EP0871244A2 - Eine farbschichtdurchdringende Erdverbindung für einen eine Farbschicht aufweisenden, erhöhten Sockel - Google Patents

Eine farbschichtdurchdringende Erdverbindung für einen eine Farbschicht aufweisenden, erhöhten Sockel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0871244A2
EP0871244A2 EP98870044A EP98870044A EP0871244A2 EP 0871244 A2 EP0871244 A2 EP 0871244A2 EP 98870044 A EP98870044 A EP 98870044A EP 98870044 A EP98870044 A EP 98870044A EP 0871244 A2 EP0871244 A2 EP 0871244A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conductor
clamp part
floor pedestal
grounding connector
electrical grounding
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98870044A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0871244A3 (de
Inventor
Keith F. Mello
David P. Gouveia
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.)
FCI SA
Original Assignee
Framatome Connectors International SAS
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 Framatome Connectors International SAS filed Critical Framatome Connectors International SAS
Publication of EP0871244A2 publication Critical patent/EP0871244A2/de
Publication of EP0871244A3 publication Critical patent/EP0871244A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/38—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a clamping member acted on by screw or nut
    • H01R4/46—Clamping area between two screws placed side by side
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/304—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member having means for improving contact

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electrical connectors, and more specifically to grounding connectors.
  • US Patent No. 5 004 437 discloses an electrical connector comprising a base member and a clamp member for clamping a wire therebetween.
  • a requirement has arisen to properly ground newly designed painted raised floor pedestals used in earthquake and other critical applications. These pedestals are used to raise flooring for computer rooms and telecommunications equipment areas, in addition to other applications.
  • a set number of pedestals per square area is required to be bonded using copper conductor with a range of # 6 awg to 2/0 awg.
  • a single conductor or two conductors are attached perpendicularly to the pedestal.
  • these pedestals are being bonded with the use of the Burndy GAR1726 ground clamp connector which is attached to the bare metal surface, thus enabling an effective electrical connection.
  • the removal of the paint from the pedestals is time consuming and costly for the installers of these connectors. It was desired to develop a connector that would make such removal of paint unnecessary. This connector would have some means that would penetrate the paint when installed, making a proper connection.
  • the connector must meet all requirements of UL standard 467 Grounding and Bonding Equipment for the intended conductor range.
  • the connector is also required to stand up to the rigors of the extreme conditions of an earthquake and still maintain electrical contact.
  • the present invention provides a solution to this problem by modifying a standard GP type connector such that the groove that accepts the pedestal is machined creating a series of steps.
  • the sharp edge formed by these steps contact the surface of the pedestal.
  • U-bolt of the connector is tightened to its proper torque, these edges penetrate through the paint enabling contact with the metallic pedestal and the connector.
  • the profile of steps can be configured such that it would also accommodate a rectangular raised floor pedestal.
  • the present invention comprises a cast copper alloy ground clamp that attaches to painted metallic raised floor pedestals which permits during installation, connection to stranded or solid copper conductors.
  • the surface of the groove of the connector which accepts the painted metallic raised floor pedestal, has a series of machined steps that run parallel to the length of the pedestal. These steps form sharp edges. The steps are dimensioned such that when the pedestal is placed in the groove, each edge is in contact with the surface of the pedestal. When the connector is assembled, and is tightened to the required torque, these edges penetrate through the painted surface of the pedestal thereby making contact with the metallic portion of the pedestal, thus enabling an electrical connection with relatively low resistance.
  • an electrical grounding connector comprising a U-bolt, an upper clamp part and a lower clamp part.
  • the upper clamp part is connected to the U-bolt to clamp a floor pedestal therebetween.
  • the lower clamp part is connected to the U-bolt to clamp a conductor between the upper and lower clamp parts.
  • the upper clamp part has a stepped surface therein to penetrate through paint on the floor pedestal.
  • an electrical grounding connector comprising a first clamp member, means for clamping the first clamp member to a floor pedestal and conductor retaining means.
  • the conductor retaining means mechanically and electrically connect a conductor to the first clamp member.
  • the first clamp member has a step thereon so that, when the first clamp is clamped against the floor pedestal, the step pierces an exterior surface on the floor pedestal making electrical contact with the floor pedestal.
  • an electrical grounding connector comprising a first clamp member, a fastener connector thereto and conductor retaining means.
  • the fastener is connected to the first clamp member to clamp a floor pedestal therebetween.
  • the conductor retaining means connect a conductor to the first clamp member.
  • the first clamp member has a pair of steps forming a recess therebetween. The recess is adapted to receive a rectangular portion of a first type of floor pedestal.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a schematic elevational view of a floor system 10 and a grounding system 20 incorporating features of the present invention.
  • a grounding system 20 incorporating features of the present invention.
  • the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in various different types of grounding systems.
  • any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
  • the floor system 10 generally comprises a foundation slab 12, a plurality of floor pedestals 14 and a plurality of structural floor portions or tiles 16.
  • the floor pedestals 14 support the floor tiles 16.a spaced distance from the foundation slab 12.
  • the grounding system 20 comprises a main grounding conductor 22, a tap conductor 24, a tap-main connector 26, and a grounding connector 28.
  • the grounding system 20 is attached to the floor pedestals 14.
  • the main conductor 22 spans between floor pedestals 14.
  • the tap conductor 24 extends between the floor pedestals 14 and main conductor 22.
  • the tap conductor 24 is mechanically and electrically connected to the main conductor 22 by the tap-main connector 26.
  • the tap conductor 24 is mechanically and electrically connected to the floor pedestal 14 by the grounding connector 28.
  • the floor pedestals 14, and hence the floor system 10 is grounded by the grounding connector 28, the tap conductor 24 and the tap-main connector 26 to the main conductor 22 of the grounding system 20.
  • the grounding connector 28 comprises a U-bolt 30, an upper clamp part 32, a lower clamp part 34, two lockwashers 35 and two nuts 36.
  • the upper clamp part 32 is removably connected to the U-bolt 30 to clamp a cylindrical section 214 to the floor pedestal 14 therebetween. Clamping the upper clamp part 32 to the floor pedestal 14 electrically connects the grounding connector 28 to the floor pedestal 14.
  • the lower clamp part 34 is removably connected to the U-bolt 30 and the upper clamp part 32 to clamp the tap conductor 24 between the upper clamp part 32 and lower clamp part 34. Clamping the tap conductor 24 between the upper clamp part 32 and lower clamp part 34 creates an electrical connection between the conductor 24 and the grounding connector 28.
  • the floor pedestal 14 is electrically connected by the grounding connector 28 to the tap conductor 24.
  • the upper clamp part 32 of the grounding connector 28 has an upper surface 37 with a recess 40 formed therein.
  • the bottom surface 60 of the recess 40 is substantially flat.
  • stepped surfaces 38 step upward and outward away from the recess 40 to the upper surface 37 of the upper clamp part 32.
  • Each stepped surface 38 has a first step 41 adjoining the recess 40 and steps or teeth 42 rising between the first step 41 and the upper surface 37.
  • the steps 41, 42 of each stepped surface 38 have sharp interior edges 62, as shown in Fig. 3A.
  • the sharp edges 62 are substantially straight extending parallel to the floor pedestal 14 when the upper clamp part 32 is clamped thereon.
  • each first step 41 has a rising portion 41A aligned generally perpendicular to the bottom surface 60 of the recess 40.
  • the risers 42A of the adjoining steps 42 are aligned generally parallel to rising portion 41A and the transverse sections connecting the steps 42 are aligned generally perpendicular to the risers 42A so that the steps 41, 42 have a general right angle profile (see Fig. 3A).
  • the alignment of the risers and transverse sections of the steps may vary with respect to each other so that the steps have an obtuse angle or acute angle profile.
  • the upper clamp part 32 has a lower surface 100 with two conductors receiving channels 102.
  • the channels 102 are aligned generally perpendicular to the recess 40 in the upper surface 37.
  • the channels 102 are located proximate the longitudinal sides 104 of the upper clamp part 32.
  • the conductor receiving channels 102 are separated sufficiently from each other so that when the tap conductor 24 is located in one channel 102A, and a second conductor (not shown) is located in the other channel 102B, the U-bolt 30 inserted through the bolt holes 33 in the upper clamp part 32 extends between the conductors in the channels 102A, 102B.
  • the number and alignment of conductor receiving channels in the upper clamp part may vary.
  • the upper clamp part may have one or more conductor receiving passageways aligned generally parallel to the recess 40 in the upper surface 37.
  • Each longitudinal side 104A, 104B of the upper clamp part 32 has a recess 106A, 106B extending thereinto form the lower surface 100 (see Fig. 3).
  • Each recess 106A, 106B communicates with the conductor receiving channel 102A, 102B proximate the corresponding sides 104A, 104B of the upper clamp part 32.
  • the lower surface 100 has a key section 110 projecting therefrom between the conductor receiving channels 102A, 102B.
  • the lower clamp part 34 has an upper surface 70 with a keyway 72 formed therein.
  • the keyway 72 is adapted to receive the keyed section 110 of the upper clamp part 32 when it is mated to the lower clamp part 34.
  • the lower clamp part 34 has two conductor receiving channels 74A, 74B longitudinally astride the keyway 72.
  • the conductor receiving channels 74A, 74B are located in the lower clamp part 34 to generally align with the corresponding conductor receiving channels 102A, 102B in the upper clamp part 32, when the key section 110 of the upper clamp part 32 is located in the keyway 72.
  • Outer side supports 76A, 76B extend upward from each longitudinal side 78A, 78B of the lower clamp part 34.
  • the outer supports 76A, 76B are adapted to be admitted in the corresponding side recesses 106A, 106B of the upper clamp part 32, when the upper clamp part 32 and the lower clamp part 34 are joined.
  • the ground connection between the floor pedestal 14 and the ground conductor 24 is established by clamping the grounding connector 28 on the floor pedestal 14 and connecting the conductor 24 to the conductor 28.
  • the grounding connector 28 is clamped on the cylindrical section 214 of the floor pedestal 14.
  • the upper clamp part 32 of the connector 28 is placed against the cylindrical section 214, so that the sharp edges 62, of the steps 41, 42 of each stepped surface 38 contact the floor pedestal 14.
  • the U-bolt 30 is positioned around the cylindrical section 214 and inserted into the bolt holes 33 of the upper clamp part 32 to capture the floor pedestal 14 between the U-bolt 30 and the upper clamp part 32.
  • connection between the tap conductor 24 and the connector 28 is formed by clamping the conductor 24 between the upper clamp part 32 and the lower clamp part 34.
  • the conductor 24 is placed in one of the conductor receiving channels 102A, 102B in the upper clamp part 32.
  • the lower clamp part 34 is mated to the upper clamp part 32 capturing the conductor 24 therebetween.
  • the key section 110 of the upper part 32 is located in the keyway 72 in the lower part 34.
  • the respective conductor receiving channels 74A, 74B in the lower clamp part 34 are generally aligned with the conductor receiving channels 102A, 102B in the upper clamp part 32, so that the corresponding conductor receiving channel 74A, 74B in the lower clamp part 34 cooperates with the conductor receiving channel 102A, 102B in the upper clamp part 32 wherein the conductor 24 is located to hold the conductor 24.
  • the U-bolt 30 is inserted through holes 160 in the lower clamp part 34.
  • the lock washers 35 are placed on the U-bolt 30 and the nuts 36 are threaded on. Threading the nuts 36 on the U-bolt 30 urges the lower clamp part 34 against the upper clamp part 32, and thus clamps the tap conductor 24 between the two clamp part.
  • the upper surface 70 of the lower clamp part 34 seats against the lower surface 100 of the upper clamp part 32 so that the lower clamp part 34 may directly press upon the upper clamp part 32 while maintaining sufficient but limited clamping pressure on the tap conductor 24, in the conductor receiving channels 102A, 102B, to prevent excessive damage to the conductor 24.
  • the side supports 76A, 76B on the lower clamp part 34 enter the recesses 106A, 106B in the upper clamp part 32, one of the side supports 76A, 76B contacting the conductor 24 in the conductor receiving channel 102A, 102B.
  • the contacting support 76A, 76B laterally guides the conductor 24 as it is clamped between the upper clamp part 32 and the lower clamp part 34. This ensures that the conductor 24 does not deform and exit the conductor receiving channels. Clamping the conductor 24 between the upper clamp part 32 and lower clamp part 34 creates the electrical and mechanical connection between the connector 28 and conductor 24.
  • the floor system 50 is substantially the same as the floor system 10 shown in Fig. 1. However, floor pedestal 14 has been replaced with floor pedestal 54. Referring also to Fig. 8, the floor pedestal 54 has a main shaft 56 with a rectangular cross-section.
  • the floor system 50 is grounded to grounding system 20 in substantially the same manner as floor system 10 is grounded to grounding system 20 (see Fig. 1). The difference is that the main conductor 22 in this embodiment is located proximate to or in the foundation slab 12.
  • the floor pedestal are electrically connected to the tap conductor 24, and hence to the grounding system 20, by the grounding connector 28.
  • the rectangular main shaft 56 is received in the recess 40 of the upper clamp part 32.
  • the U-bolt 30 is connected to the upper clamp part 32 to clamp the grounding connector 28 to the floor pedestal 54.
  • the exterior of the rectangular main shaft 56 is not painted so that clamping the grounding connector 28 thereon electrically connects the pedestal 54 to the connector 28.
  • the present invention provides a grounding connector 28 that, when installed on the cylindrical section 214 of floor pedestal 14, effects and electrical connection between the floor pedestal 14 and connector 28 without prior preparation of the surface of the pedestal 14.
  • the exterior surface of pedestal 14 may be painted.
  • the paint had to be removed in order to provide clean contact surfaces.
  • the present invention allows the user to ground the floor pedestal 14 by merely clamping the grounding connector 28 to the floor pedestal 14. Prior removal of the paint from the pedestal 14 is no longer required. This is because, when the connector 28 is clamped on, the sharp edges 62 of the steps 41, 42 on the upper clamp part 32 penetrate through the painted surface into the metal of the pedestal 14 effecting an electrical connection.
  • the present invention also provides a grounding connector 28 that forms a positive mechanical connection when clamped to the cylindrical section 214 of floor pedestal 14 to withstand the rigors of the extreme vibrations of an earthquake and still maintain electrical contact.
  • the steps 41, 42 of the connector 28 penetrate into and engage the metal of the floor pedestal 14 to form the positive mechanical connection which overcomes the limitation of present grounding connectors that rely on friction to maintain the electrical connection.
  • the vibrations generated during a seismic event adversely impact frictional connections, thus severely degrading the electrical connection of these connectors.
  • seismic vibrations have negligible effect on a positive mechanical connection, and hence the electrical connection between the floor pedestal 14 and the connectors 28 of the present invention is maintained under such vibrations.
  • the present invention provides a single grounding connector 28 capable of being mechanically and electrically connected to either a floor pedestal 14 with a cylindrical section 214, or to a floor pedestal 54 with a rectangular main shaft 56. Consequently, the user no longer needs carry with him two types of grounding connectors, one for grounding structure with a rectangular cross-section and another for grounding structure with a cylindrical cross-section.

Landscapes

  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
EP98870044A 1997-03-10 1998-03-04 Eine farbschichtdurchdringende Erdverbindung für einen eine Farbschicht aufweisenden, erhöhten Sockel Withdrawn EP0871244A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4049897P 1997-03-10 1997-03-10
US40498P 1997-03-10
US92120697A 1997-08-27 1997-08-27
US921206 2001-08-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0871244A2 true EP0871244A2 (de) 1998-10-14
EP0871244A3 EP0871244A3 (de) 1999-12-08

Family

ID=26717112

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98870044A Withdrawn EP0871244A3 (de) 1997-03-10 1998-03-04 Eine farbschichtdurchdringende Erdverbindung für einen eine Farbschicht aufweisenden, erhöhten Sockel

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0871244A3 (de)
CA (1) CA2228669A1 (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7703722B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2010-04-27 Panduit Corp. Common bonding network clamp
US7708234B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2010-05-04 Panduit Corp. Common bonding network clamp
CN104362445A (zh) * 2014-11-26 2015-02-18 永固集团股份有限公司 一种立式接分线夹
US11205864B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2021-12-21 Panduit Corp. Grounding pipe clamp
WO2022066520A1 (en) * 2020-09-25 2022-03-31 Hubbell Incorporated Grate grounding device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1981343A (en) * 1933-07-08 1934-11-20 Stephen W Borden Ground fittings
US2156965A (en) * 1937-09-13 1939-05-02 Stephen W Borden Ground fitting
US2533897A (en) * 1946-05-10 1950-12-12 Morris D Reddock Ground clamp
US3901577A (en) * 1974-01-25 1975-08-26 Gen Signal Corp Grounding clamps and connectors therefor
US4405828A (en) * 1982-03-31 1983-09-20 Insulating Breaking Clamp, Inc. Breaking and insulating clamp for electrical conductors
GB2120310A (en) * 1982-05-18 1983-11-30 Stromberg Greest Ltd Aerial Clamp

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1981343A (en) * 1933-07-08 1934-11-20 Stephen W Borden Ground fittings
US2156965A (en) * 1937-09-13 1939-05-02 Stephen W Borden Ground fitting
US2533897A (en) * 1946-05-10 1950-12-12 Morris D Reddock Ground clamp
US3901577A (en) * 1974-01-25 1975-08-26 Gen Signal Corp Grounding clamps and connectors therefor
US4405828A (en) * 1982-03-31 1983-09-20 Insulating Breaking Clamp, Inc. Breaking and insulating clamp for electrical conductors
GB2120310A (en) * 1982-05-18 1983-11-30 Stromberg Greest Ltd Aerial Clamp

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7703722B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2010-04-27 Panduit Corp. Common bonding network clamp
US7708234B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2010-05-04 Panduit Corp. Common bonding network clamp
CN104362445A (zh) * 2014-11-26 2015-02-18 永固集团股份有限公司 一种立式接分线夹
US11205864B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2021-12-21 Panduit Corp. Grounding pipe clamp
WO2022066520A1 (en) * 2020-09-25 2022-03-31 Hubbell Incorporated Grate grounding device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0871244A3 (de) 1999-12-08
CA2228669A1 (en) 1998-09-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5888104A (en) Paint penetrating ground clamp for painted raised floor pedestals
US4654967A (en) Method and device for aligning and straightening flexible, insulated conductors
US5078613A (en) System for grounding telecommunications cable rack assembly and the like
JPH06243912A (ja) 接地用コネクタ
EP1094550A2 (de) Elektrischer Verbinder mit Mehrrichtungsanlage und selbstspannender Verriegelungsvorrichtung
US10057987B2 (en) Printed circuit board with side access termination pads
EP0871244A2 (de) Eine farbschichtdurchdringende Erdverbindung für einen eine Farbschicht aufweisenden, erhöhten Sockel
US20050202732A1 (en) Lay-in electrical connector
US6421494B1 (en) Drop cable strain relief
US20040129826A1 (en) Simplified interconnect for center of wide body aircraft
US5240423A (en) Structural steel grounding connector
EP1544965B1 (de) Ortungseinrichtung für krimpmandrel
AU680045B2 (en) Conductor connecting apparatus for weak-current systems
US6247961B1 (en) Distribution wiring harness assembly
MXPA98001853A (en) Earth connection clamp subject to penetration of paint for lifted floor pedestals pinta
US6638118B2 (en) Distribution wiring harness assembly
CN115023861A (zh) 具有多个端子的布线室
AU2022228554B2 (en) Insulation piercing wedge connector
KR200422890Y1 (ko) 커넥터
US11616317B2 (en) Angled power pin alignment and crimping fixture
JP3091862B2 (ja) ワイヤ圧接機用ワイヤ案内治具
JP3013161B2 (ja) コネクタ
JP3231181B2 (ja) 接続器
JP3013159B2 (ja) コネクタ
GB2256096A (en) Electrical connector.

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): BE DE ES FR GB IT

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 6H 01R 4/66 A, 6H 01R 9/24 B, 6H 01R 4/28 B, 6H 01R 4/30 B, 6H 01R 4/26 B, 6H 01R 4/64 B

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000608

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: BE DE ES FR GB IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010405

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20030218