EP0698417A3 - Sprinkler for dispensing a fluid - Google Patents

Sprinkler for dispensing a fluid Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0698417A3
EP0698417A3 EP95112644A EP95112644A EP0698417A3 EP 0698417 A3 EP0698417 A3 EP 0698417A3 EP 95112644 A EP95112644 A EP 95112644A EP 95112644 A EP95112644 A EP 95112644A EP 0698417 A3 EP0698417 A3 EP 0698417A3
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water flow
sprinkler
sprinkling
gearing
rotating
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
EP95112644A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0698417B2 (en
EP0698417B1 (en
EP0698417A2 (en
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.)
Gardena Manufacturing GmbH
Original Assignee
Gardena Kress and Kastner GmbH
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=6526399&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0698417(A3) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Gardena Kress and Kastner GmbH filed Critical Gardena Kress and Kastner GmbH
Publication of EP0698417A2 publication Critical patent/EP0698417A2/en
Publication of EP0698417A3 publication Critical patent/EP0698417A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0698417B1 publication Critical patent/EP0698417B1/en
Publication of EP0698417B2 publication Critical patent/EP0698417B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
    • B05B3/003—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with braking means, e.g. friction rings designed to provide a substantially constant revolution speed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/70—Arrangements for moving spray heads automatically to or from the working position
    • B05B15/72—Arrangements for moving spray heads automatically to or from the working position using hydraulic or pneumatic means
    • B05B15/74—Arrangements for moving spray heads automatically to or from the working position using hydraulic or pneumatic means driven by the discharged fluid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
    • B05B3/02—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements
    • B05B3/04—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
    • B05B3/0486—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet the spray jet being generated by a rotary deflector rotated by liquid discharged onto it in a direction substantially parallel its rotation axis

Landscapes

  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Hydraulic Turbines (AREA)

Abstract

The sprinkler has a vertical mounting with a water flow driven turbine (8) which rotates faster than a direct driven rotor using a gearing (9) to step up the rotational speed. A water flow divider (7) with shaped contour spreads the water flow while the fast rotating head provides an added sprinkling effect. The spreading effect is adjustable by a rotating sleeve control (5). This adjusts the range of the sprinkling. The rotating drive provides a fast rotation even with low water pressures. The gearing includes eccentric gears.
EP95112644A 1994-08-24 1995-08-11 Sprinkler for dispensing a fluid Expired - Lifetime EP0698417B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4429952 1994-08-24
DE4429952A DE4429952A1 (en) 1994-08-24 1994-08-24 Sprinkler for discharging a fluid

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0698417A2 EP0698417A2 (en) 1996-02-28
EP0698417A3 true EP0698417A3 (en) 1996-12-11
EP0698417B1 EP0698417B1 (en) 2002-11-13
EP0698417B2 EP0698417B2 (en) 2006-01-18

Family

ID=6526399

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95112644A Expired - Lifetime EP0698417B2 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-11 Sprinkler for dispensing a fluid

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5718381A (en)
EP (1) EP0698417B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE227608T1 (en)
AU (1) AU699756B2 (en)
DE (2) DE4429952A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2185677T3 (en)
ZA (1) ZA957104B (en)

Families Citing this family (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IL116338A (en) * 1995-12-12 2001-09-13 Mamtirim Dan Rotary sprinkler
DE19634332A1 (en) * 1996-08-24 1998-02-26 Gardena Kress & Kastner Gmbh Irrigation device
US6499672B1 (en) 1999-11-03 2002-12-31 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Micro-stream rotator with adjustment of throw radius and flow rate
IT1316664B1 (en) * 2000-02-24 2003-04-24 Claber Spa MULTI-JET DISPENSING HEAD WITH COUNTER-ROTATING ELEMENTS FOR UNDERGROUND UNDERWATER
US6736332B2 (en) * 2001-03-28 2004-05-18 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Adjustable arc, adjustable flow rate sprinkler
US6651905B2 (en) * 2001-03-28 2003-11-25 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Adjustable arc, adjustable flow rate sprinkler
US7032836B2 (en) * 2001-03-28 2006-04-25 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Adjustable arc, adjustable flow rate sprinkler
DE10142143A1 (en) * 2001-08-29 2003-03-27 Gardena Kress & Kastner Gmbh Drive device for sprinkler unit has water-flow housing with separate chamber containing transmission and opening around pivot shaft for sprinkler head closed by sliding plate
US6666386B1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2003-12-23 Yu-Chiung Huang Atomizing nozzle structure
US6899287B2 (en) * 2002-12-16 2005-05-31 Senninger Irrigation Inc. Rotary sprinkler
US7191958B1 (en) * 2003-11-24 2007-03-20 Hsin-Fa Wang Revolving lawn sprinkler
US7478526B2 (en) * 2005-07-15 2009-01-20 Rain Bird Corporation Speed control apparatus for a rotary sprinkler
US7717361B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2010-05-18 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Distributor plate with diffuser on fixed shaft
US7624935B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2009-12-01 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Distributor plate and diffuser plate on sleeved shaft
IL178573A0 (en) * 2006-10-15 2007-02-11 Netafim Ltd Rotary sprinkler
US8651400B2 (en) * 2007-01-12 2014-02-18 Rain Bird Corporation Variable arc nozzle
US7703706B2 (en) * 2007-01-12 2010-04-27 Rain Bird Corporation Variable arc nozzle
US7748646B2 (en) * 2007-06-13 2010-07-06 Hunter Industries, Inc. Gear driven sprinkler with top turbine
US8282022B2 (en) * 2007-10-30 2012-10-09 Hunter Industries, Inc. Rotary stream sprinkler nozzle with offset flutes
US9808813B1 (en) 2007-10-30 2017-11-07 Hunter Industries, Inc. Rotary stream sprinkler nozzle with offset flutes
IT1390781B1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2011-09-23 Arno Drechsel DIFFUSER DEVICE OF LIQUIDS.
KR20110081144A (en) * 2008-09-09 2011-07-13 네뷸러 그룹 (비브이아이) 리미티드 Rotary atomizer with metal foam inserts
US8074897B2 (en) * 2008-10-09 2011-12-13 Rain Bird Corporation Sprinkler with variable arc and flow rate
US8915307B2 (en) * 2008-12-18 2014-12-23 Utc Fire & Security Corporation Atomizing nozzle for a fire suppression system
DE102009017293A1 (en) 2009-04-11 2010-10-14 Gardena Manufacturing Gmbh Regner
US8925837B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2015-01-06 Rain Bird Corporation Sprinkler with variable arc and flow rate and method
US8695900B2 (en) * 2009-05-29 2014-04-15 Rain Bird Corporation Sprinkler with variable arc and flow rate and method
US8272583B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2012-09-25 Rain Bird Corporation Sprinkler with variable arc and flow rate and method
US9504209B2 (en) * 2010-04-09 2016-11-29 Rain Bird Corporation Irrigation sprinkler nozzle
US8783582B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-07-22 Rain Bird Corporation Adjustable arc irrigation sprinkler nozzle configured for positive indexing
US9427751B2 (en) * 2010-04-09 2016-08-30 Rain Bird Corporation Irrigation sprinkler nozzle having deflector with micro-ramps
US9192110B2 (en) 2010-08-11 2015-11-24 The Toro Company Central irrigation control system
US9387496B2 (en) * 2011-10-27 2016-07-12 Carl L. C. Kah, III Apparatus for maintaining constant speed in a viscous damped rotary nozzle sprinkler
US9079202B2 (en) 2012-06-13 2015-07-14 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary variable arc nozzle
US9174227B2 (en) 2012-06-14 2015-11-03 Rain Bird Corporation Irrigation sprinkler nozzle
US9327297B2 (en) * 2012-07-27 2016-05-03 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary nozzle
US9295998B2 (en) 2012-07-27 2016-03-29 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary nozzle
US9314952B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-04-19 Rain Bird Corporation Irrigation spray nozzle and mold assembly and method of forming nozzle
US10322423B2 (en) 2016-11-22 2019-06-18 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary nozzle
US11154877B2 (en) 2017-03-29 2021-10-26 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary strip nozzles
US11511289B2 (en) 2017-07-13 2022-11-29 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary full circle nozzles and deflectors
US11000866B2 (en) 2019-01-09 2021-05-11 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary nozzles and deflectors
US11059056B2 (en) 2019-02-28 2021-07-13 Rain Bird Corporation Rotary strip nozzles and deflectors
US11406999B2 (en) 2019-05-10 2022-08-09 Rain Bird Corporation Irrigation nozzle with one or more grit vents
US11247219B2 (en) 2019-11-22 2022-02-15 Rain Bird Corporation Reduced precipitation rate nozzle
CN112588052A (en) * 2020-12-08 2021-04-02 华杏昌 Multidirectional rotation type water jet equipment for construction

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3567126A (en) * 1969-02-18 1971-03-02 Telsco Ind Rotary sprinkler having impulse-type turbine
GB1234723A (en) * 1968-02-19 1971-06-09 Ward Inc Ashley F Irrigation sprinkler
US3648933A (en) * 1971-03-04 1972-03-14 Mr Gardener Enterprises Ltd Watering can
US3854664A (en) * 1973-03-30 1974-12-17 Toro Co Sprinkler systems
GB2166669A (en) * 1984-10-24 1986-05-14 Zvi Rubinstein A rotating miniature sprinkler for irrigation systems
US5372307A (en) * 1993-08-10 1994-12-13 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Rotary sprinkler stream interrupter

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH187948A (en) † 1936-04-16 1936-12-15 Haenni & Cie Ag Gear, especially for free-jet rotary sprinklers.
DE1281736B (en) * 1964-01-06 1968-10-31 Moist O Matic Inc Method and device for evenly sprinkling an area
US3602431A (en) * 1969-05-23 1971-08-31 Lockwood George A sprinkler device for fluid distribution
USRE32386E (en) * 1973-10-11 1987-03-31 The Toro Company Sprinkler systems
US4474328A (en) * 1982-09-29 1984-10-02 Virginia Hale Variable lift sprinkler unit
US4712738A (en) * 1984-03-19 1987-12-15 Nomix Manufacturing Co. Limited Spraying equipment
US4660766A (en) * 1985-09-18 1987-04-28 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Rotary sprinkler head
IL77747A (en) * 1986-01-31 1991-07-18 Plastro Gvat Water sprinkler
US4967961A (en) * 1986-06-26 1990-11-06 Hunter Edwin J Rotary stream sprinkler unit
US4819872A (en) * 1986-07-01 1989-04-11 Peretz Rosenberg Liquid dispensing device and water sprinkler including same
US5007586A (en) * 1987-05-13 1991-04-16 Agroteam Consultants Ltd Rotary sprinklers
IL84542A (en) * 1987-11-19 1995-05-26 Lego Lemelstrich Ltd Rotary sprinkler
IL86226A (en) † 1988-04-29 1992-12-01 Mamtirim Dan Rotary sprinkler
US4986474A (en) * 1989-08-07 1991-01-22 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Stream propelled rotary pop-up sprinkler
US5058806A (en) * 1990-01-16 1991-10-22 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Stream propelled rotary pop-up sprinkler with adjustable sprinkling pattern
US5224653A (en) * 1992-01-31 1993-07-06 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Modular sprinkler assembly
US5415348A (en) * 1993-08-31 1995-05-16 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Quick change and easily identifiable nozzle construction for use in modular sprinkler assembly
US5439174A (en) * 1994-03-15 1995-08-08 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Nutating sprinkler

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1234723A (en) * 1968-02-19 1971-06-09 Ward Inc Ashley F Irrigation sprinkler
US3567126A (en) * 1969-02-18 1971-03-02 Telsco Ind Rotary sprinkler having impulse-type turbine
US3648933A (en) * 1971-03-04 1972-03-14 Mr Gardener Enterprises Ltd Watering can
US3854664A (en) * 1973-03-30 1974-12-17 Toro Co Sprinkler systems
US3854664B1 (en) * 1973-03-30 1986-01-21
GB2166669A (en) * 1984-10-24 1986-05-14 Zvi Rubinstein A rotating miniature sprinkler for irrigation systems
US5372307A (en) * 1993-08-10 1994-12-13 Nelson Irrigation Corporation Rotary sprinkler stream interrupter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2855995A (en) 1996-03-07
ES2185677T3 (en) 2003-05-01
EP0698417B2 (en) 2006-01-18
EP0698417B1 (en) 2002-11-13
EP0698417A2 (en) 1996-02-28
AU699756B2 (en) 1998-12-17
US5718381A (en) 1998-02-17
ZA957104B (en) 1996-04-15
ATE227608T1 (en) 2002-11-15
DE4429952A1 (en) 1996-02-29
DE59510452D1 (en) 2002-12-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0698417A3 (en) Sprinkler for dispensing a fluid
ES479660A1 (en) Epicyclic nozzle drive, an orbital nozzle unit and a hydraulic cleaning head incorporating the same.
DE60040009D1 (en) ROTARY SPRINKLER WITH ADJUSTABLE RANGE AND FLOW
WO2003034898A3 (en) Control system for rotational angioplasty device
EP1508378A3 (en) Rotating stream sprinkler
GB8404490D0 (en) Water sprinklers for lawns &c
EP0499151A3 (en) A shower with a micromotor operated revolving shower head
GB1234723A (en) Irrigation sprinkler
CA2121029A1 (en) Method of driving a turbine in rotation by means of a jet device
JPS5399103A (en) Boiler feed water pump controller
EP0293522A3 (en) Fluid motor driven washing acessory
CN208242471U (en) A kind of automatic sprinkler
CN211303563U (en) Irrigation spray nozzle installation device with lifting function
CN113853917A (en) Water and fertilizer integrated water-saving irrigation device
FI77497C (en) For continuous and pulsating water shower intended hand shower.
CN215461321U (en) Otolaryngology clinical medicine device that spouts with adjustable
CN210187529U (en) Voltage-stabilizing wave light spring device
CN218042940U (en) Adjustable agricultural reel formula sprinkling irrigation machine
CN220295041U (en) Landscape fountain equipment for gardens
CN216821112U (en) Selenium-rich fruit forest sprinkler irrigation system
CN214902821U (en) Running water irrigation equipment is used in municipal garden
CN213409090U (en) Anti-blocking cross atomizing spray head
SU1260030A1 (en) Sprinkler
KR910002413B1 (en) Apparatus for watering for cultivating plant
JPS5823435Y2 (en) cleaning equipment

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB IT LI SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB IT LI SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19970124

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19970509

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 CH DE ES FR GB IT LI SE

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

Effective date: 20021113

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 227608

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20021115

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59510452

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20021219

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: 20030213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2185677

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 20021113

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

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

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20030811

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: 20030831

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20030831

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: CLABER S.P.A

Effective date: 20030730

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20040819

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20040826

Year of fee payment: 10

PLAQ Examination of admissibility of opposition: information related to despatch of communication + time limit deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDOPE2

PLAR Examination of admissibility of opposition: information related to receipt of reply deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDOPE4

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

PLBP Opposition withdrawn

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009264

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

PLAQ Examination of admissibility of opposition: information related to despatch of communication + time limit deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDOPE2

PLAR Examination of admissibility of opposition: information related to receipt of reply deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDOPE4

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

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: 20050811

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: GARDENA MANUFACTURING GMBH

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 20060118

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB IT LI SE

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

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20060429

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20060428

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20060921

Year of fee payment: 12

EN Fr: translation not filed
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: 20080301