EP2760608A1 - System and method for monitoring mold flux consumption - Google Patents

System and method for monitoring mold flux consumption

Info

Publication number
EP2760608A1
EP2760608A1 EP12834726.7A EP12834726A EP2760608A1 EP 2760608 A1 EP2760608 A1 EP 2760608A1 EP 12834726 A EP12834726 A EP 12834726A EP 2760608 A1 EP2760608 A1 EP 2760608A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mold flux
intermediate hopper
mold
transfer
hopper
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP12834726.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2760608B1 (en
EP2760608A4 (en
Inventor
Todd ORSI
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.)
Stollberg Inc
Original Assignee
Stollberg Inc
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 Stollberg Inc filed Critical Stollberg Inc
Publication of EP2760608A1 publication Critical patent/EP2760608A1/en
Publication of EP2760608A4 publication Critical patent/EP2760608A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2760608B1 publication Critical patent/EP2760608B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/10—Supplying or treating molten metal
    • B22D11/108—Feeding additives, powders, or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/007—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths of composite ingots, i.e. two or more molten metals of different compositions being used to integrally cast the ingots
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/16—Controlling or regulating processes or operations
    • B22D11/165—Controlling or regulating processes or operations for the supply of casting powder

Definitions

  • a mold flux which may be a powder or granular material, onto the top of a shapes mold during the continuous casting of a molten metal, typically steel, as shown in US Patent No. 6,474,398, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
  • the mold flux turns into slag when sufficiently heated by the molten steel.
  • the mold flux being fed is in the form of a granulated powder from a bulk source such as a bag.
  • the mold flux is fed by way of a vacuum from the bulk source to an intermediate feeder hopper.
  • a constant level is maintained within the intermediate hopper with a proximity sensor which measures the level of mold flux within the hopper.
  • the operator adjusts the set point level on a feed controller to deliver a steady feed of mold flux from a feed box.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of various embodiments of a system for measuring mold flux consumption in a continuous casting operation.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of the system of Fig. 1.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of a system 10 for measuring mold flux consumption in a continuous casting operation; common parts will be represented by the same reference numeral.
  • the continuous casting operation is for the continuous casting of any shape, from molten metal 15, which in the illustrated embodiment is molten steel.
  • Mold flux 1 1 in granular or powder form is fed onto the top of the shapes mold 13.
  • the shapes mold can be, by way of example, a slab mold.
  • the mold flux 11 becomes a slag when sufficiently heated by the molten steel.
  • the system of various embodiments is indicated generally by reference number 10.
  • the system generally includes four major components: a transfer apparatus 12; an intermediate hopper 14, a feed control apparatus 16, and a delivery apparatus 18.
  • the transfer apparatus 12 transfers powder mold flux from a bulk source 20 to the intermediate hopper 14.
  • the bulk source of powder mold flux 20 may be, for example, a large bag or barrel.
  • the delivery apparatus 18 feeds powder mold flux 1 1 from the intermediate hopper to the top of the mold.
  • the transfer apparatus includes a vacuum 22 having an inlet port 24 to which one end 26 of a flexible suction tube 28 is connected. The other end 30 of flexible suction tube 28 extends into the bulk source 20.
  • Vacuum 22 has an outlet at the bottom for transferring mold flux to the intermediate hopper 14.
  • the intermediate hopper 14 has a fitting on the bottom that extends into the top of the feed hopper 31.
  • the delivery apparatus 18 includes a feed hopper 31 and feeds mold flux from a pair (could be up to six outlets) of outlet ports 32, 34 of the feed hopper 31 to the top of a mold. There is no contact between the intermediate hopper 14 and feed hopper 31 as this would give a false weight.
  • the delivery apparatus 18 includes a pair (could be up to six delivery tubes) of delivery tubes 36, 40 each having one end connectable to an outlet port 32, 34, and the other end having anywhere from one to six feed heads 46 (two shown in the illustrated embodiment) disposed above a mold or series of molds.
  • the mold flux is pneumatically fed from the feed hopper 31 with 1 inch venturi pumps 41 which are operatively connected to the outlet ports 32, 34.
  • the number of ports or 1 inch venturi pumps could vary depending on the type of continuous casting machine or shapes cast. For example: If the continuous caster is a small 6-strand billet machine, there would be a total of six molds, each mold being the size of the cast product. This would require six 1 inch venturi pumps and feed lines.
  • the control apparatus 16 includes at least one load cell 42 supporting the intermediate hopper 14 for weighing the intermediate hopper 14 and its contents of mold flux over a period of time for measuring the real time consumption of mold flux.
  • the at least one load cell 42 preferably includes a plurality of load cells 42, each supporting a side of the intermediate hopper 14. There are three load cells 42 in this embodiment. Only two load cells 42, however, can be seen in Fig. 1.
  • the control apparatus further includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) 44 (Fig. 2) receiving input from the load cells for controlling the operation of the vacuum 22.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • the PLC 44 causes the vacuum 22 to turn on, thus causing mold flux to feed into the intermediate hopper 14, based on a predetermined weight of the feed bin as compared to the consumption or loss of weight of mold flux calculated using the output of the at least one load cell 42.
  • the use of PLC 44 allows the ability to record daily mold flux consumption files.
  • any suitable processor having the appropriate software such as FACTORY TALK software may be used.
  • it may be desirable to measure mold flux consumption volumetrically. The rate of which the mold flux is delivered onto the mold can be adjusted by the operator using an operator control screen 48 on the PLC 44 that can be used for adjusting the feed rate.
  • the operator control screen 48 is a touch screen display that gives the operator a scale of 0 - 100. This scale represents the mA voltage sent from the PLC 44 to the current to pressure transducers that are located in the feed hopper.
  • the rate of which the mold flux is delivered onto the mold can be adjusted by the operator by a handheld wireless controller 50 in communication with a receiver 52 on PLC 44.
  • the wireless controller 50 can be used to control the feed rate instead of the operator control screen 48 on the PLC display.

Abstract

A system for monitoring the consumption of mold flux in a continuous casting apparatus including a transfer apparatus for transferring mold flux from a bulk source to an intermediate hopper; a feed control apparatus for controlling the transfer of mold flux from the transfer apparatus to the intermediate hopper, the feed control apparatus including at least one load cell for weighing the intermediate hopper and the mold flux within the intermediate hopper over a period of time, the feed control apparatus further including a controller receiving input from the at least one load cell and for controlling the operation of the transfer apparatus based on the input; and a delivery apparatus for receiving mold flux from the intermediate hopper and delivering the mold flux to a mold, the delivery apparatus pneumatically feeding the mold flux to the mold.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING MOLD FLUX
CONSUMPTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[ 1 ] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e) of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/540,616 filed on September 29, 201 1, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[ 2 ] This application discloses an invention which is related, generally and in various embodiments, to the metal casting field wherein mold flux consumption is monitored.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[ 3 ] It is customary to apply a mold flux, which may be a powder or granular material, onto the top of a shapes mold during the continuous casting of a molten metal, typically steel, as shown in US Patent No. 6,474,398, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The mold flux turns into slag when sufficiently heated by the molten steel. Typically, the mold flux being fed is in the form of a granulated powder from a bulk source such as a bag. The mold flux is fed by way of a vacuum from the bulk source to an intermediate feeder hopper. In prior arrangements such as that shown in US Patent No. 6,474,398, a constant level is maintained within the intermediate hopper with a proximity sensor which measures the level of mold flux within the hopper. The operator adjusts the set point level on a feed controller to deliver a steady feed of mold flux from a feed box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[ 4 ] Various embodiments of the invention are described herein in by way of example in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference characters designate the same or similar elements.
[ 5 ] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of various embodiments of a system for measuring mold flux consumption in a continuous casting operation.
[ 6 ] FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of the system of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[ 7 ] It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.
[ 8 ] FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of a system 10 for measuring mold flux consumption in a continuous casting operation; common parts will be represented by the same reference numeral. As shown, the continuous casting operation is for the continuous casting of any shape, from molten metal 15, which in the illustrated embodiment is molten steel. Mold flux 1 1 in granular or powder form is fed onto the top of the shapes mold 13. The shapes mold can be, by way of example, a slab mold. The mold flux 11 becomes a slag when sufficiently heated by the molten steel. [ 9 ] The system of various embodiments is indicated generally by reference number 10. The system generally includes four major components: a transfer apparatus 12; an intermediate hopper 14, a feed control apparatus 16, and a delivery apparatus 18. The transfer apparatus 12 transfers powder mold flux from a bulk source 20 to the intermediate hopper 14. The bulk source of powder mold flux 20 may be, for example, a large bag or barrel. After the delivery apparatus 18 feeds powder mold flux 1 1 from the intermediate hopper to the top of the mold.
[ 10 ] The transfer apparatus includes a vacuum 22 having an inlet port 24 to which one end 26 of a flexible suction tube 28 is connected. The other end 30 of flexible suction tube 28 extends into the bulk source 20. Vacuum 22 has an outlet at the bottom for transferring mold flux to the intermediate hopper 14. On the bottom of the vacuum hopper 22, there is a valve such as a flapper 43 with a counter weight attached. While the vacuum 22 is energized this creates a seal between the flapper 43 and the bottom of the vacuum bin 22. When the vacuum 22 stops, the weight of the material that was picked up allows the flapper 43 to open and the material drops into the intermediate hopper 14. The intermediate hopper 14 has a fitting on the bottom that extends into the top of the feed hopper 31. The delivery apparatus 18 includes a feed hopper 31 and feeds mold flux from a pair (could be up to six outlets) of outlet ports 32, 34 of the feed hopper 31 to the top of a mold. There is no contact between the intermediate hopper 14 and feed hopper 31 as this would give a false weight.
[ 11 ] The delivery apparatus 18 includes a pair (could be up to six delivery tubes) of delivery tubes 36, 40 each having one end connectable to an outlet port 32, 34, and the other end having anywhere from one to six feed heads 46 (two shown in the illustrated embodiment) disposed above a mold or series of molds. The mold flux is pneumatically fed from the feed hopper 31 with 1 inch venturi pumps 41 which are operatively connected to the outlet ports 32, 34. The number of ports or 1 inch venturi pumps could vary depending on the type of continuous casting machine or shapes cast. For example: If the continuous caster is a small 6-strand billet machine, there would be a total of six molds, each mold being the size of the cast product. This would require six 1 inch venturi pumps and feed lines.
[ 12 ] The control apparatus 16 includes at least one load cell 42 supporting the intermediate hopper 14 for weighing the intermediate hopper 14 and its contents of mold flux over a period of time for measuring the real time consumption of mold flux. The at least one load cell 42 preferably includes a plurality of load cells 42, each supporting a side of the intermediate hopper 14. There are three load cells 42 in this embodiment. Only two load cells 42, however, can be seen in Fig. 1. The control apparatus further includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) 44 (Fig. 2) receiving input from the load cells for controlling the operation of the vacuum 22. The PLC 44 causes the vacuum 22 to turn on, thus causing mold flux to feed into the intermediate hopper 14, based on a predetermined weight of the feed bin as compared to the consumption or loss of weight of mold flux calculated using the output of the at least one load cell 42. The use of PLC 44 allows the ability to record daily mold flux consumption files. Alternative to a PLC 44, any suitable processor having the appropriate software such as FACTORY TALK software may be used. Also, alternative to measuring mold flux consumption by weight, it may be desirable to measure mold flux consumption volumetrically. The rate of which the mold flux is delivered onto the mold can be adjusted by the operator using an operator control screen 48 on the PLC 44 that can be used for adjusting the feed rate. The operator control screen 48 is a touch screen display that gives the operator a scale of 0 - 100. This scale represents the mA voltage sent from the PLC 44 to the current to pressure transducers that are located in the feed hopper. Alternatively, the rate of which the mold flux is delivered onto the mold can be adjusted by the operator by a handheld wireless controller 50 in communication with a receiver 52 on PLC 44. The wireless controller 50 can be used to control the feed rate instead of the operator control screen 48 on the PLC display.
[ 13 ] Nothing in the above description is meant to limit the invention to any specific materials, geometry, or orientation of elements. Many part/orientation substitutions are contemplated within the scope of the invention and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments described herein were presented by way of example only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.
[ 14 ] Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments in this application, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of the teachings herein, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of, or exceeding the scope of, the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is understood that the drawings and the descriptions herein are proffered only to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A continuous casting apparatus comprising;
a transfer apparatus for transferring mold flux from a bulk source to an intermediate hopper;
a feed control apparatus for controlling the transfer of mold flux from the transfer apparatus to the intermediate hopper, the feed control apparatus including at least one load cell for weighing the intermediate hopper and the mold flux within the intermediate hopper over a period of time, the feed control apparatus further including a controller receiving input from the at least one load cell and for controlling the operation of the transfer apparatus based on the input from the at least one load cell; and
a delivery apparatus for receiving mold flux from the intermediate hopper and delivering the mold flux to a mold, the delivery apparatus including a feed hopper configured to receive mold flux from the intermediate hopper, at least one outlet, and a delivery tube connected to each outlet for pneumatically feeding the mold flux to the mold.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer apparatus includes a vacuum for transferring mold flux from the bulk source to the intermediate hopper, and wherein the feed control apparatus controls the operation of the vacuum.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transfer apparatus further comprises a valve which is operable between a first closed position which prevents mold flux from transferring to the intermediate hopper when the vacuum is on, and a second open position which allows mold flux to transfer to the intermediate hopper when the vacuum is off.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the valve is a flapper valve having a counter weight.
5. The apparatus of claim I, wherein the controller is a programmable logic controller.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the programmable logic controller is operable to turn on the transfer apparatus to transfer mold flux from the bulk source and to turn off the transfer apparatus to transfer mold flux from the transfer apparatus to the intermediate hopper.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the transfer apparatus includes a vacuum for transferring mold flux from the bulk source to the intermediate hopper, and wherein the programmable logic controller is operable to turn the vacuum on and off.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the programmable logic controller includes an operator touch screen adaptable for receiving input from an operator for controlling mold flux feed rate.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the programmable logic controller includes a receiver and a wireless remote in communication with the receiver adaptable for receiving input from an operator for controlling mold flux feed rate.
10. The apparatus of claim I, wherein each outlet includes a venturi pump.
1 1. A method for monitoring the consumption of mold flux in a continuous casting apparatus comprising:
transferring mold flux from a bulk source to an intermediate hopper using a transfer apparatus;
weighing the intermediate hopper and the mold flux within the intermediate hopper over a period of time;
controlling the operation of the transfer apparatus based on the weight of the intermediate hopper and the mold flux within the intermediate hopper; transferring mold flux from the intermediate hopper to a feed hopper; and pneumatically feeding the mold flux from the feed hopper to a mold.
EP12834726.7A 2011-09-29 2012-10-01 System and method for monitoring mold flux consumption Active EP2760608B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161540616P 2011-09-29 2011-09-29
PCT/US2012/058285 WO2013049807A1 (en) 2011-09-29 2012-10-01 System and method for monitoring mold flux consumption

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2760608A1 true EP2760608A1 (en) 2014-08-06
EP2760608A4 EP2760608A4 (en) 2015-07-15
EP2760608B1 EP2760608B1 (en) 2019-04-03

Family

ID=47991518

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12834726.7A Active EP2760608B1 (en) 2011-09-29 2012-10-01 System and method for monitoring mold flux consumption

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US20130081777A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2760608B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2733680T3 (en)
TR (1) TR201909665T4 (en)
WO (1) WO2013049807A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103341604B (en) * 2013-06-26 2015-07-15 湖南镭目科技有限公司 Method, system and device for controlling automatic slag feeding of continuous-casting crystallizer
GB201517130D0 (en) 2015-09-28 2015-11-11 Imerys S A A flux feeding apparatus and method
CN105328149B (en) * 2015-10-29 2017-10-03 芜湖新兴铸管有限责任公司 Covering slag automatic feeding device
KR101913318B1 (en) 2016-04-05 2018-10-30 자동차부품연구원 Brake disk and manufacturing method of brake disk
US10620062B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2020-04-14 Deborah D. L. Chung Cement-based material systems and method for self-sensing and weighing
EP3907019A1 (en) 2020-05-05 2021-11-10 Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH Conveying of casting powder into a mould
WO2022013216A1 (en) * 2020-07-15 2022-01-20 Imertech Sas Flux delivery for continuous casting
CN114130971B (en) * 2021-12-10 2023-08-04 湖南科技大学 Slag thickness self-adaptive control method and device based on continuous casting machine slag adding mechanism

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0139060A1 (en) * 1983-07-29 1985-05-02 Vibra Screw Incorporated Material feeding apparatus
FR2666035A1 (en) * 1990-08-27 1992-02-28 Lorraine Laminage METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING A POWDERED OR GRANULATED MATERIAL IN A CONTINUOUS CASTING LINGOTIERE.
US5598647A (en) * 1994-03-16 1997-02-04 Brooklyn Union Gas Material transfer apparatus and method
US5450984A (en) * 1994-04-29 1995-09-19 K-Tron Technologies, Inc. Material feeding apparatus
JP2856077B2 (en) * 1994-08-25 1999-02-10 住友金属工業株式会社 Method and apparatus for controlling powder layer thickness for continuous casting
JPH115147A (en) * 1997-06-12 1999-01-12 Nkk Corp Method and device for supplying powder in continuous casting
US6474398B1 (en) 1998-09-16 2002-11-05 Stollberg, Inc. Apparatus for introducing granular mold flux onto the top of a slab being cast within a continuous casting mold
US20020139507A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-03 Stollberg Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of granular mold flux onto the top of a strand of steel being cast within a continuous casting mold
WO2007018750A1 (en) * 2005-07-21 2007-02-15 Vac-U-Max Apparatus for dispensing granular material and method thereof
CN100457325C (en) * 2007-06-16 2009-02-04 姜虹 Large-section crystallizer automatic slag adding machine
WO2010009443A2 (en) * 2008-07-17 2010-01-21 Intercat Equipment, Inc. Material delivery system to one or more units and methods of such delivery
US20100017321A1 (en) 2008-07-18 2010-01-21 Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc. Adaptive Implied Spread Matching
KR100951100B1 (en) * 2008-11-28 2010-04-07 스톨베르그 앤드 삼일 주식회사 Method of manufacturing granular mold flux using liquid free carbon, and apparatus for manufacturing and supplying liquid free carbon

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TR201909665T4 (en) 2019-07-22
US20160243610A1 (en) 2016-08-25
EP2760608B1 (en) 2019-04-03
ES2733680T3 (en) 2019-12-02
EP2760608A4 (en) 2015-07-15
US20130081777A1 (en) 2013-04-04
WO2013049807A1 (en) 2013-04-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2760608B1 (en) System and method for monitoring mold flux consumption
US7137759B1 (en) System and method for handling bulk materials
CN205555577U (en) Twin -bucket continuous pay -off feeding machine of weighing
CN201520548U (en) Pneumatic pressure delivering device capable of automatic weighing
KR20110134565A (en) Mixed feed metering device for feed packing apparatus
CA2487089A1 (en) Agitation system for an agricultural machine product distribution system
EP1625787A3 (en) Apparatus for separating and mixing feed for livestock
CN103863823A (en) Air flow power-assisted screw precision powder conveying machine
CN204415830U (en) Full automatic weighing wrapping machine
CN101103838B (en) Device for cigarette thread-making loosening moisture-regaining tube tobacco slice feeding flow control
CN203767674U (en) Stable blanking and metering system for fly ash
CN202066574U (en) Fumigation medicine quantitative control device
CN107651424A (en) A kind of powder conveying apparatus
CN207917203U (en) Food feeder and food charging equipment
CN202464753U (en) Blocky material sorting mechanism
EP1340699A3 (en) An apparatus for feeding particulate products to a user machine
CN201721952U (en) Lump material sorting mechanism
CN103693606A (en) Automatic charging device
CN210593985U (en) Food feed mechanism and food production line
US20240139801A1 (en) Flux feeding apparatus and flux optimization selection method
CN208279974U (en) A kind of pitch proportioning station system
EP3285132B2 (en) Method and dispensing apparatus for dispensing a powder and/or granular material
CN205294141U (en) Intelligent combination formula material feed proportioning system
JP3682519B2 (en) Container material control system
CN205906753U (en) Compound fertilizer's automatic blending device with vibration feed supplement mechanism

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140422

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RA4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched (corrected)

Effective date: 20150617

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B22D 11/10 20060101ALI20150611BHEP

Ipc: B22D 11/108 20060101ALI20150611BHEP

Ipc: B22D 11/16 20060101AFI20150611BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20160826

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20181017

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM 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

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1115101

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012058672

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1115101

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190403

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20190403

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: 20190403

Ref country code: AL

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: 20190403

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: 20190803

Ref country code: NO

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: 20190703

Ref country code: HR

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: 20190403

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: 20190403

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SK

Ref legal event code: T3

Ref document number: E 31897

Country of ref document: SK

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

Effective date: 20190704

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: 20190703

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: 20190403

Ref country code: RS

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: 20190403

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: 20190403

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2733680

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20191202

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

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: 20190803

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: 20190403

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012058672

Country of ref document: DE

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

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: 20190403

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: 20190403

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: 20190403

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

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

Ref country code: SM

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: 20190403

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200106

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

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: 20190403

Ref country code: MC

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: 20190403

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: 20191031

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20191001

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20191031

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

Effective date: 20191001

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: 20191001

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20191001

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 602012058672

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: HL KEMPNER PATENTANWAELTE, SOLICITORS (ENGLAND, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 602012058672

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: HL KEMPNER PATENTANWALT, RECHTSANWALT, SOLICIT, DE

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: 20190403

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

Ref country code: MT

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: 20190403

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; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20121001

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

Ref country code: MK

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: 20190403

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

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20230922

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20230922

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: CZ

Payment date: 20230925

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: SK

Payment date: 20230925

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20231102

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 12