EP0741275B1 - Dispositif d'aide de visée optique - Google Patents

Dispositif d'aide de visée optique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0741275B1
EP0741275B1 EP19960106501 EP96106501A EP0741275B1 EP 0741275 B1 EP0741275 B1 EP 0741275B1 EP 19960106501 EP19960106501 EP 19960106501 EP 96106501 A EP96106501 A EP 96106501A EP 0741275 B1 EP0741275 B1 EP 0741275B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
optical system
deflecting
region
sighting device
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
EP19960106501
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0741275A2 (fr
EP0741275A3 (fr
Inventor
Contraves Ag Oerlikon
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.)
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
Original Assignee
Oerlikon Contraves AG
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 Oerlikon Contraves AG filed Critical Oerlikon Contraves AG
Priority to EP97109111A priority Critical patent/EP0795733A3/fr
Publication of EP0741275A2 publication Critical patent/EP0741275A2/fr
Publication of EP0741275A3 publication Critical patent/EP0741275A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0741275B1 publication Critical patent/EP0741275B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00—Sighting devices
    • F41G1/32—Night sights, e.g. luminescent
    • F41G1/34—Night sights, e.g. luminescent combined with light source, e.g. spot light
    • F41G1/35—Night sights, e.g. luminescent combined with light source, e.g. spot light for illuminating the target, e.g. flash lights

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an optical aiming device according to the preamble of claim 1 .
  • Target assist devices of this type are, for example used to aim weapons. You generate usually a bundled beam of light with only small distance and essentially parallel to the shot axis runs. The point of light visible on the target then essentially shows the bullet point.
  • an optical aiming aid device which has a light source for emitting a light beam essentially along a target axis, a central part of the emitted light beam being a bundled target beam which is essentially delimited on the outside by a cylinder a peripheral part of the emitted light beam is an illumination space which is delimited on the inside by the said cylinder and on the outside essentially by a cone.
  • BE-493 420-A also discloses an optical aiming aid device with a light source for emitting a light beam in the form of a divergent conical illumination field essentially along a target axis, and with deflecting optics for the light beam, through which a substantially bundled target beam and from the light beam a divergent lighting room can be formed.
  • the deflecting optics are divided into two areas: a first, circular area of the deflecting optics allows a first part of the light beam to pass through unchanged, so that this first area creates an illumination field which has the shape of a hollow body of revolution that is outside of a divergent cone and inside is limited by a cylinder; a second area of the deflecting optics deflects the part of the light beam falling on it in such a way that a bundled target beam results therefrom, which is delimited on the outside by the cylinder mentioned.
  • an almost point-shaped, strongly illuminated inner region and an extended, weakly illuminated, for example circular, outer region surrounding it are obtained on an area to be illuminated which runs transversely to the target axis.
  • the new optical aiming aid includes a light source and deflecting optics.
  • the light source emits a bundled light beam, essentially in the direction of a target axis, that falls on the deflection optics.
  • the latter is divided into two areas, from by the light source emitted a portion of the first area of the deflecting optics and the The rest falls on the second area of the deflection optics.
  • the first area of the deflection optics leaves the part of the light beam falling on it unchanged, so that from this first Area a bundled target beam emerges.
  • the second area of the deflection optics acts on the Scattering part of the light beam falling on it, such that this second area of the deflection optics the part of the light beam falling on it into a divergent lighting field transformed.
  • the uneven surface of the optics it has proven to be particularly simple here part of the uneven surface of the optics to cover a medium that has the same refractive index exhibits and visually compensates for the unevenness.
  • a drop of an optical glue can be introduced between a spreading lens or a spreading plate and plan one Plate a drop of an optical glue can be introduced.
  • the refractive index of the glue should be that of the Lens or lens.
  • a laser is preferably used as the light source uses light in the visible or infrared spectral range emitted. Infrared lasers are particularly suitable for combination with night vision devices.
  • the target device 1 has an axis 2 that is parallel to, for example Firing axis of a weapon is adjusted. On the one hand, it creates a bundled beam of light 3 that extends along the axis 2 spreads. At the same time, the target device however, also generate a divergent lighting space or light cone 4.
  • This Cone has an opening angle of z. B. about 5 to 30 ° and has axis 2 as an axis of symmetry.
  • the bundle is generated on a target object 5 Beam 3 a light point 6, which is the intersection of the Axis 2 marked with the target plane.
  • a light point 6 which is the intersection of the Axis 2 marked with the target plane.
  • the light cone 4 forms around the light point 6 an illuminated courtyard 7. This allows the observer in the Dark, not only the light point 6 but also its Detect surroundings, so that the position of the light point 6 identified on the target and the target or its environment can be.
  • the light cone 4 thus acts as an illumination space, what objects that are in its scope lie to the observer.
  • Figures 2-4 show sections through the Head of a target device according to the invention 1.
  • the device comprises a housing 8 with a front end 9, a head with holder 10 and a light source 11. Furthermore, it includes another power supply, controls and adjustment devices, the structure of which is known to the person skilled in the art and which are therefore not shown in Figure 2.
  • the light source 11 is in this version a semiconductor laser that emits light in the infrared or visible Spectral range generated.
  • the light source 11 comprises furthermore a lens (not shown) of known design, to the light of the laser diode in a parallel as possible Bundle beam 12.
  • the beam 12 has e.g. B. an elliptical Diameter of 3 x 5 mm.
  • the head comprises a holder 10 in which three Openings 13, 14 and 15 are left blank.
  • the holder 10 is pivoted so that each of the three openings can be pivoted into the beam 12.
  • the holder 10 be pivoted towards the conclusion 9. Thereby forms the screw 18b the pivot axis and the screw 18a runs in slot 18c.
  • the holder 10 On the inside of the holder 10 is one Recess 19 milled out with an approximately kidney-shaped outline, into which the front end of the light source 11 engages. In the pivoted positions of the holder 10 is the Light source 11 on the edge of the recess 19 and forms a stop.
  • the first deflecting optics 16 comprises a plano-convex lens 20 and a plane-parallel plate 21.
  • the plate 21 touches the lens 20 at the highest point their convex side. Furthermore, is at this point Drop 22 of an optical glue arranged between an area with a diameter of the lens 20 and the plate 21 d fills out.
  • the glue is for the light used transparent and has essentially the same refractive index like the lens 20.
  • the one emitted by the light source Beam 12 passed axially through the optics according to FIG. 5, it is not deflected in the area of the glue drop 22 and occurs essentially unchanged as a bundle Target beam 3 from the aiming aid device, since here the lens 20 together with the glue optically a plane parallel Plate forms. That part of beam 12, however does not enter through the drop of glue, is from the convex Lens surface bent and strongly focused so that it forms a light cone 4 in the far field as a divergent lighting space.
  • the Diameter drop of the glue drop about 0.2 mm, the focal length the lens is 18 mm, the diameter is 8 mm.
  • the In this case, divergent light cone 4 has in the far field a divergence of about 10 °.
  • the second deflection optics 17 comprises a diffuser 25 and a plane-parallel plate 26.
  • the diffuser 25 has an uneven surface 27 which causes light scattering.
  • Between the Plate 26 and the diffuser 25 is in turn radially in the Arranged in the center a drop 28 of an optical glue, which has the same refractive index as the scatter plate 25 having.
  • the operation of the deflection optics according to the figure 6 is similar to that of the optics according to FIG. 5 the light source 12 is generated in the range of Glue droplet 28 is not deflected and forms the target beam 3.
  • the part of the beam 12 that is not through the glue drop 28 goes, is scattered on the surface 27 and leaves the deflection optics as a divergent cone of light 4 an opening angle of z. B. 30 °.
  • Figures 5 and 6 show only two of the possible Designs of the deflection optics. Other designs are conceivable.
  • a biconvex lens can also be used, wherein in in this case a plane-parallel plate on both sides of the lens 21 and a drop of glue 22 must be arranged.
  • the glue drop 22 or 28 and the plate 21 or 26 can be omitted if the lens 20 or Scatter plate 25 with a continuous, axial hole 35 is provided, as shown in FIG. 8 for the diffusion plate 25 is shown.
  • the lens or Scattering plate also from optically inferior material like e.g. B. plastic, because of the optical quality of the scattered light made no high demands become.
  • the middle part of the beam 12 is not deflected and the peripheral part distracted.
  • the subdivision between the undeflected and the distracted part can also be done in other ways, e.g. B. can only the middle part can be distracted by a scattering object introduced into the beam 12 with a small diameter becomes. You can also have several individual scatter objects small size can be distributed over the beam cross-section, so that several scattering centers arise - this can be done e.g. B. a flat scatter plate with several roughened Surface areas are used.
  • the lighting cone 4 should be in this Positions the total light output emitted by the target device preferably higher than in the middle position of the holder 10.
  • the central Opening 15 of the holder 10 is a dashed line in FIG Attenuation filter 31 may be provided, which Light output of the beam 12 weakens.
  • the target device described is suitable for All kinds of operations.
  • the device is particularly suitable but also for combination with other optoelectronic Auxiliary systems.
  • the one emitted by the light source Beam modulated in time and thus with information or identification signals are provided that then directed and spread.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Diffracting Gratings Or Hologram Optical Elements (AREA)
  • Telescopes (AREA)
  • Lasers (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Lenses (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1), comprenant
    une source lumineuse (11) destinée à l'émission d'un faisceau de lumière (12) le long d'un axe de visée (2),
    et au moins un objectif de déviation (16;17) pour le faisceau lumineux (12), grâce auquel sont formés, à partir du faisceau lumineux (12)
    un rayon de visée (3) essentiellement focalisé et
    un espace d'éclairage divergent (4),
    l'objectif de déviation (16;17) étant divisé en deux zones,
    la première zone étant conçue de façon à faire passer, sans la modifier, une première partie du faisceau lumineux (12) émis et
    la deuxième zone étant conçue de façon à dévier une deuxième partie du faisceau lumineux (12) émis,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la source lumineuse (11) est conçue de telle sorte que le faisceau lumineux (12) qu'elle émet est un faisceau lumineux en grande partie focalisé,
    la première zone de l'objectif de déviation (16;17) créant le rayon de visée (3) focalisé à partir de la première partie du faisceau lumineux focalisé (12),
    la deuxième zone de l'objectif de déviation (16;17) créant l'espace d'éclairage divergent (4) à partir de la deuxième partie du faisceau de lumière focalisé (12), et
    que l'objectif de déviation (16;17) est placé de façon mobile par rapport au faisceau lumineux (12) émis par la source lumineuse (11) et qu'il peut passer d'une position de fonctionnement, dans laquelle il se trouve sur le parcours du faisceau lumineux (12), à une position d'arrêt, dans laquelle il se trouve hors du parcours du faisceau lumineux (12).
  2. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) conforme à la revendication 1,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la première zone de l'objectif de déviation (16;17), destinée à laisser passer, sans la modifier, la première partie du faisceau lumineux (12), est constituée d'un évidement (35).
  3. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) conforme à la revendication 1,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la première zone de l'objectif de déviation (16;17), destinée à laisser passer, sans la modifier, la première partie du faisceau lumineux (12), agit comme une plaque optique à faces planes et parallèles (20,21,22 ; 25,26,28).
  4. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) conforme à la revendication 3,
    caractérisé en ce que
    l'objectif de déviation (16;17) présente un élément de déviation (20;25) dont la surface n'est pas plane, une matière (22;28), dont l'indice de réfraction est essentiellement semblable à celui de l'élément de déviation (20;25), étant fixée, dans la première zone, à la surface non plane.
  5. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) conforme à la revendication 4,
    caractérisé en ce que
    l'élément de déviation est une lentille (20) avec au moins une surface convexe, la première zone s'étendant autour du point culminant de la surface convexe.
  6. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) selon l'une des revendications 4 et 5,
    caractérisé en ce que
    une plaque (21,26) avec une surface plane est raccordée à l'élément de déviation (20;25), la matière (22;28) placée dans la première zone se trouvant ainsi entre l'élément de déviation (20;25) et la plaque (21;26).
  7. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) selon l'une des revendications 4 à 6,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la matière (22;28) est une colle transparente ou un liquide transparent.
  8. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) selon l'une des revendications ci-dessus,
    caractérisé en ce que
    l'énergie lumineuse qu'il émet peut être modifiée, l'énergie lumineuse étant plus importante, lorsque l'objectif de déviation (16;17) est en position de fonctionnement, que lorsqu'il est en position d'arrêt.
  9. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) selon l'une des revendications ci-dessus,
    caractérisé en ce que
    il comporte un support mobile (10), dans lequel sont placés l'objectif de déviation susmentionné (16;17) et au moins un autre objectif de déviation (16;17), ces objectifs de déviation (16;17) présentant chacun des caractéristiques différentes, et
    que le support (10) possède au moins deux positions, le premier objectif de déviation (16) étant placé dans la première position et le deuxième objectif de déviation (17) étant placé dans la deuxième position, lorsqu'ils sont en position de fonctionnement sur le parcours du faisceau lumineux (12).
  10. Appareil optique d'aide à la visée (1) selon l'une des revendications ci-dessus,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la première zone de l'objectif de déviation est placée au centre, autour de l'axe de visée et que la deuxième zone de l'objectif de déviation est placée à la périphérie, autour de la première zone.
EP19960106501 1995-05-05 1996-04-25 Dispositif d'aide de visée optique Expired - Lifetime EP0741275B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP97109111A EP0795733A3 (fr) 1995-05-05 1996-04-25 Dispositif d'aide de visée optique

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH130795A CH690597A5 (de) 1995-05-05 1995-05-05 Optisches Zielhilfegerät.
CH130795 1995-05-05
CH1307/95 1995-05-05

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97109111A Division EP0795733A3 (fr) 1995-05-05 1996-04-25 Dispositif d'aide de visée optique

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0741275A2 EP0741275A2 (fr) 1996-11-06
EP0741275A3 EP0741275A3 (fr) 1997-11-19
EP0741275B1 true EP0741275B1 (fr) 2001-10-17

Family

ID=4207380

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19960106501 Expired - Lifetime EP0741275B1 (fr) 1995-05-05 1996-04-25 Dispositif d'aide de visée optique
EP97109111A Withdrawn EP0795733A3 (fr) 1995-05-05 1996-04-25 Dispositif d'aide de visée optique

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97109111A Withdrawn EP0795733A3 (fr) 1995-05-05 1996-04-25 Dispositif d'aide de visée optique

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0741275B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH08313198A (fr)
CH (1) CH690597A5 (fr)
DE (1) DE59607912D1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU745407C (en) 1998-03-09 2002-11-07 Oerlikon Contraves Ag Identification system
US6714564B1 (en) * 1999-08-23 2004-03-30 B. E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Dual function single laser
KR101498116B1 (ko) * 2013-02-28 2015-03-04 주식회사 코리아일레콤 가시광선과 적외선 레이저빔이 정렬된 적층형의 레이저 발사기 및 빔 정렬방법

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE493420A (fr) * 1950-07-03
US4627183A (en) * 1985-04-11 1986-12-09 Stuckman Lowell R Firearm with aiming light
US4777754A (en) * 1986-12-12 1988-10-18 Laser Products Corporation Light beam assisted aiming of firearms

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0795733A3 (fr) 1997-11-19
DE59607912D1 (de) 2001-11-22
EP0741275A2 (fr) 1996-11-06
EP0795733A2 (fr) 1997-09-17
EP0741275A3 (fr) 1997-11-19
CH690597A5 (de) 2000-10-31
JPH08313198A (ja) 1996-11-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0894247B1 (fr) Dispositif de mesure sans contact de la temperature
DE3515809A1 (de) Optisches beleuchtungssystem fuer ein endoskop
DE102010014289B4 (de) Leuchtmodul und Leuchte mit Leuchtmodul
EP3134675B1 (fr) Element optique pour une del, systeme de del avec un tel element optique et lampe avec un tel systeme de del
DE102005019093A1 (de) Fahrzeugleuchte mit einem mehrgliedrig gebildeten Lichtleiter
DE102011085314B3 (de) Lichtmodul einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung eines Kraftfahrzeugs
DE202016008339U1 (de) Lichtleiteranordnung zur Erzeugung von zumindest einer Beleuchtungsfunktion und/oder Signalisierungsfunktion eines Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfers
WO2019025393A1 (fr) Dispositif d'éclairage pour véhicules
DE102017119500A1 (de) Beleuchtungseinrichtung
DE3022737C2 (fr)
DE102017210350B3 (de) Vorrichtung zur Auskopplung von Strahlung aus einer Lichtleitfaser, Lichtleitkabel und Bearbeitungskopf damit
EP1408362A1 (fr) Lampe, en particulier lampe de véhicule
DE10143415A1 (de) Leuchtenanordnung
EP3211470B1 (fr) Dispositif destiné à éclairer un réticule
EP3899358A1 (fr) Dispositif d'éclairage pour un phare de véhicule automobile ainsi que phare de véhicule automobile
EP0741275B1 (fr) Dispositif d'aide de visée optique
DE1927408B2 (de) Vorrichtung zur wiedergabe von gespeicherten signalen
EP2989381A1 (fr) Système d'émission de lumière comprenant une source lumineuse à led et un réflecteur
DE102006052164A1 (de) Anzeigevorrichtung mit parallelem Licht zur Erzeugung einer konturierten Form
DE728635C (de) Mit einem Vergroesserungsglas ausgeruestete Ablesevorrichtung fuer tiefliegende Skalen, insbesondere von Radiogeraeten, Telegrafiegeraeten u. dgl.
EP0580942B1 (fr) Elément de sortie de lumière pour guide d'ondes à fibre optique
DE3240360C2 (fr)
DE102004011911A1 (de) Sendeelement für Lichtschranken, Lichtgitter und dergleichen
EP4166843B1 (fr) Dispositif d'éclairage pour un véhicule automobile
DE102012209013B4 (de) Optisches Element und ein Leuchtmodul

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): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: OERLIKON-CONTRAVES AG

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980119

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: OERLIKON CONTRAVES AG

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: OERLIKON CONTRAVES AG

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20000427

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: OPTICAL AIDING AID

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): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

XX Miscellaneous (additional remarks)

Free format text: TEILANMELDUNG 97109111.1 EINGEREICHT AM 05/06/97.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59607912

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20011122

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: OK PAT AG PATENTE MARKEN LIZENZEN

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

Effective date: 20020115

ET Fr: translation filed
RIN2 Information on inventor provided after grant (corrected)

Free format text: GERBER, PETER

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20030310

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20030313

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20030317

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: 20030319

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: 20030324

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20040425

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: 20040426

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: 20040430

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20040430

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: 20041103

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20040425

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: 20041231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

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

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050425