EP1007231B1 - A device for and a method of treating the inner surface of a container - Google Patents

A device for and a method of treating the inner surface of a container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1007231B1
EP1007231B1 EP98909942A EP98909942A EP1007231B1 EP 1007231 B1 EP1007231 B1 EP 1007231B1 EP 98909942 A EP98909942 A EP 98909942A EP 98909942 A EP98909942 A EP 98909942A EP 1007231 B1 EP1007231 B1 EP 1007231B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
cover
sealing surface
treatment
holder member
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
EP98909942A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1007231A1 (en
Inventor
Per Hylén
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1007231A1 publication Critical patent/EP1007231A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1007231B1 publication Critical patent/EP1007231B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/0804—Cleaning containers having tubular shape, e.g. casks, barrels, drums
    • B08B9/0813—Cleaning containers having tubular shape, e.g. casks, barrels, drums by the force of jets or sprays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/093—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays
    • B08B9/0936—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays using rotating jets

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a device for the treatment of the inner surface of a container according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a device is disclosed in US-A-5 286 302. The device known is intended for cleaning bulk containers of vehicles. The invention also refers to a method for the treatment of the inner surface of a container having an opening.
  • the present invention is now to be described in connection with cleaning of pots for large kitchens, restaurants etc.
  • the invention is not limited to this application but may be employed for the cleaning or any other treatment, such as for instance painting of many different types of containers.
  • EP-A-137 416 discloses a device for cleaning the inner surface of waste containers having an opening and being located along road sides.
  • the device is mounted on a vehicle and comprises a robot which is arranged to lift the container and to rotate the container half a revulotion and onto which a nozzle is mounted and introduceable through an opening of the container.
  • the nozzle is thereby arranged to generate a liquid jet which at a high pressure sweeps over the whole inner surface of the container. No messures seams to have been taken to close the container from the surrounding spaces and thereby prevent the high pressure jet from coming out into the surrounding spaces. It is to be noted that such a high pressure jet is a risk if it is permitted to hit a person.
  • DE-A-4 223 451 discloses a device for the supply of liquid to the whole inner surface of a container by means of a nozzle provided in the container.
  • SU-A-1630 864 discloses a device for cleaning the inner surface of a bottle-like container by means of a nozzle which is introduceable through an opening into the container and which is arranged to generate a liquid jet which at high pressure sweeps over the whole inner surface of the container.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the problems described above and provided a device and a method for the treatment of the inner surface of a container.
  • the cover comprises at least one drainage passage which extends between the interior of the container and the surrounding spaces.
  • the cover is designed in such a manner, in an area essentially immediately inside the sealing surface of the cover that the velocity of a fluid jet hitting the cover will be reduced in such a way that the fluid is prevented from coming out of the interior of the container.
  • a design of the cover is particularly advantageous when the fluid is supplied by means of a high pressure jet which when it hits an essentially plane cover may displace the same from the sealing abutment against the container.
  • the cover may comprise a deflection located radially inside the sealing surface of the cover and arranged to form, in cooperation with the sealing surface of the container, an annular space accessible from the interior of the container via an annular gap.
  • Such a space contributes to reduce the force by which a high pressure jet acts on the joint betweent the cover and the container and in such a manner the risk is reduced that the fluid will come out of the container or provide an unwanted leakage.
  • said deflection may advantageously be arranged to form, in cooperation with an upper portion of the inner surface of the container, an annular space tapering towards the gap. Also such an area contributes to reduce the force by which the jet acts on the joint between the cover and the container.
  • the drainage passage comprises a groove, or depression, at the sealing surface of the cover.
  • the treatment member is releaseably mountable in a passage extending through the cover. Since the cover has to be adapted to the size of the container one may by such a releaseably mountable treatment member utilize the latter for a number of different containers of different size.
  • the treatment member may comprise a nozzle which is provided on a holder member which is introduceable into said passage.
  • the holder member has a sealing surface which is arranged to abut sealingly a sealing surface of said passage when the holder member is introduced therein. In such a manner, it is ensured that the holder member sealingly closes against the cover.
  • the sealing surface of the holder member and the sealing surface of the passage may be conical.
  • the holder member comprises a shaft on which a motor arranged to rotate the nozzle is provided and which encloses a channel for the supply of said liquid to the nozzle.
  • the nozzle is arranged to generate a liquid jet which at a high pressure sweeps over the essentially whole inner surface of the container.
  • At least one attachment member is arranged to engage a flange-like edge of the container in order to attach the cover to the container.
  • the attachment member may advantageously be arranged to extend from the holder member over the cover to the flange-like edge and comprise a flexible element which is attachable to the holder member and comprises a hook-like member which is attachable about the flange-like edge.
  • the cover comprises at least one drainage passage which extends between the interior of the container and the surrounding space.
  • the sealing surface of the cover may comprise a groove forming said drainage passage during said closing.
  • a suspension device which comprises a carriage being displaceably provided on a rail and arranged to carry the holder member by a suspension element permitting the displacement of the holder member in a vertical direction for the transport of the holder member between different containers to be cleaned.
  • Fig 1 and 2 discloses a cover 1 of the device according to the invention.
  • the cover 1 is intended to close an opening of a container 2 (see Fig 5) during cleaning of the interior of the container 2.
  • the cover 1 comprises a passage 3 centrally provided and a curved portion 4 located radially outside and extending about the central passage 3.
  • the curvature is such that the cover 1 projects outwardly from the container 2 to which the cover 1 is intended to be attached.
  • stiffness and torsion stability of the cover 1 are improved.
  • the cover 1 is advantageously manufactured in any light material, such as plastic, for instance polycarbonate. Also metallic materials are possible.
  • the cover 1 comprises a deflection 5 which extends around the cover 1.
  • the deflection 5, see Fig 4 comprises a first flange 5a extending upwardly from the upper side of the cover 1 and a second flange 5b extending back.
  • the second flange 5b is shorter than the first flange 5a.
  • Each of the flanges 5a and 5b forms essentially conical surfaces.
  • the cover 1 comprises an essentially plane portion 6 which may be terminated by a flange 7 extending upwardly, i e from the upper side of the cover 1, see Fig 4.
  • the cover 1 is arranged to recieve a treatment member 8 in the passage 3, which is disclosed in Fig 3.
  • the treatment member 8 is in the example disclosed a cleaning member 8 which comprises a shaft 9 carrying a nozzle 10.
  • the nozzle 10 and the shaft 9 are provided on a holder member 11 in such a manner that the shaft 9 extends therethrough and carries a motor 12.
  • the holder member 11 comprises a peripheral conical sealing surface 11a which is arranged to abut a conical sealing surface 3a of the passage 3 when the cleaning memeber 8 is introduced into the cover 1.
  • the nozzle 10 disclosed comprises to nozzle orifices 10a, 10b which are arranged to generate a respective liquid jet under high pressure in such a manner that these will sweep over the whole inner surface of the container 2.
  • This sweeping movement is provided by means of the motor 12 which is arranged to rotate the nozzle 10 about a longitudinal axis of the shaft 9 and about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 9.
  • Liquid under high pressure is supplied by a pump member not disclosed via an inlet 13 and a channel 14 extending through the shaft 9.
  • the pressure of the liquid may for instance be between 70 and 130 bars, preferably at least 90 bars.
  • the cleaning member 8 also comprises a protecting shield 15 which is provided on the shaft 9 between the nozzle 10 and the holder member 11. It is to be noted that the shield 15 has a smaller diameter than the holder member 11 in order to enable the introduction of the cleaning member 8 throuhg the passage 3.
  • an electronic control unit 16 which is arranged to control different functions of the device disclosed, for instance operation time, supply of chemicals, flushing, liquid pressure, sweep velocity etc.
  • Fig 4 it is disclosed how the plane portion 6 of the cover 1 which has a sealing surface 6a abuts a corresponding plane sealing surface 2a of a container 2.
  • the flanges 5a and 5b of the deflection 5 form in cooperation with the sealing surfaces 2a of the container 2 an annular space 17 which is accessible from the interior of the container 2 via an annular gap 18.
  • the flange 5a is arranged to form, in cooperation with an upper portion of the inner surface of the container 2, an annular space 19 tapering towards a gap 18.
  • the purpose of the two annular spaces 17 and 19 is to reduce the force of the high pressure jet when it is directed towards the border area or the joint between the cover 1 and the container 2.
  • the cover 1 comprises two drainage passages 20 which extend between the interior of the container 2 and the surrounding space.
  • the drainage passages 20 are designed as a respective groove or depression at the sealing surface 1a of the cover 1.
  • the purpose of the drainage passages 20 is to discharge the water supplied to the interior of the container 2 via the nozzle 10 during cleaning of the container. It is to be noted that the two drainage passages may be replaced by one single such passage.
  • the device according to the invention also comprises two attachment members 21 for tightening the cover 1 and the cleaning member 8 onto a container 2.
  • the attachment members 21 disclosed are at their one end attached to a respective attachment 22 which are provided on the upper side of the holder member 11, see Fig 3, and are at their other end fixedly hooked about an upper flange 23 of the container 2, which is directed radially outwardly.
  • the attachement members 21 comprise a flexible element, for instance a line or as in the example disclosed a band, extending between the attachment 22 of the holder member 11 and a hook-like member 24 engaging the flange 23.
  • the attachment members 21 comprise tightening devices 25 schematically disclosed, for instance of the type excenter tighteners, which are arranged to fixedly tighten the attachment member 21 and at the same time press the cover 1 and the cleaning member 8 against the container 2.
  • the flexible element 21 abuts the upper portion of the deflection 5.
  • the device according to the invention comprises as an attachment member an elastic band or the like which is attached to two diametrically opposite attachment elements of the container 2 and which are provided, by being pulled outwardly, around the cover 1 and the cleaning member 8, i. e. the band maintains the cover 1 as well as the cleaning member 8 in position.
  • the band may extend between two rings 31 or the like, see Fig 3, which are provided in parallel on the outwardly facing end surface of the motor 12.
  • Fig 5 discloses how the device according to the invention may be utilized in a kitchen having two containers in the form of pots 2. During cleaning of the pots 2, these are tilted in such a manner that the opening of the pots 2 is located in a vertical plane.
  • the cover 1 and the cleaning member 8 according to the invention are suspended in a carriage 26 which may be displaced lateraly on a rail 27.
  • the cleaning member 8 and the cover 1 are suspended in a line 28 and, by means of a balance block or the like (not disclosed), be displaced in a vertical direction. In such a manner, the cover 1 and the cleaning member 8 may be attached in front of the vertical opening of the pot 2 and in an easy manner be tightened to this opening.
  • the carriage 26 also comprises means for guiding a hose 29 for the supply of liquid to the nozzle 10 via the inlet 13.
  • the hose 29 is wound on a hose reel 30. Thereafter, the liquid supply and the cleaning member 8 may be activated by means of the control unit 16.
  • the cover 1 is provided in such a manner that the drainage passages 20 point downwardly so that the liquid supplied may flow out of the pot 2.
  • the attachment members 21 may be designed in many different ways and comprise bands of fabric, syntetic fiber material or metal sheet.
  • the device In order to increase the security, it is also possible to provide the device with more than two attachment members 21. It is also possible to provide separate members for the attachment of the cover 1 to the container 2 and for the attachment of the cleaning member 8 to the cover 1.
  • Fig 3 discloses such a sensor in the form of a switch member 32 that is arranged to be pushed inwardly by means of said attachment band and thereby allow the operation of the motor and the supply of the high pressure jet. When the band is removed the motor operation and the supply of the high pressure jet are interrupted.
  • the switch member 32 is provided between the two parallel rings 31.
  • the device according to the invention may comprise sensors for sensing that the cleaning member 8 is sealingly provided in the cover 1 and that the cover 1 is sealingly provided on the container 2. These sensors are advantageousely connected to the control unit so that the device may be started only when these sealingly conditions exist.
  • the device according to the invention may suitably also be provided for other treatment than cleaning of inner surfaces of different types of containers.
  • it is suitable and advantageous for spray painting or spray finishing, in which case it is also desireble to prevent paint or lacquer from penetrating the surrounding spaces.
  • Another treatment may comprise blasting or the supply of gases for different purposes. In the cases that gas is supplied or formed due to the treatment it may be suitable to design the cover 1 without any drainage passages 20.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
EP98909942A 1997-03-13 1998-03-13 A device for and a method of treating the inner surface of a container Expired - Lifetime EP1007231B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9700913 1997-03-13
SE9700913A SE511222C2 (sv) 1997-03-13 1997-03-13 Anordning och förfarande för behandling av innerytan hos en behållare
PCT/SE1998/000453 WO1998040175A1 (sv) 1997-03-13 1998-03-13 A device for and a method of treating the inner surface of a container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1007231A1 EP1007231A1 (en) 2000-06-14
EP1007231B1 true EP1007231B1 (en) 2003-11-19

Family

ID=20406142

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98909942A Expired - Lifetime EP1007231B1 (en) 1997-03-13 1998-03-13 A device for and a method of treating the inner surface of a container

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1007231B1 (sv)
AT (1) ATE254514T1 (sv)
AU (1) AU6429998A (sv)
DE (1) DE69819908T2 (sv)
NO (1) NO308344B1 (sv)
SE (1) SE511222C2 (sv)
WO (1) WO1998040175A1 (sv)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109226155A (zh) * 2018-08-28 2019-01-18 杨磊 一种用于清洗消毒剂配液用容器的装置

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3031751A1 (de) * 2014-12-12 2016-06-15 Sascha Neumann Spritzschutz für einen abfallbehälter, sowie einen abfallbehälter mit einem derartigen spritzschutz
EP3433032B1 (en) * 2016-03-25 2022-04-20 Stoneage, Inc. High pressure cleaning lance drive safety apparatus

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1843036A (en) * 1928-11-03 1932-01-26 Abner J Lurry Tank cleaner
IT1195672B (it) * 1983-10-07 1988-10-19 Cristanini Adolfo Apparecchiatura di lavaggio e disinfezione particolarmente per cassonetti stradali
DE3920906A1 (de) * 1989-06-26 1991-01-10 Henkel Kgaa Fassentleerungsanlage
US5137043A (en) * 1991-05-02 1992-08-11 Wickham Iii Ward E Vehicle for cleaning intermediate bulk containers
DE4229250A1 (de) * 1992-09-02 1994-03-03 Guido Dipl Ing Nijs Reinigungs- und Trocknungseinrichtung für Behälter, Container und Fässer insbesondere für Farben, Lacke, Klebstoffe, Dichtstoffe und chemische sowie pharmazeutische Produkte

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109226155A (zh) * 2018-08-28 2019-01-18 杨磊 一种用于清洗消毒剂配液用容器的装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE9700913L (sv) 1998-09-14
EP1007231A1 (en) 2000-06-14
ATE254514T1 (de) 2003-12-15
DE69819908D1 (de) 2003-12-24
DE69819908T2 (de) 2004-09-02
SE511222C2 (sv) 1999-08-30
NO308344B1 (no) 2000-09-04
AU6429998A (en) 1998-09-29
NO994417D0 (no) 1999-09-10
SE9700913D0 (sv) 1997-03-13
NO994417L (no) 1999-11-03
WO1998040175A1 (sv) 1998-09-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4953496A (en) High pressure water jet cleaner and coating applicator
EP0200858B1 (en) Method and apparatus for removing substances adhering to surface
US5704381A (en) Enclosed spray gun and accessories cleaning apparatus
US6370728B1 (en) Cleaning appliance
US4690159A (en) Rotary cleaning device
CA2178501A1 (en) Container with Hinged Lid for Paint
ZA951794B (en) Hand held spray gun with top mounted paint cup
EP1007231B1 (en) A device for and a method of treating the inner surface of a container
US6889914B2 (en) Shroud assembly for high pressure fluid cleaning lance
US5191740A (en) Apparatus for cleaning pipe
CA2098282A1 (en) Method and apparatus for cleaning pipe
KR930021269A (ko) 캔코팅 시스템용 분무건 커버를 포함하는 노즐 세척 시스템
EP1103308A3 (en) Sprayer comprising a nozzle cover
KR20210022014A (ko) 스프레이건 용 스마트 형 도료 비산 방지 커버 하우징
GB2215656A (en) Containment apparatus.
US5860412A (en) Kitchen ventilation duct degreasing system
ATE232756T1 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung zum reinigen von farb- und lackverschmutzten spritzpistolen
US7523512B1 (en) System and method for cleaning restrooms
ES2171744T3 (es) Metodo y aparato para limpiar pistolas pulverizadoras de pintura.
EP3479904A1 (en) Device and method for cleaning containers
WO1999039982A3 (de) Farbdose
US5584345A (en) Safety ring for bottom of fire extinguisher
WO2001076781A1 (en) Cleaning equipment for the cleaning of tanks
US7931215B2 (en) Device and an installation for spraying a coating fluid, and including a reservoir
AU2012200676B2 (en) Apparatus for cleaning a painting tool

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19990908

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK FI FR GB IE IT LI NL

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK FI FR GB IE IT LI NL

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

Ref country code: NL

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: 20031119

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: 20031119

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;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: 20031119

Ref country code: FI

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: 20031119

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: 20031119

Ref country code: BE

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: 20031119

Ref country code: AT

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: 20031119

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: 69819908

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20031224

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

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

Ref country code: DK

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: 20040219

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20040315

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

ET Fr: translation filed
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: 20040820

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20060314

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20060328

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070312

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20071130

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: 20071002

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: 20070402

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

Effective date: 20080313

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: 20080313