EP1191158B1 - Device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank - Google Patents

Device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1191158B1
EP1191158B1 EP01122306A EP01122306A EP1191158B1 EP 1191158 B1 EP1191158 B1 EP 1191158B1 EP 01122306 A EP01122306 A EP 01122306A EP 01122306 A EP01122306 A EP 01122306A EP 1191158 B1 EP1191158 B1 EP 1191158B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
button
tie
lever
screw
tank
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
EP01122306A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1191158A2 (en
EP1191158A3 (en
Inventor
Antonio Manuel Moura De Oliveira
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.)
Oliveira and Irmao SA
Original Assignee
Oliveira and Irmao SA
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 Oliveira and Irmao SA filed Critical Oliveira and Irmao SA
Priority to SI200130282T priority Critical patent/SI1191158T1/xx
Publication of EP1191158A2 publication Critical patent/EP1191158A2/en
Publication of EP1191158A3 publication Critical patent/EP1191158A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1191158B1 publication Critical patent/EP1191158B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/02—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor
    • E03D5/028—Pusher plates and actuating mechanisms for built-in cisterns
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/02—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor
    • E03D5/09—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor directly by the hand
    • E03D5/092—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor directly by the hand the flushing element, e.g. siphon bell, being actuated through a lever

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank.
  • flush tank discharge valve control devices for effecting either full drainage or selective full or partial drainage of the tank.
  • Control devices are also known in which the same button is pressed once to open the discharge valve, and a second time to close the valve and so control discharge as required.
  • DE-U-29904933 discloses a device wherein two control assemblies may be replaced to each other for changing the operation mode of the flush tank; this device requires the whole assembly to be removed in order to change the operation mode.
  • a device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank as claimed in claim 1.
  • Number 5 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank, of which Figure 1 shows a portion of a lateral wall 6, which may be positioned horizontally or vertically. More specifically, the tank may be recessed in a wall; and device 5 comprises a manual-control button 7, which is guided horizontally inside a ring nut 8 fixed in known manner to wall 6.
  • Device 5 comprises an actuating member defined by a tie 9, which is normally maintained in the rest position shown in Figure 1, and which is movable towards button 7 into a work position, shown by the dash lines in Figure 1, to open the discharge valve.
  • the discharge valve normally comprises a ring of elastic material fixed to an overflow pipe; is opened by raising the overflow pipe; and is closed by a float when the set quantity of water, e.g. for total or partial drainage of the tank, has been discharged.
  • tie 9 is defined by a long screw comprising a nonthreaded portion 11, and a head 12 in the form of a flange and having a slot 13 for receiving an adjusting tool, e.g. a screwdriver.
  • the screw engages a nut screw 14 having two pins 16 engaging two tabs 15 of a transmission member defined by a lever 17.
  • Lever 17 pivots on a fixed pin 18 and has an arm 19 engaging a slot 21 in an appendix 22 integral with the overflow pipe. By rotating the screw, the distance between nut screw 14 and button 7 is adjustable to adapt the position of lever 17 to that of button 7.
  • lever 23 is connected in articulated manner to a lever 23 activated by button 7. More specifically, lever 23 has two pins 24 (see also Figure 2) by which it pivots on two appendixes 26 of ring nut 8, and comprises a bottom arm 27, the rounded end of which is engaged by an inner appendix 28 of button 7. Lever 23 also comprises a top arm with a fork 29 having two recesses 31, which click onto respective pins 32 carried by a ring 33 on the nonthreaded portion 11 of the screw.
  • a compression spring 36 is located between arm 27 of lever 23 and an appendix 34 on the inner surface of button 7, to keep button 7 normally in the rest position, and to keep ring 33 resting against head 12, which acts as a shoulder.
  • the screw is kept in the rest position by the weight of the overflow pipe via transmission lever 17.
  • device 5 is set to discharge a fixed quantity of water from the tank : when button 7 is pressed, appendix 28 engages the end of arm 27 to rotate lever 23 anticlockwise; and, by means of fork 29 and ring 33, lever 23 moves the screw towards button 7, so that transmission lever 17, by means of appendix 22, opens the discharge valve.
  • transmission lever 17 is rotated clockwise by the weight of the overflow pipe and restores the screw and lever 23 to the rest position.
  • button 7 need simply be removed in known manner and ring 33 simply replaced with a substitute member indicated as a whole by 37 ( Figures 3 and 4). More specifically, member 37 comprises a semicylindrical wall 39, which extends in the form of two parallel portions 41 and supports two diametrically-opposite pins 42 similar to pins 32 of ring 33 and which also click inside recesses 31 (Figure 2) on fork 29 of lever 23.
  • Member 37 ( Figures 3 and 4) also comprises a transverse wall 43 which, together with wall 39 and portions 41, forms a U-shaped seat 44 which fits onto head 12 of the screw.
  • Wall 43 has a hole 45 for enabling engagement of slot 13 by a screwdriver, and extends in the form of a tab 46 which is engaged by a further inner appendix 47 of button 7 when button 7 is pressed and the screw is in the work position shown by the dash line in Figure 3.
  • Tab 46 is connected to the two parallel portions 41 by two reinforcing brackets 48.
  • button 7 is removed; fork 29 is released from the two pins 32 on ring 33, which is moved along the screw and left loose in the position shown in Figure 3; substitute member 37 is fitted onto the screw by fitting U-shaped seat 44 onto head 12; and recesses 31 (Figure 2) on fork 29 are clicked onto pins 42 of member 37 as shown in Figure 3.
  • Control device 5 in Figure 3 operates as follows.
  • button 7 is simply pressed again, so that appendix 47 engages tab 46 of member 37, which moves the screw rightwards in Figure 3, so that transmission lever 17 lowers the overflow pipe positively to close the discharge valve.
  • member 37 fitted to control device 5 as shown in Figure 3 may obviously be removed from the screw, and fork 29 reconnected to pins 32 of ring 33 left loose on screw 9, so as to return an any time to the full-discharge condition in Figure 1.
  • Member 37 may obviously be connected selectively and removably to head 12 of screw 9 and to lever 23.
  • the operating mode of the flush tank can be determined easily on the basis of one component, and can be altered at any time, even once the device is installed, by simply changing one component part.
  • button 7 may be fitted to the top wall of the tank; member 37 may be formed otherwise than as described; and the screw may be replaced with a tie having a straightforward flange.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)
  • Sorption Type Refrigeration Machines (AREA)
  • Steam Or Hot-Water Central Heating Systems (AREA)
  • Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Mechanical Means For Catching Fish (AREA)
  • Mechanically-Actuated Valves (AREA)
  • Sink And Installation For Waste Water (AREA)

Abstract

The control device (5) has a manual-control button (7) which, by means of a lever (23), moves a tie (9) to open the discharge valve and return to the rest position following discharge. To alter the operating mode of the control device (5) to interrupt drainage of the tank in advance, the tie (9), even if already installed on the tank, may be fitted selectively and removably with a member (37) having a semicylindrical wall (39) fittable to the tie (9) and connectable in articulated manner to the lever (23). When pressed with the tie (9) activated, the button (7) engages the member (37) to restore the tie (9) immediately to the rest position. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank.
Various types of flush tank discharge valve control devices are known for effecting either full drainage or selective full or partial drainage of the tank. Control devices are also known in which the same button is pressed once to open the discharge valve, and a second time to close the valve and so control discharge as required.
All these known devices are manufactured to operate in a specific way, which, once the device is installed, cannot be altered. That is, a control device designed to discharge a fixed quantity of water cannot be altered to discharge a variable quantity, and vice versa.
DE-U-29904933 discloses a device wherein two control assemblies may be replaced to each other for changing the operation mode of the flush tank; this device requires the whole assembly to be removed in order to change the operation mode.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a discharge valve control device enabling alterations to the operating mode by means of straightforward operations and/or part replacements, even after the device is installed.
According to the present invention, there is provided a device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank, as claimed in claim 1.
A preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic partial side view of a discharge valve control device in accordance with the present invention and set to a first operating mode;
  • Figure 2 shows a view in perspective of a detail of the Figure 1 device;
  • Figure 3 shows a partial view of the Figure 1 control device set to another operating mode;
  • Figure 4 shows a view in perspective of a detail in Figure 3.
    • Number 5 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank, of which Figure 1 shows a portion of a lateral wall 6, which may be positioned horizontally or vertically. More specifically, the tank may be recessed in a wall; and device 5 comprises a manual-control button 7, which is guided horizontally inside a ring nut 8 fixed in known manner to wall 6.
    Device 5 comprises an actuating member defined by a tie 9, which is normally maintained in the rest position shown in Figure 1, and which is movable towards button 7 into a work position, shown by the dash lines in Figure 1, to open the discharge valve. The discharge valve normally comprises a ring of elastic material fixed to an overflow pipe; is opened by raising the overflow pipe; and is closed by a float when the set quantity of water, e.g. for total or partial drainage of the tank, has been discharged.
    More specifically, tie 9 is defined by a long screw comprising a nonthreaded portion 11, and a head 12 in the form of a flange and having a slot 13 for receiving an adjusting tool, e.g. a screwdriver. The screw engages a nut screw 14 having two pins 16 engaging two tabs 15 of a transmission member defined by a lever 17. Lever 17 pivots on a fixed pin 18 and has an arm 19 engaging a slot 21 in an appendix 22 integral with the overflow pipe. By rotating the screw, the distance between nut screw 14 and button 7 is adjustable to adapt the position of lever 17 to that of button 7.
    The screw is connected in articulated manner to a lever 23 activated by button 7. More specifically, lever 23 has two pins 24 (see also Figure 2) by which it pivots on two appendixes 26 of ring nut 8, and comprises a bottom arm 27, the rounded end of which is engaged by an inner appendix 28 of button 7. Lever 23 also comprises a top arm with a fork 29 having two recesses 31, which click onto respective pins 32 carried by a ring 33 on the nonthreaded portion 11 of the screw.
    A compression spring 36 is located between arm 27 of lever 23 and an appendix 34 on the inner surface of button 7, to keep button 7 normally in the rest position, and to keep ring 33 resting against head 12, which acts as a shoulder. The screw is kept in the rest position by the weight of the overflow pipe via transmission lever 17.
    In the Figure 1 condition, device 5 is set to discharge a fixed quantity of water from the tank : when button 7 is pressed, appendix 28 engages the end of arm 27 to rotate lever 23 anticlockwise; and, by means of fork 29 and ring 33, lever 23 moves the screw towards button 7, so that transmission lever 17, by means of appendix 22, opens the discharge valve. When the set amount of water has been discharged, transmission lever 17 is rotated clockwise by the weight of the overflow pipe and restores the screw and lever 23 to the rest position.
    To alter control device 5 to cut off discharge at any time, button 7 need simply be removed in known manner and ring 33 simply replaced with a substitute member indicated as a whole by 37 (Figures 3 and 4). More specifically, member 37 comprises a semicylindrical wall 39, which extends in the form of two parallel portions 41 and supports two diametrically-opposite pins 42 similar to pins 32 of ring 33 and which also click inside recesses 31 (Figure 2) on fork 29 of lever 23.
    Member 37 (Figures 3 and 4) also comprises a transverse wall 43 which, together with wall 39 and portions 41, forms a U-shaped seat 44 which fits onto head 12 of the screw. Wall 43 has a hole 45 for enabling engagement of slot 13 by a screwdriver, and extends in the form of a tab 46 which is engaged by a further inner appendix 47 of button 7 when button 7 is pressed and the screw is in the work position shown by the dash line in Figure 3. Tab 46 is connected to the two parallel portions 41 by two reinforcing brackets 48.
    To alter the operating mode of the Figure 1 control device 5 already installed on the tank, button 7 is removed; fork 29 is released from the two pins 32 on ring 33, which is moved along the screw and left loose in the position shown in Figure 3; substitute member 37 is fitted onto the screw by fitting U-shaped seat 44 onto head 12; and recesses 31 (Figure 2) on fork 29 are clicked onto pins 42 of member 37 as shown in Figure 3.
    Control device 5 in Figure 3 operates as follows.
    When button 7 is pressed, appendix 28 rotates lever 23 anticlockwise as in Figure 1; lever 23 moves member 37, which in turn moves tab 46 towards appendix 47 of button 7. In other words, member 37 moves the screw leftwards to open the discharge valve and, at the same time, is set in a position for enabling the button 7 to cut off the discharge.
    To cut off discharge before the overflow pipe closes the discharge valve, button 7 is simply pressed again, so that appendix 47 engages tab 46 of member 37, which moves the screw rightwards in Figure 3, so that transmission lever 17 lowers the overflow pipe positively to close the discharge valve.
    By performing the above operations in reverse order, member 37 fitted to control device 5 as shown in Figure 3 may obviously be removed from the screw, and fork 29 reconnected to pins 32 of ring 33 left loose on screw 9, so as to return an any time to the full-discharge condition in Figure 1. Member 37 may obviously be connected selectively and removably to head 12 of screw 9 and to lever 23.
    The advantages, with respect to known devices, of the control device according to the invention will be clear from the foregoing description. In particular, the operating mode of the flush tank can be determined easily on the basis of one component, and can be altered at any time, even once the device is installed, by simply changing one component part.
    Clearly, changes may be made to the device as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of the accompanying Claims. For example, button 7 may be fitted to the top wall of the tank; member 37 may be formed otherwise than as described; and the screw may be replaced with a tie having a straightforward flange.

    Claims (8)

    1. A device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank, comprising a button (7) for manually controlling the valve, and an actuating member normally maintained in a rest position and which is moved by said button (7) into a work position to open the valve and is restored to said rest position by said valve following discharge; said actuating member being defined by a tie (9) connected to a lever (23) activated by said button (7); the device being characterized by said lever (23) being pivotably activated relative to said button (7), and by a substitute member (37) activated by said button (7) to interrupt drainage of said tank; said substitute member (37) being fittable selectively and removably to said tie (9) already installed on the tank and being connectable in articulated manner to said lever (23).
    2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said substitute member (37) comprises a semicylindrical wall (39) fittable to said tie (9) and connectable in articulated manner to said lever (23).
    3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that said substitute member (37) also comprises a tab (46) activated by said button (7) when said tie (9) is in said work position; a compression spring (36) being provided between said lever (23) and said button (7).
    4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that said tie (9) comprises a shoulder (12) engaged by a ring (33) having two diametrically-opposite pins (32); said lever (23) having a fork (29) in turn having two recesses (31) which click onto said pins (32).
    5. A device as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that said semicylindrical wall (39) has two corresponding diametrically-opposite pins (42) enabling assembly of said substitute member (37) in lieu of said ring (33).
    6. A device as claimed in Claim 5, characterized in that said shoulder is defined by a flange (12) of said tie (9); said semicylindrical wall (39) being associated with two parallel portions (41), and having a U-shaped seat (44) which fits onto said flange (12).
    7. A device as claimed in Claim 6, characterized in that said tie (9) is defined by a screw , and said flange is defined by the head (12) of said screw ; said screw engaging a nut screw (14) connected to a transmission member (17) for activating the discharge valve, so as to adapt the position of said transmission member (17) with respect to said button (7).
    8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, characterized in that said button (7) is fitted to a lateral wall (6) of said tank; the head (12) of said screw being engageable by an adjusting tool; and said substitute member (37) comprising a transverse wall (43) engaging said head (12) and having an opening (45) for the passage of said tool.
    EP01122306A 2000-09-21 2001-09-18 Device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank Expired - Lifetime EP1191158B1 (en)

    Priority Applications (1)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    SI200130282T SI1191158T1 (en) 2000-09-21 2001-09-18

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    ITMI002060 2000-09-21
    IT2000MI002060A IT1318908B1 (en) 2000-09-21 2000-09-21 CONTROL DEVICE OF THE WATER DISCHARGE VALVE OF A TANK FOR SANITARY EQUIPMENT.

    Publications (3)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1191158A2 EP1191158A2 (en) 2002-03-27
    EP1191158A3 EP1191158A3 (en) 2002-05-29
    EP1191158B1 true EP1191158B1 (en) 2005-01-12

    Family

    ID=11445839

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP01122306A Expired - Lifetime EP1191158B1 (en) 2000-09-21 2001-09-18 Device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank

    Country Status (9)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1191158B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE287011T1 (en)
    DE (1) DE60108322T2 (en)
    DK (1) DK1191158T3 (en)
    ES (1) ES2234741T3 (en)
    IT (1) IT1318908B1 (en)
    PL (1) PL200099B1 (en)
    PT (1) PT1191158E (en)
    SI (1) SI1191158T1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    EP1593787B1 (en) * 2004-05-05 2016-05-18 Ifö Sanitär AB Mechanism for flushing a toilet
    DE202006013850U1 (en) * 2006-09-07 2008-01-10 Viega Gmbh & Co. Kg Actuating device for a sanitary object, in particular for a toilet cistern
    ITMI20062167A1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2008-05-14 Oliveira & Irmao Sa CONTROL DEVICE FOR DRAINING CASSETTE DRAIN VALVES
    PL2388379T3 (en) * 2010-05-20 2016-12-30 Actuation device for a cistern
    IT202100003224A1 (en) * 2021-02-12 2022-08-12 Oli Sist Sanitarios S A PLATE ASSEMBLY FOR ONE FLUSH CISTERN

    Family Cites Families (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE19508865C2 (en) * 1995-03-11 1999-10-07 Schwab Sanitaer Plastic Gmbh Holder for actuators of a cistern
    DE29904933U1 (en) * 1999-03-18 1999-06-10 Eisenberg Gmbh Sanitaertechnik Universal toilet cistern for surface installation

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    PL349803A1 (en) 2002-03-25
    DK1191158T3 (en) 2005-03-14
    DE60108322T2 (en) 2006-03-02
    EP1191158A2 (en) 2002-03-27
    ITMI20002060A1 (en) 2002-03-21
    ATE287011T1 (en) 2005-01-15
    ITMI20002060A0 (en) 2000-09-21
    PL200099B1 (en) 2008-12-31
    DE60108322D1 (en) 2005-02-17
    IT1318908B1 (en) 2003-09-19
    SI1191158T1 (en) 2005-08-31
    PT1191158E (en) 2005-04-29
    ES2234741T3 (en) 2005-07-01
    EP1191158A3 (en) 2002-05-29

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    US20070163035A1 (en) Toilet flushing arrangement
    FI78146B (en) DRIVANORDNING FOER AVLEDNINGSVENTILEN TILL EN SPOLBEHAOLLARE.
    CA2500049C (en) Toilet fill valve with valve lock
    US4700413A (en) Toilet flushing mechanism with high/low water volume selectability
    EP1191158B1 (en) Device for controlling the discharge valve of a lavatory flush tank
    US4240167A (en) Flush valve control apparatus
    US5319809A (en) Dual mode flush mechanism for toilets
    EP0715034A1 (en) Flushing device for waterclosets
    US4356576A (en) Flush control apparatus
    US4945581A (en) Flush tank water saver
    US5206960A (en) Dual flush toilet control mechanism
    US4941214A (en) Flush tank water saver
    EP0011929A1 (en) Toilet apparatus
    JPH08302782A (en) Toilet drainage system having water economizing function
    US20060169727A1 (en) Dispenser for ice drinks and the like
    GB2082219A (en) Water closet dual flush
    GB2315283A (en) Variable-flush facility for siphon-discharge flushing cistern
    US20110167550A1 (en) Water-Saving Toilets and Methods of Using the Same
    EP1795662B1 (en) Device for activating the outlet valve of a cistern
    EP0874092A2 (en) Float valve, with adjustable closing force, for feeding water into a lavatory flush tank
    SU1576669A1 (en) Flush tank
    US4025967A (en) Toilet tank flushing apparatus
    US20020133868A1 (en) Flush n tap toilet water saver flapper valve
    EP1359261A2 (en) Adaptable flush tank valve assembly, and method of fitting the valve assembly to a flush tank
    JP2535917Y2 (en) Drain valve operating device in toilet bowl washing tank

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A2

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

    AX Request for extension of the european patent

    Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI PAYMENT 20011002

    PUAL Search report despatched

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

    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 TR

    AX Request for extension of the european patent

    Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI PAYMENT 20011002

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 20021127

    AKX Designation fees paid

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

    AXX Extension fees paid

    Extension state: SI

    Payment date: 20011002

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 20030312

    GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

    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): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

    AX Request for extension of the european patent

    Extension state: SI

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

    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: 20050112

    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: 20050112

    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: 20050112

    Ref country code: TR

    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: 20050112

    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: 20050112

    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: 60108322

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 20050217

    Kind code of ref document: P

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: IE

    Ref legal event code: FG4D

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DK

    Ref legal event code: T3

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: PT

    Ref legal event code: SC4A

    Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

    Effective date: 20050225

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: SE

    Ref legal event code: TRGR

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2234741

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PL

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

    Ref country code: AT

    Payment date: 20050912

    Year of fee payment: 5

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

    Ref country code: DK

    Payment date: 20050914

    Year of fee payment: 5

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

    Ref country code: SE

    Payment date: 20050916

    Year of fee payment: 5

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

    Ref country code: CY

    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: 20050918

    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: 20050919

    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: 20050930

    Ref country code: MC

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

    Effective date: 20050930

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

    Ref country code: NL

    Payment date: 20050930

    Year of fee payment: 5

    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: 20051013

    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: 20060727

    Year of fee payment: 6

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

    Ref country code: PT

    Payment date: 20060802

    Year of fee payment: 6

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

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20060906

    Year of fee payment: 6

    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: 20060918

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

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20060918

    Year of fee payment: 6

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20060919

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20061002

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20070401

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DK

    Ref legal event code: EBP

    EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
    NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

    Effective date: 20070401

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

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20070928

    Year of fee payment: 7

    Ref country code: IT

    Payment date: 20070921

    Year of fee payment: 7

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: PT

    Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

    Effective date: 20080318

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

    Ref country code: GR

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

    Effective date: 20050112

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

    Effective date: 20070918

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20080318

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: SI

    Ref legal event code: KO00

    Effective date: 20080429

    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: 20080401

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    Effective date: 20080531

    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: 20071001

    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: 20070918

    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: 20080918

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20080919

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20080919