beim betreiben einer induktivitätsbehafteten last
DE2320702C3 (de) Schaltungsanordnung zur Erzeugung steuerbarer Impulse für die funkenerosive Bearbeitung
DE2050219B2 (de) Einrichtung zur Steuerung eines Elektromagneten
DE69423749T2 (de) Ofenausrüstung
DE68915544T2 (de) Zweipunkt-stromversorgungssperrwandler.
DE2511564A1 (de) Verfahren zum betrieb eines elektromagneten, insbesondere eines magnetventils, und vorrichtung zur durchfuehrung eines solchen verfahrens
EP0462929B1 (de) Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Einleitung der selbsttätigen Regelung des Betriebsstroms einer Stromquelle beim Schliessen des Stromkreises
DE2559564C3 (de) Triggerimpuls-Generator
DE2929818A1 (de) Regelschaltung fuer ein netzgeraet
DE69008836T2 (de) Schaltungsanordnung, geeignet zum Zünden einer Hochdruckentladungslampe.
EP0019747B1 (de) Geregelter Schweisstakter
DE60001771T2 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Funkenerosionsbearbeitung
DE2217023B2 (de) Speiseschaltung für einen von einer ein- oder mehrphasigen Wechselstromquelle gespeisten Gleichstromverbraucher
WO1985002749A1 (en) Circuit arrangement for the operation of fluorescent or ultra-violet low voltage discharge lamps
DE4108106A1 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung zur reduzierung des einschaltstromstosses beim betreiben einer induktivitaetsbehafteten last
CH377316A (de) Einrichtung zur Spannungsregelung von elektrostatischen Abscheidern
DE19740016A1 (de) Schaltungsanordnung und Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Erregerspule einer elektromagnetisch betätigbaren, mechanischen Bremse eines Elektromotors
DD203840A1 (de) Verfahren und steueranordnung zum widerstandsschweissen
DE1642867C2 (de) Verfahren zur elektrischen Behandlung von Dispersionen
EP0563765B1 (de) Schaltungsanordnung zur Erzeugung eines elektrischen Spannungs-Sollwertes in Abhängigkeit von einer elektrischen Steuerspannung
DE9111890U1 (de) Schaltungsanordnung zur regelbaren Speisung einer Gasentladungslampe hoher Strahlungsleistung
DE2855332A1 (de) Einrichtung einer schwingungspaketsteuerung mit regelung mittels eines statischen wechselstrom-stellgliedes
DE2436671A1 (de) Verfahren zur steuerung der elektrischen arbeit bei punktschweissmaschinen bei gleichzeitiger beruecksichtigung des einem schweisspunkt zugefuehrten elektrischen arbeitsintegrals
DE2112476C3 (de) Nullspannungsschalter
DE1457133C (de) Regeleinrichtung fur die Spannung von Elektroabscheidern

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: A2

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

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19930128

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19940825

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SULZER METCO AG

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

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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;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.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960306

Ref country code: DK

Effective date: 19960306

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960306

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19960306

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19960306

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19960306

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960306

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 135121

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19960315

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ROTTMANN, ZIMMERMANN + PARTNER AG

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59107499

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19960411

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19960606

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

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19960611

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: 19960630

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 19960306

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20000518

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20000522

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20000524

Year of fee payment: 10

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: 20010630

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20010630

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: 20020228

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: 20020403