EP1015842B1 - Setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations - Google Patents

Setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1015842B1
EP1015842B1 EP99931372A EP99931372A EP1015842B1 EP 1015842 B1 EP1015842 B1 EP 1015842B1 EP 99931372 A EP99931372 A EP 99931372A EP 99931372 A EP99931372 A EP 99931372A EP 1015842 B1 EP1015842 B1 EP 1015842B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
site
control station
boreholes
explosive charges
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
EP99931372A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1015842A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Shann
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.)
SMI Tech Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Hatorex AG
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 Hatorex AG filed Critical Hatorex AG
Publication of EP1015842A1 publication Critical patent/EP1015842A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1015842B1 publication Critical patent/EP1015842B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
    • F42D1/04—Arrangements for ignition
    • F42D1/045—Arrangements for electric ignition
    • F42D1/05—Electric circuits for blasting
    • F42D1/055—Electric circuits for blasting specially adapted for firing multiple charges with a time delay

Definitions

  • This invention is concerned generally with the setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations.
  • Detonations are usually triggered electrically from a remote firing point, and many different electronic control systems have been developed to enable, as far as possible, theoretically desired time intervals to be achieved in practice.
  • the hole to hole separation in one row of charge is one of the critical factors affecting desired time intervals, and also the separation between adjacent rows of boreholes, and it would be desirable to provide a simple means whereby an operator on site could easily input appropriate data into a memory store, as he moves from one borehole to another e.g. when loading each hole with its pack of explosive charge and associated detonator, and then to be able to transfer such data to a remote control station.
  • This reference also discloses, in general, the use of GPS to generate precise positional data which is transmitted to the control unit.
  • An electrically operated rock blasting system according to the invention is defined in claim 1.
  • the electrically operated rock blasting system according to the invention has the advantage that the positions of the boreholes can be simply measured and stored by an operator as he/she moves from borehole to borehole. This data can then be simply transferred to the control station.
  • the data input device comprises a global positioning system (GPS) which is used to locate the positions of the boreholes.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the GPS system provides a reliable and accurate absolute measurement of each of the boreholes of the series and hence the distance between them. The operator is not required to make measurements of the distances between boreholes, merely to place the GPS system close to each borehole in turn (usually when the borehole is being loaded) and make a measurement of position.
  • the data input device can comprise a portable keypad, the keypad preferably comprising number keys representative of different distances.
  • a site operator can carry such a keypad from one borehole to another e.g. during loading of the boreholes with the packs of explosive charges/detonators, and can enter borehole separation distance data as the operator moves from one borehole of the series to another.
  • a suitable input can easily be made by counting the number of paces involved in moving from one borehole to another or using some other convenient measure of length.
  • the data input device converts the distance data automatically to time interval data for subsequent down loading into the data store at the control station.
  • the data input device can be adapted to down load the distance data to the date store, the data store being pre-programmed to convert the distance data to time interval data to be set at the control station.
  • the rock mass site may be a quarry.
  • the invention may also be applied to formation of a tunnel through a rock face, in which case the boreholes will be spaced apart along a ring.
  • Preferably some suitable length measuring means is then used to measure the spacing apart between consecutive holes.
  • the invention therefore permits, by simple means, a site operator to be able to enter distance derived data into the control station, so that (after collating any other site dependent data), initiation of a sequence of detonations can take place at time intervals which approach, or come within close enough ranges to theoretically desirable time intervals for efficient utilisation of the explosive energy created by successive explosions in any particular site location.
  • the invention also contemplates use of an electronically controlled system, in which pre-programmed time delay intervals can be stored, and to allow operator-controlled modification of the time delays by inputting of distance-dependent data (between adjacent holes) which is converted to time delay modification of the programmed intervals.
  • FIG. 1 Shown in Figure 1 is a rock mass site 10, having a free face 11, and two rows of spaced boreholes 12 and 13. Into each borehole is introduced a detonation pack 14.
  • a detonation pack 14 comprising an explosive charge 15, and a detonator 16, the detonator 16 preferably being an electronic detonator.
  • the detonation pack 14 is located at a suitable depth below the surface within a borehole 17 so ensuring maximum effectiveness of the explosive charge 15.
  • the detonation pack 14 can be triggered or initiated into operation by a suitable signal along a line 18 from a control station 19.
  • the control station 19 is a remote firing station connected by lines 18 to a series of detonation packs 14 arranged in the boreholes 17 of rows 12 and 13.
  • the control station 19 is arranged to be capable of initiating sequential detonation of the series of explosive charges 15 of the detonation packs.
  • a data store 20 is arranged at the control station 19 and serves to receive different types of site data having an influence on theoretically desirable time intervals between successive detonations.
  • Critical site data which may be inputted includes the particular nature of the rock face to be fragmented, and further critical data is the physical distance separation between boreholes of successively triggered charges of explosives.
  • Figure 1 shows by reference d, a typical borehole separation distance between two successively triggered explosive charges.
  • the system of this embodiment of the invention further comprises a portable keypad 21, the keyboard having entry buttons 22, each representative of a particular measured distance between successive boreholes, for use by a site operator as he moves between successive boreholes of the series.
  • the keypad 21 has a memory store into which can be entered separate distance data between successive boreholes, and which is convertible into corresponding time interval data to be set at the control station 19.
  • the distance data entered by the operator would be determined simply by pacing out the distance between successive bore holes, working on an average stride of about 3 feet or a metre, and then the appropriate button 22 on the keypad 21 would then be operated.
  • the distance data entered (e.g. 5 metres), is then converted automatically to time interval data to be set at the control station 19.
  • This conversion takes place within the portable keypad 21 by provision of suitable preprogramming of the keypad, and is subsequently downloaded into the data store 20 at the control station 19.
  • the portable keypad takes into account other site critical data, for example the nature of the rock face to be fragmented.
  • the size of the boreholes may also be taken into account; if the holes are of a restricted nature and so require more delay time to effect the desired relief then the holes can be specified as greater than actual (or vice versa) to effect the most desired time interval.
  • the keypad 21 includes a barcode reader which is able to log required detonator firing sequences from individual detonators in each borehole, each being uniquely coded.
  • the distance data entered into the keypad may be downloaded into the data store 20, which is in turn preprogrammed to convert the distance data to time interval data.
  • the electrically operated rock blasting system according to the invention, as described above and shown schematically in the drawings, therefore provides, by simple means, for a site operator to be able to enter distance derived data into the control station, so that (after collating any other site dependent data) initiation of a sequence of detonations can take place at time intervals which approach, or come within close enough ranges to theoretically desirable time intervals between successive explosions in any particular site location, in order to achieve efficient utilization of the blasting energy.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Drilling And Exploitation, And Mining Machines And Methods (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)

Abstract

An electrically operated rock blasting system for detonating a number of explosive charges (15), each located in a respective one of a series of spaced boreholes (12, 13) formed in a rock mass site, the system comprising: a control station (19) remote from the explosive charges and adapted to sequentially detonate the explosive charges; a data store (20) at the control station for receiving different types of site data, the site data having an influence on the time intervals between successive detonations, one such site data comprising the physical distance (d) separating the boreholes of successively detonated explosive charges; and, a data input device (21) for use by a site operator and having a memory store into which can be entered separate distance data between successive boreholes of the series, such data being convertible into corresponding time interval data to be set at the control station.

Description

This invention is concerned generally with the setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations.
In the explosive fragmentation of a rock mass in a mine, it is usual to form a row/ring of spaced bore holes into each of which an explosive charge can be located, and for each charge to have an associated detonator which can be remotely triggered into operation from a remote firing station. In order to maximise the efficiency of any particular detonation sequence of explosive charges, it is important to control the time intervals between each successive explosion. The desired time intervals may vary according to a number of factors, and including (a) the nature of the rock and (b) the spacing apart of the bore holes.
Detonations are usually triggered electrically from a remote firing point, and many different electronic control systems have been developed to enable, as far as possible, theoretically desired time intervals to be achieved in practice.
Some existing control systems are very sophisticated, including specially developed software programmes permitting an operator to enter input data dependent on site conditions, with a view to achieving desired time delays between successive detonations. However, despite the sophistication of the software, and the use of so called "electronic detonators", in practice it is difficult to achieve repeated blasting sequences of maximum efficiency. Deviation from desired time intervals results in lower efficiency of utilisation of the energy of the explosive charges, and production of larger proportions of unusable fragmented material and dust, as well as creating increased ground vibrations.
As mentioned above, the hole to hole separation in one row of charge is one of the critical factors affecting desired time intervals, and also the separation between adjacent rows of boreholes, and it would be desirable to provide a simple means whereby an operator on site could easily input appropriate data into a memory store, as he moves from one borehole to another e.g. when loading each hole with its pack of explosive charge and associated detonator, and then to be able to transfer such data to a remote control station.
It is known from WO97/21067 to provide an electrically operated rock blasting system for detonating a number of explosive charges, each located in a respective one of a series of spaced boreholes formed in a rock mass site, in which the system comprises a control station remote from the explosive charges and adapted to sequentially detonate the explosive charges, and a data store at the control station for receiving different types of site data, with such site data having an influence on the time intervals between successive detonations, and of which one such site data comprises the physical distance separating the boreholes of successively detonated explosive charges.
This reference also discloses, in general, the use of GPS to generate precise positional data which is transmitted to the control unit.
An electrically operated rock blasting system according to the invention is defined in claim 1.
The electrically operated rock blasting system according to the invention has the advantage that the positions of the boreholes can be simply measured and stored by an operator as he/she moves from borehole to borehole. This data can then be simply transferred to the control station.
Preferably, the data input device comprises a global positioning system (GPS) which is used to locate the positions of the boreholes. The GPS system provides a reliable and accurate absolute measurement of each of the boreholes of the series and hence the distance between them. The operator is not required to make measurements of the distances between boreholes, merely to place the GPS system close to each borehole in turn (usually when the borehole is being loaded) and make a measurement of position.
Alternatively, the data input device can comprise a portable keypad, the keypad preferably comprising number keys representative of different distances. A site operator can carry such a keypad from one borehole to another e.g. during loading of the boreholes with the packs of explosive charges/detonators, and can enter borehole separation distance data as the operator moves from one borehole of the series to another. A suitable input can easily be made by counting the number of paces involved in moving from one borehole to another or using some other convenient measure of length.
Preferably, the data input device converts the distance data automatically to time interval data for subsequent down loading into the data store at the control station.
Alternatively, the data input device can be adapted to down load the distance data to the date store, the data store being pre-programmed to convert the distance data to time interval data to be set at the control station.
The rock mass site may be a quarry. Alternatively, the invention may also be applied to formation of a tunnel through a rock face, in which case the boreholes will be spaced apart along a ring. Preferably some suitable length measuring means is then used to measure the spacing apart between consecutive holes.
The invention therefore permits, by simple means, a site operator to be able to enter distance derived data into the control station, so that (after collating any other site dependent data), initiation of a sequence of detonations can take place at time intervals which approach, or come within close enough ranges to theoretically desirable time intervals for efficient utilisation of the explosive energy created by successive explosions in any particular site location.
The invention also contemplates use of an electronically controlled system, in which pre-programmed time delay intervals can be stored, and to allow operator- controlled modification of the time delays by inputting of distance-dependent data (between adjacent holes) which is converted to time delay modification of the programmed intervals.
A preferred embodiment of electrically operated rock blasting system according to the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a particular rock mass site with which the rock blasting system according to the invention may be used; and,
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram illustration of the major component parts of a preferred embodiment of system according to the invention.
    • Shown in Figure 1 is a rock mass site 10, having a free face 11, and two rows of spaced boreholes 12 and 13. Into each borehole is introduced a detonation pack 14.
    Shown in figure 2 is a detonation pack 14 comprising an explosive charge 15, and a detonator 16, the detonator 16 preferably being an electronic detonator. The detonation pack 14 is located at a suitable depth below the surface within a borehole 17 so ensuring maximum effectiveness of the explosive charge 15. The detonation pack 14 can be triggered or initiated into operation by a suitable signal along a line 18 from a control station 19.
    The control station 19 is a remote firing station connected by lines 18 to a series of detonation packs 14 arranged in the boreholes 17 of rows 12 and 13. The control station 19 is arranged to be capable of initiating sequential detonation of the series of explosive charges 15 of the detonation packs.
    A data store 20 is arranged at the control station 19 and serves to receive different types of site data having an influence on theoretically desirable time intervals between successive detonations. Critical site data which may be inputted includes the particular nature of the rock face to be fragmented, and further critical data is the physical distance separation between boreholes of successively triggered charges of explosives.
    Figure 1 shows by reference d, a typical borehole separation distance between two successively triggered explosive charges.
    The system of this embodiment of the invention further comprises a portable keypad 21, the keyboard having entry buttons 22, each representative of a particular measured distance between successive boreholes, for use by a site operator as he moves between successive boreholes of the series. The keypad 21 has a memory store into which can be entered separate distance data between successive boreholes, and which is convertible into corresponding time interval data to be set at the control station 19.
    The distance data entered by the operator would be determined simply by pacing out the distance between successive bore holes, working on an average stride of about 3 feet or a metre, and then the appropriate button 22 on the keypad 21 would then be operated.
    In a typical existing design of rock blasting system, there might be a 45 millisecond predetermined delay in detonation from one borehole to another, whereas by means of the invention it is possible to give some discretion to the field operator to enter quite simply distance measurements from hole to hole, in order to de-skill the operation, and allow time delays to be set by the control station which more closely approximate to theoretically desirable values.
    The distance data entered (e.g. 5 metres), is then converted automatically to time interval data to be set at the control station 19. This conversion takes place within the portable keypad 21 by provision of suitable preprogramming of the keypad, and is subsequently downloaded into the data store 20 at the control station 19. When converting the distance data into time interval data the portable keypad takes into account other site critical data, for example the nature of the rock face to be fragmented. The size of the boreholes may also be taken into account; if the holes are of a restricted nature and so require more delay time to effect the desired relief then the holes can be specified as greater than actual (or vice versa) to effect the most desired time interval.
    In an alternative embodiment of a system according to the invention (not shown), the keypad 21 includes a barcode reader which is able to log required detonator firing sequences from individual detonators in each borehole, each being uniquely coded.
    In a further embodiment of a system according to the invention (not shown), the distance data entered into the keypad may be downloaded into the data store 20, which is in turn preprogrammed to convert the distance data to time interval data.
    The electrically operated rock blasting system according to the invention, as described above and shown schematically in the drawings, therefore provides, by simple means, for a site operator to be able to enter distance derived data into the control station, so that (after collating any other site dependent data) initiation of a sequence of detonations can take place at time intervals which approach, or come within close enough ranges to theoretically desirable time intervals between successive explosions in any particular site location, in order to achieve efficient utilization of the blasting energy.

    Claims (6)

    1. An electrically operated rock blasting system for detonating a number of explosive charges (15), each located in a respective one of a series of spaced boreholes (12, 13) formed in a rock mass site, the system comprising:
      a control station (19) remote from the explosive charges and adapted to sequentially detonate the explosive charges;
      a data store (20) at the control station (19) for receiving different types of site data, the site data having an influence on the time intervals between successive detonations, one such site data comprising the physical distance separating the boreholes of successively detonated explosive charges;
         characterised by:
      a data input device (21) for use by a site operator and having a memory store into which can be entered separate distance data between successive boreholes (12, 13) of the series, such data being convertible into corresponding time interval data to be set at the control station.
    2. An electrically operated rock blasting system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the data input device comprises a portable keypad (21), the keypad comprising number keys representative of different distances.
    3. An electrically operated rock blasting system as claimed in claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the data input device (21) converts the distance data automatically to time interval data for subsequent down loading into the data store at the control station.
    4. An electrically operated rock blasting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the data input device (21) is adapted to download the distance data to the data store, the data store being pre-programmed to convert the distance data to time interval data to be set at the control station.
    5. An electrically operated rock blasting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, the rock mass site is a quarry.
    6. An electrically operated rock blasting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the boreholes are spaced apart along a ring.
    EP99931372A 1998-07-17 1999-07-08 Setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations Expired - Lifetime EP1015842B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    GB9815533 1998-07-17
    GBGB9815533.6A GB9815533D0 (en) 1998-07-17 1998-07-17 Setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations
    PCT/GB1999/002186 WO2000004337A1 (en) 1998-07-17 1999-07-08 Setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1015842A1 EP1015842A1 (en) 2000-07-05
    EP1015842B1 true EP1015842B1 (en) 2003-03-19

    Family

    ID=10835667

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP99931372A Expired - Lifetime EP1015842B1 (en) 1998-07-17 1999-07-08 Setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations

    Country Status (10)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1015842B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE235039T1 (en)
    AU (1) AU4790999A (en)
    BR (1) BR9906604A (en)
    CA (1) CA2303821A1 (en)
    DE (1) DE69906028T2 (en)
    ES (1) ES2194481T3 (en)
    GB (1) GB9815533D0 (en)
    WO (1) WO2000004337A1 (en)
    ZA (1) ZA200000774B (en)

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    EP2586396A1 (en) 2011-10-26 2013-05-01 Metronor AS System for ensuring precision in medical treatment

    Families Citing this family (11)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    KR20010072266A (en) * 1998-08-13 2001-07-31 추후보정 Blasting arrangement
    DE10032139B4 (en) * 2000-05-05 2014-01-16 Orica Explosives Technology Pty. Ltd. Method of installing an ignition system and ignition system
    WO2003083406A1 (en) * 2002-03-28 2003-10-09 Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd System and method for monitoring features of a blast
    WO2004020934A1 (en) * 2002-08-30 2004-03-11 Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd. Access control for electronic blasting machines
    EP1646838B1 (en) 2003-07-18 2012-01-18 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd Blast sequence control
    US6941870B2 (en) 2003-11-04 2005-09-13 Advanced Initiation Systems, Inc. Positional blasting system
    WO2012175525A1 (en) 2011-06-21 2012-12-27 Agfa Graphics Nv A curable jettable fluid for making a flexographic printing master
    ES2441170T3 (en) 2011-06-21 2014-02-03 Agfa Graphics N.V. Curable ejectable liquid to manufacture a flexographic printing matrix
    EP2574458A1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-04-03 Agfa Graphics N.V. Method of preparing a flexographic printing master
    AU2014361777B2 (en) * 2013-12-12 2019-05-16 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Limited Blasting system control
    CN112285751A (en) * 2020-10-14 2021-01-29 深圳市城安物联科技有限公司 Method for monitoring drilling operation by using positioning system

    Family Cites Families (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    GB9423313D0 (en) * 1994-11-18 1995-01-11 Explosive Dev Ltd Improvements in or relating to detonation means
    WO1997021067A1 (en) * 1995-12-06 1997-06-12 Orica Trading Pty Ltd Electronic explosives initiating device
    AU7990298A (en) * 1997-08-13 1999-02-25 Smi Technology (Proprietary) Limited Multi-shot blasting system and method

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    EP2586396A1 (en) 2011-10-26 2013-05-01 Metronor AS System for ensuring precision in medical treatment

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    BR9906604A (en) 2000-07-18
    CA2303821A1 (en) 2000-01-27
    DE69906028T2 (en) 2003-11-27
    GB9815533D0 (en) 1998-09-16
    ATE235039T1 (en) 2003-04-15
    WO2000004337A1 (en) 2000-01-27
    EP1015842A1 (en) 2000-07-05
    ZA200000774B (en) 2001-06-07
    ES2194481T3 (en) 2003-11-16
    DE69906028D1 (en) 2003-04-24
    AU4790999A (en) 2000-02-07

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    EP1015842B1 (en) Setting of time delays in a sequence of explosive detonations
    US8746144B2 (en) Electronic detonator system
    US9618310B2 (en) Method of blasting multiple layers or levels of rock
    EP0897098A2 (en) Firing systems including a controller which is connectable by electrical wires
    US7370513B2 (en) System and method for monitoring features of a blast
    Agrawal et al. Evolution of digital detonators as an intelligent tool for control blasting in Indian mines.
    Lovitt et al. Improved tunneling performance through smarter drilling and design
    Steyn The benefits of using electronic detonators in both opencast and underground mines'
    Mishra et al. Rapid excavation of tunnels using innovative drilling and blasting techniques
    Kalyan et al. A study on various surface blast initiation systems
    Mishra et al. Innovative developments in drilling and blasting techniques for rapid excavation of drivages in mines.
    Mukherjee Management of Blast through Electronic Detonator
    Ouchterlony Some recent research and developments in Swedish tunnel blasting
    TR2023007415A2 (en) STAGED CHARGING SYSTEM IN BLASTING OPERATIONS
    CN112197659A (en) Pit mining treatment method based on high and steep cliff wall
    UA13373U (en) Method for breaking-off rocks or man-made building objects
    Choudhary ADVANCES IN INITIATING SYSTEMS

    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: 20000406

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): AT DE ES FR GB PT

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 20010201

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    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

    Designated state(s): AT DE ES FR GB PT

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

    Effective date: 20030319

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: FG4D

    RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

    Owner name: SMI TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LIMITED

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69906028

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 20030424

    Kind code of ref document: P

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

    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: 20030620

    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: 20030708

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2194481

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    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

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

    Effective date: 20030708

    26N No opposition filed

    Effective date: 20031222

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: TP

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    Effective date: 20070330

    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: 20060731

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: D3

    Effective date: 20120823

    PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Effective date: 20120823

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: PLFP

    Year of fee payment: 18

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: PLFP

    Year of fee payment: 19

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: PLFP

    Year of fee payment: 20

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

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20180628

    Year of fee payment: 20

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

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20180626

    Year of fee payment: 20

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20180801

    Year of fee payment: 20

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DE

    Ref legal event code: R071

    Ref document number: 69906028

    Country of ref document: DE

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20200721

    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 EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

    Effective date: 20190709