EP0945935B1 - Dispositif de contact électrique pour alimentation électrique et ensemble propulseur et directeur pour navire incorporant un tel dispositif - Google Patents

Dispositif de contact électrique pour alimentation électrique et ensemble propulseur et directeur pour navire incorporant un tel dispositif Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0945935B1
EP0945935B1 EP19990420060 EP99420060A EP0945935B1 EP 0945935 B1 EP0945935 B1 EP 0945935B1 EP 19990420060 EP19990420060 EP 19990420060 EP 99420060 A EP99420060 A EP 99420060A EP 0945935 B1 EP0945935 B1 EP 0945935B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
track
terminal
tracks
electrical
axis
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
EP19990420060
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0945935A1 (fr
Inventor
Marc Vinet
Jean-Claude Borneres
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.)
Ferraz Shawmut SAS
Original Assignee
Ferraz Shawmut 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 Ferraz Shawmut SAS filed Critical Ferraz Shawmut SAS
Publication of EP0945935A1 publication Critical patent/EP0945935A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0945935B1 publication Critical patent/EP0945935B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R39/00—Rotary current collectors, distributors or interrupters
    • H01R39/02—Details for dynamo electric machines
    • H01R39/18—Contacts for co-operation with commutator or slip-ring, e.g. contact brush
    • H01R39/26—Solid sliding contacts, e.g. carbon brush
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H23/00—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements
    • B63H23/22—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with non-mechanical gearing
    • B63H23/24—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with non-mechanical gearing electric
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R39/00—Rotary current collectors, distributors or interrupters
    • H01R39/02—Details for dynamo electric machines
    • H01R39/08—Slip-rings
    • H01R39/10—Slip-rings other than with external cylindrical contact surface, e.g. flat slip-rings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a power supply device electric between elements able to be moved one by relation to the other, in particular a fixed chassis and a structure or a mobile crew.
  • Such a device is applicable in several technical fields, in particular to supply current to a load, such as an electric motor, supported by a structure mobile.
  • assemblies installed under the hull of a ship and comprising a motor for rotating a propeller propulsion of a ship, this assembly being capable of pivot around a substantially vertical axis in order to orient the propeller so as to determine the direction of progression of the ship.
  • This set contributes to propulsion and steering of the ship.
  • a such an assembly must be capable of being supplied electrically with a high power, without misalignment of its component parts, which can be large, do not disturb the electrical connection. Otherwise, this connection must take place while the assembly located under the ship is likely to rotate more of a turn around its axis.
  • Another field of application of the invention is that of the production of electricity by wind turbine, because the whole constituted by the head of the wind turbine must be able to operate, in depending on the wind direction, a rotational movement around a substantially vertical axis.
  • the invention is also applicable to the field of armament, in particular for the electrical supply of a tank turret, to that of the production of metal sheets by electroplating on a rotating drum in an electrolyte, and that of the coating, zinc plating or lacquering, using electrostatic phenomena between two electrodes rotated.
  • the invention is applicable to the food sector electric of an electrode for an arc furnace, for example a plasma oven, used in particular for destruction thermal trash.
  • an electrode for an arc furnace for example a plasma oven
  • Such a movable electrode must be supplied with current from a fixed chassis, while it is susceptible to large amplitude translational movements.
  • WO-8 101 774 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention relates to a device according to claim 1.
  • the conductive clips of the invention advantageously replace known brushes and devices without presenting any the inconvenients.
  • the fact that the blades are loaded elastically towards the track and the terminal keeps in electrical contact with these elements, including included in the event of misalignment.
  • the invention also relates to a propellant assembly and ship director including a supply device electric as previously described.
  • This propellant assembly allows an efficient transfer of energy to a group of propulsion and steering of the ship while it should not be artificially rotated to avoid risk of sticking.
  • the invention finally relates to a power supply assembly an electrode for an electric arc furnace as previously described.
  • a power supply assembly an electrode for an electric arc furnace as previously described.
  • connection or electrical supply device shown in Figure 1 is intended for supplying current from a ship's powertrain located in a set of drive and orientation of the propeller of a ship.
  • This device comprises a chassis 1 intended to be fixed relative to the hull, not shown, of the ship.
  • This frame is formed of several feet 1a supporting a base plate 1b.
  • a bearing 2 centered around an axis XX 'fixed relative to the frame 1.
  • a structure 3 intended to be rendered secured to an electric orientation motor which is not shown.
  • Structure 3 has several annular tracks electrically conductive 4 centered on the axis XX 'and arranged in planes generally perpendicular to this axis.
  • the chassis 1, meanwhile, carries terminals 5 in the form of number of plates equal to that of tracks 4.
  • Each terminal 5 is supplied with an electric current phase thanks to a cable 6.
  • the terminals 5 are distributed in two columns A and B and separated from each other by spacers insulators 7. Terminals 5 are arranged alternately in each column A or B, this provision allowing to obtain a satisfactory compactness of the chassis 1 while authorizing access to terminals 5 and to the elements they support or to which they are connected.
  • Tracks 4 are also separated by spacers insulating 8 while the lower part of the structure 3 is formed by a ring 9 on which is likely to come in engagement a device for driving in rotation of the structure 3 around the axis XX '.
  • the training device could also be engaged with a ring similar to the ring 9 and disposed in the upper part of the structure 3.
  • each track 4 and the corresponding terminal 5 is produced by clamps 20 formed by two blades 21 and 22 arranged on either side of terminal 5 and s' extending on either side of track 4.
  • e 5 the thickness of terminal 5
  • e 4 the thickness of track 4.
  • the blades 21 and 22 are each provided with a curvature or camber 21 a , 22 a making it possible to compensate for this difference in thickness, so that each blade 21 or 22 is generally parallel to the track 4, at its first end 21 b or 22 b , and at terminal 5, at its second end 21 c or 22 c .
  • Reverse curves of the blades 21 and 22 could be provided if the thickness e 5 of the terminal 5 was greater than the thickness e 4 of the track 4.
  • the blades 21 and 22 are mounted on the terminal 5 by means of a pin 23 crossing a blade, then terminal 5, then the other blade.
  • a rod 24 also passes through the two blades and the terminal 5.
  • This rod is provided, at each of its ends, with springs 25 and 26 bearing on flanges 24 a and exerting directed forces F on the blades 21 and 22 towards terminal 5.
  • the ends 21b and 22b of the blades 21 and 22 are folded down in the direction of track 4, which guarantees effective electrical contact.
  • Each blade 21 and 22 carries, respectively in the vicinity of its end 21 b or 22 b and on the side of track 4, a metal stud 27 or 28, for example made of copper or silver, intended to constitute the sliding electrical contact between each blade 21 or 22 and track 4. It would also be possible to provide that each blade 21 or 22 carries several studs 27 or 28 in order to make several sliding contacts in parallel.
  • Track 4 is also made of metal, for example in copper, possibly coated with silver, silver or in a metal alloy. Contact between track 4 and studs 27 and 28 is thus a metal / metal contact which induces a very low voltage drop.
  • the resistivity of the contact metal / metal of the entire device of the invention can be estimated on the order of micro-ohms, while the resistivity an equivalent device fitted with graphite contacts would be of the order of a milli-ohm, which would cause falls of much greater tension and overheating.
  • Each blade 21 and 22 carries, respectively near its end 21 c or 22 c and on its face directed towards the terminal 5, at least two contact pads 29 or 30, bearing against the terminal 5.
  • the contact thus produced is of the metal / metal type, since the terminal 5 is made of copper, silver or a metal alloy.
  • the contacts between the studs, the track and the terminal can be modeled in the plan of figure 4, like an isosceles trapezoid articulated T, slightly open, the bases of which formed between pads 27 and 28 of a hand, 29 and 30 on the other hand, remain permanently parallel. This makes it possible to compress, under the effect of the springs 26 and 27, possible misalignment of runway 4 by in relation to terminal 5, as shown diagrammatically, in solid lines and dashed lines in Figure 5.
  • the rod 24 is mounted floating in a orifice 31 of terminal 5, which allows the springs to charge elastically bars 21 and 22 steadily, whatever whatever the configuration of the isosceles trapezoid T mentioned above.
  • the rod 24 and the springs 25 and 26 are supported only by blades 21 and 22 which constitute physically the trapezoid T, the rod 24 being simply guided in the orifice 31.
  • the contact force between the pads 27 and 30 and the parts 4 and 5 remain substantially constant.
  • the electrical connection between terminal 5 and track 4 comprises five clamps 20 distributed over the width of terminal 5, as shown in FIG. 5. These five clamps are arranged in such a way that the studs 27 and 28 that they comprise are situated on circumferences C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C 4 and C 5 distinct on runway 4. This makes it possible to distribute the risks of wear on the surface of runway 4 and to keep the majority contacts in the event of a fault located on one of these circumferences.
  • Each clamp 20 has its own charging means elastic, i.e. a rod 24 and a pair of springs 25 and 26, so that variations in thickness of track 4 or the relative height of runway 4 and terminal 5, on the width of the five clamps 20, are individually compensated by each of these clips.
  • the blades 21 and 22 belonging to the clamps 20 are produced in the same material and have dimensions substantially identical, so that they have the same impedance, that is to say mainly the same current resistance which crosses them. This allows the power to be distributed evenly electric passing between each terminal 5 and each track 4 between the different clamps, without creating a path privileged in which the constraints would be concentrated electrical or mechanical.
  • the device shown comprises thirteen tracks 4 and thirteen terminals 5 allowing thirteen phases to pass through electric which can be used by different loads, such as the propeller drive motor, the device of orientation of the assembly located under the hull of the ship, the control systems, etc.
  • loads such as the propeller drive motor, the device of orientation of the assembly located under the hull of the ship, the control systems, etc.
  • the number of tracks 4 and terminals 5 can be modified according to the uses, it being understood that it is advantageously kept equal or multiple of the number of electrical phases to be transmitted.
  • the dimensions of tracks 4, terminals 5 and spacers 7 and 8 mainly depend on voltages and currents use.
  • Each track 4 is connected to a conductive bar 41 1 to 41 13 disposed generally parallel to the axis XX 'and extending as close as possible to the ring 9.
  • These bars 41 can be connected to electrical terminals 46 of which only some have been shown in Figure 2 for clarity thereof.
  • each bar 41 In its upper part 41 a , each bar 41 is generally parallel to the plate 4 on which it is mounted. It is then bent at approximately 90 ° to form a rectilinear strip 41b which extends parallel to the axis XX 'to a lower end 41c.
  • the bars 41 are numbered in ascending order, from the bar connected to the track 4 closest to the ring 9 to the bar connected to the most distant track 4.
  • the upper parts 41 has bars 41 are distributed regularly around the axis XX ′, in a configuration avoiding the risks of electrical interference or overheating.
  • the eight bars 41 1 to 41 8 of the eight lower tracks 4 are angularly distributed with an angular difference ⁇ equal to approximately 45 °.
  • the upper parts 41 a of the four bars 41 9 to 41 12 situated above the preceding ones are longer than the parts 41 a of the bars 41 1 to 41 8 , so that the vertical parts 41 b of the bars 41 9 to 41 12 are arranged closer to the axis XX ′, extending in the direction of the ring 9.
  • the angular difference between the bars 41 9 to 41 12 is noted ⁇ . This angular deviation is of the order of 90 °.
  • two bars 41 13 connected to the upper track 4 13 extend to the immediate vicinity of the axis XX ', so that their substantially vertical main parts 41 b are distant from the corresponding parts of the bars 41 1 and 41 12 .
  • the upper ends 41 a , bars 41 are distributed in a generally helical configuration centered on the axis XX '. Other configurations can be envisaged depending on the number of phases to be transmitted.
  • structure 3 constitutes a rigid unit, it can be rotated through the ring 9 thanks to a gear motor not shown.
  • the power supply device shown in these figures is intended for power supply to an electrode of an arc furnace such as a plasma furnace used for the thermal destruction of detritus or sludge. It comprises a fixed frame 101 comprising uprights 101 a and 101 b connected by a cross member 101 c and supporting several electrically conductive tracks 104 made of a material similar to that of tracks 4 of the first embodiment. These tracks 104 are rectilinear and arranged parallel to each other in a direction YY '.
  • a moving element or carriage 103 is formed by the succession of plates or terminals 105 separated by insulating spacers 107.
  • each terminal or plate 105 carries several zones 105 a for connection of electrical cables not shown. making it possible to supply the electrode of the arc furnace which is carried by the moving element 103.
  • each terminal 105 On the side of tracks 104, each terminal 105 carries a clamp 120 formed by two blades 121 and 122 arranged on either side of terminal 105 and extending on either side of track 104 arranged opposite.
  • the blades 121 and 122 are each provided with a curvature or camber 121 a , 122 a making it possible to compensate for the difference in thickness of the terminals 105 and the tracks 104, so that each blade 121 or 122 is generally parallel to the track 104, at its first end 121 b or 122 b and at terminal 105 at its second end 121 c or 122 c .
  • each blade 121 and 122 are mounted on each terminal 105 by means of a pin 123 while a rod 124 also passes through the two blades and the terminal 105, this rod being provided, at each of its ends, with springs 125 and 126 bearing on the bodies and exerting on the blades 121 and 122 thrust forces F directed towards the terminal 5.
  • Each blade 121 and 122 carries, respectively in the vicinity of its end 121 b and 122 b and on the side of track 4 , a metal pad 127 or 128 intended to constitute the sliding electrical contact between each blade 121 or 122 and the track 104.
  • each blade 121 or 122 carries on its face directed towards the terminal 5 at least two contact pads 129 or 130 resting against this terminal.
  • each terminal 105 can carry several clips 120, four in the example shown, which are offset from each other to the others, so that their respective pads 127 and 128 are arranged on parallel rectilinear paths and separate on each runway 104.
  • the device of the invention has been shown while the electric current flows from the fixed chassis to the mobile structure. It can also be used to power a chassis fixed from a mobile structure.
  • the device of the invention has been described with reference to a propellant and steering system for a ship or a furnace bow. It can however be used in other applications, in especially those mentioned above.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Current-Collector Devices For Electrically Propelled Vehicles (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
  • Linear Motors (AREA)
EP19990420060 1998-03-06 1999-03-04 Dispositif de contact électrique pour alimentation électrique et ensemble propulseur et directeur pour navire incorporant un tel dispositif Expired - Lifetime EP0945935B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9803008 1998-03-06
FR9803008A FR2775840B1 (fr) 1998-03-06 1998-03-06 Dispositif d'alimentation electrique et ensemble propulseur et directeur pour navire incorporant un tel dispositif

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0945935A1 EP0945935A1 (fr) 1999-09-29
EP0945935B1 true EP0945935B1 (fr) 2003-05-21

Family

ID=9523936

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19990420060 Expired - Lifetime EP0945935B1 (fr) 1998-03-06 1999-03-04 Dispositif de contact électrique pour alimentation électrique et ensemble propulseur et directeur pour navire incorporant un tel dispositif

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0945935B1 (ja)
JP (1) JPH11317274A (ja)
DE (1) DE69908011T2 (ja)
FR (1) FR2775840B1 (ja)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101913423A (zh) * 2010-08-10 2010-12-15 袁炳兴 水上马达操纵器
DE10192143B4 (de) * 2000-05-26 2016-09-15 Schleifring Und Apparatebau Gmbh Halte- und Kontaktierungsvorrichtung für Schleifkontakte

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR200449268Y1 (ko) 2007-12-12 2010-06-28 엘에스산전 주식회사 진공접촉기의 접촉자 어셈블리
DE102008039862B4 (de) * 2008-08-27 2015-07-09 Schunk Bahn- Und Industrietechnik Gmbh Gleitkontakthaltevorrichtung
DE102017214152B3 (de) 2017-08-14 2019-01-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Einrichtung einer Windenergieanlage zur elektrischen Verbindung einer drehbar gelagerten Einheit mit nach unten geführten Leitungen
CA3083822C (en) * 2018-12-14 2021-06-01 Saint-Augustin Canada Electric Inc. A slip ring assembly

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2926295A1 (de) * 1979-06-29 1981-01-08 Bosch Gmbh Robert Buerstenhalteranordnung
FR2471682A1 (fr) * 1979-12-12 1981-06-19 Sacre Louis Perfectionnement aux collecteurs tournants a axe vertical

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10192143B4 (de) * 2000-05-26 2016-09-15 Schleifring Und Apparatebau Gmbh Halte- und Kontaktierungsvorrichtung für Schleifkontakte
CN101913423A (zh) * 2010-08-10 2010-12-15 袁炳兴 水上马达操纵器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69908011T2 (de) 2003-12-24
FR2775840A1 (fr) 1999-09-10
DE69908011D1 (de) 2003-06-26
EP0945935A1 (fr) 1999-09-29
JPH11317274A (ja) 1999-11-16
FR2775840B1 (fr) 2000-06-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1828786B1 (fr) Dispositif de mesure d'un courant circulant dans un cable
EP0945935B1 (fr) Dispositif de contact électrique pour alimentation électrique et ensemble propulseur et directeur pour navire incorporant un tel dispositif
FR2846298A1 (fr) Ensemble articule de panneaux de generateur solaire et vehicule spatial
EP2616571B1 (fr) Dispositif de connexion électrique entre deux cellules successives d'une série de cellules pour la production d'aluminium
FR2598252A1 (fr) Connexions electriques a resistances thermique et electrique controlees.
FR2679065A1 (fr) Dispositif d'alimentation en electricite par contact avec un frotteur et procede de realisation d'un tel dispositif.
CA1210050A (fr) Tete d'impression electrostatique
FR2718302A1 (fr) Sélecteur en charge avec des résistances de passage.
EP0752485B1 (fr) Dispositif de masquage de rives de bande métallique adapté à une cellule d'électrodéposition de type radial, pour la prévention des dendrites
EP3413355A1 (fr) Panneau solaire comportant notamment une structure et au moins deux cellules photovoltaïques
FR2560465A1 (fr) Selecteur en charge pour transformateurs a prise avec des contacts de commutation susceptibles de rouler
EP3842275B1 (fr) Dispositif de captage d énergie électrique pour véhicule, notamment ferroviaire, et véhicule, notamment ferroviaire, comprenant un tel dispositif
FR3067520A1 (fr) Panneau solaire comportant une structure, au moins deux cellules photovoltaiques et une barriere
EP2733795B1 (fr) Balai pour machine électrique tournante
EP0292466B1 (fr) Electrode pour une cellule d'électrolyse
FR2683955A1 (fr) Dispositif d'alimentation en electricite par contact avec un frotteur et procede de realisation d'un tel dispositif.
WO2021053102A1 (fr) Circuit d'alimentation pour cellule d'électrolyse comprenant un dispositif de court-circuitage et un sectionneur
CA1032788A (fr) Procede de fixation de couches minces de cuivre sur des barres omnibus en aluminium
EP0294358B1 (fr) Electrode destinée à une cellule d' électrolyse
FR2674678A1 (fr) Sectionneur haute-tension apte a etablir et a couper les courants de transfert de barres dans un circuit en boucle.
FR3140818A1 (fr) Isolateur de section pour lignes caténaires ferroviaires
WO2002086584A1 (fr) Commutateur optique multivoie
EP3391472A1 (fr) Bornier étau pour raccorder deux cosses ensemble et connexion associée
BE1003437A6 (fr) Dispositif d'alimentation en courant electrique d'un rouleau tournant.
FR2807769A1 (fr) Installation electrolytique pour peindre par cataphorese une structure, telle qu'une caisse de vehicule automobile

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: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

AX Request for extension of the european patent

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000204

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE FR GR IT

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL CONTACT FOR ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AS WELL AS A MARINE PROPULSION AND STEERING ASSEMBLY CONTAINING ABOVE DEVICE

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

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

Owner name: FERRAZ SHAWMUT

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69908011

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20030626

Kind code of ref document: P

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20040323

Year of fee payment: 6

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

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20040330

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20040406

Year of fee payment: 6

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040224

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: 20050304

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: 20051001

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

Effective date: 20050304

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: 20051130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20051130

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: 20050331