EP1661712B1 - Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Druckes eines Tintenbehälters einesTintenstrahldruckers - Google Patents

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Druckes eines Tintenbehälters einesTintenstrahldruckers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1661712B1
EP1661712B1 EP20050111015 EP05111015A EP1661712B1 EP 1661712 B1 EP1661712 B1 EP 1661712B1 EP 20050111015 EP20050111015 EP 20050111015 EP 05111015 A EP05111015 A EP 05111015A EP 1661712 B1 EP1661712 B1 EP 1661712B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
ink
ink reservoir
reservoir
pump
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.)
Active
Application number
EP20050111015
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1661712A1 (de
Inventor
Frank J.H. Nottelman
Jeroen J.M. Hennissen
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.)
Canon Production Printing Netherlands BV
Original Assignee
Oce Technologies BV
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 Oce Technologies BV filed Critical Oce Technologies BV
Priority to EP20050111015 priority Critical patent/EP1661712B1/de
Publication of EP1661712A1 publication Critical patent/EP1661712A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1661712B1 publication Critical patent/EP1661712B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for controlling pressure in an ink reservoir of an ink jet printer.
  • the invention also relates to an ink jet printer comprising a printhead with an ink reservoir containing liquid ink and a gas volume above the level of the ink.
  • the invention further relates to a method for controlling pressure in an ink reservoir of an ink jet printer.
  • An ink jet printer typically comprises printheads having one or more nozzle arrays and an ink reservoir from which liquid ink is supplied to the nozzles of the nozzle arrays, so that ink droplets may be ejected from the nozzles by thermal or piezoelectric action, as is generally known in the art.
  • the ink reservoir should be kept at subatmospheric pressure in order to avoid ink from leaking out through the nozzles. Since the difference between the internal pressure in the ink reservoir and the atmospheric pressure has an influence on the process of droplet generation and hence on the quality of the printed image, it is desirable to keep this pressure difference constant. Since, however, the internal pressure in the ink reservoir may vary in response to changes of the ink volume contained therein, thermal expansion and the like, it is necessary to control the internal pressure in the ink reservoir.
  • pressure regulating valves coupled to a pump for allowing compensation of an excessive pressure drop monitored by the detecting means in order to maintain the underpressure in the ink reservoir within a certain predetermined pressure range.
  • Pressure regulating valves are however commonly relatively expensive and sensitive. Withal, relatively large membranes are required to achieve a relatively high degree of precision of the regulation of the pressure within the ink reservoir. Furthermore, commonly other critical components are required, often resulting in a relatively high mutual friction and are therefore often subjected to a considerable amount of wear. Rubber parts commonly used in the known apparatus to control the pressure within the ink reservoir become fatigued relatively quickly, resulting in a decreased capacity to counteract loads during operation of the apparatus. Thus, the known device is from a constructive point of view relatively complex and hence relatively expensive. Moreover, the components used in the known device are commonly subjected to a considered amount of wear during operational use.
  • US6290343A shows an apparatus for controlling pressure in an ink reservoir of an ink jet printer, comprising:
  • an apparatus for controlling pressure in an ink reservoir of an ink jet printer comprising: pressure applying means for applying a certain pressure in said ink reservoir, detecting means for monitoring the actual pressure in said ink reservoir, the detecting means comprising at least one electronic pressure sensor and controlling means for controlling the pressure applying means dependent on the actual pressure monitored by said detecting means.
  • the electronic pressure sensor can electronically detect an underpressure and/or overpressure in a relatively simple though painstaking manner. To this end, no complex and moving components are required to accurately measure the pressure over a gaseous fraction in the ink reservoir. This omission reduces wear by friction of the apparatus and hence increases the life span of the low-maintenance apparatus.
  • each electronic pressure sensor is in communication with a printhead provided with a specific coloured ink. It is also imaginable to apply multiple electronic pressure sensors, wherein a second electronic pressure sensor forms a backup sensor for a first electronic pressure sensor in case the first electronic pressure sensors fails.
  • the pressure applying means can be adapted to generate a certain underpressure and/or a certain overpressure within the ink reservoir.
  • said pressure applying means can be formed in various ways.
  • said pressure applying means comprises at least one pump, more preferably a pump of which the capacity is adjustable.
  • the capacity of the pump can be adjusted by applying variable frequencies and/or voltages, wherein by means of an electromagnet the moving speed of a plunger of the pump can be adjusted.
  • Said pump is preferably formed by a membrane pump or any other pump of which the output can be regulated electronically.
  • the specifications of the pump can be chosen by a person skilled in the art dependent on the situational conditions of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • a (membrane) pump can be applied with a pump discharge of about one litre per minute to achieve a pressure from 0 to 300 millibar.
  • the underpressure in the ink reservoir during operational use is rather critical and is normally lain at between 5 and 50 millibar with an allowed deviation of certain millibars dependent on the desired underpressure in the ink reservoir.
  • said pressure applying means comprises at least one buffer reservoir.
  • Said buffer reservoir is adapted to enclose a (gaseous) medium with a certain (under)pressure which communicates with the gaseous volume within the ink reservoir.
  • the volume of the buffer reservoir can be either constant, preferably of between 1 and 20 litre, or can be adjustable. In the latter embodiment the capacity of the buffer reservoir can be adjusted, for example by means of a plunger.
  • said buffer reservoir is positioned between said ink reservoir and said pump.
  • the buffer reservoir can be applied to absorb pumping pulses generated by the pump to avoid (extreme) fluctuation of the internal pressure within the ink reservoir.
  • the buffer reservoir can act as surrogate pump in case the actual pump is turned off for example due to a power breakdown, or in case the actual pump is temporary switched to a standby mode, for example between two print sessions.
  • said buffer reservoir is isolatable from the communication between the pump and the ink reservoir, for example in case a temporary overpressure needs to be applied to the ink reservoir for rinsing the ink reservoir. Isolation of the buffer reservoir from the pump and the ink reservoir can be realised by means of a switch, in particular a pneumatic or eventually hydraulic or electronic switch.
  • each printhead may be in communication with a separate buffer reservoir.
  • the pressure per printhead can be regulated more precisely and even independent of the pressures prevailing in the other printheads.
  • the invention also relates to an ink jet printer according to the preamble, characterized in that said gas volume is connected to an apparatus according to the invention.
  • the pressure control apparatus is preferably mounted on a stationary frame of the printer and is preferably connected to the ink reservoir on the printhead through a flexible hose.
  • Application of a flexible hose commonly increases the degree of freedom of design of the inkjet printer, whereas the deformation of the hose will easily be adapted to the mutual orientation of the printhead(s) on one side and the apparatus according to the invention on the other side.
  • the printhead comprises a plurality of ink reservoirs, for example in a colour printer, all ink reservoirs may, however not necessarily, be connected to same pressure control apparatus.
  • the pressure control apparatus is mounted on a moving carriage of the printer, and the pressure applying means for withdrawing or adding gas from respectively to the ink reservoir is driven by the relative movement of the carriage and supporting structure of the printer carrying said moving carriage. In this manner a relatively advantageous printer construction can be obtained.
  • the invention further relates to a method for controlling pressure in an ink reservoir of an ink jet printer, comprising the steps of : A) applying a certain pressure to an ink reservoir by a pressure applying means communicating with said ink reservoir, B) electronically monitoring the actual pressure in the ink reservoir by a electronic pressure sensor, and C) adjusting the pressure monitored by the electronic pressure sensor in case this monitored pressure exceeds a certain value.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an assembly 1 of multiple printheads 2 and an apparatus 3 for controlling the pressure in said printheads according to the invention.
  • the apparatus 3 comprises a membrane pump 4, the capacity of which can be adjusted by way of applying variable frequencies to the pump 4.
  • the pump 4 is adapted for generating an overpressure and/or an underpressure and is in communication with ink reservoirs incorporated in said printheads 2.
  • Both an overpressure conduit 5 and an underpressure conduit 6 are coupled to a diverter valve 7, the latter being adapted to apply either an overpressure or an underpressure in said ink reservoirs.
  • a critical underpressure in the ink reservoirs is required of about between 5 and 20 millibar, wherein the diverter valve 7 is switched such, that the ink reservoirs are in communication with the underpressure conduit 6, and wherein the overpressure conduit 5 is dead-ended (not connected).
  • an electronic pressure sensor 8 is provided to electronically detect the pressure in the ink reservoirs. Electronically detecting the internal pressure within the ink reservoirs electronically is constructively relatively simple, relatively durable, and therefore relatively cheap.
  • the apparatus 3 further comprises a control unit (not shown) for controlling the pump capacity of the membrane pump 4 dependent on the pressure in the ink reservoir monitored by the electronic pressure sensor 8.
  • the underpressure conduit 6 is in communication with a buffer chamber 9 with a predetermined volume of preferably between 1 and 20 litre.
  • the buffer chamber 9 encloses a (vacuous) space having a multilateral functionality.
  • the buffer chamber 9 is adapted to absorb substantially (under)pressure pulses generated by the membrane pump 4, such that undesired pressure fluctuations in the ink reservoirs can be prevented.
  • said buffer chamber 9 can act as autonomous suction device for, at least temporarily, maintaining the critical underpressure in the ink reservoirs in case the membrane pump 4 is not running, for example due to a power breakdown.
  • the buffer chamber 9 can be fully isolated by means of the diverter valve 7 on the one side and an non-leakage valve 10, the latter being positioned in the underpressure conduit 6 between the pump 4 and the buffer chamber 9.
  • the non-leakage valve 10 can be switched, thereby disconnecting the membrane pump 4 from the printheads 2, and hence preventing leakage of gas, preferably air, from the buffer chamber 9 to the membrane pump 4.
  • the diverter valve 7 is already switched towards the underpressure conduit 6, as a result of which the critical underpressure in the ink reservoirs can be maintained at least temporary. Switching the diverter valve 7 and the non-leakage valve 10 can be realised either pneumatically, hydraulically or electronically by the control unit.
  • the apparatus 3 further comprises an underpressure restriction 11 to prevent excessive underpressure in the ink reservoirs during printing, and an overpressure restriction 12 to prevent excessive overpressure in the ink reservoirs during purging.

Claims (8)

  1. Vorrichtung (3) zum Regeln des Druckes in einem Tintenbehälter eines Tintenstrahldruckers, mit:
    - einer Druckzufuhreinrichtung (4) zum Zuführen eines Druckes in den Tintenbehälter, wobei die Druckzufuhreinrichtung über eine erste Leitung (5, 6) mit dem Tintenbehälter in Verbindung steht,
    - einem Pufferbehälter (9), der ein gasförmiges Medium über eine zweite, von der ersten Leitung verschiedene Leitung mit dem Tintenbehälter verbindet,
    - einer Detektoreinrichtung (8) zum Überwachen des aktuellen Druckes in dem Tintenbehälter, wobei die Detektoreinrichtung wenigstens einen elektronischen Drucksensor aufweist, und
    - einer Regeleinrichtung zur Ansteuerung der Druckzufuhreinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von dem mit der Detektoreinrichtung überwachten aktuellen Druck.
  2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, bei der die Druckzufuhreinrichtung wenigstens eine Pumpe aufweist, deren Kapazität einstellbar ist.
  3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, bei der die Pumpe durch eine Membranpumpe gebildet wird.
  4. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, bei der die zweite Leitung den Pufferbehälter an einer Stelle zwischen der Druckzufuhreinrichtung und dem Tintenbehälter mit der ersten Leitung verbindet.
  5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, bei der das Volumen des Pufferbehälter einstellbar ist.
  6. Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem Druckkopf mit einem Tintenbehälter, der Tinte sowie ein Gasvolumen oberhalb des Pegels der Tinte enthält, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das genannten Gasvolumen mit einer Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche verbunden ist.
  7. Tintenstrahldrucker nach Anspruch 6, bei dem die Vorrichtung auf einem stationären Gestell des Druckers montiert und über einen flexiblen Schlauch mit dem sich bewegenden Druckkopf verbunden ist.
  8. Tintenstrahldrucker nach Anspruch 7, bei dem die Druckregelvorrichtung auf einem beweglichen Wagen des Druckers montiert ist und die Druckzufuhreinrichtung zum Abziehen oder Zugeben von Gas aus dem bzw. in den Tintenbehälter durch die Relativbewegung des Wagens und der Tragstruktur des Druckers angetrieben ist, die den beweglichen Wagen trägt.
EP20050111015 2004-11-25 2005-11-21 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Druckes eines Tintenbehälters einesTintenstrahldruckers Active EP1661712B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20050111015 EP1661712B1 (de) 2004-11-25 2005-11-21 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Druckes eines Tintenbehälters einesTintenstrahldruckers

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04106060 2004-11-25
EP20050111015 EP1661712B1 (de) 2004-11-25 2005-11-21 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Druckes eines Tintenbehälters einesTintenstrahldruckers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1661712A1 EP1661712A1 (de) 2006-05-31
EP1661712B1 true EP1661712B1 (de) 2012-04-25

Family

ID=36204553

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20050111015 Active EP1661712B1 (de) 2004-11-25 2005-11-21 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Druckes eines Tintenbehälters einesTintenstrahldruckers

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1661712B1 (de)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1932671A1 (de) * 2006-12-11 2008-06-18 Agfa Graphics N.V. Drucksteuergerät für Tintenstrahlschwingrahmendrucker

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6290343B1 (en) * 1996-07-15 2001-09-18 Hewlett-Packard Company Monitoring and controlling ink pressurization in a modular ink delivery system for an inkjet printer
GB9910313D0 (en) * 1999-05-05 1999-06-30 Cambridge Consultants Fluid-pressure controlled ink pressure regulator
US7152965B2 (en) * 2000-01-21 2006-12-26 Seiko Epson Corporation Ink cartridge, and ink-jet recording apparatus using the same
US6811249B2 (en) * 2002-10-30 2004-11-02 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Method and apparatus for determining a minimum pressure to print

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1661712A1 (de) 2006-05-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7517032B2 (en) Apparatus and method for controlling the pressure in an ink reservoir of an ink jet printer
EP0567270B1 (de) Regelung des Gegendrucks beim Farbstrahldrucken
US8303094B2 (en) Liquid supply apparatus, image forming apparatus and liquid supply method
US7413299B2 (en) Pressurizing a heatable printhead while it cools
US20160368273A1 (en) Liquid droplet ejecting apparatus that reduces fluctuation of liquid pressure during liquid ejection
EP0770488B1 (de) Fluidspeicher für Tintenstrahldruckköpfe
US8388120B2 (en) Integrated apparatus for supplying ink and regulating pressure
US6428152B1 (en) Constant pressure ink reservoir for an ink jet printer
SE536206C2 (sv) Vätskeförsörjningssystem för en bläckstråleskrivare
JP2008230196A (ja) 弁装置、流体供給装置及び流体噴射装置
JP2006062330A (ja) 吐出ヘッド装置、流体吐出装置、及び流体吐出方法
EP1452322B1 (de) Tintenbehälter
EP1661712B1 (de) Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Druckes eines Tintenbehälters einesTintenstrahldruckers
US8287106B2 (en) Liquid ejecting apparatus
EP2729310B1 (de) Druckreglersystem
EP0933216A2 (de) Vorrichtung zur Wiederherstellung eines Tintenstrahldruckkopfes
US8529038B2 (en) System and method for pressure control of an ink delivery system
JP5100470B2 (ja) インクジェット記録装置
US8201912B2 (en) Liquid jet recording apparatus, liquid jet head unit, and liquid jet recording method
US11724511B2 (en) Liquid ejection apparatus
JPH1134352A (ja) 補充インクタンクおよび補充インクタンク装着部
JP5282300B2 (ja) 背圧維持装置、背圧維持方法及び液滴吐出装置
JP2007216628A (ja) 液体噴射装置
US11724513B2 (en) Liquid circulation mechanism, liquid circulation device, and liquid discharging apparatus
EP0983857B1 (de) Tintenbehälter mit kostantem Druck für Tintenstrahldrucker

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: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20061130

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20070117

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 BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

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: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 554932

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602005033826

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120621

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 554932

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120425

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20120425

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

Ref country code: PL

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: 20120425

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: 20120425

Ref country code: LT

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: 20120425

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: 20120425

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: 20120425

Ref country code: IS

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: 20120825

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: 20120827

Ref country code: LV

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: 20120425

Ref country code: SI

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: 20120425

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: 20120726

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

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: 20120425

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

Ref country code: SK

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: 20120425

Ref country code: EE

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: 20120425

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: 20120425

Ref country code: CZ

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: 20120425

Ref country code: RO

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: 20120425

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: 20120425

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

Effective date: 20120425

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: 20130128

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: 20120805

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602005033826

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130128

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20121130

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20121130

Ref country code: BG

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: 20120725

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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: 20121121

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: 20121130

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: 20120425

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: 20121121

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

Ref country code: HU

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: 20051121

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20231019

Year of fee payment: 19

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231123

Year of fee payment: 19

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231120

Year of fee payment: 19

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231121

Year of fee payment: 19