EP0994067A2 - Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff - Google Patents

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0994067A2
EP0994067A2 EP98810942A EP98810942A EP0994067A2 EP 0994067 A2 EP0994067 A2 EP 0994067A2 EP 98810942 A EP98810942 A EP 98810942A EP 98810942 A EP98810942 A EP 98810942A EP 0994067 A2 EP0994067 A2 EP 0994067A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bottle
mouth
nozzle
filling
edge
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
EP98810942A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0994067A3 (de
EP0994067B1 (de
Inventor
Hans Büchel
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.)
Tetra Pak Plastics Ltd
Original Assignee
Tetra Pak Plastics Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to DE69820063T priority Critical patent/DE69820063T2/de
Application filed by Tetra Pak Plastics Ltd filed Critical Tetra Pak Plastics Ltd
Priority to EP98810942A priority patent/EP0994067B1/de
Priority to CA002282799A priority patent/CA2282799A1/en
Priority to KR1019990040632A priority patent/KR20000023338A/ko
Priority to AU48827/99A priority patent/AU751419B2/en
Priority to JP11266941A priority patent/JP2000095297A/ja
Priority to BR9904280-0A priority patent/BR9904280A/pt
Priority to TW88118064A priority patent/TW418174B/zh
Publication of EP0994067A2 publication Critical patent/EP0994067A2/de
Publication of EP0994067A3 publication Critical patent/EP0994067A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0994067B1 publication Critical patent/EP0994067B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C3/2634—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks specially adapted for vacuum or suction filling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/16—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using suction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C2003/266—Means for centering the container with the filling head

Definitions

  • the subject of the present invention is a method for filling plastic bottles. More specifically, but not exclusively, the method can be usefully applied to aseptic bottling processes.
  • this category includes the forced-suction constant-pressure filling method and, more generally, any method in which the pressure inside the bottle during the filling stage is different to the pressure of the environment outside the bottle.
  • the seal around the mouth of the bottle is produced using a sealing ring made of an elastic material which is fitted in a seat formed in the filling member.
  • the front of the sealing ring is designed to come into sealing contact with the top edge of the bottle mouth.
  • the required seal tightness is achieved as a result of the deformation to which the sealing ring is subjected as it is pressed against the edge of the mouth.
  • the sealing ring is prone to rapid wear, both because of the type of material from which it is made - which is necessarily soft and porous - and because of the high number of operational cycles to which it is subjected. In a filling machine, this involves frequent replacement of the sealing rings with the result that the said machine has to be stopped.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the above limitations and drawbacks of the known art by means of a method for filling plastic bottles under sealed conditions, whereby the seal is produced by the mouth of the bottle fitting tightly against a frustoconical surface that is integral with the nozzle and is less deformable than the said mouth.
  • One advantage of the invention in question is that it allows a considerable number of bottles to be filled under sealed conditions without having to stop the filling plant and while always ensuring a perfect seal.
  • a further advantage is that a perfect seal is ensured even when the filling plant is subjected to washing and sterilization operations which involve sudden temperature changes and consequent expansions.
  • An additional advantage is that it allows filling under completely aseptic sealed conditions in all circumstances.
  • a further object of the invention is to make available a device that is simple and cheap to construct and that enables the method in question to be implemented.
  • a further advantage of the invention is that it provides a device which, during its operation, can remain perfectly clean and free from contaminating deposits.
  • Yet another advantage is the provision of a self-centring type device, in other words one which is able automatically to correct any slight misalignments between the dispensing nozzle and the neck of the bottle to be filled.
  • the numeral 1 denotes, as a whole, a nozzle for filling plastic bottles.
  • the nozzle 1 is used especially in aseptic bottling machines for filling plastic bottles, each having a mouth at the top, under sterile conditions.
  • the bottling machine may comprise a filling carousel, known per se and not illustrated, that rotates on command about a vertical axis of rotation and carries a plurality of nozzles arranged circumferentially around the axis of rotation.
  • the bottles are fed to the carousel by a feed line, also known per se and not illustrated, that can feed the bottles one by one to the various nozzles, synchronously with the rotation of the filling carousel.
  • Each nozzle 1 has a lower end that can be inserted into the mouth 2 of a bottle 3a, 3b.
  • the nozzle 1 can be used with a bottle 3a made of polyethylene, as in Figure 1, or with a bottle 3b made of PET, as in Figure 2, or with a bottle of another type, as long as it has a mouth at the top that can be deformed to a certain degree.
  • the nozzle 1 is of a type able to dispense a liquid to fill the bottle 3a or 3b and suck out the air contained inside the said bottle.
  • the lower end of each nozzle 1 has at least one outlet for the filling liquid and one inlet for sucking the air out.
  • the liquid flows out around 360° (in the direction denoted by the arrows F), while the suction inlet is located in the centre (the air being sucked out in the direction denoted by the arrows G)
  • Means, of a known type and not illustrated, are also provided for inserting the lower end of each nozzle 1 into the mouth 2 at the top of each bottle.
  • the PET bottle 3b shown in Figure 2 has an outwardly-projecting annular collar 4 by means of which the mouth 2 can be grasped by an annular member 5 of known type in order to grip and handle the bottle 3b.
  • each nozzle 1 has a frustoconical external surface 6 that tapers downwards.
  • the larger diameter of the surface 6 is greater than the internal diameter of the mouth 2.
  • the frustoconical surface 6 is shaped so that it fits tightly against an upper edge of the mouth 2 of the bottle.
  • the frustoconical surface 6 is more rigid than the mouth 2 of the container.
  • the frustoconical surface 6 is in particular made of metal (stainless steel for example).
  • the frustoconical surface may, as in the examples illustrated, consist of the external surface of the body of the nozzle 1; it is, however, possible for the frustoconical surface 6 to be formed by attaching an applied material (by setting or by ceramicizing or in other similar ways) on to the external surface of the nozzle 1. All the same, it is preferable to avoid any gaps, cracks, recesses or the like - where particles of filling material may become trapped and stagnate - between the nozzle and any material that may be attached to it to form the frustoconical surface 6.
  • the way in which the device in question works will be described below.
  • the bottles 3a or 3b are fed, one after the other and in a known manner, to the filling carousel which receives the bottles and advances them around a circumferential path, along which they are filled.
  • each bottle is moved upwards so that the corresponding dispensing/suction nozzle 1 can be inserted.
  • Any misalignment between the nozzle 1 and the mouth 2 is corrected automatically.
  • an air-tight seal is formed around the mouth 2 so that the pressure inside the bottle is, as a result of the suction, less than the pressure in the external environment.
  • the seal is produced by an upper edge of the mouth 2 fitting tightly against the frustoconical surface 6 that is integral with the nozzle 1.
  • the edge of the mouth 2 is pressed with a given pressure against the external frustoconical surface 6 of the nozzle 1.
  • the plastic material from which the mouth 2 is made is more deformable than the frustoconical surface 6.
  • the slight elastic yielding of the mouth 2 of the bottle is sufficient to ensure an excellent seal around the edge of the said mouth. As a result of this seal, the air can be efficiently sucked out.
  • the bottle and the nozzle are disengaged simply by moving the bottle vertically downwards.
  • the degree of taper of the frustoconical surface 6 is such as to allow the nozzle 1 easily to penetrate inside the mouth 2 of the bottle and also such as to allow the nozzle 1 to be subsequently removed from the mouth 2. It is also important that the engagement between the frustoconical surface 6 and the mouth 2 does not cause any permanent deformation of the latter. It has however been found that an effective seal can be produced without damaging the bottle mouth.
  • the degree of taper is selected as a function of the deformability of the mouth 2: generally, the greater the deformability, the greater the angle of taper of the frustoconical surface 6, whereas in the case of very rigid mouths 2 it is advisable to use a relatively shallow taper.
  • the seal tightness required to generate a drop in pressure inside the bottle during filling is achieved as a result of the temporary deformation to which the mouth edge is subjected when it is pressed against the relatively hard and relatively non-deformable frustoconical surface.

Landscapes

  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
EP98810942A 1998-09-21 1998-09-21 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff Expired - Lifetime EP0994067B1 (de)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP98810942A EP0994067B1 (de) 1998-09-21 1998-09-21 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff
DE69820063T DE69820063T2 (de) 1998-09-21 1998-09-21 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff
KR1019990040632A KR20000023338A (ko) 1998-09-21 1999-09-21 플라스틱 병의 충전 방법 및 장치
AU48827/99A AU751419B2 (en) 1998-09-21 1999-09-21 A method and device for filling plastic bottles
CA002282799A CA2282799A1 (en) 1998-09-21 1999-09-21 A method and device for filling plastic bottles
JP11266941A JP2000095297A (ja) 1998-09-21 1999-09-21 プラスチックボトルに充填するための方法および装置
BR9904280-0A BR9904280A (pt) 1998-09-21 1999-09-21 Processo e dispositivo para enchimento de garrafas plásticas
TW88118064A TW418174B (en) 1998-09-21 1999-10-19 Method and device for filling plastic bottles

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP98810942A EP0994067B1 (de) 1998-09-21 1998-09-21 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0994067A2 true EP0994067A2 (de) 2000-04-19
EP0994067A3 EP0994067A3 (de) 2000-04-26
EP0994067B1 EP0994067B1 (de) 2003-11-26

Family

ID=8236337

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98810942A Expired - Lifetime EP0994067B1 (de) 1998-09-21 1998-09-21 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0994067B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2000095297A (de)
KR (1) KR20000023338A (de)
AU (1) AU751419B2 (de)
BR (1) BR9904280A (de)
CA (1) CA2282799A1 (de)
DE (1) DE69820063T2 (de)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1426325A1 (de) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-09 Krones Ag Füllorgan für Kunststoffflaschen
EP1787943A1 (de) * 2005-11-22 2007-05-23 Dipran S.R.L. Füllventil zum Füllen von steifen Behältern mittels Unterdruck
CN112938871A (zh) * 2021-04-29 2021-06-11 江西牛牛乳业有限责任公司 一种双腔瓶饮料罐装分配装置
CN113292034A (zh) * 2021-05-26 2021-08-24 江西牛牛乳业有限责任公司 双腔瓶灌装工艺及灌装设备
CN113336167A (zh) * 2021-05-26 2021-09-03 江西牛牛乳业有限责任公司 双腔瓶灌装头和灌装设备
CN114988338A (zh) * 2022-05-27 2022-09-02 合肥中辰轻工机械有限公司 一种等压灌装阀
US11918540B2 (en) 2020-04-23 2024-03-05 Vonco Products, Llc Cap for spout and modified spout

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101388603B1 (ko) * 2012-11-20 2014-04-23 최순석 액체의 정량 주입 노즐을 이용한 수액(樹液) 주입 장치
EP4308471A1 (de) * 2021-03-18 2024-01-24 Vonco Products, LLC Kappe für ausguss und modifizierter ausguss

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE894211C (de) * 1951-04-27 1953-10-22 Johann Ruehl Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Fuellen von Flaschen, insbesondere Enghalsflaschen
DE1039866B (de) * 1955-03-03 1958-09-25 Artur Gantner Verfahren zum ventillosen Fuellen von Flaschen oder anderen Gefaessen mittels Unterdruck
FR2552749A1 (fr) * 1983-10-04 1985-04-05 Pont A Mousson Dispositif de remplissage automatique de bouteilles, notamment par des liquides carbonates
EP0719728A1 (de) * 1994-12-28 1996-07-03 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Kraftstoff-Zapfpistole

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE894211C (de) * 1951-04-27 1953-10-22 Johann Ruehl Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Fuellen von Flaschen, insbesondere Enghalsflaschen
DE1039866B (de) * 1955-03-03 1958-09-25 Artur Gantner Verfahren zum ventillosen Fuellen von Flaschen oder anderen Gefaessen mittels Unterdruck
FR2552749A1 (fr) * 1983-10-04 1985-04-05 Pont A Mousson Dispositif de remplissage automatique de bouteilles, notamment par des liquides carbonates
EP0719728A1 (de) * 1994-12-28 1996-07-03 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Kraftstoff-Zapfpistole

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1426325A1 (de) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-09 Krones Ag Füllorgan für Kunststoffflaschen
EP1787943A1 (de) * 2005-11-22 2007-05-23 Dipran S.R.L. Füllventil zum Füllen von steifen Behältern mittels Unterdruck
US11918540B2 (en) 2020-04-23 2024-03-05 Vonco Products, Llc Cap for spout and modified spout
CN112938871A (zh) * 2021-04-29 2021-06-11 江西牛牛乳业有限责任公司 一种双腔瓶饮料罐装分配装置
CN113292034A (zh) * 2021-05-26 2021-08-24 江西牛牛乳业有限责任公司 双腔瓶灌装工艺及灌装设备
CN113336167A (zh) * 2021-05-26 2021-09-03 江西牛牛乳业有限责任公司 双腔瓶灌装头和灌装设备
CN113292034B (zh) * 2021-05-26 2022-07-05 江西牛牛乳业有限责任公司 双腔瓶灌装工艺及灌装设备
CN114988338A (zh) * 2022-05-27 2022-09-02 合肥中辰轻工机械有限公司 一种等压灌装阀
CN114988338B (zh) * 2022-05-27 2024-01-05 合肥中辰轻工机械有限公司 一种等压灌装阀

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU4882799A (en) 2000-03-23
AU751419B2 (en) 2002-08-15
EP0994067A3 (de) 2000-04-26
JP2000095297A (ja) 2000-04-04
DE69820063T2 (de) 2004-08-26
EP0994067B1 (de) 2003-11-26
CA2282799A1 (en) 2000-03-21
BR9904280A (pt) 2000-09-12
DE69820063D1 (de) 2004-01-08
KR20000023338A (ko) 2000-04-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2980007B1 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung zur füllerreinigung
EP0961733B1 (de) Verfahren zum handhaben, füllen und verschliessen von verpackungsbehältern
US6341472B1 (en) Method and facility for sealing bottles with sterile sealing caps
US7404276B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant for aseptic filling of beverage bottles with a liquid beverage filling material
US7409808B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material
JP5254134B2 (ja) オープンジェット充填システム、方法および充填機
US7243483B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling containers, such as bottles and cans, with a liquid beverage, a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid, and a method for filling containers with the filling machine
EP0994067B1 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Flaschen aus Kunststoff
US7383673B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a sealing system for sealing a transition between a movable portion and a stationary portion
JPH02502452A (ja) びんの充填およびシール装置
CN113382951B (zh) 容器杀菌装置、内容物填充系统、容器杀菌方法以及内容物填充方法
US20140174034A1 (en) Method and device for producing filled containers made from preforms
JP2014051304A (ja) 無菌チャンバの防菌シール方法及び装置
EP0989089A1 (de) Förderer für Flaschen mit Halskragen
US20130174880A1 (en) Multi-functional cleaning robot
US9522818B2 (en) Filling machine
US20110017343A1 (en) Method and apparatus for filling a container having a tube spout fitment
US10377519B2 (en) Installation for aseptic filling of a receptacle
US20180215598A1 (en) Method for cleaning and/or disinfecting sealing elements, sealing machine, and sealing element
JP2019085130A (ja) キャップの殺菌方法及びキャップ殺菌装置
EP3895744A1 (de) Verfahren zum desinfizieren einer aseptischen füllmaschinenkammer
KR102051181B1 (ko) 캡 조립기
TW418174B (en) Method and device for filling plastic bottles
CN116615379A (zh) 容器杀菌方法、容器杀菌装置及内容物填充系统
CN116615378A (zh) 容器杀菌方法、容器杀菌装置及内容物填充系统

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

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

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

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY 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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000626

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: CH DE FR GB IT LI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020722

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

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

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

Effective date: 20031126

Ref country code: CH

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: 20031126

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69820063

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040108

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

ET Fr: translation filed
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: 20040921

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

Effective date: 20040827

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: 20050401

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

Effective date: 20040921

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: 20050531

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: 20050921