EP0515975A2 - Tuyère à plasma à enthalpie élevée - Google Patents

Tuyère à plasma à enthalpie élevée Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0515975A2
EP0515975A2 EP92108547A EP92108547A EP0515975A2 EP 0515975 A2 EP0515975 A2 EP 0515975A2 EP 92108547 A EP92108547 A EP 92108547A EP 92108547 A EP92108547 A EP 92108547A EP 0515975 A2 EP0515975 A2 EP 0515975A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrodes
electrode
plasma torch
tubular
cooling
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP92108547A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0515975B1 (fr
EP0515975A3 (en
Inventor
Peter G. Tsantrizos
Raynald Lachance
Bruce Henshaw
Lakis T. Mavropoulos
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.)
Noranda Inc
Original Assignee
Noranda Inc
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 Noranda Inc filed Critical Noranda Inc
Publication of EP0515975A2 publication Critical patent/EP0515975A2/fr
Publication of EP0515975A3 publication Critical patent/EP0515975A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0515975B1 publication Critical patent/EP0515975B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • H05H1/28—Cooling arrangements
    • 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
    • H05H1/3431—Coaxial cylindrical electrodes
    • 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
    • H05H1/3442—Cathodes with inserted tip
    • 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
    • H05H1/3468—Vortex generators

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a high enthalpy plasma torch.
  • Plasmas have been produced using variations of three basic plasma generating devices: r.f. or induction torches, transferred arcs, and d.c. torches.
  • the r.f. torch uses no electrodes and the energy is transferred from a high frequency electromagnetic source to the plasma by induction.
  • both the transferred arc and the d.c. torch use electrodes to pass current through a gas thus generating the plasma.
  • the geometry and composition of the electrodes are critical in determining the torch operation and utility. Since this innovation relates primarily to a new electrode configuration for a d.c. torch, a more elaborate discussion of conventional electrode technology is justified.
  • the first type uses a conical thoriated tungsten rod as the cathode and a copper tube as the anode.
  • the gas is introduced behind the cathode tangentially, creating a vortex past the cathode and through the anode, which is located in the front of the torch.
  • the arc is attached on one end at the tip of the cathode and is rotated at the other end along the inside surface of the anode.
  • the momentum of the plasmagas vortex, the plasmagas composition, the diameter of the anode and the arc current can be used to control the length of the arc.
  • the anode attachment determines the arc length since the cathode attachment is fixed.
  • torches also known as FCC or fluid convective cathode torches
  • the fixed cathode attachment prevents the torch from operating at very high currents and the use of thoriated tungsten limits the possible plasmagas compositions to a few inert and reducing gases (e.g. Ar, Ar/H2 mixtures, N2, He). Neither oxygen nor halides can be used as plasmagas.
  • FCC torches are currently being marketed by a wide variety of companies.
  • the second type of d.c. torch uses two coaxial tubes as the electrodes.
  • the plasmagas is introduced by a vortex generating ring tangentially between the two electrodes creating two vortices in opposite direction. Each vortex pushes an arc attachment away from the vortex generating ring.
  • Tubular torches can employ a variety of electrode compositions with copper being the most common.
  • Thoriated tungsten is not being used as a cathode since it is not fabricated in the required large size tube.
  • An exemption is the small (6 mm I.D., 16 mm O.D) tubular thoriated tungsten cathode used by Nippon Steel Corp.
  • that electrode was used in a transferred arc system with the plasma operating between the lip of the tube and an anode located outside the torch.
  • Tubular torches have been used mostly for melting and as heaters for high temperature reactors. Unfortunately, they need extremely high gas flowrate to stabilize the arc and prevent electrode destruction.
  • the plasma torch in accordance with the present invention comprises a torch housing, rear and front tubular electrodes coaxially mounted within the housing with a gap therebetween, both electrodes being fabricated from copper having tubular inserts of refractory material, a vortex generator for introducing a tangential flow of gas in opposite direction in the tubular electrodes through the gap between the two electrodes, and a cooling system for cooling the tubular electrodes.
  • a plasmagas feed system is mounted in the housing and includes thermally insulating tubes for preventing condensation of plasmagas onto the cooled electrodes.
  • the front electrode includes a cup shaped exit portion comprising an expansion followed by a constriction both to create a plasmagas back pressure for improving rotation of the arc inside the electrodes of the torch and thus minimize electrode erosion and to prevent materials from the surrounding atmosphere from entering the electrode region.
  • the refractory electrode material may be thoriated tungsten or a tantalum carbide composite including tantalum carbide infiltrated with aluminum or copper. Other refractory electrode materials may also be used.
  • the cooling system comprises a water guide surrounding the rear electrode, a brass cooling jacket surrounding the front electrode, and annular passages in between the water guide and the rear electrode and between the cooling jacket and the front electrode for circulating a cooling liquid in serial relationship around the rear electrode and then around the front electrode.
  • a plasma torch comprising generally a rear electrode (anode) 10 and a front electrode (cathode) 12 which are coaxially mounted within a stainless steel housing made of a rear section 14 and a front section 16 assembled together by bolts 18.
  • the rear electrode comprises a tubular metal member 20 made of copper which is threadedly mounted to one end of a metal electrode holder 22.
  • the rear electrode holder 22 also serves as a fluid conduit for the torch cooling system and for this purpose the rear end of the holder includes a bore 24 which communicates with radial apertures 26 for the passage of a cooling fluid, such as water.
  • a water guide 28 in the form of a thin walled metal tube is threadedly mounted on the electrode holder and surrounds the rear electrode to form an annular water passage 30 which is part of a fluid cooling system for cooling the rear electrode.
  • the front electrode 12 is mounted in a brass annular member 32 which is itself threadedly mounted to a stainless steel tubular electrode holder 34 having a flange 36 which is clamped between the rear and front sections 14 and 16 of the housing.
  • the front electrode holder is electrically insulated from the housing by means of an insulating annular member 38 made of a high temperature chemically resistant plastic material.
  • the front and rear electrodes are electrically insulated from each other by means of an annular insulating member 40 made of a high temperature chemically resistant plastic material which extends rearwardly between the housing portion 14 and the water guide 28.
  • the upper part of the insulating member 40 has an extension made of electrically insulating plastic material 41 which is secured to the housing portion 14 by means of a threaded insulating member 42 also made of electrically insulating plastic material.
  • a narrow annular water passage 43 is provided in the annular insulating member 40 behind the water guide for a purpose to be disclosed later.
  • a plurality of holes 44 communicating with channels 46 are spaced around the annular member 40 and communicate with annular water passage 42 forming part of the fluid cooling system.
  • the brass annular member 32 is also provided with a narrow annular water passage 48 which is part of the cathode cooling system.
  • a plurality of radial holes 50 are provided in the rear end of the brass member 32 for communicating the channels 46 to the annular water passage 48.
  • a plurality of radial holes 52 are also provided for communicating the front end of the water passage 48 with an annular passage 54 formed between the anode holder 34 and the housing 16 to direct the cooling water to an outlet 56.
  • the copper electrodes 10 and 12 are provided with inserts 58 and 59, respectively, which are attached by high temperature soldering.
  • the torch can operate using all suitable refractory electrode materials including both thoriated tungsten or a composite material including tantalum carbide infiltrated with aluminum or copper as disclosed in Canadian Patent Application No. 2,025,619 filed September 18, 1990, and suitable for operation with metal halide plasmagas.
  • the rear end of the refractory insert 58 is insulated from the electrode holder 22 by ceramic electrical insulator 60.
  • the rear end of the refractory insert 59 is separated from the plastic insulating material by a ceramic electrical insulating ring 61.
  • a conventional vortex generating ring 62 is mounted between the rear and front electrodes.
  • the vortex generating ring is provided with tangential holes 64 for creating two gas vortices A and B in opposite directions in the center of the annular anodes and cathodes.
  • Each vortex pushes an arc attachment away from the vortex generating ring 62.
  • the arc elongates and such tubular torches offer significantly higher voltages than the FCC torches.
  • gas is delivered to the vortex generating ring through thermally insulating tubes 66, such as quartz, which prevent condensation of the plasmagas into the torch body.
  • the plasmagas gas is fed from inlet port 68 through opening 70 in insulating ring 38, tubes 66 and annular passage 72 around the vortex generating ring and into the tangential holes of the vortex generating ring 62.
  • the front end of the front electrode includes an expansion 73 followed by a constriction 74 near to the exit.
  • This design creates a plasmagas back pressure which significantly improves the rotation of the arc inside the electrodes of the torch thus minimizing electrode erosion. It provides a stable arc attachment zone thus minimizing fluctuation in power output. It also confines the arc jet within the expansion thus offering a long and symmetric tail flame ideally suited for cutting, welding and spray-forming operations. Finally, it prevents materials from the surrounding environment from entering the electrode region where they can destroy the electrodes.
  • the plasma torch cooling system permits to circulate a cooling liquid, such as water, in serial heat exchange relationship with the rear electrode 10 and the front electrode 12.
  • the cooling water enters the torch through the bore 24 in the electrode holder 22.
  • the water than passes through the radial apertures 26 and flows into the annular passage 30 between the outside surface of the rear electrode and the water guide 28 to cool the rear electrode (anode).
  • the water then flows back behind the water guide and into holes 44 in annular insulating member 40 and through channels 46. It is to be noted that holes 44 are located toward the rear portion of the annular insulating member 40 to avoid any possibility of electrical short circuit between the electrodes through the cooling water.
  • the cooling water then passes through holes 50 in bronze cooling jacket 32 and annular passage 48 around the front electrode 12 to cool the front electrode (anode).
  • the water then returns to the water outlet 56 through holes 52 in the front end of the cooling jacket and annular space 54 behind the cooling jacket.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Plasma Technology (AREA)
  • Discharge Heating (AREA)
  • Arc Welding In General (AREA)
EP92108547A 1991-05-29 1992-05-20 Tuyère à plasma à enthalpie élevée Expired - Lifetime EP0515975B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002043504A CA2043504C (fr) 1991-05-29 1991-05-29 Chalumeau a plasma a haute enthalpie
CA2043504 1991-05-29

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0515975A2 true EP0515975A2 (fr) 1992-12-02
EP0515975A3 EP0515975A3 (en) 1993-05-12
EP0515975B1 EP0515975B1 (fr) 1996-10-30

Family

ID=4147693

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92108547A Expired - Lifetime EP0515975B1 (fr) 1991-05-29 1992-05-20 Tuyère à plasma à enthalpie élevée

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0515975B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP3042919B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2043504C (fr)
DE (1) DE69214878T2 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2703557A1 (fr) * 1993-03-29 1994-10-07 Soudure Autogene Francaise Torche plasma et procédé de mise en Óoeuvre pour le gougeage de pièces.
US5611896A (en) * 1993-10-14 1997-03-18 Atomic Energy Corporation Of S. Africa Limited Production of fluorocarbon compounds
FR2798247A1 (fr) * 1999-09-03 2001-03-09 Soudure Autogene Francaise Torche a plasma avec systeme d'electrode a longue duree de vie
WO2012140425A1 (fr) * 2011-04-14 2012-10-18 Edwards Limited Torche à plasma
CN109014456A (zh) * 2018-06-22 2018-12-18 株式会社沙迪克 放电加工装置
CN116582993A (zh) * 2023-04-10 2023-08-11 盐城工学院 一种直流大气压等离子体发生器

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6919015B2 (en) 2002-12-16 2005-07-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Process for manufacturing fluoroolefins
CN102368888A (zh) * 2011-09-28 2012-03-07 南京创能电力科技开发有限公司 低温等离子发生器的阴极接线柱
AU2012344688B2 (en) * 2011-12-02 2017-10-12 Pyrogenesis Canada Inc. Plasma heated furnace for iron ore pellet induration

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3104310A (en) * 1959-08-24 1963-09-17 Nat Res Dev High temperature torches
US3139509A (en) * 1962-05-07 1964-06-30 Thermal Dynamics Corp Electric arc torch
US3301995A (en) * 1963-12-02 1967-01-31 Union Carbide Corp Electric arc heating and acceleration of gases
US3567898A (en) * 1968-07-01 1971-03-02 Crucible Inc Plasma arc cutting torch
FR2539942A1 (fr) * 1983-01-21 1984-07-27 Plasma Energy Corp Generateur de plasma et son procede de fonctionnement
US4668853A (en) * 1985-10-31 1987-05-26 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Arc-heated plasma lance
GB2213636A (en) * 1988-01-07 1989-08-16 Toshiba Kk Apparatus for introducing samples into a spectrometer
US4928027A (en) * 1987-08-20 1990-05-22 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration High temperature refractory member with radiation emissive overcoat

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE896448A (fr) * 1983-04-13 1983-10-13 Centre Rech Metallurgique Perfectionnements aux electrodes pour fours a plasma.

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3104310A (en) * 1959-08-24 1963-09-17 Nat Res Dev High temperature torches
US3139509A (en) * 1962-05-07 1964-06-30 Thermal Dynamics Corp Electric arc torch
US3301995A (en) * 1963-12-02 1967-01-31 Union Carbide Corp Electric arc heating and acceleration of gases
US3567898A (en) * 1968-07-01 1971-03-02 Crucible Inc Plasma arc cutting torch
FR2539942A1 (fr) * 1983-01-21 1984-07-27 Plasma Energy Corp Generateur de plasma et son procede de fonctionnement
US4668853A (en) * 1985-10-31 1987-05-26 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Arc-heated plasma lance
US4928027A (en) * 1987-08-20 1990-05-22 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration High temperature refractory member with radiation emissive overcoat
GB2213636A (en) * 1988-01-07 1989-08-16 Toshiba Kk Apparatus for introducing samples into a spectrometer

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2703557A1 (fr) * 1993-03-29 1994-10-07 Soudure Autogene Francaise Torche plasma et procédé de mise en Óoeuvre pour le gougeage de pièces.
US5611896A (en) * 1993-10-14 1997-03-18 Atomic Energy Corporation Of S. Africa Limited Production of fluorocarbon compounds
FR2798247A1 (fr) * 1999-09-03 2001-03-09 Soudure Autogene Francaise Torche a plasma avec systeme d'electrode a longue duree de vie
WO2012140425A1 (fr) * 2011-04-14 2012-10-18 Edwards Limited Torche à plasma
EP2827685A2 (fr) * 2011-04-14 2015-01-21 Edwards Limited Torche à plasma
EP2827685A3 (fr) * 2011-04-14 2015-03-04 Edwards Limited Torche à plasma
US9277636B2 (en) 2011-04-14 2016-03-01 Edwards Limited Plasma torch
TWI606861B (zh) * 2011-04-14 2017-12-01 愛德華有限公司 電漿炬
CN109014456A (zh) * 2018-06-22 2018-12-18 株式会社沙迪克 放电加工装置
US11247282B2 (en) 2018-06-22 2022-02-15 Sodick Co., Ltd. Electric discharge machining apparatus
CN116582993A (zh) * 2023-04-10 2023-08-11 盐城工学院 一种直流大气压等离子体发生器
CN116582993B (zh) * 2023-04-10 2023-12-15 盐城工学院 一种直流大气压等离子体发生器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2043504C (fr) 1995-01-17
DE69214878D1 (de) 1996-12-05
EP0515975B1 (fr) 1996-10-30
JP3042919B2 (ja) 2000-05-22
EP0515975A3 (en) 1993-05-12
DE69214878T2 (de) 1997-04-03
JPH04355100A (ja) 1992-12-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5147998A (en) High enthalpy plasma torch
US4311897A (en) Plasma arc torch and nozzle assembly
US4656330A (en) Plasma jet torch having converging anode and gas vortex in its nozzle for arc constriction
EP1099360B1 (fr) Electrode pour chalumeau a arc de plasma dotee d'une piece inseree a configuration amelioree
US5451740A (en) Convertible plasma arc torch and method of use
US2806124A (en) Arc torch and process
US5451739A (en) Electrode for plasma arc torch having channels to extend service life
US4506136A (en) Plasma spray gun having a gas vortex producing nozzle
KR930005953B1 (ko) 개량 플라즈마 아아크 토오치 시동방법
EP0775436B1 (fr) Torche a plasma avec une alimentation par injection axiale
US5310988A (en) Electrode for high current density plasma arc torch
EP0748149A1 (fr) Torche à plasma d'arc comportant un arrangement de buse avec injection d'eau
CA1086833A (fr) Appareil pour soudage plasma/m.i.g.
EP0515975B1 (fr) Tuyère à plasma à enthalpie élevée
CA1221746A (fr) Torches au plasma
US3375392A (en) Plasma generator utilizing a ribbonshaped stream of gas
US4896017A (en) Anode for a plasma arc torch
KR100262800B1 (ko) 아크플라즈마토치,아크플라즈마 토치용전극 및 이들의 작동방법
EP0605011B1 (fr) Générateur de plasma d'arc à courant continu avec contrÔle d'érosion et méthode d'emploi
KR100493731B1 (ko) 플라즈마 발생장치
CA1262758A (fr) Torche au plasma a convergence d'anode et de gaz turbulent dans sa buse pour contraindre
Gage Early thermal spray application-JTST historical patent# 16

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): DE FR GB IT

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19931029

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950307

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

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): DE FR GB IT

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: JACOBACCI & PERANI S.P.A.

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69214878

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19961205

ET Fr: translation filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19970519

Year of fee payment: 6

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
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: 19980520

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

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

Effective date: 19980520

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20030527

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20030723

Year of fee payment: 12

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: 20041201

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: 20050131

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: 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: 20050520