EP0662069B1 - Tapping device for a keg spigot - Google Patents

Tapping device for a keg spigot Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0662069B1
EP0662069B1 EP93920751A EP93920751A EP0662069B1 EP 0662069 B1 EP0662069 B1 EP 0662069B1 EP 93920751 A EP93920751 A EP 93920751A EP 93920751 A EP93920751 A EP 93920751A EP 0662069 B1 EP0662069 B1 EP 0662069B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tapping
plunger
pin
slot
base
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
EP93920751A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0662069A1 (en
Inventor
Julian Digby Hubbard
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.)
R T C Ltd
Original Assignee
R T C 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 R T C Ltd filed Critical R T C Ltd
Publication of EP0662069A1 publication Critical patent/EP0662069A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0662069B1 publication Critical patent/EP0662069B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08Details
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08Details
    • B67D1/0829Keg connection means
    • B67D1/0831Keg connection means combined with valves
    • B67D1/0832Keg connection means combined with valves with two valves disposed concentrically
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08Details
    • B67D1/0829Keg connection means
    • B67D1/0841Details
    • B67D1/0848Locking means
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/2931Diverse fluid containing pressure systems
    • Y10T137/3115Gas pressure storage over or displacement of liquid
    • Y10T137/3127With gas maintenance or application
    • Y10T137/314Unitary mounting for gas pressure inlet and liquid outlet
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/598With repair, tapping, assembly, or disassembly means
    • Y10T137/612Tapping a pipe, keg, or apertured tank under pressure
    • Y10T137/613With valved closure or bung
    • Y10T137/6137Longitudinal movement of valve

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new piercing device for a keg tap.
  • the piercing device is part of a beer dispensing device which can be placed on a keg, as is e.g. is described in European Patent 0 283 797 or German Utility Model 91 10 371.
  • the keg valve is opened with the aid of a piercing element, which is moved down mechanically by a threaded ring (EP 0 283 797) or by a lever (DE-U 91 10 371).
  • the piercing device is e.g. fixed with the help of a pawl on the keg, inside the piercing element there is the beer line through which it reaches the tap.
  • the present invention is suitable for both procedures.
  • the present invention has therefore set itself the task; to create a piercing device for a keg tap, which allows one-handed operation and at the same time only requires a low overall height.
  • a piercing device for a keg tapper with a holding element for a base having a keg connection and therein a beer line with a tap valve and a piercing element sealed against a pressure chamber, in which, according to the invention, the base has a helical slot with a slope corresponding at least to the opening travel of the valve opening element.
  • a bayonet sleeve can be inserted into the base from above, which has its own slot that can be brought into alignment with the slot and an opposite guide edge of the same pitch, the guide edge being assigned an insertion that is open at the bottom.
  • an internally hollow piercing rap is held movably with a valve opening element and is connected to a circumferential lifting lever which extends through the slots and is arranged opposite a counter pin which is guided on the leading edge.
  • An immersion rapier provided with O-rings is inserted into the rapier, which inside has a pressure chamber sealed against the rapier and a connection bore to the latter.
  • the diving sword carries the beer line provided with a base seal on the inside, whereby a free space is left as a pressure space between the diving sword and the beer line.
  • the base then has a sleeve on the holding element, against which the piercing rapier is sealed with an upper O-ring, a transverse bore running beneath the O-ring in the piercing rapier.
  • the device is suitable for dispensers equipped with air pumps as well as with a CO2 connection.
  • the circumferential lifting lever and the counter pin can be in the open position, i.e. at the lower end of the coils e.g. by changing the pitch of the coil due to friction against the opening pressure of the keg valve spring.
  • the slots at the lower end of the coils have convex recesses that bulge upward.
  • the device can be provided with a valve for the use of the tap with a CO2 connection in the form of cartridges or bottles, which closes the gas outlet when the valve opening element is raised.
  • a valve for the use of the tap with a CO2 connection in the form of cartridges or bottles, which closes the gas outlet when the valve opening element is raised.
  • the piercing blade can have an upper plate, preferably a double plate, the edge (edges) of which lie in the bayonet sleeve and guide the piercing blade without tilting.
  • the receptacle for the circumferential lifting lever is preferably molded into the plate and this has a mounting opening accessible from above for the insertion of a locking pin, which connects the circumferential lifting lever to the piercing sword as a toggle.
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the piercing device.
  • FIG. 1 shows these assembled in section.
  • Figure 3 shows an external view thereof.
  • the beer line 2 is shown with a base seal 16, which is provided on the head side with a tap connection 28, which in turn has a tap bore 29 and a pressure medium bore 30.
  • This beer line is pushed into the hollow plunge epee 13 and has an undersize on its inner wall, so that an annular space is created, via which the pressure medium (CO2, air from a hand pump) from the pressure medium bore 30 in the lower part of the plunge dore 13 to Can reach foot seal, with the lower end of the beer line 2 and the lower end of the immersion rapier - where after the foot seal 16 also rests - coincide approximately.
  • CO2 pressure medium
  • the diving rapier has three O-rings 10, 11, 12 and, below the central O-ring 11, a connecting bore 15 through which the pressure medium can emerge from the annular space between the beer line 2 and the diving rapier 13.
  • Immersion rapier 13 and beer line 2 rest in the piercing rap 6 after complete assembly and are inserted into the rapier rapier 6 after assembly of the remaining parts, the O-rings 10, 11, 12 sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the piercing rapier 6, which also has a longitudinal bore 31.
  • the device also has the base 1, the bayonet sleeve 4 and the circumferential lifting lever 7 with the handle 32 and the handle cover 33.
  • the base is a hollow cylinder and has a bottom Holding element 17, in the form of a thread that can be screwed into a corresponding mating thread of a keg, and a helical slot 3 of uniform or variable pitch.
  • the bayonet sleeve 4 has a congruent slot 3 'and opposite a slot of the same pitch or at least an upper guide edge 26 with the insertion 5 open at the bottom and internal stops 34 as an attachment for the base plate 35 of the tap connection.
  • the piercing blade shows at the top a plate 22 with a counter pin 8 opposite the circumferential lifting lever (steel) 7 and also a receptacle 23 for the lever 7 and a mounting opening 27 accessible from above for the attachment of a locking pin 36 penetrating the lever 7 at the end with O-rings 19, 19 ', between which the transverse bore 20 lies for the transmission of the pressure emitted via the connecting bore 15.
  • the immersion blade 6 is first pushed into the base 1 and then the bayonet sleeve 4 on the immersion blade, the counter pin 8 passing through the insertion 5 and resting on the leading edge 26.
  • the circumferential lifting lever is then inserted from the outside into the plate 22 of the piercing blade and fixed by the fastening pin 24.
  • handle 32 and handle cover 33 are attached to the circumferential lifting lever 7 and immersion rapier 13 with beer line 2 and tap connection 28 is introduced from above through the bayonet sleeve 4 into the piercing rapier 6.
  • the parts are fixed against each other as necessary (screwed, locked).
  • Figure 2 shows the base 1 with bayonet sleeve 4 and piercing sword 6, in the plate 22, the receptacle 23 for the lever 7 and the abutment of the counter pin 8 against the leading edge 26.
  • the sleeve 18 is arranged, in which the O -Rings 19 and 19 'of the piercing blade 6 lie sealingly and form between them a pressure chamber 37 which is closed to the outside in the upper position of the piercing blade 6 shown.
  • the lower O-ring seal 19 reaches the area of the funnel-shaped widening 21 and releases the pressure chamber 37 downwards (the keg valve being actuated at the same time) and compressed gas is able to pass through the transverse bore 20 in kick the keg.
  • Figure 3 shows the external view of the parts shown in Figure 2 with the foot thread of the base as a holding element 17 on the keg, under which a sealing ring is applied in a known manner.
  • the slot 3 has a height difference which corresponds at least to the opening travel of the piercing element 9 (FIG. 2), and, as a safeguard for the lever 7 in the lower position, an upwardly bulging latching recess into which the lever is held by the keg. Valve is pressed so that it can not move automatically.

Landscapes

  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Details Of Valves (AREA)
  • Devices For Opening Bottles Or Cans (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tapping device for a keg spigot with a holder (17) for a base (1) having a keg connector with, inside it, a beer pipe (2) sealed against a pressure chamber with a spigot valve and a tapping component (9), in which, according to the invention, the base (1) has a helical-section slot (3) with a pitch at least corresponding to the opening travel of the valve opening component (9). A bayonet sleeve can be inserted into the base (1) from above and has its own slot (3') which can be brought into register with the slot (3) and an opposite guide edge (26) with the same pitch, being a led-in (5) open at the bottom is allocated to the guide edge (26). Between the bayonet sleeve (4) and the base (1) a hollow tapping pin (6) with a valve opening component (9) is movably held and connected to a circumferentially movable lever (7) engaging through the slot (3, 3') opposite which there is a counter-pin (8) guided on the guide edge (26). An immersion pin (13) fitted with O-rings (10, 11, 12) is inserted into the tapping pin (6) and a connecting drilling therewith. Inside the immersion pin (13) there is a beer pipe (2) with a seal at the foot (16), and there is an empty space serving as a pressure chamber (37) between the immersion pin (13) and the beer pipe (2). The base (1) has a sleeve (18) butting on the holding component (17) against which the tapping pin (6) is sealed by an upper O-ring (19',) while there is a transverse drilling (20) in the tapping pin beneath the O-ring.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine neue Anstechvorrichtung für einen Kegzapfer. Die Anstechvorrichtung ist dabei Teil einer auf ein Keg aufsetzbaren Bierzapfvorrichtung, wie sie z.B. in dem Europäischen Patent 0 283 797 oder dem Deutschen Gebrauchsmuster 91 10 371 beschrieben ist.The present invention relates to a new piercing device for a keg tap. The piercing device is part of a beer dispensing device which can be placed on a keg, as is e.g. is described in European Patent 0 283 797 or German Utility Model 91 10 371.

Das Öffnen des Keg-Ventils geschieht beim Stand der Technik mit Hilfe eines Anstechelements, das mechanisch durch einen Gewindering (EP 0 283 797) oder durch einen Hebel (DE-U 91 10 371) nach unten bewegt wird. Die Anstechvorrichtung ist dabei z.B. mit Hilfe einer Klinke auf dem Keg festgelegt, im Inneren des Anstechelements befindet sich die Bierleitung, über die es zum Zapfhahn gelangt.In the prior art, the keg valve is opened with the aid of a piercing element, which is moved down mechanically by a threaded ring (EP 0 283 797) or by a lever (DE-U 91 10 371). The piercing device is e.g. fixed with the help of a pawl on the keg, inside the piercing element there is the beer line through which it reaches the tap.

Der notwendige Innendruck im Keg wird hierfür mit Hilfe einer Handpumpe oder mit Hilfe von CO₂-Patronen aufrechterhalten, die vorliegende Erfindung ist für beide Verfahrensweisen geeignet.The necessary internal pressure in the keg is maintained for this with the help of a hand pump or with the help of CO₂ cartridges, the present invention is suitable for both procedures.

Das Problem beim Stand der Technik besteht darin, daß einerseits die Betätigung der Anstechvorrichtung mit Hilfe eines Schraubringes umständlich ist und andererseits ein von oben nach unten schwenkender Hebel eine große Bauhöhe voraussetzt, damit der Hebel nicht auf dem Keg-Rand aufliegt. Ein weiterer Nachteil besteht darin, daß die Entriegelung mit zwei Händen erfolgen muß, da vor dem Anheben des Hebels eine Sperrraste gelöst werden muß.The problem with the prior art is that, on the one hand, the actuation of the piercing device with the aid of a screw ring is cumbersome and, on the other hand, a lever pivoting from top to bottom requires a large overall height so that the lever does not rest on the keg edge. Another disadvantage is that the unlocking must be done with two hands, since a locking catch must be released before lifting the lever.

Die vorliegende Erfindung hat sich daher die Aufgabe gestellt; eine Anstechvorrichtung für einen Keg-Zapfer zu schaffen, der eine Einhandbedienung erlaubt und gleichzeitig nur eine niedrige Bauhöhe erfordert.The present invention has therefore set itself the task; to create a piercing device for a keg tap, which allows one-handed operation and at the same time only requires a low overall height.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe gelingt mit einer Anstechvorrichtung für einen Kegzapfer mit einem Halteelement für einen Keganschluß aufweisenden Sockel und darin gegen einen Druckraum abgedichtete Bierleitung mit Zapfventil und Anstechelement, bei welcher erfindungsgemäß der Sockel einen wendelförmigen Schlitz mit einer mindestens dem Öffnungsweg des Ventilöffnungselements entsprechender Steigung aufweist. In den Sockel ist von oben eine Bajonetthülse einsetzbar, die einen mit dem Schlitz in Deckung bringbaren eigenen Schlitz sowie eine gegenüberliegende Führungskante gleicher Steigung aufweist, wobei der Führungskante eine nach unten offene Einführung zugeordnet ist. Zwischen der Bajonetthülse und dem Sockel ist ein innen hohler Anstechdegen mit einem Ventilöffnungselement beweglich gehalten und mit einem die Schlitze durchgreifenden Umfangshubhebel verbunden, dem gegenüberliegend ein an der Führungskante geführter Gegenzapfen angeordnet ist. In den Anstechdegen ist ein mit O-Ringen versehener Tauchdegen eingeschoben, der innen eine gegen den Anstechdegen abgedichtete Druckkammer und zu diesem eine Verbindungsbohrung aufweist. Der Tauchdegen trägt innenliegend die mit einer Fußdichtung versehene Bierleitung, wobei zwischen Tauchdegen und Bierleitung ein Freiraum als Druckraum freigelassen ist. Der Sockel besitzt anschließend an das Halteelement eine Hülse gegen die der Anstechdegen mit einem oberen O-Ring abgedichtet ist, wobei unterhalb des O-Ringes im Anstechdegen eine Querbohrung verläuft.This object is achieved with a piercing device for a keg tapper with a holding element for a base having a keg connection and therein a beer line with a tap valve and a piercing element sealed against a pressure chamber, in which, according to the invention, the base has a helical slot with a slope corresponding at least to the opening travel of the valve opening element. A bayonet sleeve can be inserted into the base from above, which has its own slot that can be brought into alignment with the slot and an opposite guide edge of the same pitch, the guide edge being assigned an insertion that is open at the bottom. Between the bayonet sleeve and the base, an internally hollow piercing rap is held movably with a valve opening element and is connected to a circumferential lifting lever which extends through the slots and is arranged opposite a counter pin which is guided on the leading edge. An immersion rapier provided with O-rings is inserted into the rapier, which inside has a pressure chamber sealed against the rapier and a connection bore to the latter. The diving sword carries the beer line provided with a base seal on the inside, whereby a free space is left as a pressure space between the diving sword and the beer line. The base then has a sleeve on the holding element, against which the piercing rapier is sealed with an upper O-ring, a transverse bore running beneath the O-ring in the piercing rapier.

Mit der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es erstmals möglich, durch ein radiales Schwenken des die Öffnung des Kegs bewirkenden Umfangshebels die Verbindung der Bierleitung von Keg und Zapfer herzustellen, wobei ein Schwenken des Hebels ausreicht und dessen Bewegung auf den Arbeitsweg des Anstechelementes selbst beschränkt ist.With the present invention, it is possible for the first time to establish the connection of the beer line from the keg and tapper by radially pivoting the circumferential lever causing the opening of the keg, wherein pivoting of the lever is sufficient and its movement is restricted to the working path of the piercing element itself.

Die Vorrichtung ist sowohl für mit Luftpumpen, als auch mit CO₂-Anschluß ausgestattete Zapfer geignet.The device is suitable for dispensers equipped with air pumps as well as with a CO₂ connection.

Der Umfangshubhebel und der Gegenzapfen können in der Offen-Stellung, d.h. am unteren Ende der Wendeln z.B. durch veränderte Steigung der Wendel durch Reibung gegen den Öffnungsdruck der Keg-Ventilfeder gehalten werden.The circumferential lifting lever and the counter pin can be in the open position, i.e. at the lower end of the coils e.g. by changing the pitch of the coil due to friction against the opening pressure of the keg valve spring.

Vorgezogen wird jedoch eine Zwangshalterung, wozu in einfacher Weise die Schlitze am unteren Ende der Wendeln nach oben ausgewölbte Rastausnehmungen aufweisen.However, a forced holder is preferred, for which purpose the slots at the lower end of the coils have convex recesses that bulge upward.

Die Vorrichtung kann für die Verwendung des Zapfers mit CO₂-Anschluß in Form von Patronen oder Flaschen mit einem Ventil versehen werden, das den Gasaustritt bei Anheben des Ventilöffnungselements schließt. Dazu wird vorgeschlagen, den Anstechdegen unterhalb der Querbohrung mit einer zweiten O-Ringdichtung zu versehen und die Hülse nach unten trichterförmig zu erweitern, wobei diese zweite O-Ringdichtung beim Absenken des Anstechdegens in den Bereich der Erweiterung gelangt und den Druckgasweg freigibt und umgekehrt beim Heben des Degens sich an die Hülseninnenwandung dichtend anlegt und den Gasweg sperrt.The device can be provided with a valve for the use of the tap with a CO₂ connection in the form of cartridges or bottles, which closes the gas outlet when the valve opening element is raised. For this purpose, it is proposed to provide the piercing rapier below the transverse bore with a second O-ring seal and to widen the sleeve downwards in a funnel shape, this second O-ring seal reaching the area of the extension when the piercing rapier is lowered and releasing the compressed gas path and vice versa when lifting of the dew forms a seal against the inner wall of the sleeve and blocks the gas path.

Für eine verzugfreie Führung des Anstechdegens kann der Anstechdegen einen oberen Teller, vorzugsweise einen Doppelteller aufweisen, dessen Rand (Ränder) in der Bajonetthülse gleitend anliegen und den Anstechdegen kippfrei führen. In den Teller ist weiterhin vorzugsweise die Aufnahme für den Umfangshubhebel eingeformt und dieser weist eine von oben zugängliche Montageöffnung für das Einführen eines Sicherungsstiftes auf, der als Knebel den Umfangshubhebel mit dem Anstechdegen verbindet.For a warp-free guiding of the piercing blade, the piercing blade can have an upper plate, preferably a double plate, the edge (edges) of which lie in the bayonet sleeve and guide the piercing blade without tilting. Furthermore, the receptacle for the circumferential lifting lever is preferably molded into the plate and this has a mounting opening accessible from above for the insertion of a locking pin, which connects the circumferential lifting lever to the piercing sword as a toggle.

Anhand der beiliegenden Figuren wird die vorliegende Erfindung näher erläutert.The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Explosionszeichnung der Anstechvorrichtung. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the piercing device.

Figur 2 zeigt diese montiert im Schnitt. Figure 2 shows these assembled in section.

Figur 3 zeigt davon eine Außenansicht. Figure 3 shows an external view thereof.

In Figur 1 ist die Bierleitung 2 mit einer Fußdichtung 16 gezeigt, die kopfseitig mit einem Zapfhahnanschluß 28 versehen ist, die wiederum eine Zapfhahnbohrung 29 und eine Druckmediumbohrung 30 aufweist. Diese Bierleitung wird in den innen hohlen Tauchdegen 13 hineingeschoben und besitzt zu dessen Innenwandung ein Untermaß, so daß ein Ringraum entsteht, über den das Druckmedium (CO₂, Luft aus einer Handpumpe) aus der Druckmediumbohrung 30 in den unteren Teil des Tauchdegens 13 bis zu der Fußdichtung gelangen kann, wobei unteres Ende der Bierleitung 2 und unteres Ende des Tauchdegens - wo nach Montage auch die Fußdichtung 16 ruht - etwa zusammenfallen.In Figure 1 , the beer line 2 is shown with a base seal 16, which is provided on the head side with a tap connection 28, which in turn has a tap bore 29 and a pressure medium bore 30. This beer line is pushed into the hollow plunge epee 13 and has an undersize on its inner wall, so that an annular space is created, via which the pressure medium (CO₂, air from a hand pump) from the pressure medium bore 30 in the lower part of the plunge dore 13 to Can reach foot seal, with the lower end of the beer line 2 and the lower end of the immersion rapier - where after the foot seal 16 also rests - coincide approximately.

Der Tauchdegen besitzt drei O-Ringe 10, 11, 12, sowie unterhalb des mittleren O-Ringes 11 eine Verbindungsbohrung 15, über die das Druckmedium aus dem Ringraum zwischen Bierleitung 2 und Tauchdegen 13 austreten kann.The diving rapier has three O-rings 10, 11, 12 and, below the central O-ring 11, a connecting bore 15 through which the pressure medium can emerge from the annular space between the beer line 2 and the diving rapier 13.

Tauchdegen 13 und Bierleitung 2 ruhen nach vollständiger Montage im Anstechdegen 6 und werden nach Montage der restlichen Teile von oben in diesen eingeschoben, wobei die O-Ringe 10,11,12 gegen die Innenwandung des ebenfalls eine Längsbohrung 31 aufweisenden Anstechdegens 6 abdichtend anliegen.Immersion rapier 13 and beer line 2 rest in the piercing rap 6 after complete assembly and are inserted into the rapier rapier 6 after assembly of the remaining parts, the O-rings 10, 11, 12 sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the piercing rapier 6, which also has a longitudinal bore 31.

Die Vorrichtung weist weiterhin den Sockel 1, die Bajonetthülse 4 und den Umfangshubhebel 7 mit Griff 32 und Griffdeckel 33 auf. Der Sockel ist ein Hohlzylinder und besitzt unten ein Halteelement 17, in Form eines Gewindes, das in ein entsprechendes Gegengewinde eines Kegs eingeschraubt werden kann, sowie einen wendelförmigen Schlitz 3 gleichmäßiger oder variabler Steigung. Die Bajonetthülse 4 weist einen deckungsgleichen Schlitz 3' auf und gegenüberliegend einen Schlitz gleicher Steigung oder wenigstens eine obere Führungskante 26 mit nach unten geöffneter Einführung 5 sowie innere Anschläge 34 als Anlage für die Bodenplatte 35 des Zapfhahnanschlusses.The device also has the base 1, the bayonet sleeve 4 and the circumferential lifting lever 7 with the handle 32 and the handle cover 33. The base is a hollow cylinder and has a bottom Holding element 17, in the form of a thread that can be screwed into a corresponding mating thread of a keg, and a helical slot 3 of uniform or variable pitch. The bayonet sleeve 4 has a congruent slot 3 'and opposite a slot of the same pitch or at least an upper guide edge 26 with the insertion 5 open at the bottom and internal stops 34 as an attachment for the base plate 35 of the tap connection.

Der Anstechdegen zeigt oben einen Teller 22 mit einem dem Umfangshubhebel (Stahl) 7 gegenüberliegenden Gegenzapfen 8 und weiterhin eine Aufnahme 23 für den Hebel 7 sowie eine von oben zugängliche Montageöffnung 27 zur Anbringung eines den Hebel 7 endseitig durchdringenden Sicherungsstiftes 36. Daran schließt sich ein Rohrstück mit O-Ringen 19, 19' an, zwischen denen die Querbohrung 20 zur Weiterleitung des über die Verbindungsbohrung 15 abgegebenen Drucks liegt.The piercing blade shows at the top a plate 22 with a counter pin 8 opposite the circumferential lifting lever (steel) 7 and also a receptacle 23 for the lever 7 and a mounting opening 27 accessible from above for the attachment of a locking pin 36 penetrating the lever 7 at the end with O-rings 19, 19 ', between which the transverse bore 20 lies for the transmission of the pressure emitted via the connecting bore 15.

Zum Zusammenbau wird zunächst der Tauchdegen 6 in den Sockel 1 geschoben und danach die Bajonetthülse 4 auf den Tauchdegen, wobei der Gegenzapfen 8 die Einführung 5 durchläuft und sich an die Führungskante 26 anlegt. Dabei werden die Schlitze 3, 3' durch die Führungskante 26 um 180° versetzt wiederholt. Anschließend wird der Umfangshubhebel von außen in den Teller 22 des Anstechdegens eingeschoben und durch den Befestigungsstift 24 festgelegt. Danach werden Griff 32 und Griffdeckel 33 auf dem Umfangshubhebel 7 befestigt und Tauchdegen 13 mit Bierleitung 2 und Zapfhahnanschluß 28 von oben durch die Bajonetthülse 4 in den Anstechdegen 6 eingebracht. Die Teile werden soweit nötig gegeneinander festgelegt (verschraubt, verrastet). Bewegt man nunmehr den Hebel 7 längs der Schlitze 3, 3', so beschreibt dieser eine Wendelbewegung, d.h. er bewegt sich in Umfangsrichtung und gleichzeitig auf- oder abwärts, ebenso wie der Gegenzapfen 8 längs der Kante 26. Diese Kante 26 kann Teil eines analogen eine Einführung aufweisenden Schlitzes sein. Mit der Hebelbewegung dreht sich auch der Anstechdegen 6 koaxial und führt eine entsprechende Aufwärts- oder Abwärtsbewegung aus und öffnet in letzterem Falle das Keg-Ventil.To assemble, the immersion blade 6 is first pushed into the base 1 and then the bayonet sleeve 4 on the immersion blade, the counter pin 8 passing through the insertion 5 and resting on the leading edge 26. The slots 3, 3 'are repeated through the leading edge 26 offset by 180 °. The circumferential lifting lever is then inserted from the outside into the plate 22 of the piercing blade and fixed by the fastening pin 24. Then handle 32 and handle cover 33 are attached to the circumferential lifting lever 7 and immersion rapier 13 with beer line 2 and tap connection 28 is introduced from above through the bayonet sleeve 4 into the piercing rapier 6. The parts are fixed against each other as necessary (screwed, locked). If the lever 7 is now moved along the slots 3, 3 ', this describes a spiral movement, ie it moves in the circumferential direction and at the same time upwards or downwards, just like the counter pin 8 along the edge 26. This edge 26 can be part of an analogue one be an insertion slot. With the lever movement also turns the piercing blade 6 coaxially and performs a corresponding upward or downward movement and in the latter case opens the keg valve.

Figur 2 zeigt den Sockel 1 mit Bajonetthülse 4 und Anstechdegen 6, in dessen Teller 22 die Aufnahme 23 für den Hebel 7 und die Anlage des Gegenzapfens 8 gegen die Führungskante 26. Im Fuß des Sockels 1 ist die Hülse 18 angeordnet, in der die O-Ringe 19 und 19' des Anstechdegens 6 dichtend liegen und zwischen sich einen in der gezeigten oberen Stellung des Anstechdegens 6 nach außen abgeschlossenen Druckraum 37 bilden. Figure 2 shows the base 1 with bayonet sleeve 4 and piercing sword 6, in the plate 22, the receptacle 23 for the lever 7 and the abutment of the counter pin 8 against the leading edge 26. In the base of the base 1, the sleeve 18 is arranged, in which the O -Rings 19 and 19 'of the piercing blade 6 lie sealingly and form between them a pressure chamber 37 which is closed to the outside in the upper position of the piercing blade 6 shown.

Bewegt man den Anstechdegen 6 nach unten, so gelangt die untere O-Ringdichtung 19' in den Bereich der trichterförmigen Aufweitung 21 und gibt den Druckraum 37 nach unten frei (wobei gleichzeitig das Keg-Ventil betätigt wird) und Druckgas vermag über die Querbohrung 20 in das Keg auszutreten.If the piercing blade 6 is moved downwards, the lower O-ring seal 19 'reaches the area of the funnel-shaped widening 21 and releases the pressure chamber 37 downwards (the keg valve being actuated at the same time) and compressed gas is able to pass through the transverse bore 20 in kick the keg.

Umgekehrt wird beim Anheben des Anstechdegens 6 der Druckraum 37 geschlossen, was bedeutet, daß aus dem Patronenanschluß beim Auswechseln des Kegs oder einer anderweitigen Demontage kein CO₂ austreten kann.Conversely, when the piercing blade 6 is raised, the pressure chamber 37 is closed, which means that no CO₂ can escape from the cartridge connection when the keg is replaced or otherwise dismantled.

Figur 3 zeigt die Außenansicht der in Figur 2 dagestellten Teile mit dem Fußgewinde des Sockels als Halteelement 17 auf dem Keg, unter dem ein Dichtring in bekannter Weise aufgebracht wird. Figure 3 shows the external view of the parts shown in Figure 2 with the foot thread of the base as a holding element 17 on the keg, under which a sealing ring is applied in a known manner.

Der Schlitz 3 weist von Ende zu Ende eine Höhendifferenz auf, die mindestens dem Öffnungsweg des Anstechelements 9 (Figur 2) entspricht, sowie als Sicherung für den Hebel 7 in der unteren Stellung eine nach oben ausgewölbte Rastausnehmung, in die der Hebel durch das Keg-Ventil gedrückt wird, so daß er nicht selbsttätig wandern kann.From the end to the end, the slot 3 has a height difference which corresponds at least to the opening travel of the piercing element 9 (FIG. 2), and, as a safeguard for the lever 7 in the lower position, an upwardly bulging latching recess into which the lever is held by the keg. Valve is pressed so that it can not move automatically.

BezugszeichenlisteReference list

11
Sockelbase
22nd
BierleitungBeer line
3, 3'3, 3 '
Schlitzslot
44th
BajonetthülseBayonet sleeve
55
Einführungintroduction
66
AnstechdegenRapier
77
UmfangshubhebelCircumferential lifting lever
88th
GegenzapfenCounter pin
99
AnstechelementPiercing element
10,11,1210, 11, 12
O-RingeO-rings
1313
TauchdegenDiving rapier
1414
DruckkammerPressure chamber
1515
VerbindungsbohrungConnecting hole
1616
FußdichtungFoot gasket
1717th
HalteelementHolding element
1818th
HülseSleeve
19, 19'19, 19 '
O-RingeO-rings
2020th
QuerbohrungCross hole
2121
AufweitungWidening
2222
TellerPlate
2323
Aufnahmeadmission
2424th
BefestigungsstiftMounting pin
2525th
RastausnehmungNotch
2626
FührungskanteLeading edge
2727
MontageöffnungAssembly opening
2828
ZapfhahnanschlußTap connection
2929
ZapfhahnführungTap guide
3030th
DruckmediumbohrungPressure medium bore
3131
LängsbohrungLongitudinal bore
3232
GriffHandle
3333
GriffdeckelHandle cover
3434
Anschlägeattacks
3535
BodenplatteBase plate
3636
SicherungsstiftLocking pin
3737
DruckraumPressure room

Claims (5)

  1. Tapping device for keg taps with a socket (1) having a holding element (17) for a keg connection and therein beer pipe (2), sealed off against a pressure chamber, with tap valve and tapping element (9) characterised by the following features:
    a) the socket (1) has a spiral-shaped slot (3) with a pitch corresponding to at least the opening path of the valve-opening element (9);
    b) into the socket can be introduced from above a bayonet collar (4) which has its own slot (3') which can be brought into congruence with the slot (3), as well as an opposite-lying guiding edge (26) of the same pitch, whereby, the guiding edge (26) is associated with a downwardly open entrance (5);
    c) between the bayonet collar (4) and socket(1) is movably held an inwardly hollow tapping plunger (6) with the valve-opening element (9) with a circumferential lifting lever (7) passing through the slots (3, 3') with which, oppositely-lying,is associated a counter spigot (8) guided on the guiding edge (26);
    d) into the tapping plunger (6) is pushed an immersion plunger (13) provided with O-rings (10, 11 12) which inwardly has a pressure camber (14) sealed off against the tapping plunger (6) and has a connecting bore (15) to this;
    e) the immersion plunger (13) carries, inwardly lying, the beer pipe (2) provided with a bottom seal (16), whereby, between immersion plunger (6) and beer pipe (2),a free space is-left free as pressure chamber (37);
    f) the socket (1) possesses, connecting on the holding element (17), a collar (18) against which the tapping plunger (6) is sealed off with an upper O-ring (19), whereby, below the O-ring, a transverse bore (20) runs in the tapping plunger (6).
  2. Tapping device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slots (3, 3') have lower stop notch recesses (25).
  3. Tapping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the tapping plunger (6) possesses, below the transverse bore (20), a second O-ring (19'), the collar (18) has a funnel-shaped widening (21).
  4. Tapping device according to at least one of claims 1 - 3, characterised in that the tapping plunger (6) has an upper plate (22) guided on the inner wall of the bayonet collar (4).
  5. Tapping device according to at least one of claims 1 - 4, characterised in that the plate (22) possesses a seat (23) for the circumferential lever and an upper assembly opening for the mounting of a fixing pin (24).
EP93920751A 1992-09-25 1993-09-17 Tapping device for a keg spigot Expired - Lifetime EP0662069B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4232142A DE4232142A1 (en) 1992-09-25 1992-09-25 Piercing device for a keg tap
DE4232142 1992-09-25
PCT/EP1993/002517 WO1994007791A1 (en) 1992-09-25 1993-09-17 Tapping device for a keg spigot

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0662069A1 EP0662069A1 (en) 1995-07-12
EP0662069B1 true EP0662069B1 (en) 1996-04-03

Family

ID=6468825

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93920751A Expired - Lifetime EP0662069B1 (en) 1992-09-25 1993-09-17 Tapping device for a keg spigot

Country Status (32)

Country Link
US (1) US5636656A (en)
EP (1) EP0662069B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2598888B2 (en)
KR (2) KR950701598A (en)
CN (1) CN1034801C (en)
AR (1) AR247869A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE136287T1 (en)
AU (1) AU667957B2 (en)
BG (1) BG61338B1 (en)
BR (1) BR9306525A (en)
CA (1) CA2136968A1 (en)
CZ (1) CZ284145B6 (en)
DE (2) DE4232142A1 (en)
DK (1) DK0662069T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2086964T3 (en)
FI (1) FI951355A0 (en)
GR (1) GR3019552T3 (en)
HK (1) HK156096A (en)
HR (1) HRP931191B1 (en)
HU (1) HU215214B (en)
MX (1) MX9305881A (en)
MY (1) MY109580A (en)
NO (1) NO303060B1 (en)
PL (1) PL172256B1 (en)
RO (1) RO117173B1 (en)
SI (1) SI9300499A (en)
SK (1) SK280023B6 (en)
TR (1) TR28569A (en)
UY (1) UY23658A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1994007791A1 (en)
YU (1) YU48650B (en)
ZA (1) ZA937070B (en)

Families Citing this family (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2742207B1 (en) * 1995-12-07 1998-01-23 Vitop CONNECTOR FOR INVIOLABLE TAP
DE19831186C2 (en) * 1998-07-11 2001-11-29 Hiwi Schankanlagen Gmbh I K Actuating device for the locking pin of the pivoting lever of a device for removing liquids under pressure from a container
DE19860075A1 (en) 1998-12-23 2000-06-29 Vickers Aeroquip Int Gmbh Arrangement for connecting two tubular elements
CN1111261C (en) * 1999-12-02 2003-06-11 王加新 Disc double-track valve on-off structure
US7178699B2 (en) * 2003-10-02 2007-02-20 Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Pinch faucet
US8678247B2 (en) * 2011-03-31 2014-03-25 Lancer Corporation Creamy foam beer dispensing system
EP2719656A1 (en) 2012-10-11 2014-04-16 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Keg connector
US9233827B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2016-01-12 Michael Charles Wanless Various container attachable one-handed controllable pneumatic fluid dispensing apparatus with vent valve
EP2923998A1 (en) 2014-03-24 2015-09-30 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Integral KEG connector
GB2550531A (en) 2014-07-25 2017-11-29 Sabmiller Plc Packaging
EP2987767A1 (en) 2014-08-19 2016-02-24 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Beverage dispensing appliance for multiple containers
WO2020038877A1 (en) * 2018-08-20 2020-02-27 Micro Matic A/S A dispensing line, a dispensing device and a beverage dispensing system
US11718517B2 (en) * 2021-03-10 2023-08-08 Ningbo Major Draft Beer Equipment Co., Ltd. Efficient distributor
GB2609930A (en) * 2021-08-17 2023-02-22 Polykeg S R L Compact beverage dispenser
RU208614U1 (en) * 2021-10-27 2021-12-28 Сергей Владимирович Князев NOZZLE FOR MANUAL FILLING OF BEVERAGE FROM KEG
US11807513B2 (en) * 2021-11-03 2023-11-07 Craft Standard Enterprises, Inc. Apparatus, system and method for mixing liquid in a beverage container

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US715622A (en) * 1902-02-26 1902-12-09 Joseph Stretch Faucet.
US965343A (en) * 1909-03-10 1910-07-26 Edward A Strong Sr Water-faucet.
US1585163A (en) * 1925-07-08 1926-05-18 William B Milner Rotary valve
US2642256A (en) * 1949-04-19 1953-06-16 Theodore A Stehlin Valve
US2952269A (en) * 1955-11-28 1960-09-13 Theodore A Stehlin Removable core-type valve
US3494373A (en) * 1966-02-28 1970-02-10 Murdock Mfg & Supply Co The Frostproof hydrant
US3684240A (en) * 1970-11-27 1972-08-15 Theodore A Stehlin Valves
US3753442A (en) * 1971-11-01 1973-08-21 Technical Dev Co Monitoring device and method
US4159102A (en) * 1977-09-28 1979-06-26 Draft Systems, Inc. Locking mechanism for coupler and valve assembly
EP0069816A1 (en) * 1981-07-10 1983-01-19 Robert Dessenoix Liquid tapping set using a compressed gas
US4450853A (en) * 1981-07-21 1984-05-29 Robert Dessenoix Assembly for drawing off a liquid by means of a gas under pressure
US4728010A (en) * 1986-07-22 1988-03-01 Johnston Mack S Keg tapper
DE3709334A1 (en) * 1987-03-21 1988-10-06 Romneya Trading Co Ltd KEG TAPER
DE3902527C1 (en) * 1989-01-28 1990-06-21 Joachim 7100 Heilbronn De Mogler
DE9110371U1 (en) * 1991-08-22 1991-10-10 Fass-Frisch GmbH, 7519 Eppingen Keg tapper

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GR3019552T3 (en) 1996-07-31
CZ258094A3 (en) 1995-11-15
PL172256B1 (en) 1997-08-29
RO117173B1 (en) 2001-11-30
CA2136968A1 (en) 1994-04-14
TR28569A (en) 1996-10-16
BG99511A (en) 1995-11-30
SK280023B6 (en) 1999-07-12
PL307257A1 (en) 1995-05-15
BG61338B1 (en) 1997-06-30
ZA937070B (en) 1994-04-18
US5636656A (en) 1997-06-10
ATE136287T1 (en) 1996-04-15
DE4232142A1 (en) 1994-03-31
WO1994007791A1 (en) 1994-04-14
NO951049L (en) 1995-03-20
HRP931191A2 (en) 1996-04-30
FI951355A (en) 1995-03-22
YU48650B (en) 1999-06-15
DE59302130D1 (en) 1996-05-09
AR247869A1 (en) 1995-04-28
SK128194A3 (en) 1995-06-07
HRP931191B1 (en) 1998-02-28
DK0662069T3 (en) 1996-05-06
CN1034801C (en) 1997-05-07
KR950701598A (en) 1995-04-28
NO303060B1 (en) 1998-05-25
FI951355A0 (en) 1995-03-22
JP2598888B2 (en) 1997-04-09
CZ284145B6 (en) 1998-08-12
UY23658A1 (en) 1993-10-07
AU4817993A (en) 1994-04-26
EP0662069A1 (en) 1995-07-12
HU9500641D0 (en) 1995-04-28
JPH07507528A (en) 1995-08-24
HU215214B (en) 1998-10-28
AU667957B2 (en) 1996-04-18
YU60793A (en) 1996-01-09
KR0119574Y1 (en) 1998-07-15
ES2086964T3 (en) 1996-07-01
BR9306525A (en) 1998-09-15
SI9300499A (en) 1994-03-31
MX9305881A (en) 1994-05-31
MY109580A (en) 1997-02-28
NO951049D0 (en) 1995-03-20
HK156096A (en) 1996-08-23
HUT69985A (en) 1995-09-28
CN1088543A (en) 1994-06-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0662069B1 (en) Tapping device for a keg spigot
EP0542241B1 (en) Bottle dispenser
DE3737431A1 (en) COUPLING FOR LIQUID TANKS
EP0455650B1 (en) Tap head for keg fittings
DE4400587A1 (en) Device for filling and emptying a gas bottle
EP0283797A1 (en) Keg tap
DE4121817C2 (en)
DE1657210B1 (en) Filling and siphon device for tapping liquids
EP1095872A1 (en) Venting valve for beverage cans
EP0529235A1 (en) Keg tap
WO1988007963A1 (en) Aerosol can
DE9218204U1 (en) Bottle dispenser
DE2712968A1 (en) EXHAUST DEVICE
DE4137353A1 (en) Bottle dispenser for sucking up liquid in bottle and dispensing - has cylinder-piston arrangement with lockable stop engaging toothed rod
DE3418530A1 (en) DEVICE FOR PLUGGING CONTAINERS WITH A NECK
DE19805198A1 (en) Carbonated drinks bottle
DE2156379A1 (en) Device for installing filter candles in a container
DE4204660C2 (en) Device for removing liquids under pressure from a compressed gas from a container
EP0804970A2 (en) Hand held spray gun for high pressure cleaning apparatus
DE3616282C2 (en)
DE107968C (en)
DE8335012U1 (en) Thermos bottle cap
DE3529817A1 (en) Container with a closable outlet aperture
DE1532652B1 (en) Tapping device for placing on a bunghole closure
DE29822471U1 (en) Device for enriching liquids with gases

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: 19940915

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 PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950711

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

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: BARZANO' E ZANARDO MILANO S.P.A.

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 PT SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 136287

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19960415

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: PATENTANWALTSBUERO FELDMANN AG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59302130

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19960509

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: 67863

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

Effective date: 19960503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: FG4A

Free format text: 3019552

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2086964

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

SC4A Pt: translation is available

Free format text: 960430 AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

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: GB

Payment date: 20000717

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20000718

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20000726

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20000829

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20000908

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20000921

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: MC

Payment date: 20000922

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20000922

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20000922

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20000922

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20000922

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20000922

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20000922

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20000926

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20001121

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20010917

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20010917

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20010917

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20010917

Ref country code: DK

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

Effective date: 20010917

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20010917

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: 20010918

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20010918

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: 20010930

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20010930

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20010930

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20010930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: R.T.C. LTD

Effective date: 20010930

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

Ref country code: PT

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

Effective date: 20020331

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020401

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: 20020501

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 93920751.0

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

Effective date: 20010917

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: 20020531

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20020401

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Effective date: 20020331

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20020401

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20021011

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: 20050917