WO1997045680A1 - Improvements in and relating to a valve - Google Patents
Improvements in and relating to a valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997045680A1 WO1997045680A1 PCT/GB1997/001394 GB9701394W WO9745680A1 WO 1997045680 A1 WO1997045680 A1 WO 1997045680A1 GB 9701394 W GB9701394 W GB 9701394W WO 9745680 A1 WO9745680 A1 WO 9745680A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- valve according
- inlet
- plunger
- outlet
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 32
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
- F24D3/10—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system
- F24D3/1083—Filling valves or arrangements for filling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
- F24D3/10—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system
Definitions
- the present invention relates to valves, and more particularly, though not exclusively, to valves for use in domestic boiler water circuits.
- the invention also relates to methods of operating a valve.
- WO96/06308 discloses a valve comprising an inlet, an outlet and a path of fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, means for selectively allowing fluid to flow along the path of fluid communication and an opening from the valve to atmosphere from the fluid flow path, whereby when fluid is prevented from flowing along the path of fluid communication, an atmosphere gap is created between the inlet and outlet.
- the atmosphere gap is formed by a vent to atmosphere at which time water is prevented from flowing out through the atmosphere gap by the operation of the valve.
- the atmosphere gap ensures that the inlet is properly separated from the outlet, the latter of which typically is connected to a water heating system.
- valve of WO96/06308 has been found to be advantageous, it is desirable to include a larger atmosphere gap between the inlet and outlet for, inter alia, regulatory approval.
- the spring return action of the valve of WO96/06308 is advantageous in that at about full filling pressure it returns the valve actuator to the closed position.
- the sensitivity and reliability of this effect depends very much on the friction between the '0' -rings around the actuator and the valve body. Since the resistance tends to vary over time as the '0' -rings wear, it will be appreciated that the pressure at which the return action occurs varies over time and under differing conditions.
- a valve comprising a valve body, and a plunger capable of movement relative to the valve body, the valve body comprising an inlet and an outlet whereby movement of the plunger is for selectively establishing a path of fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, in which the valve body includes an air gap between the inlet and the outlet, and the plunger is at least partly removable from the air gap whereby a substantial region about the air gap is free from valve components.
- preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a construction in which the risk of syphonage is minimised.
- the path of fluid communication comprises a bore having a diameter and the free region about the air gap is at least twice and preferably three times the bore diameter.
- the bore is of substantially constant cross-section, but if it varies, the diameter at the inlet of the outlet portion of the valve adjacent the air gap is determinative of the diameter of the bore for this purpose.
- the valve comprises an actuator button for moving the plunger.
- at least part of the valve body is at least partly contained within the actuator button.
- the actuator button is generally hollow.
- the plunger is removable from the valve body, and includes means to prevent water flowing from the inlet through the valve when the plunger is removed.
- the valve comprises means biassing the valve towards its closed configuration.
- the biassing means comprises a spring.
- the spring is between the actuator button and the valve body. In this way, a reverse pressure can move the valve to its closed configuration, ie, it can act as an independent non-return valve.
- the fitment comprises a plug.
- the valve body comprises means for interengaging with the plug.
- the interengagement means comprises a screw thread.
- the valve body comprises at least one cylindrical hole blocked by the fitment. More suitably, there are two such cylindrical holes.
- the fitment is generally T-shaped in cross-section. More suitably, the head of the T-shaped fitment plugs a hole in the valve body. Alternatively or in addition, the leg of the T-shaped fitment plugs a hole in the valve body.
- the fitment comprises means to prevent water flowing from the inlet past the fitment. More suitably, the water flow prevention means comprises at least one '0' -ring about the fitment.
- a valve comprising an inlet, an outlet, an actuator means for selectively establishing a path of fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, and a latch mechanism which in a first position secures the actuator means in a position to establish the path of fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, and in a second position does not so secure the actuator means.
- latch mechanism transfers between its first and second positions dependent on the pressure of fluid acting upon the latch mechanism.
- the latch mechanism transfer means comprises means biassing the latch mechanism towards the first position.
- means are provided whereby the pressure at which the latch mechanism transfers between its first and second positions can be varied.
- the variation means adjust the bias of the latch mechanism.
- the latch mechanism interengages with the actuator means.
- the latch mechanism comprises a latch finger which interengages with a recess in the actuator means.
- the biassing means biasses the finger towards the actuator.
- the latch mechanism comprises a deformable finger for interengaging with another part of the valve.
- the actuator means comprises a plunger which moves between an open position and a closed position.
- valve of the second aspect of the present invention is further modified according to the first aspect of the present invention, or vice versa.
- a method of operating a valve according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of:
- the plunger is removed from the valve body.
- access to the inlet or outlet is or are subsequently prevented.
- the inlet or outlet is or are therefore plugged to prevent access and tampering.
- Figure 1 is an end elevation of a valve according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional front elevation on the line X-X in Figure 1 with the valve in an open configuration.
- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional front elevation on the line X-X in Figure 1, with the valve in a closed configuration.
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation of a second embodiment of a valve according to the present invention similar to that shown in Figures 1- 3.
- Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional elevation similar to Figure 4, but with the plunger removed.
- Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional elevation of the valve shown in Figure 5, with a plug in place.
- Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation of the plug shown in Figure 6.
- Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the plug shown in Figure 7.
- Figure 9 is a schematic perspective illustration of the plug shown in Figures 7 and 8, with the plunger shown in Figure 4.
- Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional front elevation of a third embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 11 is a schematic cross sectional illustration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 12 is a plan view of the valve shown in Figure 11.
- Figure 13 is an enlarged partly sectional view of the latching mechanism of the valve shown in Figures 11 and 12.
- valve 2 comprising a generally cylindrical hollow valve body 4 within which slidingly engages a plunger 6.
- the valve body 4 includes an inlet 8 and an outlet 10 both of which include standard BSP fittings for connection to, in the case of inlet 8 a water supply under pressure (not shown) inlet, and in the case of outlet 10 the inlet of a domestic boiler water heating system (not shown) .
- the inlet 8 and outlet 10 include non-return valves 9 and 11 respectively (not shown in these Figures) for preventing the back-flow of water.
- a 20mm air gap indicated generally at 12 which, as shown in Figure 2 , is breached by the plunger 6 in the open configuration of the valve 2. Beneath the air gap 12 is a hole 14 leading to a drain 16.
- a latch mechanism Adjacent the outlet 10 is provided a latch mechanism indicated generally at 18.
- the latch mechanism 18 is located in a cylindrical bore 20 in the valve body 4.
- the cylindrical bore 20 includes a shoulder 22 leading to a reduced diameter cylindrical bore portion 24.
- the latch mechanism 18 itself comprises a latch finger 26 including a hemispherical head 28.
- the latch finger 26 is mounted on a generally n-shaped body 30 which slidingly engages in cylindrical bore 20.
- Latch finger 26 maintains a clearance fit through the reduced diameter cylindrical bore portion 24.
- a rubber 'O'-ring 32 which engages the interior of bore 20.
- the latch finger 26 is biased upwardly towards the plunger 6 by a helical spring 34 fixed against a screw fitted latch plug 36.
- the latch plug 36 includes a slotted head 38 enabling it to be tightened and undone by a screwdriver, and a stud flange 40 to engage the helical spring 34.
- the plunger 6 forms part of an actuator mechanism indicated generally at 42.
- the plunger 6 is generally cylindrical and includes a longitudinal blind bore 44. Additionally, the plunger 6 includes an annular slot 46 shown in Figure 2 aligned with the inlet 8, and a bore 48 between the blind bore 44 and annular slot 46 thereby, in the configuration shown in Figure 2 enabling the bore 44 to be in communication with the inlet 8.
- the bore 44 extends from the slot 46 to the other end 49 of the plunger 6.
- 'O' -rings 50, 52 and 54 In external annular slots longitudinally spaced along the plunger 6 are rubber 'O' -rings 50, 52 and 54. '0'- rings 50 and 52 lie on either side of the annular slot 46. 'O'-ring 54 lies adjacent the end 49 of the plunger 6 which in Figure 2 is in the vicinity of outlet 10. Between 'O'-ring 54 and the end of plunger 6 is an exterior annular curved recess 56.
- extension piece 58 In screw-fitting engagement with the end of plunger 6 distant from curved recess 56 is an extension piece 58 the exterior diameter of which is less than the exterior diameter of plunger 6.
- the end of extension piece 58 distant from plunger 6 is secured by screw-fitting engagement with a button 60 which includes an internal cylindrical cavity 62.
- a helical spring 64 lies within the cavity 62 and abuts against a shoulder 66 (part of which is formed by the valve body about inlet 8) on the exterior of the valve body 4.
- valve body 68 fits over the end of valve body 4 and includes a cylindrical hole therethrough through which extension piece 58 can slide, but plunger 6 cannot.
- valve 2 is shown in its open configuration in which water under pressure is permitted to flow from the inlet 8 to the outlet 10.
- the button 60 has been depressed as far as it will go to abut against the cap piece 68.
- a considerable volume of the valve body 4 is partly encased by the hollow button 60.
- the end 49 of the plunger 6 abuts against the hemispherical head 28 of latch finger 26.
- the curved head 28 of latch finger 26 means that the finger 26 is forced away from the plunger 6 against the bias of spring 34 until the end of
- plunger 6 passes latch finger 26.
- the hemispherical head 28 rises into interengagement with the curved recess 56. This serves to secure the plunger 6 in place.
- valve 2 The operation of the valve 2 is substantially -25 similar, to the extent that it includes like parts, to the valves shown in Figures 9-12 and 13-14 of International patent application no. PCT/GB95/01993 (published as WO96/06308) the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 30
- the plunger 6 In its closed configuration, the plunger 6 is entirely clear of the air gap 12, thereby to ensure the 20mm gap of air between inlet 8 and outlet 16 is maintained.
- the 'O' -rings 52 and 54 ensure water does not escape the inlet 8 from the valve 2.
- valve 2 can be used in an automatic manner in the filling of heating systems etc with water.
- the valve 2 located between a pressurised water supply and a system to be filled, when the button 60 is depressed to the "open" configuration shown in Figure 2, water passes through the valve to the system and when the system is full, the back pressure operating on the latch mechanism 18 acts, against spring 64, to transfer the valve to its closed configuration as shown in Figure 3.
- the pressure at which the latch mechanism 18 releases the plunger 6 is determined substantially by the force exerted against movement of the latch body 30 by the helical spring 34.
- the force exerted by the helical spring 34 can be adjusted by varying the position of the latch plug 36 in the bore 20.
- the spring 34 is not overworked and therefore the pressure of automatic release from the open to the closed configuration for the valve 2 is substantially constant over time and can readily be adjusted by movement of the latch plug 36. If for any reason the latch mechanism 18 needs to be replaced, because it consists of so few parts it can readily be manufactured, it is cheap to replace and can easily be exchanged simply by removal of the latch plug 36. It can also be replaced at any time without having to drain the outlet or turn off the water pressure to the inlet.
- Figure 4 shows the valve in an open configuration. It differs from the valve shown in Figures 1-3 primarily in the detail of the end of the plunger 6 distant from the end 49, in the construction of the inlet 8.
- the plunger 6 at its end distant from end 49 includes a frusto-conical portion 70 extending to an increased diameter portion 72.
- the valve body 4 around the vicinity of inlet 8 includes an open end 74 of sufficient size to enable the plunger 6 to pass therethrough.
- the inlet 8 additionally comprises an entry valve 76 of similar construction to the latch mechanism 18 in that it comprises a finger 78 with a hemicylindrical head 80.
- the finger 78 is integral with a 'n' -shaped body 82 supported by a spring 84 which rests on a support plate 86.
- the body 82 includes slots 83 in its side to allow water to pass.
- the support plate 86 includes a central hole 88 through which water can flow.
- On the shoulder 90 of body 82, and about finger 78 is a rubber 'O'-ring 92 enabling the entry valve 76 to seal against the valve body 4.
- the plunger 6 can then be removed from the valve body 4 as shown in Figure 5.
- the then empty open end 74 is filled by a plug fitment 94 as shown in Figure 6 to prevent unauthorised interference with the valve.
- the plug fitment 94 is generally 'T' -shaped in cross section comprising a head 96 that fits in the end 74 by a screw fitting and a leg 98 the end of which fills hole 100 through which, as shown in Figure 4 the plunger 6 passes when the valve 2 is in its open configuration.
- the head 96 comprises two blank bores 97 which enable corresponding pins 99 in the end 49 of plunger 6 to engage and screw the fitment 94.
- the pins 99 are shown most clearly in Figure 9 of the drawings that follow.
- the head 96 and leg 98 carry annular '0' -rings 102, 104 respectively to prevent leakage from the vicinity of inlet 8. Thus both exits from the vicinity of inlet 8 through valve body 4 are closed against fluid flow by fitment 94.
- the second embodiment of the present invention provides a valve which can conveniently and reliably be used to fill a water system, and then disabled so as to be tamper proof by removing the plunger 6 and inserting the fitment 94. Access to the inlet 8 by unauthorised personnel can usually be prevented unless they have the required key which, conveniently, is provided at one end of the plunger in the form of the pins 99.
- the boiler and valve may be adapted so that the boiler is rendered inoperable until the plug fitment is correctly inserted in the valve. Additionally or alternatively, the boiler may be rendered inoperable unless the valve is fully in its closed configuration.
- the boiler can be rendered inoperable by interrupting the water flow, by deactivating its electrical controls or in any other way apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- Figure 11 is similar to that of Figures 1-3 except that no air gap 12 is provided. Reference numerals have been omitted as they are not required for an understanding of this embodiment. It provides an automatic filling valve which will cut itself off from its inlet supply when a suitable back pressure is reached.
- FIG. 1-13 of the drawings that follow there is shown a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-3 and similar reference numerals are used for like parts. Some reference numerals have been omitted for clarity. The difference between the first and fourth embodiments lies in the latching means.
- the button 60 is formed from a deformable plastics material such as polypropylene.
- the open end (indicated generally at 100) of the button 60 includes a plurality of longitudinal slots 102 defining fingers 104 between them.
- the fingers 104 include inwardly directed tips 106.
- the fingers 104 are deformable radially.
- the shoulder 66 includes a collar 108 screw fitted or otherwise secured thereto.
- the collar 108 defines an annular channel 110 between itself and shoulder 66 into which tips 106 project when the valve is in the open position shown in Figures 11 and 12.
- the resilience of the fingers 104 holds the button 60 in place during the filling operation. When the back pressure on the button 60 is sufficient, the tips 106 of fingers 104 are forced over collar 108 and the valve transfers to its closed configuration by the bias of spring 64.
- the air gap there is a region around the air gap that is free from valve components of at least three times the diameter of the bore of the valve.
- the free region ensures a minimal risk of syphonage from outlet to inlet in order to comply with Water Research Council (WRC) requirements.
- WRC Water Research Council
- a free region of twice the bore diameter provides considerable safety, but three times ensures compliance with WRC regulations.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Self-Closing Valves And Venting Or Aerating Valves (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU29673/97A AU2967397A (en) | 1996-05-25 | 1997-05-21 | Improvements in and relating to a valve |
EP97924101A EP0901599A1 (en) | 1996-05-25 | 1997-05-21 | Improvements in and relating to a valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9611045.7A GB9611045D0 (en) | 1996-05-25 | 1996-05-25 | Improvements in and relating to a valve |
GB9611045.7 | 1996-05-25 | ||
GBGB9704682.5A GB9704682D0 (en) | 1996-05-25 | 1997-03-06 | Improvements in and relating to a valve |
GB9704682.5 | 1997-03-06 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997045680A1 true WO1997045680A1 (en) | 1997-12-04 |
Family
ID=26309401
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB1997/001394 WO1997045680A1 (en) | 1996-05-25 | 1997-05-21 | Improvements in and relating to a valve |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0901599A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2967397A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997045680A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1017756C2 (en) * | 2001-04-02 | 2002-10-03 | Spiro Research Bv | Automatically feeding closed liquid system, e.g. central heating system by creating feed buffer formed from liquid between liquid source and closed liquid system, and from feed buffer to closed liquid system |
WO2002079696A1 (en) * | 2001-04-02 | 2002-10-10 | Spiro Research B.V. | Method for feeding a closed liquid system |
GB2514637A (en) * | 2013-05-29 | 2014-12-03 | Alco Corp | Water filling device with air gap forming unit |
GB2527621A (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2015-12-30 | Christopher Jepp | A filling device for a pressurised heating circuit |
WO2016092279A1 (en) * | 2014-12-08 | 2016-06-16 | Christopher Jepp | A filling device for a pressurised heating circuit |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0182058A1 (en) | 1984-10-25 | 1986-05-28 | Comap | Valve with back-flow preventing means for filling a closes receptacle |
WO1996006308A1 (en) | 1994-08-23 | 1996-02-29 | Euro Innovations Limited | A valve |
-
1997
- 1997-05-21 WO PCT/GB1997/001394 patent/WO1997045680A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-05-21 AU AU29673/97A patent/AU2967397A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-21 EP EP97924101A patent/EP0901599A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0182058A1 (en) | 1984-10-25 | 1986-05-28 | Comap | Valve with back-flow preventing means for filling a closes receptacle |
WO1996006308A1 (en) | 1994-08-23 | 1996-02-29 | Euro Innovations Limited | A valve |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1017756C2 (en) * | 2001-04-02 | 2002-10-03 | Spiro Research Bv | Automatically feeding closed liquid system, e.g. central heating system by creating feed buffer formed from liquid between liquid source and closed liquid system, and from feed buffer to closed liquid system |
WO2002079696A1 (en) * | 2001-04-02 | 2002-10-10 | Spiro Research B.V. | Method for feeding a closed liquid system |
GB2514637A (en) * | 2013-05-29 | 2014-12-03 | Alco Corp | Water filling device with air gap forming unit |
GB2514637B (en) * | 2013-05-29 | 2016-03-09 | Alco Corp | Water filling device with air gap forming unit |
GB2527621A (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2015-12-30 | Christopher Jepp | A filling device for a pressurised heating circuit |
GB2527621B (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2017-04-19 | Jepp Christopher | A filling loop device for a pressurised heating circuit |
WO2016092279A1 (en) * | 2014-12-08 | 2016-06-16 | Christopher Jepp | A filling device for a pressurised heating circuit |
US10883644B2 (en) | 2014-12-08 | 2021-01-05 | Christopher Jepp | Filling device for a pressurised heating circuit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2967397A (en) | 1998-01-05 |
EP0901599A1 (en) | 1999-03-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6591863B2 (en) | Adjustable pool safety valve | |
US2799466A (en) | Solenoid pilot controlled piston valve | |
US5113907A (en) | Dynamic self-monitoring air operating system | |
HK1036763A1 (en) | Check valve for medical infusion lines and the like | |
WO1997045680A1 (en) | Improvements in and relating to a valve | |
RU2647743C2 (en) | Safety shut-off device with valve plate rotation prevention assembly | |
WO1984004769A1 (en) | Flood preventer for fluid filling system | |
CA1279552C (en) | Control stop for flushing system | |
CA2641111A1 (en) | Universal safety coupler | |
CA2061321C (en) | Apparatus for locking a valve actuating member | |
CA2221877C (en) | Safety valve for water supply system | |
JPS62220789A (en) | High-temperature water automatic supply shut-down device | |
JPH1047532A (en) | Fluid control valve | |
US5058623A (en) | Valve assembly | |
WO1992021903A1 (en) | Flow-control valve | |
KR102103592B1 (en) | Valve for gas container | |
US20040118453A1 (en) | Automatic lock shutoff valve for water systems | |
EP0816747A2 (en) | Natural gas shut off system | |
SG143961A1 (en) | Valve arrangement and traffic calming device incorporating such an arrangement | |
JP2002250564A (en) | Main pipe stop system electric water heater and flow passage switching valve | |
US4510964A (en) | Valve for pressurized cylinders for liquified gas | |
US4559964A (en) | Valve unit for a washing device of private parts of human body | |
GB0018911D0 (en) | Automatic valves | |
US5996616A (en) | Reduction and control valve | |
WO1996006308A1 (en) | A valve |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH HU IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): GH KE LS MW SD SZ UG AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF |
|
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1997924101 Country of ref document: EP |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP Ref document number: 97541814 Format of ref document f/p: F |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 1997924101 Country of ref document: EP |
|
REG | Reference to national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: 8642 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: CA |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Ref document number: 1997924101 Country of ref document: EP |