EP1009875B1 - Procede et dispositif de sechage d'une nappe de fibres - Google Patents

Procede et dispositif de sechage d'une nappe de fibres Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1009875B1
EP1009875B1 EP98910753A EP98910753A EP1009875B1 EP 1009875 B1 EP1009875 B1 EP 1009875B1 EP 98910753 A EP98910753 A EP 98910753A EP 98910753 A EP98910753 A EP 98910753A EP 1009875 B1 EP1009875 B1 EP 1009875B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fiber web
band
wire
drying
turning rolls
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
EP98910753A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1009875A1 (fr
Inventor
Elias Retulainen
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.)
Valmet Technologies Oy
Original Assignee
Metso Paper Oy
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 Metso Paper Oy filed Critical Metso Paper Oy
Publication of EP1009875A1 publication Critical patent/EP1009875A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1009875B1 publication Critical patent/EP1009875B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21FPAPER-MAKING MACHINES; METHODS OF PRODUCING PAPER THEREON
    • D21F5/00Dryer section of machines for making continuous webs of paper
    • D21F5/004Drying webs by contact with heated surfaces or materials
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26DRYING
    • F26BDRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B13/00Machines and apparatus for drying fabrics, fibres, yarns, or other materials in long lengths, with progressive movement
    • F26B13/10Arrangements for feeding, heating or supporting materials; Controlling movement, tension or position of materials
    • F26B13/105Drying webs by contact with heated surfaces other than rollers or drums

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for drying a fiber web, in which method the fiber web is dried with a drying apparatus comprising two endless air-impermeable bands, first turning rolls, the first band being arranged to turn around the first turning rolls, and second turning rolls, the second band being arranged to turn around the second turning rolls, whereby the first band and the second band are arranged to run part of the way parallel with each other in such a way that they form a drying zone between them, the first band being heated and the second band being cooled, and whereby the fiber web and at least one felt or wire are led between the bands in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the heated first band and the felt or wire, respectively, is between the fiber web and the cooled second band.
  • a drying apparatus comprising two endless air-impermeable bands, first turning rolls, the first band being arranged to turn around the first turning rolls, and second turning rolls, the second band being arranged to turn around the second turning rolls, whereby the first band and the second band are arranged to run part of the
  • the invention relates further to an arrangement for drying a fiber web, which arrangement comprises a drying apparatus comprising two endless air-impermeable bands, first turning rolls, the first band being arranged to turn around the first turning rolls, and second turning rolls, the second band being arranged to turn around the second turning rolls, whereby the first band and the second band are arranged to run part of the way parallel with each other in such a way that they form a drying zone between them, the first band being heated by heating means and the second band being cooled by cooling means, and whereby the fiber web and at least one felt or wire are led between the bands in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the heated first band and the felt or wire, respectively, is between the fiber web and the cooled second band.
  • a drying apparatus comprising two endless air-impermeable bands, first turning rolls, the first band being arranged to turn around the first turning rolls, and second turning rolls, the second band being arranged to turn around the second turning rolls, whereby the first band and the second band are arranged to run part of the
  • the operation is based on that two endless metal bands are arranged to run around turning rolls and that pressure chambers containing hot steam and water, respectively, are provided against the inside surface of the loops formed by the bands so that the pressure produced presses the hot and the cold band, and respectively, the fiber web and the wire between them towards each other.
  • the bands located between the pressure chambers constitute by means of seals one side of the pressure chambers so that the steam and water can affect the bands directly.
  • the structure of the fiber web can then be fixed to remain such as it was when entering the drying apparatus.
  • the transverse properties should be better still.
  • packing boards in particular, where the transverse direction usually is the vertical direction of a board package as well, the transverse properties of the fiber web shall also be very good. Especially when packages are piled on each other, the vertical compression strength of the packages will be critical.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a method and an arrangement, which can be utilized for improving the transverse properties of a fiber web.
  • the method of the invention is characterized in that the fiber web is spread in its transverse direction before it is led into the drying apparatus.
  • the arrangement of the invention is characterized in that the arrangement comprises means for spreading the fiber web in its transverse direction before it is led into the drying apparatus.
  • the essential idea of the invention is that a fiber web is spread in its transverse direction before it is led into a drying apparatus. Moreover, it is essential that, after spreading, the fiber web is dried between two parallel bands moving in the same direction in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the heated band and there is a wire between the fiber web and the second cooled band, so that the steam separated from the fiber web on account of heating condenses to the wire by the effect of the cold band. Further, the idea of a preferred embodiment is that the fiber web is spread by means of at least one spreader roll. The idea of still another preferred embodiment is that, while the fiber web is spread, the side of the fiber web which is opposite to the spreader means is not supported or as a support is used a veil-like wire elastic in the transverse direction.
  • An advantage of the invention is that by spreading the fiber web in the transverse direction before leading it into the drying apparatus, it is possible to improve the coefficient of elasticity, the tensile strength and the compression resistance of the fiber web in the transverse direction. Further, by using a heated and a cooled band moving in the same direction for drying after the spreading, it is possible to fix the structure provided by a spreader means to remain in the fiber web. By leaving that side of the fiber web which is opposite to the spreader means without support at the spreader means or by supporting the fiber web with a veil-like wire stretching in the transverse direction, it is possible to spread the fiber web efficiently and easily.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view taken in the travel direction of the a web, illustrating an arrangement according to the invention.
  • the arrangement comprises a drying apparatus comprising endless air-impermeable bands that conduct heat well and are preferably made of metal: viz. a first band 1, i.e. the upper band, and a second band 2, i.e. the lower band, a fine wire or felt 3, a coarse wire 4 and fiber web 5 running between those surfaces of the bands that face each other.
  • the fiber web 5 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A.
  • the first band 1 is arranged to turn around first turning rolls 6a and 6b located at the ends of the drying apparatus.
  • the second band 2 is arranged to turn around second turning rolls 7a and 7b also located at the ends of the drying apparatus, below the first turning rolls 6a and 6b.
  • the wires 3 and 4 are supported and guided by means of guide rolls 8. Since the pressure prevailing in the drying zone in the space between the bands 1 and 2 is usually different from the pressure prevailing outside or on the sides of the bands 1 and 2, seals are provided on both sides of the apparatus between or at the edges of the bands 1 and 2, the seals preventing liquid or gas from moving out of the space between the bands 1 and 2 sidewards, or vice versa.
  • the drying apparatus comprises a pressure chamber 9, which is located above the first band 1.
  • the first band 1 is sealed with seals 9a to the body 9b of the pressure chamber so that the steam in the pressure chamber 9 is maintained at a suitable pressure.
  • Below the second band 2 there is a water chamber 10 containing water that cools the second band 2.
  • the operation of the drying apparatus is based on heating the first band 1 being in contact with the web 5 by hot steam contained in the pressure chamber 9. On account of the temperature of the first web 1, the water in the web 5 is then vaporized and transferred through the wires 3 and 4 toward the second band 2.
  • the second band in turn, is continuously cooled with water located below it, whereby the steam produced on the surface thereof condenses into water and is removed with the band 2 and the wire 4.
  • the arrangement comprises further a spreader roll 11, by which the fiber web 5 is spread in its transverse direction before it is led into the drying apparatus.
  • the term 'transverse' signifies a direction of the fiber web 5 essentially vertical to the machine direction.
  • the spreader roll 11 is a rotating curved roll, by which the fiber web 5 can be spread in its transverse direction.
  • the spreading means may be a curved slide rod or mechanical spreading means at the edge of the fiber web 5 or some other spreading means known per se, for instance.
  • the spreading means is preferably positioned as close to the drying apparatus as possible, whereby the transverse stretching of the fiber web 5 can be preserved as efficiently as possible.
  • the drying apparatus of Figure 1 it is possible to fix a desired transverse tension and a suitable stretched structure to remain in the fiber web 5.
  • the spreading of the fiber web 5 is preferably subjected to a fiber web having a lowest possible dry matter content, because spreading a fiber web that is too dry may cause tearing of the fiber web 5.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional side view taken in the travel direction of the web, illustrating a second arrangement according to the invention.
  • the arrangement of Figure 2 corresponds to the arrangement of Figure 1, except that the arrangement of Figure 2 comprises a spreader roll 11 arranged below the wire 3.
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of a detail of a third arrangement according to the invention at spreader rolls 11.
  • Reference numerals of Figure 3 correspond to those of the Figures 1 and 2.
  • the wire 3 is led away from supporting the fiber web 5 at the spreader rolls 11.
  • the fiber web 5 can then be spread very easily and efficiently.
  • a veil-like auxiliary wire 12 elastic in the transverse direction, but essentially inextensible in the machine direction may be arranged for supporting the fiber web 5.
  • auxiliary wire 12 also facilitates the spreading, but the auxiliary wire 12 simultaneously supports the fiber web 5 in the machine direction.
  • the wire 3 may also be a veil-like wire, elastic in the transverse direction, but essentially inextensible in the machine direction, in which case it is not necessary to lead the wire away from supporting the fiber web at the spreader rolls 11 like in Figure 3.
  • FIG. 3 shows that three spreader rolls 11 are used as spreading means. If desired, the number of the spreader rolls 11 may be even higher.
  • the spreader rolls 11 are arranged at the same level in the height direction, whereby enfolding the fiber web 5 and the auxiliary wire 12 around each spreader roll 11 can be made relatively long. It is preferable to provide at least one spreader roll 11 with adjustable height level.
  • the height level of the midmost spreader roll 11 is preferably adjustable. By adjusting the height level of said spreader roll 11, it is possible to adjust the enfolding of the web 5 and the auxiliary wire 12 around the spreader rolls 11.
  • the midmost spreader roll 11 may be lifted above the normal upper edge of the fiber web 5, which makes the threading of the fiber web 5 easy.
  • the drawings and the description relating to them are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. As to the details, the invention may vary within the scope of the claims. So, it is not essential which pressure medium is used in the pressure chamber 9 and the water chamber 10.
  • the medium of the pressure chamber 9 may thus be steam, air or hot combustion gases of fuel, or, for instance, water. In addition to water, e.g. air can also be used as pressure medium in the water chamber 10.
  • the first band 1 can also be heated at other places in manners fully known per se. Further, heating the first band 1 may take place also entirely outside the pressure chamber 9 or drying the fiber web 5 may take place even without a pressure chamber 9.
  • the second band 2 can be cooled also outside the water chamber 10 or the cooling can even be performed without a water chamber 10 in manners fully known per se.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Multicomponent Fibers (AREA)
  • Stringed Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Procédé de séchage d'une toile de fibre, dans lequel la toile de fibre (5) est séchée avec un appareil de séchage comprenant deux bandes sans fin imperméables à l'air (1, 2), des premiers rouleaux de retour de toile (6a, 6b), la première bande (1) étant disposée pour tourner autour des premiers rouleaux de retour de toile (6a, 6b), et des seconds rouleaux de retour de toile (7a, 7b), la seconde bande (2) étant disposée pour tourner autour des seconds rouleau de retour de toile (7a, 7b), la première bande (1) et la seconde bande (2) étant disposées pour passer, sur une partie du trajet, parallèlement l'une à l'autre de façon à ce qu'elles forment entre elles une zone de séchage, la première bande (1) étant chauffée et la seconde bande (2) étant refroidie, et la toile de fibre (5) et au moins un feutre ou fil (3, 4) étant introduits entre les bandes (1, 2) de façon à ce que la toile de fibre (5) soit en contact avec la première bande (1) chauffée et que le feutre ou fil (3, 4) se trouve, respectivement, entre la toile de fibre et la seconde bande refroidie(2), caractérisé en ce que la toile de fibre (5) est étalée dans son sens transversal avant qu'elle (5) ne soit introduite dans l'appareil de séchage.
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que pendant l'étalement, la toile de fibre (5) est essentiellement non supportée par les fils (3, 4).
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que pendant l'étalement, la toile de fibre (5) est supportée dans le sens transversal par un fil élastique (3, 12).
  4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la première bande (1) est chauffée au moyen d'une chambre de pression (9), et la seconde bande (2) est refroidie au moyen d'une chambre (10) contenant un agent sous pression.
  5. Agencement de séchage d'une toile de fibre, ledit agencement comprenant un appareil de séchage comprenant deux bandes sans fin imperméables à l'air (1, 2), des premiers rouleaux de retour de toile (6a, 6b), la première bande (1) étant disposée pour tourner autour des premiers rouleaux de retour de toile (6a, 6b), et des seconds rouleaux de retour de toile (7a, 7b), la seconde bande (2) étant disposée pour tourner autour des seconds rouleaux de retour de toile (7a, 7b), la première bande (1) et la seconde bande (2) étant disposées pour passer, sur une partie du trajet, parallèlement l'une à l'autre de façon à ce qu'elles forment entre elles une zone de séchage, la première bande (1) étant chauffée par un moyen de chauffage et la seconde bande (2) étant refroidie par un moyen de refroidissement, et la toile de fibre (5) et au moins un feutre ou fil (3, 4) étant introduits entre les bandes (1, 2) de façon à ce que la toile de fibre (5) soit en contact avec la première bande (1) chauffée et que le feutre ou fil (3, 4) se trouve, respectivement, entre la toile de fibre et la seconde bande (2) refroidie, caractérisé en ce que l'agencement comprend un moyen pour étaler la toile de fibre (5) dans son sens transversal avant qu'elle (5) ne soit introduite dans l'appareil de séchage.
  6. Agencement selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le moyen d'étalement de la toile de fibre (5) comprend au moins un rouleau déplisseur (11).
  7. Agencement selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le moyen d'étalement de la toile de fibre (5) comprend au moins deux rouleaux déplisseurs (11).
  8. Agencement selon l'une des revendications 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que le niveau de hauteur d'au moins un rouleau déplisseur (11) est réglable.
  9. Agencement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les fils (3, 4) sont disposés au moyen de rouleaux de guidage (8) de façon à ce qu'au niveau du moyen d'étalement, la toile de fibre (5) soit sensiblement non supportée par les fils (3, 4).
  10. Agencement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu'un fil (3, 12) élastique dans le sens transversal est disposé pour supporter la toile de fibre (5) au niveau du moyen d'étalement.
  11. Agencement selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le fil élastique dans le sens transversal est un fil auxiliaire (12).
  12. Agencement selon l'une des revendications 5 à 11, caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de séchage comprend une chambre de pression (9) disposée pour chauffer la première bande (1) et une chambre (10) contenant un agent sous pression et disposée pour refroidir la seconde bande (2).
EP98910753A 1997-03-21 1998-03-19 Procede et dispositif de sechage d'une nappe de fibres Expired - Lifetime EP1009875B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI971210 1997-03-21
FI971210A FI101897B1 (fi) 1997-03-21 1997-03-21 Menetelmä ja sovitelma kuiturainan kuivaamiseksi
PCT/FI1998/000240 WO1998042913A1 (fr) 1997-03-21 1998-03-19 Procede et dispositif de sechage d'une nappe de fibres

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1009875A1 EP1009875A1 (fr) 2000-06-21
EP1009875B1 true EP1009875B1 (fr) 2002-10-16

Family

ID=8548443

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98910753A Expired - Lifetime EP1009875B1 (fr) 1997-03-21 1998-03-19 Procede et dispositif de sechage d'une nappe de fibres

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1009875B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2001516405A (fr)
KR (1) KR20010005532A (fr)
AT (1) ATE226268T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU6501098A (fr)
CA (1) CA2308139C (fr)
DE (1) DE69808786T2 (fr)
FI (1) FI101897B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998042913A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004017818A1 (de) 2004-04-13 2005-11-03 Voith Paper Patent Gmbh Trockenanordnung

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FI96790C (fi) * 1994-10-11 1996-08-26 Tampella Oy Valmet Laite kuiturainan kuivaamiseksi ja sileyttämiseksi

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI101897B (fi) 1998-09-15
KR20010005532A (ko) 2001-01-15
WO1998042913A1 (fr) 1998-10-01
DE69808786T2 (de) 2003-06-26
DE69808786D1 (de) 2002-11-21
EP1009875A1 (fr) 2000-06-21
ATE226268T1 (de) 2002-11-15
CA2308139A1 (fr) 1998-10-01
CA2308139C (fr) 2005-05-24
AU6501098A (en) 1998-10-20
FI101897B1 (fi) 1998-09-15
FI971210A0 (fi) 1997-03-21
JP2001516405A (ja) 2001-09-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0727521B1 (fr) Appareil pour le séchage d'une bande fibreuse et section de séchage d'une machine à papier
US4361466A (en) Air impingement web drying method and apparatus
FI96790B (fi) Laite kuiturainan kuivaamiseksi ja sileyttämiseksi
US5588223A (en) Restrained paper dryer
EP1009875B1 (fr) Procede et dispositif de sechage d'une nappe de fibres
US6131306A (en) Method and apparatus for drying a fiber web
US5950329A (en) Method of and apparatus for drying a fiber web
US6009634A (en) Apparatus for drying fiber web
US5933978A (en) Method of and apparatus for drying a fiber web
US5878506A (en) Arrangement in an apparatus for drying a fiber web
WO2009129843A1 (fr) Section de presse et de sécherie dans une machine de formation de bande
US6131304A (en) Dryer section
US6475342B1 (en) Method of and arrangement for treating a fiber web
WO2000015902A1 (fr) Procede de fabrication du papier
WO1998011298A1 (fr) Dispositif d'etancheite pour appareil de sechage de nappes de fibres

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: 19990924

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

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

Owner name: METSO PAPER, INC.

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020226

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

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

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: 20021016

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: 20021016

Ref country code: GR

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: 20021016

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: 20021016

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: 20021016

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: 20021016

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 226268

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20021115

Kind code of ref document: T

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69808786

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20021121

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20030116

Ref country code: PT

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: 20030116

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: 20030116

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

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20030319

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20030319

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20030319

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20030331

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

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: 20030429

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: 20030717

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

Effective date: 20030319

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: FR

Payment date: 20060313

Year of fee payment: 9

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: AT

Payment date: 20060315

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060331

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20070319

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

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

Effective date: 20070319