EP2462289B1 - Toilet - Google Patents

Toilet Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2462289B1
EP2462289B1 EP10739685.5A EP10739685A EP2462289B1 EP 2462289 B1 EP2462289 B1 EP 2462289B1 EP 10739685 A EP10739685 A EP 10739685A EP 2462289 B1 EP2462289 B1 EP 2462289B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lid
assembly
toilet
flushing operation
toilet assembly
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP10739685.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2462289A1 (en
Inventor
Grahame White
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.)
Saflushmyss Ltd
Original Assignee
Saflushmyss Ltd
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 Saflushmyss Ltd filed Critical Saflushmyss Ltd
Publication of EP2462289A1 publication Critical patent/EP2462289A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2462289B1 publication Critical patent/EP2462289B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/24—Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
    • A47K13/242—Devices for locking the cover in the closed position
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toilet, for example one comprising a motorised toilet assembly.
  • Patent Publication No WO 2004/100745 discloses a motorised toilet seat assembly with a motor and drive for the raising and/or lowering of a hinged lid and seat in relation to user request and it describes a large number of automated features and options which can be operated on request or in response to other actions or sensors.
  • EP 2 071 087 discloses a flushable toilet assembly according to the preamble of claim 1, and in particular a self cleaning toilet having a toilet lid motor driven between a closed lockable cleaning position and an open lockable usable position. Control electronics control a fully-automatic cleaning process.
  • a flushable toilet assembly having a toilet bowl, a lid therefor, means to secure the lid in a closed position, and a control unit; wherein the control unit is configured to operate said means to secure the lid in a closed position for a period of time extending from the start of the flushing operation and to release the lid from a closed position during a period of 5 to 20 seconds after the end of the flushing operation, after the miasma generated by the flushing operation has settled.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are defined in the appendant dependent claims.
  • the inventor has now appreciated that when the downward flow of flushing water impinges on the static water and waste materials (whether urine, faeces, vomit or blood) in the toilet bowl, there results a significant return flow of liquid and miasma of water droplets, both of which include probably infected micro-organisms and waste materials, being a cloud of infected material, which can travel up to 2 metres and so infect public areas, objects (for example toothbrushes, spectacles, worn belts in domestic bathrooms) and door handles and light switches generally, and so he has incorporated a technical feature whereby the toilet is rendered inoperable for a period until this miasma has settled such that the risk of it passing outside the toilet assembly and so contaminating surfaces and objects and transmitting infection is effectively removed.
  • the present invention ensures that the toilet assembly is inoperable until any miasma generated in the flushing operation has subsided.
  • the toilet assembly may have a turbulence sensor for monitoring of the flushing operation operable to determine the end of the flushing operation, and the assembly is operable to terminate the assembly-enclosing or lid-closure/locking in dependence of an output from the turbulence sensor.
  • the toilet assembly may have an indicator operable to show when the assembly is enclosed and/or a lid is closed/locked, and a motion sensor operable to detect the presence of a person in the vicinity of the toilet assembly.
  • the indicator is operable to show the remaining time before termination of the assembly-enclosing or lid-closure/locking and in dependence of an output from a motion sensor.
  • the lid and seat may have co-operable surfaces to effect a sealing engagement therebetween and/or with a surface region of the toilet assembly.
  • the control unit may have any one or more of the following features:-
  • the method may include any one or more of the following features:-
  • the present invention provides a toilet assembly and method of operating a toilet assembly which ensures that the risk of proliferating infection immediately upon the flushing of a toilet is removed or significantly reduced, and likewise the possibility of adjacent surfaces being covered by material which can later degenerate into an infected and contaminated state.
  • the present invention may provide a combination of a flushable toilet assembly, control system, sensors, auto-flushing & motorisation of seat & lid to ensure that user hand contact with the WC is not necessary, and with correct use hand contact contamination is eliminated.
  • the present invention may include provide locking systems, related sensors & time delays ensuring elimination of airborne contamination.
  • the present invention may include a slotted bolt and stud head (to accommodate the DC power cable) ensuring a simple and practical, effective, and robust way of cable management without altering existing WC pan designs.
  • the present invention may provide a high functioning display to both prompt and inform the user with simple graphical symbols to prevent unnecessary contact with the WC.
  • the present invention may include additional control capability to alternate seat and lid positions at rest between uses or at times of low usage levels to enable 'line of sight' UV sterilisation of seat top, lid underside & bowl interior is an important claim.
  • the present invention may include lid or hinge mounted UV lamps for in- bowl UV sterilisation.
  • the present invention may include wired or wireless telecoms capability for facilities management and patient monitoring.
  • the present invention may include seals between the toilet lid and pan for additional secondary security against contamination.
  • the present invention may include anti-bacterial agents in the seat & lid for comprehensive protection possible against contamination from a WC.
  • the present invention is applicable to a toilet assembly which has one or more motorised functions for example including lowering/raising of seat and/or lid, and/or the assembly may have automated operations for example including flushing of the toilet or washing/drying/cleaning/warming of surfaces or the toilet itself.
  • the present invention is likewise applicable to a conventional basic standard toilet without any such additional features.
  • the present invention is also particularly applicable to toilet assemblies for use in circumstances in which there is large public usage and hygiene is of primary concern
  • FIG. 1 to 3 There is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 a toilet unit 10 for use in a hospital.
  • the toilet unit 10 is located in a room 12 off a hospital ward 14 and accessible by a door 16 beside which is a display 17 with one section 18 which indicates whether the room 12 is occupied (by a panel which is red to indicate when it is occupied and green when it is empty), and another section 19 with a "toilet" symbol selectively (i) green to indicate the toilet unit 10 is " available for use", and (ii) red to indicate it is "not presently available for use”.
  • section 19 has a digital display of the number of seconds before the toilet unit 10 will be available for use.
  • the toilet symbol is replaced with the International symbol for "Stop", a pictogram of a raised hand.
  • a similar display 21 is provided on the wall within roorin 12 to indicate whether the toilet is available for use and, if isn't presently available, when it will be so.
  • the unit When the toilet unit 10 is not in use but is ready for use, as shown in Figure 1 , the unit forms a sealed unit with a continuous smoothed exterior surface with no recesses, indents or protrusions which might otherwise harbour or retain dirt, grease, dust or waste materials. Such a surface allows quick and easy hygienic cleaning and maintenance of the unit.
  • toilet unit 10 Upon entry to room 12, toilet unit 10 is in the mode as shown in Figure 2 .
  • a motion sensor 22 detects their presence, sending a signal to control unit 24 of the toilet unit 10 to actuate lifting of toilet lid 26 to the position in Figure 3 . If the person requires toilet seat 28 to be raised, this is done by waving a hand in front of seat-raising sensor 30.
  • seat 28 When seat 28 is in the lowered position, seat 28 lies on and sealingly engages with the upper surface 32 of the toilet bowl to provide a barrier against ingress therebetween of liquids, water droplets and miasma.
  • lid 26 when lid 26 is in the lowered position (i.e. as shown in Figure 2 , lid 26 similarly sealingly engages with upper surface 32, with seat enclosed between lid 26 and upper surface 32.
  • lid 26 and seat 28 When lid 26 and seat 28 are both in the raised position, they sealingly engage together once again to prevent liquid/droplet/miasma ingress. All these sealing engagements are achieved by completely sealing the gap between the seat and the toilet pan, and completely sealing the aperture in the seat with a "hubcap” moulding on the underside of the lid such that the seat is wholly contained within the lid with the lid being a hubcap-style moulding with an exact fit into the seat aperture, as seen in Figure 4 .
  • ACTION PRODUCED BY Closing of lid/seat or lid (i) hand signal, or (ii) sensing departure of person; 2. Locking of lid sending closure of lid; 3. Start flushing operation sensing completion of locking of lid; 4. Initiate release delay sensing start of flushing operation. 5. Release lid expiry of set person of release delay" 6. Indicator shows that toilet is ready for next use sensing that lid is released.
  • motion sensor 22 notes their absence and automatically starts the above appropriate sequence of actions.
  • Each of upper surface 32 of the toilet bowl and lower surface 36 of seat 28 have enclosed embedded magneto-solenoid contacts or strips 38, 40 (see Figure 4 ) just below the surface of the respective component and electrically actuable by control unit 24 to sealingly lock seat 28 onto upper surface 32 as the first step of the flush sequence, likewise equivalent strips 42 embedded within the upper surface 38 of seat 28 are sealingly locked with strips 44 embedded within lower surface 46 of lid 26 (see Figure 3 ).
  • part or all of the motorisation operations of toilet unit 10 are powered off such that the lid and seat are securely held in position in the sealed engagement of cistern, seat and lid against any forced movement until re-energisation.
  • Control unit 24 senses when locking of seat 28 and lid 26 together on the cistern has been completed, whereupon the actual flushing in the cistern is begun, and simultaneously a delay timer 48 is initiated, set for a delay of 16 seconds being based on a flush duration of 8 seconds for a 4.5 litre flush and 8 further seconds for the miasma, generated by the flush, to subside completely. Accordingly, by the time that the lid is able to open again, there is effectively or actually no risk of any contaminated or infected liquid or vapour/gases exiting the cistern.
  • an appropriate time delay would be a total of 20 seconds based on 12 seconds for the flush and 8 seconds for miasma settlement.
  • toilet unit 10 has a turbulence sensor 50 and/or a sound sensor 52 within the toilet bowl to monitor for the end of the flush operation, and when control unit 24 detects that end, it starts another delay period being now for miasma settlement only, so 8 seconds.
  • This variation can be used as an alternative, and/or in addition, to the basic form.
  • the locking actions on the lid and/or seat, and/or the power-off of the appropriate part or all of toilet unit 10 are released or de-activated, and the indication on display 18 is appropriately changed.
  • Toilet seat 28 is of U-shape with no forward central section bridging the two side arms, to inhibit the possibility of vandalism by application of moment forces against the hinge at the back of the seat.
  • the 'timed delay' proposal of the present invention prevents the opening of the seat & lid until after the miasma has settled, and is dependent on the effective interaction of an electronic control, an auto-flushing device, a motorised seat/lid assembly and possibly the addition of a locking feature to provide further security against premature lifting of the lid by the user.
  • An objective of 'elimination of dispersal risk' can be achieved with the described combination of an electronic control, an auto-flushing device, a motorised seat/lid assembly and possibly the addition of a locking feature.
  • Figure 6 shows details of the display including the combination of the graphic symbols described.
  • a long range sensor 102 detects a new occupant and lid 26 is raised, with an "UP” arrow 104 also being illuminated.
  • the "UP” arrow 104 is illuminated when the seat/ lid 26 is about to or is going up or down - the “DOWN” arrow 105 is illuminated when the seat/lid 26 is about to or is going down.
  • 'LIFT" and "LOWER” signs are illuminated separately as appropriate, so that the message is specific to the action required.
  • the "WC graphic" 108 with the two position seat/lid 26 may be illuminated in white or in green according to operator choice.
  • the "UP” and “DOWN” arrows 104, 105 are lit separately so that the image reflects what the WC is about to do.
  • the Countdown display 110 starts when the lid has actually closed and the flush has just commenced.
  • the short-range sensor 112 detects a hand wave to lift/lower the seat.
  • the "UP” and “DOWN” arrows 104 and 105 also light.
  • the Countdown display 110 shows a digital countdown from “9" to "0".
  • the Countdown speed (and therefore overall time) may be varied depending on whether the flush is short or long, and also takes into account the settling period.
  • the total Countdown sequence typically lasts 15 to 30 seconds (includes flush time) depending on the length of flush and the time required to allow the miasma to settle. The control will not allow the lid to be operated until the countdown is complete, minimising risk of airborne contamination from the WC.
  • the "HAND” symbol has two positions 114, 116. When it flicks between the two positions, illuminated green, this indicates that the occupant should wave at the sensor if they wish to lift/lower the seat.
  • the message 'TO LIFT-LOWER, SEAT WAVE HERE ⁇ ' 118 also flashes, pointing towards the short range sensor 112. Either the "UP” 104 or “DOWN” 105 arrows light to indicate what the WC is about to do.
  • the upright “HAND” 116 symbol flashes in red light when the system requires the user to stop. This may be in response to the user forcing the lid or seat.
  • the "HAND” symbol 116 is illuminated in red continuously with the 'OUT OF ORDER” sign 120 when the system detects a fault. If any sensor is activated (typically by a new user) then the "OUT OF ORDER" sign may flash to attract the attention of the new user.
  • FIGS 7A and 7B show a motorised hinge design being a 2-piece (or split) hinge construction in stainless steel, utilising 'top fixing' technology that can be used on both top and bottom fixing WC pans, the two parts being identical, and are not differently handed.
  • a motorised hinge design being a 2-piece (or split) hinge construction in stainless steel, utilising 'top fixing' technology that can be used on both top and bottom fixing WC pans, the two parts being identical, and are not differently handed.
  • FIGS 7A and 7B there is a slotted fixing head 120 and stud 122 with longitudinal slot 124 to accommodate cabling126, and motorised hinge pivot 128 (on seat 28 or lid 26) inside which (nit visible in the Figure) is a microdrive, with drive shaft 130 extending outwards.
  • FIG. 8A and 8B An alternative arrangement for cable management is the 'live' fixing as shown in Figures 8A and 8B , in which the 12v DC power is supplied through the fixing stud 140 itself.
  • the fixing stud is designed rather like a 'phono' plug.
  • the 2 part stud carries +ve and -ve DC power on separate insulated terminals 142, 144. This design is particularly suitable for bottom fixing.
  • FIG. 9 An alternative arrangement for introducing a locking feature as shown in Figure 9 is a DC electro-magnet 150 embedded in the moulded lid 26 that interacts with a metal plate bonded to the WC pan front outer face, where the greatest force can be created when the electro-magnet is energised.
  • a DC electro-magnet 150 embedded in the moulded lid 26 that interacts with a metal plate bonded to the WC pan front outer face, where the greatest force can be created when the electro-magnet is energised.
  • leads 154 to an embedded, flat electro-magnet (moulded-in) to interact with a plate 156 bonded to WC pan.
  • the electro-magnet 150 and the plate 156 are attracted creating a locking force.
  • This idea is simple, and there are no moving parts. It can be activated for a short period during flush & settlement to lock the lid using minimum of electrical energy.
  • a variant locking mechanism is a DC solenoid operable to move a locking pin 160.
  • This pin can inter-lock directly with a suitable feature in the WC pan or it could work with an elastomeric expansion block 162 that would be forced out by the pin and 'wedge' with a suitable feature in the WC pan ( Figure 10 ).
  • An advantage of the elastomeric block concept is that the whole device could be sealed by the elastomeric block 162 to prevent fluid ingress leading to corrosion, shorting etc.
  • the solenoid-powered pin arrangement has a recess in the WC pan outer face, and an elastomer locking block - when the pin is pushed down by the solenoid, the elastomer block is pushed out into the pan recess.
  • UV sterilisation technology is to incorporate a high intensity UV lamp 170 into the toilet lid 26 (see Figure 11 ) with a reflector 172, a clear cover 174 sealed to rim 176 of lamp housing 178.
  • UV sterilisation technology Another practical and cost-effective means of incorporating UV sterilisation technology into the system is to use low intensity (human safe), constant emission UV lamps as used in operating rooms (dual intensity), on wards, food prep & service areas etc. These lamps are standard mains powered and can be fitted as would normal lights with certain installation height and angle restrictions. Each cubicle may have a lamp mounted on the ceiling or back panel to provide UV sterilisation.
  • the system may have a 'normally open' condition for the lid. This can be easily selected by a simple switch on the side of the control box. Then, with correct positioning of the overhead 'human safe' UV lamp it is possible to sterilise the seat top, the lid underside and most of the bowl. It is also possible to sterilise the rim by using this method, by programming the controller to alternate its 'normally open' condition to include 'seat up' condition so that the rim is exposed say every other use cycle. This arrangement compliments the use of anti-bacterial agents in the seat & lid components, the internal surfaces of which would receive little exposure to the steady UV source as the seat & lid are designed to remain closed when not in use.
  • lid-rim design In an alternative lid-rim design, the opportunity for the user to open the lid while the flush-settle cycle is underway is reduced.
  • Mechanical lock designs are possible but may be expensive to implement and may provide crevices to harbour micro-organisms.
  • Two alternative designs for lid lip and rim are shown in Figures 12A and 12B .
  • the first one ( Figure 12A ) requires that the ceramic WC pan profile is modified to provide a step 190 onto which the edge of the lid lip 192 can close. This could provide an alternative location for a seal 194 and greatly reduce the opportunity for the user to force open the lid.
  • the lip 196 of the lid 26 is tapered and may even incorporate a finger seal and again reducing the opportunity for the user to force open the lid.
  • the electronic control system operates to control, co-ordinate and provide DC power for lid & seat motors, flushing valve (short & long flush), and locking device. It also controls duration of flush/settle delay and all display functions.
  • the control system determines whether short or long flush is required by the duration of use from sensor signals. A usage duration of greater than say 40 seconds determines that a long flush is required.
  • the control will also enable the 'facilities manager' to select from several specific system start position options. For example, in a female facility it may be preferred to have a start condition where the seat & lid are lowered, whereas in a male facility it may be preferred to have a lid & seat up start condition. A third option would be to have lid up and seat down: In addition, it may be required to control the seat & lid position for sterilisation procedures as outlined above.
  • a hard-wired, or wireless connection may be provided to enable data transmission.
  • Valuable information on usage (number, frequency, water volume etc) and current condition (operational or shut down) can be transmitted to a remote facilities management terminal. This may allow facilities managers to make decisions and potentially even take direct action from the remote terminal. (e.g. shut-down a unit that has been used excessively; initiate a sterilisation sequence; advise maintenance staff by SMS text message to service units based on usage level or operational status). It is possible to automate such decisions at the device.
  • the decision criteria can he programmed into the device controller and the same decisions made automatically by the controller, including sending out SMS text message to the mobile phone of the on duty maintenance personnel.
  • a 'telecom transmitter' chip may be incorporated into the control board that may transmit data on facility use (such as time of usage, frequency, short & long flush etc). In future it may be even possible to provide in bowl 'analysis' and to transmit this data to a remote health worker.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Toilet Supplies (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
EP10739685.5A 2009-08-03 2010-07-29 Toilet Not-in-force EP2462289B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0913464.4A GB0913464D0 (en) 2009-08-03 2009-08-03 Toilet
PCT/GB2010/051245 WO2011015848A1 (en) 2009-08-03 2010-07-29 Toilet

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2462289A1 EP2462289A1 (en) 2012-06-13
EP2462289B1 true EP2462289B1 (en) 2016-08-17

Family

ID=41129511

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10739685.5A Not-in-force EP2462289B1 (en) 2009-08-03 2010-07-29 Toilet

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20120180208A1 (enExample)
EP (1) EP2462289B1 (enExample)
JP (1) JP5871278B2 (enExample)
AU (1) AU2010280553A1 (enExample)
BR (1) BR112012002437A2 (enExample)
GB (1) GB0913464D0 (enExample)
WO (1) WO2011015848A1 (enExample)

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JP2014163163A (ja) * 2013-02-26 2014-09-08 Toto Ltd トイレ装置
JP2014189969A (ja) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-06 Toto Ltd トイレ装置
US20150074887A1 (en) * 2013-11-19 2015-03-19 Mark Allan Theuerl Floor Sanitizer for Toilet Area
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KR20190063060A (ko) * 2017-11-29 2019-06-07 울산과학기술원 대소변 분리형 변기 및 이를 이용한 분뇨 처리 시스템
CN111902067A (zh) * 2018-03-30 2020-11-06 骊住株式会社 便器装置以及便座单元
JP7213021B2 (ja) * 2018-03-30 2023-01-26 株式会社Lixil 便器装置
TR201820199A2 (tr) * 2018-12-24 2020-07-21 Eczacibasi Yapi Gerecleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi Geri̇ bi̇ldi̇ri̇m sağlayan serami̇k sağlik gereci̇ ve geri̇ bi̇ldi̇ri̇m yöntemi̇
TR201820196A2 (tr) * 2018-12-24 2020-07-21 Eczacibasi Yapi Gerecleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi Kullanici terci̇hleri̇ni̇ öğrenebi̇len serami̇k sağlik gereci̇ ve öğrenme yöntemi̇
AU2020456269B2 (en) * 2020-06-29 2025-03-27 Ryan Hunt Toilet sealing device
JP2022043490A (ja) * 2020-09-04 2022-03-16 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 便器装置および便座装置
JP7555016B2 (ja) * 2020-10-27 2024-09-24 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 便器装置
US20220408988A1 (en) * 2021-06-28 2022-12-29 Kohler Co. Sealed toilet seat and lid
CN118488800A (zh) 2021-11-15 2024-08-13 科琳娜股份有限公司 自提升坐便器座圈
CA3238169A1 (en) 2021-11-15 2023-05-19 Mingyuan Li Self-lifting toilet seat
US11950733B2 (en) 2022-08-04 2024-04-09 Cleana Inc. Self-lowering toilet seat system
US20250017427A1 (en) * 2023-04-25 2025-01-16 Cleana Inc. Electro-mechanical toilet seat system

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20120180208A1 (en) 2012-07-19
WO2011015848A1 (en) 2011-02-10
BR112012002437A2 (pt) 2019-09-24
GB0913464D0 (en) 2009-09-16
JP5871278B2 (ja) 2016-03-01
JP2013501173A (ja) 2013-01-10
EP2462289A1 (en) 2012-06-13
AU2010280553A1 (en) 2012-03-29

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