EP0597980B1 - Rail flexible conducteur - Google Patents

Rail flexible conducteur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0597980B1
EP0597980B1 EP92916988A EP92916988A EP0597980B1 EP 0597980 B1 EP0597980 B1 EP 0597980B1 EP 92916988 A EP92916988 A EP 92916988A EP 92916988 A EP92916988 A EP 92916988A EP 0597980 B1 EP0597980 B1 EP 0597980B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical
assembly
housing
longitudinally extending
conductor
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
EP92916988A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0597980A1 (fr
EP0597980A4 (en
Inventor
Lee Drury
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.)
Mass International Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Mass International Pty Ltd
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 Mass International Pty Ltd filed Critical Mass International Pty Ltd
Publication of EP0597980A1 publication Critical patent/EP0597980A1/fr
Publication of EP0597980A4 publication Critical patent/EP0597980A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0597980B1 publication Critical patent/EP0597980B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flexible conductive track for electrical or communication or other signals connection and, more particularly, for such tracks for installation around a room or office and accessible for connection at almost any position along its length for take off of electrical, communication, or other signals.
  • US Patent 2,105,833 - Feuer, et al shows a track which comprises a flexible moulding having two slits with a wire embedded in each slit. Again only a "point contact" with a tine of a power take off device would occur. Further the moulding does not appear to be able to bend laterally to the slits.
  • a rigid supply rail system having bus bars located in vertically extending elongated channels are known, and described in International Patent Application PCT/AU86/00252.
  • This reference provides a single small diameter elongate conductor located adjacent to the roof of the channels. Access of the channels is by way of an elongated opening located on the side wall adjacent the base of the rail.
  • the connection of the take off device is dependent on the small area of contact between the tine of the take off device and the elongated conductor.
  • a corner adaptor is required to be conected between the adjacent supply rails. Therefore because of the conections between straight rail sections and corner adaptors, an increase in impedence of the supply rail system occurs. Therefore if a high fidelity signal is required, this system could cause interference or noise, distorting the signal.
  • the present invention seeks to ameliorate the beforementioned disadvantages by providing a flexible distributor and assembly to bend laterally.
  • an electrical distributor assembly as claimed in claim 1.
  • a flexible conductive track (1) comprises a flexible insulative plastics housing (2) of constant cross-section.
  • This housing is substantially rectangular in shape with three recesses (3) open to one side of the housing.
  • a conductor (4) in the form of a copper wire is held in the bottom of each recess.
  • Affixed to the wire (4) along the whole length of the wire is a conductive blade (5) which is conductively bonded to the wire (4) to form a double spring blade contact (5).
  • the wire (4) is held in the recesses by shoulders (6) located adjacent the bottom of each recess (3).
  • the blade means can be a single blade with biasing means formed integrally with the walls of the recess to urge the tines of a take off unit into intimate contact with the blade (5).
  • the wire (4) and conductive blade (5) can be moulded into the housing wall by means of cross-head extrusion, when the housing is extruded.
  • a further embodiment of the flexible conductive track of the present invention comprises three recesses (3) with an elongated conductors (17) connected by pressure welding to arm (18) or (19), or both, of a bifurcated contact spring (20), which extends longitudinally along the length of the recesses (3).
  • the contact spring (20) is held in the recess (3) by the free ends (21) of contact spring (20) resiliently bearing on shoulders (22) of the recesses (3) or held in the recess by crosshead extrusion.
  • the contact spring (20) may provide both the spring action and conductivity in the single form.
  • Both flexible tracks (1) as shown in Figures 1 and 2, have a recess (16) located on the face opposite to the first face. This extends along the length of the track and enhances the flexibility of the track.
  • a suitable housing (8) as shown in Figure 3, can be affixed to the wall of an area, where the system of the present invention is to be used.
  • a single continuous length of a flexible conductive track (1) as illustrated in Figures 1 or 2, for example, is fitted into the channel (7) of the housing (8).
  • the channel (7) is configured to hold the conductive track (1) such that open ends of the recesses (3) face downwardly.
  • the base (9) as shown in Figure 4 closes the bottom of the housing (8), leaving an elongated side access opening (10) which extends along the entire length of the housing (8), as shown in Figure 7. Connection to the wires therefore can be made at any position along the length of the conductive track (1).
  • a take off unit in the form of a power point is shown in Figure 6.
  • the power point (11) has a projection (12) extending from the back with one or more tines (13) extending radially therefrom.
  • a view of the projection is shown in Figure 5.
  • the tines (13) are aligned with the opening (10) and the projection (12) inserted into the opening (10) and the power point (11) rotated such that the tines (13) engage the respective blades (5) in the recesses (3). Because of the double blade spring construction, the blades (5) are urged into intimate engagement with each side of the tines (13) such that both flat areas (14), provide a relatively large contact area.
  • the walls (23) of the housing (8) have their free ends (25) configured to mate with recesses (24) on the projection (12), isolating each tine (13) from the others.
  • part of the length of one or more of the tines (13) can be sheathed in plastics, with or without the recesses (24), such that upon insertion of the tine into the recess (3), the plastics sheath (26) extends into the recess (3) to inhibit any arcing or discharging between the tines (13).
  • the powerpoint (11), as shown in Figure 6, comprises a combined locking means and an on/off switch (15) to secure the powerpoint to the housing (8), wherein when said power point (11) is rotated, after the insertion of the tines (13) into the opening (10), power is only available to the external output (72) upon manual operation of the locking means (15).
  • the projection 12 may be moulded directly to a power lead.
  • a cover strip could be used to seal the opening (10).
  • the housing can comprise two channels one for telecommunication and one for power.
  • any number of channels could be used, for example one respectively for power, stereo systems, computer lines, gas, optical fibres, etc.
  • the flexible conductive strip can be of any suitable configuration and have any number of recesses.
  • a conductor (30) may be connected to the arcuate end of the connector blades (29).
  • the conductor (30) could be standard copper wiring while the blade (29) could be formed of phosphorous bronze.
  • the conductive blade (29) could be constructed so as to be used on its own, without the necessity of the additional conductor in the form of a copper wire (30).
  • cutouts (31) are located along its length. These cutouts (31) do not extend into the contact area (32) of the arms (33) of the conductive blade. These cutouts (31) enhance the flexibility of the conductive blades (29) and hence the flexible conductive tracks (27) into which they are inserted.
  • the housing (34) used to contain the flexible insulative track (35) can have external fittings (36) for the affixing of suitable colour strips (not shown).
  • FIG. 13 One embodiment of a floor mounted system according to the present invention is shown in Figure 13 comprises an open face housing (37), with two opposed side walls (38) and (39), and a channel portion (40), which has a base support (41). This embodiment is used to be inserted into a recess (42) in a floor (43) as shown in Figure 14.
  • cutouts (44) Located on the sides and base of the channel portion (40) are cutouts (44) to allow any moisture to drain out of the housing, and along and out of the floor recess (42).
  • a mounting means (45) is provided to hold an elongated cassette (46) therein.
  • the mounting means (45) comprises two parallel projections, one (47) with a hook (48) located along the free end thereof.
  • the cassette (46) comprises an elongated recess (49), and a cutout (50) located at one end.
  • the projection (51) is fitted into the recess (49) of the cassette (46) and the hook (48), because of the resilience of the material of the housing (37) snaps into the cutout (50), locking the cassette (46) in position.
  • the cassette (46) has its open mouth (52) facing downwardly.
  • a cover strip (53) can be inserted into the opening (54) below the cassette (46), where it rests on the elongated support (55) and locks into the cassette (46) by means of the projection (56) to close the mouth (52) of the cassette (46).
  • Fitted into the cassette (46) can be any form of conductive track, (however preferably a flexible conductive track (1) shown in Figures 1 to 11 is used), as shown in Figure 14, with the shoulders (57) of the cassette locking over the outer walls (58) of the flexible conductive track (1), with the barbed projection (59) engaging in the locating recess (16) of the flexible track (27).
  • a take off means (60) as described previously can be used to connect to the conductors (20), whereby power or the like is supplied external of the recess (42) as shown in Figure 14.
  • a cover (61) rests on the top supports (62) and (63) of the housing (37), aligning flush with the flooring as shown in Figure 14.
  • the cover (61) has cutouts (64) located at appropriate positions along the cover (61) to allow for egress of suitable cable. These cutouts could be preformed or cutout when needed, and a cord cover strip (65) fits into the channel (66).
  • FIG 16 the housing 34 as illustrated in Figure 12 can be used in a floor mounted arrangement similar to Figures 14 and 15.
  • the housing and cassettes are made from suitable plastics.
  • the cassette in use can also face sideways with a suitable hinged or flapped cover slip covering its mouth to prevent ingress of contaminants.
  • the electrical connector (67) of the power point adaptor (68) comprises two arms (69) which are made of resilient metal.
  • the prong (70) of an appliance (not shown) slides into engagement between the arms (69) and the screw (71) is tightened to urge the arms (69) into intimate contact with the prong (70).
  • Sufficient pressure can be generated by the screw (71) to provide the equivalent of a fixed contact between the prong (70) and the arms (69).
  • the prong could have a recess or bore into which the screw will engage to rigidly connect the prong to the electrical connectors.
  • connection is not only limited to distribution systems, as before described, but can also be used with respect to standard power points and double adaptor connections.

Landscapes

  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Parts Printed On Printed Circuit Boards (AREA)
  • Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)
  • Conductive Materials (AREA)
  • Insulated Conductors (AREA)
  • Structure Of Printed Boards (AREA)
  • Installation Of Bus-Bars (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
  • Measurement And Recording Of Electrical Phenomena And Electrical Characteristics Of The Living Body (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Ensemble de distributeur électrique comprenant un logement allongé isolé et flexible (2) s'étendant longitudinalement présentant deux faces opposées et au moins deux conducteurs allongés et flexibles (4,5) caractérisé en ce que :
    le logement isolé (2) comporte une pluralité de fentes (3) s'étendant longitudinalement et s'ouvrant vers l'intérieur à partir d'une première desdites faces et au moins une fente (16) s'étendant longitudinalement s'ouvrant vers l'intérieur à partir de cette face opposée ;
    un conducteur (4,5) placé dans au moins deux des fentes de cette première desdites faces ;
    et en ce que l'arrangement est tel que les fentes fléchissent pour permettre la courbure latérale de l'ensemble de distributeur électrique.
  2. Ensemble de distributeur électrique selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce qu'au moins l'une des fentes (16) s'étendant longitudinalement est une première fente s'étendant longitudinalement et disposée sensiblement au centre de cette face opposée et en ce que cette pluralité de fentes (3) s'étendant longitudinalement comprend une seconde et une troisième fente s'étendant longitudinalement et étant placées décentrées sur cette première face.
  3. Ensemble de distributeur électrique selon la revendication 2 caractérisé en ce que la pluralité de fentes (3) s'étendant longitudinalement comprend une quatrième fente s'étendant longitudinalement située en position centrale sur cette première desdites faces.
  4. Ensemble de distributeur électrique selon la revendication 3 caractérisé en ce que les fentes dans la première desdites faces présentent des moyens de support (6,22) pour supporter l'ensemble conducteur.
  5. Ensemble de distributeur électrique selon la revendication 4 caractérisé en ce que le logement isolé est réalisé par extrusion.
  6. Ensemble de distributeur électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce qu'un ensemble conducteur comprend un conducteur flexible et allongé (4) et une lame flexible et allongée (5) en contact électrique avec le conducteur et adaptée à recevoir de façon ajustée un ressort de contact (12) d'un ensemble prise (11) pour établir ainsi le contact électrique.
  7. Ensemble de distributeur électrique selon la revendication 6 caractérisé en ce que cette pièce en lame allongée est de forme générale de section en U et possède deux bras opposés sensiblement incurvés en arc en rappel vers l'intérieur, la partie fermée de cette lame renfermant ledit conducteur.
  8. Ensemble de distributeur selon la revendication 7 caractérisé en ce que cette pièce en lame allongée présente une pluralité de découpes (31) espacées disposées le long de cette partie fermée.
  9. Système de distributeur électrique comprenant :
    un logement support (8,34) possédant au moins une cavité s'étendant longitudinalement ;
    un ensemble de distributeur électrique placé dans cette cavité et,
    au moins un ensemble de fiches (11) possédant une pluralité de languettes (13) pour établir un contact électrique avec l'ensemble de distributeur électrique
    caractérisé en ce que :
    l'ensemble de distributeur électrique est un ensemble tel que revendiqué selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes et est placé dans ladite cavité à distance d'une paroi de cette cavité pour définir un canal d'accès sensiblement continu et s'étendant longitudinalement ; l'ensemble étant arrangé de telle façon qu'après l'insertion des fiches languettes (13) reçues dans ce canal d'accès, cet ensemble de fiches languettes sont pivotantes dans ce canal d'accès afin de provoquer leur engagement avec les conducteurs pour établir le contact électrique.
  10. Système de distribution électrique selon la revendication 9 caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble à fiches est adapté pour arriver en butée avec le logement support et comprend une pièce (12) en saillie reçue dans ce canal d'accès lorsque l'ensemble de fiches arrive en butée avec le logement support, lesdites languettes (13) s'étendant radialement à partir de cette pièce en saillie.
  11. Système de distribution électrique selon la revendication 9 caractérisé en ce que la cavité comprend une pièce d'engagement (59) adaptée pour venir s'engager à verrouillage dans cette première fente afin de supporter ce logement isolant.
  12. Système de distribution électrique selon la revendication 11 caractérisé en ce que la cavité comprend un moyen de nervure ou d'épaulement pour supporter ce logement isolant.
  13. Système de distribution électrique selon la revendication 12 caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble de fiches comprend un moyen de retrait (24) entre les languettes (13) pour recevoir de façon ajustée un bord (25) d'une paroi (23) formée entre les fentes adjacentes dans cette première face.
EP92916988A 1991-08-05 1992-08-05 Rail flexible conducteur Expired - Lifetime EP0597980B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (13)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPK759291 1991-08-05
AU7592 1991-08-05
AU75/92 1991-08-05
AU13991 1991-12-20
AUPL013991 1991-12-20
AU139/91 1991-12-20
AUPL081692 1992-02-11
AU816/92 1992-02-11
AU81692 1992-02-11
AU3311/92 1992-07-02
AU331192 1992-07-02
AUPL331192 1992-07-02
PCT/AU1992/000414 WO1993003517A1 (fr) 1991-08-05 1992-08-05 Rail flexible conducteur

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0597980A1 EP0597980A1 (fr) 1994-05-25
EP0597980A4 EP0597980A4 (en) 1996-05-08
EP0597980B1 true EP0597980B1 (fr) 2000-04-26

Family

ID=27424314

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92916988A Expired - Lifetime EP0597980B1 (fr) 1991-08-05 1992-08-05 Rail flexible conducteur

Country Status (11)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0597980B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP3198293B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR100247102B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE192268T1 (fr)
BR (1) BR9206402A (fr)
CA (1) CA2114617C (fr)
DE (1) DE69230971T2 (fr)
FI (1) FI940518A (fr)
HU (1) HUT67892A (fr)
SG (1) SG43100A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1993003517A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995003644A1 (fr) * 1993-07-20 1995-02-02 Mass International Pty. Ltd. Systeme de distribution electrique
ATE210901T1 (de) 1994-10-14 2001-12-15 John Ashton Sinclair Biegsamer elektrischer leiter
DE19510507C2 (de) * 1995-03-23 1999-11-18 Alulite Lichtsysteme Gmbh Elektrisches Leuchtensystem
AUPO222996A0 (en) * 1996-09-10 1996-10-03 Universal Power Track Pty Ltd An electrical supply assembly
DE29723006U1 (de) * 1997-12-31 1998-02-26 Josef Sölken GmbH & Co KG, 59759 Arnsberg Stromschienensystem
DE29821304U1 (de) * 1998-11-28 2000-04-13 Gira Giersiepen Gmbh & Co Kg, 42477 Radevormwald Stromschiene, insbesondere Sockelleiste
AUPQ187599A0 (en) * 1999-07-28 1999-08-19 Universal Power Track Pty Ltd An electric supply assembly
DE10018073A1 (de) * 2000-03-31 2001-10-04 Briloner Leuchten Gmbh Beleuchtungsvorrichtung
USRE45456E1 (en) 2002-12-18 2015-04-07 Power & Data Corporation Pty Ltd. Elongated electrical conductor that is adapted for electrically connecting with an electrical contact
AU2002953429A0 (en) * 2002-12-18 2003-01-09 Power And Communications Logistics Pty Limited An elongate electrical conductor that is adapted for electrically connecting with an electrical contact
GB2414869A (en) * 2003-08-18 2005-12-07 John Ashton Sinclair Electrical plug and busbar system
DE102019126955A1 (de) * 2019-10-08 2021-04-08 Zumtobel Lighting Gmbh Tragschiene für Leuchten oder elektrische Einheiten
IT202000006409A1 (it) * 2020-03-26 2021-09-26 Ellamp S P A Sistema elettrico di gestione dei servizi di bordo di un mezzo di trasporto pubblico mediante piste conduttive

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB394199A (en) * 1932-10-12 1933-06-22 Aldo Franco Pessina Improvements in electric lines
US2175245A (en) * 1937-07-19 1939-10-10 James R Brockman Electric socket
US2243990A (en) * 1938-08-06 1941-06-03 Thora Electric outlet conduit
US2478006A (en) * 1946-12-10 1949-08-02 James J Paden Continuous electrical receptacle
NL155136B (nl) * 1972-03-18 1977-11-15 Philips Nv Stroomaftakrail voor verplaatsbare stroomafneeminrichtingen.
JPS5257989A (en) * 1975-11-06 1977-05-12 Sharp Corp Connection of flexible distributing board
NL7810941A (nl) * 1978-11-03 1980-05-07 Philips Nv Combinatie van stroomafnemer en spanningsrail, alsmede een der delen van deze combinatie.
GB2087168B (en) * 1980-10-28 1985-01-30 Electrak Int Ltd Electrical distribution system
AU6286686A (en) * 1985-09-05 1987-03-24 Barrier Shelf Co. (No. 27) Pty. Ltd. Electrical supply rail system
FR2642911B1 (fr) * 1989-02-07 1993-11-05 Legrand Profile, tel que goulotte, plinthe, moulure ou autre, pour le logement et la protection, en particulier, d'appareillages electriques et des conducteurs necessaires a la desserte de ceux-ci

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2114617C (fr) 1997-06-24
WO1993003517A1 (fr) 1993-02-18
EP0597980A1 (fr) 1994-05-25
BR9206402A (pt) 1995-03-01
ATE192268T1 (de) 2000-05-15
DE69230971T2 (de) 2000-12-07
EP0597980A4 (en) 1996-05-08
JP3198293B2 (ja) 2001-08-13
HUT67892A (en) 1995-05-29
CA2114617A1 (fr) 1993-02-18
KR100247102B1 (ko) 2000-03-15
FI940518A (fi) 1994-03-10
DE69230971D1 (de) 2000-05-31
SG43100A1 (en) 1997-10-17
HU9400297D0 (en) 1994-05-30
FI940518A0 (fi) 1994-02-04
JPH06511345A (ja) 1994-12-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5618192A (en) Flexible conductive track
EP0920716B1 (fr) Systeme d'installation electrique
US4884981A (en) Shielded data connector
US5860829A (en) Cross connect terminal block
US5855493A (en) Electrical connector strain relief with shield ground for multiple cables
EP0597980B1 (fr) Rail flexible conducteur
US6795320B2 (en) Method and apparatus for supplying data and power to panel-supported components
US4223971A (en) Electrical wiring assembly and method
EP0106535A2 (fr) Canalisation électrique
US4066320A (en) Electrical conductor terminating system
JPS62262381A (ja) 電気コネクタ組立体及びその製造方法
US4487997A (en) Electric cable
AU2007349106B2 (en) Electric connector with a dust cover
KR100492804B1 (ko) 기다란 가요성 전기 도체
US6805567B2 (en) Power distribution system
US4437725A (en) Junction connections for modular wiring systems
AU655069B2 (en) Flexible conductive track
US6007367A (en) Apparatus for connecting cable cores
US5470250A (en) Bridging terminal block
US4968267A (en) Programmable microcontroller microbus connector arrangement
RU2107372C1 (ru) Электрическая распределительная шина
US5897383A (en) Cross-connect bus
US6191358B1 (en) Building entrance box with localized wire potting
EP0744092B1 (fr) Systeme de distribution electrique
EP0105589A1 (fr) Connecteur d'adaptation hermaphrodite

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19940221

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19960321

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

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

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19971125

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

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

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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20000426

Ref country code: LI

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: 20000426

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20000426

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20000426

Ref country code: CH

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: 20000426

Ref country code: BE

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: 20000426

Ref country code: AT

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: 20000426

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 192268

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20000515

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69230971

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20000531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20000726

Ref country code: DK

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: 20000726

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: 20000805

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20000807

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20000831

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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: GB

Payment date: 20050204

Year of fee payment: 13

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050222

Year of fee payment: 13

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20050223

Year of fee payment: 13

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: 20050805

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20050805

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: 20060301

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

Effective date: 20050805

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: 20060428

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20060428