EP0470220B1 - Procede et appareil de production de formes moulees - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de production de formes moulees Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0470220B1
EP0470220B1 EP91904112A EP91904112A EP0470220B1 EP 0470220 B1 EP0470220 B1 EP 0470220B1 EP 91904112 A EP91904112 A EP 91904112A EP 91904112 A EP91904112 A EP 91904112A EP 0470220 B1 EP0470220 B1 EP 0470220B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
forming means
mold
discrete
casting
continuous casting
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
EP91904112A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0470220A4 (en
EP0470220A1 (fr
Inventor
John Richmond Hugens, Jr.
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.)
Asarco LLC
Original Assignee
Asarco LLC
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 Asarco LLC filed Critical Asarco LLC
Publication of EP0470220A1 publication Critical patent/EP0470220A1/fr
Publication of EP0470220A4 publication Critical patent/EP0470220A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0470220B1 publication Critical patent/EP0470220B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D5/00—Machines or plants for pig or like casting
    • B22D5/04—Machines or plants for pig or like casting with endless casting conveyors
    • 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
    • B22D11/0605—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars formed by two belts, e.g. Hazelett-process
    • 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
    • B22D11/12—Accessories for subsequent treating or working cast stock in situ
    • B22D11/126—Accessories for subsequent treating or working cast stock in situ for cutting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to method and apparatus for producing discrete molded shapes from a flowable, moldable or molten material. Specifically, the invention discloses continuously casting discrete shapes using a moving mold casting machine where, for example, the shapes are formed between spaced portions of a pair of endless flexible casting belts which are moved along with opposite surfaces of the metal being cast.
  • Discrete metallic shapes are typically cast in individual molds using a discontinuous stream of molten metal.
  • a plurality of mold cavities are supplied sequentially and the flow of metal in the desired quantity to each of the molds is controlled manually by an operator or in an automated manner.
  • Continuous casting is employed, in a variety of forms, in the nonferrous and ferrous metals industry and elsewhere, to decrease production cost and increase product quality.
  • Two basic systems known as the static and moving mold methods are used in continuous casting of shapes such as billets or continuous strips.
  • the static mold casting machine the walls of the mold are stationary, while the cast products move against and solidify within them.
  • Moving mold casting machines employ a belt, chain, drum, wheel, or other surface which moves at approximately the same speed as the solidifying metal.
  • twin belt casters For a twin belt caster where two movable belts form the mold, in operation, a continuous stream of molten metal is supplied at the inlet of the machine to a cavity formed by a pair of movable flexible casting belts, positioned generally above the other, and side dam blocks, and emerges at the other end of the cavity (outlet of the machine) as a solidified strip or bar of metal.
  • the strip or bar is subsequently fed to other apparatus for mechanical working, or cutting and/or welding, which changes its cross sectional dimensions.
  • twin belt casters of the type described are used to convert molten copper to a roughly rectangular bar shape which is then continuously fed to a rolling mill having a series of rolling stages for converting the rectangular bar to a round rod. Typically, the rod eventually is drawn to wire of various gauges.
  • a twin belt caster was modified by making the dam blocks smaller at certain intervals to provide a cast material having the shape of an anode, i.e., a flat rectangular shape having support arms. After casting, however, the casting had to be cut to form discrete anode shapes.
  • Another continuous casting moving mold method employs a casting wheel having a peripheral groove therearound. A portion of the peripheral groove is closed by an endless belt to form a mold into which molten metal is poured to be solidified into cast metal and discharged therefrom.
  • Such designs may be seen in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,279,000 and 3,469,620, which patents are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the present invention is directed to an improvement in continuous casting machines and comprises apparatus and method for using a continuous casting machine to cast discrete shapes such as wire bars, ingots, billets, cakes, strips and foundry shapes from a stream of molten material.
  • a continuous casting machine to cast discrete shapes such as wire bars, ingots, billets, cakes, strips and foundry shapes from a stream of molten material.
  • the invention can be employed in connection with various types of continuous casting machines, the invention for convenience will be described in detail for casting lead pigs using a twin belt caster wherein a pair of moving belts form a moving mold for molten metal.
  • the apparatus and method of the invention can be employed with any flowable, moldable or molten material such as plastics, ferrous or nonferrous metals including but not limited to steel, iron, copper, lead, bismuth and aluminum.
  • the invention is particularly useful for the continuous casting of brittle or frangible materials which cannot normally be rolled, roll-formed, drawn or drilled in the solid state.
  • FR-A-2387714 discloses apparatus for continuously casting a metallic strip, which is subsequently cut into segments of desired length. There is no teaching of continuously casting discrete shapes.
  • SU-A-262331 discloses inserting separating means between opposing wheel casters for forming brushes in which dividing means provided by rings are inserted and then removed after the material is cast.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a twin-belt casting machine showing the improved forming means for forming discrete shapes.
  • Fig. 2 is a side sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the input rolls and including the tundish, dam wall and molten metal.
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of the lower casting belt showing an ingot shape formed using a particular forming means.
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the lower casting belt showing an ingot shape formed using a particular forming means.
  • molten metal 11 is supplied from a pouring box or ladle (not shown) into a tundish 12. From the tundish 12, the molten metal 11 is fed into an input region 13 formed between spaced parallel surfaces of upper and lower endless flexible casting belts 14 and 15, respectively.
  • the cavity formed between the belts 14 and 15 and dam blocks 16 may be defined as the casting region 17 wherein the molten metal is cast into a desired shape and solidified.
  • the casting belts are preferably fabricated from steel, or other alloys, which provide toughness and resistance to abrasion and physical damage as well as resistance to the temperature shocks and heat differential stresses undergone during casting.
  • the casting belts 14 and 15 are supported on and driven by an upper and lower carriage generally indicated at 18 and 19, respectively. Both carriages are mounted on a machine frame (not shown). Each carriage includes two main rolls which support, drive and steer the casting belts. These rolls include upper and lower input rolls, 20 and 21, and upper and lower output rolls, 22 and 23, respectively.
  • a flexible, endless side metal retaining dam 16 is disposed on each side of the casting belts to define the side edges of the casting region for confining the molten metal.
  • the side dams 16 are guided at the input end of the casting apparatus 10 by crescent shaped members 24 which are mounted on the lower carriage 19.
  • the two casting belts 14 and 15 are driven at about the same linear speed by a driving mechanism and the upper and lower carriages are preferably downwardly inclined in the downstream direction, so that the casting region 17 between the casting belts is inclined. This downward inclination facilitates flow of molten metal into the casting region.
  • secondary cooler means 26 may be employed to completely solidify and/or cool the casting.
  • the use of this technique is called “secondary cooling" and is used to generate higher casting speeds.
  • the use of secondary cooling also facilitates removal of the forming means 27 from the cast metal by a thermal shock mechanism caused by different coefficients of expansion between the forming means and the cast metal. Greater differences between the coefficients will have a greater thermal shock and separation effect.
  • the primary cooling means (not shown) is generally accomplished by the use of a high velocity moving liquid coolant travelling along the opposite sides of the belts 14 and 15 which form the mold.
  • the improved apparatus and method of the invention utilizes forming means 27 on the casting belts to provide a discrete shape in the mold and casting region 17 of the apparatus.
  • the forming means 27 are preferably attached to the upper casting belt 14 and may vary in shape and spacing to define the desired mold shape in the casting region 17 of the apparatus. Exemplary forming means designs are described hereinbelow.
  • an additional carriage 28 and belt 29 are utilized to allow the forming means 27 to be separated from belt 14, collected in timing device 30 and positioned on belt 14 based on a predetermined desired spacing.
  • the weight (and size) of the discrete shapes cast during the casting operation may be varied by adjusting the timing device 30.
  • Carriage 28 may employ two rolls 31 and 32 as indicated.
  • the discrete shapes 33 are fed out of the casting apparatus and transported to a desired location.
  • the caster 10 and the tundish 12 are preferably of the "open pool” type with the tundish outlet specially modified to permit the forming means 27 to enter the casting area 17.
  • the pool of molten metal at the caster inlet 13 preferably fills the inlet so that the forming means 27 contacts the molten metal 11 at the inlet 13.
  • the tundish tip is preferably made of graphite or other soft, ablating material which will also help the casting and lubrication of the lower belt 15.
  • a drawing of the proposed arrangement is shown in Fig. 2. Since the metal, the belt, and the forming means all meet at approximately the same point, any gas or vapor behind the forming means 27 can escape into the open atmosphere and not cause a bubble to form behind the forming means in the metal casting.
  • the dam blocks 16 preferably have a very slight taper on the internal surface (larger at the bottom) to prevent the forming means from turning or otherwise moving inside the mold.
  • the casting rate will generally be accelerated or inhibited by the use of the forming means 27 which act as heat sinks or insulators depending on the material used for the forming means.
  • the forming means 27 are removably attached, e.g., magnetically, to belts 14 and 29.
  • the forming means will be spaced on belt 14 and, as the belt revolves, the desired casting shape will be formed. After solidification, the discrete casting will be separated from the continuous cast strip (containing the forming means 27) with the forming means becoming magnetically attached and transferred to belt 29. The forming means 27 will then be transferred to the timing device 30 where they will be aligned and released again to belt 14 at the desired spacing.
  • a device for separating the discrete castings from the strip of castings made in the caster may be conveniently employed at point 34.
  • a bending movement may be applied to the casting with the forming means 27 taken off on belt 29 and transferred to the casting belt 14 as described hereinabove.
  • a U-shape forming means 27 produces an ingot shape 33.
  • Fig. 4 shows an inverted T-shape forming means 27 which also produces an ingot shape 33. If required, holes, voids, indentations, brand names or other marks can be put into the casting with suitable forming means.
  • the forming means 27 may be made from a variety of materials. For magnetic dividers, the stronger the magnetic force of the forming means, the less internal taper or alignment will be needed to lock the forming means in the mold space. In some applications, it may even be desirable to make the forming means partly or wholly out of foundry sand, or refractory or metal beads as a substitute for drilling or casting complex holes and shapes in a casting or as a divider.
  • Removal of the forming means 27 from the belt 14 and/or the casting may be facilitated by using forming means which are consumable (such as wood) or disposable.
  • forming means which are consumable (such as wood) or disposable.
  • Another design is to employ a thin, flexible walled forming means containing a substance such as water which expands when contacted with the molten metal (because of the generation of vapor or steam in the forming means) and which contracts upon cooling.
  • a thin gauge stainless steel forming means may suitably be employed to cast lead pigs.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Moulding By Coating Moulds (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)

Abstract

Moulage continu de formes solides discrètes (33) à partir d'un matériau fondu (11) à l'aide de machines et de procédés modifiés de moulage continu. Dans une machine à mouler conventionnelle à bandes jumelles, par exemple, des dispositifs de formage (27) tels que des diviseurs sont utilisés sur la bande supérieure (14) de manière à former une cavité moulée sur la zone de moulage de la machine. Des dispositifs de formage de différentes tailles et formes (27) peuvent être utilisés pour obtenir des produits de moulage variés.

Claims (9)

  1. Procédé pour produire des formes moulées discrètes, comprenant les étapes consistant à fournir un flux continu de matériaux fondus dans un moule, ledit moule comportant deux surfaces opposées en déplacement, avec des moyens de formage introduits dans l'espace défini entre lesdites surfaces opposées à des intervalles désirés de manière à diviser le matériau fondu en segments discrets, à retenir lesdits moyens de formage dans ledit matériau fondu pendant sa transition jusqu'à un état solide de manière à réaliser des formes moulées discrètes dudit matériau, à solidifier de manière substantielle ledit matériau fondu, et à enlever le matériau solidifié qui se présente sous lesdites formes discrètes, caractérisé par le fait que lesdites surfaces opposées en déplacement comprennent des surfaces planes opposées, et que lesdits moyens de formage sont attachés à l'une ou aux deux desdites surfaces en déplacement.
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les surfaces opposées en déplacement sont constituées par un appareil de coulée à courroies jumelées.
  3. Appareil de coulée en continu pour réaliser des formes discrètes moulées (33), comprenant un moule présentant deux surfaces mobiles opposées, des moyens (12) pour fournir un flux continu de matériau fondu dans le moule, un ou plusieurs moyens de formage (27) qui forment des chambres discrètes dans le moule et qui forment le matériau fondu dans le moule en un matériau coulé sous la forme de segments discrets, ledit appareil permettant le refroidissement desdits segments jusqu'à l'état solide, et des moyens de séparation (34) pour séparer les segments solides et discrets en tant que formes moulées discrètes (33) par rapport au matériau coulé, caractérisé par le fait que les surfaces mobiles opposées (14, 15) sont sensiblement planes, et que les moyens de formage (27) sont attachés sur l'une ou sur les deux desdites surfaces mobiles (14, 15).
  4. Appareil de coulée en continu selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le moule comprend une paire de surfaces opposées sensiblement planes supérieure et inférieure (14, 15) qui forment ensemble le moule.
  5. Appareil de coulée en continu selon la revendication 4, dans lequel les moyens de formage (27) sont placés sur la surface plane supérieure (14).
  6. Appareil de coulée en continu selon la revendication 4 ou 5, dans lequel les deux surfaces planes mobiles (14, 15) sont des courroies.
  7. Appareil de coulée en continu selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 6, dans lequel lesdits moyens de formage (27) sont attachés de manière amovible sur ladite surface plane mobile (14).
  8. Appareil de coulée en continu selon la revendication 7, qui comprend des moyens (28, 29, 31, 32) pour enlever lesdits moyens de formage (27) depuis ladite surface plane (14), pour stocker lesdits moyens de formage (27), et pour replacer lesdits moyens de formage (27) sur ladite surface plane mobile (14).
  9. Appareil de coulée en continu selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 8, comprenant des barrages latéraux espacés dans le sens transversal (16) fixés sur l'une au moins desdites surfaces planes (14, 15) de manière à définir un espace de moulage entre lesdits barrages et lesdites surfaces planes.
EP91904112A 1990-02-28 1990-12-28 Procede et appareil de production de formes moulees Expired - Lifetime EP0470220B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US48645290A 1990-02-28 1990-02-28
US486452 1990-02-28
PCT/US1990/007691 WO1991012910A1 (fr) 1990-02-28 1990-12-28 Procede et appareil de production de formes moulees

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0470220A1 EP0470220A1 (fr) 1992-02-12
EP0470220A4 EP0470220A4 (en) 1992-11-25
EP0470220B1 true EP0470220B1 (fr) 1995-10-18

Family

ID=23931941

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91904112A Expired - Lifetime EP0470220B1 (fr) 1990-02-28 1990-12-28 Procede et appareil de production de formes moulees

Country Status (15)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0470220B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH04507065A (fr)
KR (1) KR100192692B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1036254C (fr)
AU (1) AU639987B2 (fr)
BG (1) BG61184B1 (fr)
BR (1) BR9007316A (fr)
CA (1) CA2049926A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69023135T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2080298T3 (fr)
FI (1) FI96188C (fr)
MY (1) MY110424A (fr)
PE (1) PE17291A1 (fr)
RU (1) RU2081724C1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1991012910A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5339886A (en) * 1993-01-11 1994-08-23 Reynolds Metals Company Method and apparatus for trimming edge scrap from continuously cast metal strip
DE19956479C2 (de) * 1999-11-24 2001-11-22 Hengst Walter Gmbh & Co Kg Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Leichtmetall-Pellets
EP1358027B1 (fr) * 2001-02-09 2005-06-01 SMS Demag Aktiengesellschaft Procede et dispositif pour la coulee et le refroidissement de metal fondu et sa coupe
FR2885544B1 (fr) * 2005-05-13 2009-01-16 Fai Production Soc Par Actions Procede et installation de transformation d'un metal a l'etat liquide en un metal a l'etat solide et fragmente
US7156147B1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-01-02 Hazelett Strip Casting Corporation Apparatus for steering casting belts of continuous metal-casting machines equipped with non-rotating, levitating, semi-cylindrical belt support apparatus
CN116967408A (zh) * 2019-01-28 2023-10-31 诺维尔里斯公司 用于双带式铸造机的短带侧挡件

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1690887A (en) * 1926-06-05 1928-11-06 Jasper N Davis Process and machine for the manufacture of storage-battery plates
DE840753C (de) * 1944-10-01 1952-06-09 Wieland Werke Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verbundmetallbloecken im Stranggiessverfahren
US3502136A (en) * 1967-07-17 1970-03-24 Reliance Steel Products Co Apparatus for the casting of gratings and other structures with parallel members and transverse connections
DE2531357C3 (de) * 1975-07-14 1978-09-21 Hans Dipl.-Ing. 4330 Muelheim Horst Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Stranggießen von Metallen
BR7802482A (pt) * 1977-04-20 1979-04-03 Bicc Ltd Processo e aparelho para fundicao continua de eletrodos nao refinados
LU79390A1 (fr) * 1978-04-06 1979-11-07 Metallurgie Hoboken Procede de coulee continue d'un metal et appareil pour sa mise en oeuvre
US4285386A (en) * 1979-03-16 1981-08-25 Allied Chemical Corporation Continuous casting method and apparatus for making defined shapes of thin sheet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1054385A (zh) 1991-09-11
BG95154A (bg) 1993-12-24
PE17291A1 (es) 1991-06-01
JPH04507065A (ja) 1992-12-10
EP0470220A4 (en) 1992-11-25
DE69023135T2 (de) 1996-06-20
FI96188C (fi) 1996-05-27
KR100192692B1 (ko) 1999-06-15
DE69023135D1 (de) 1995-11-23
FI96188B (fi) 1996-02-15
AU639987B2 (en) 1993-08-12
EP0470220A1 (fr) 1992-02-12
BR9007316A (pt) 1992-04-28
MY110424A (en) 1998-05-30
CN1036254C (zh) 1997-10-29
CA2049926A1 (fr) 1991-08-29
AU7243791A (en) 1991-09-18
FI914452A0 (fi) 1991-09-23
WO1991012910A1 (fr) 1991-09-05
RU2081724C1 (ru) 1997-06-20
KR920700806A (ko) 1992-08-10
BG61184B1 (bg) 1997-02-28
ES2080298T3 (es) 1996-02-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4493363A (en) Method at continuous casting of steels and metal alloys with segregation tendency and apparatus for carrying out the method
EP0470220B1 (fr) Procede et appareil de production de formes moulees
US5103892A (en) Continuous casting of discrete shapes
US3354937A (en) Process and apparatus for continuous casting
US3794106A (en) Plant for producing a metal band from a melt
CA1296505C (fr) Coulee en continu de fines bandes metalliques
US4519439A (en) Method of preventing formation of segregations during continuous casting
AU633154B2 (en) Method of controlling the rate of heat extraction in mould casting
CA1130981A (fr) Barre d'acier venue de coulee en continue, et methode de fabrication connexe
US4287934A (en) Continuous casting mold
US3818972A (en) Cast bar draft angle
WO1997016272A3 (fr) Procede et dispositif permettant de guider les barres de coulee d'une installation de coulee continue
CA1228969A (fr) Appareil et methode de coulee en continu des metaux, dans un moule a parois tournantes refroidies
US4977037A (en) Smoother continuous cast steel bar product
KR910008748Y1 (ko) 소형판재 제조용 수평연속주조장치
Hulek Plant for the Continuous Casting of Steel
Pliskanovs et al. Continuous Wide Strip Caster
US4250949A (en) Semicontinuous casting apparatus
Pleschiutschnigg Process and Equipment for Casting Metal Strip, Especially Steel Strip
Barbe Apparatus for Casting Metal Strips.(MITS BISI: 28143)[[Previously Titled: Continuous-Casting Machine for Sheet Metal.]]
JPS58224047A (ja) 連続鋳造方法および装置
Barbe Continuous-Casting Machine for Sheet Metal
JPH01130860A (ja) 鍛造用ステンレス鋼鋳片の製造方法
DR Thornton BSc Moulds for Continuous Casting
JPS5950960A (ja) 連続鋳造による中心偏析のない鋼片の製造法

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): BE DE ES FR GB IT SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19920217

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19921007

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): BE DE ES FR GB IT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19930921

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE DE ES FR GB IT SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69023135

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19951123

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2080298

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19981120

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19981127

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19981128

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19981130

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19981223

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19981231

Year of fee payment: 9

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: 19991228

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: 19991229

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: 19991231

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: ASARCO INC.

Effective date: 19991231

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 91904112.9

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

Effective date: 19991228

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: 20000831

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: 20001003

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20001229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20010113

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: 20051228