EP0821096A1 - Steam generator for irons and the like - Google Patents

Steam generator for irons and the like Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0821096A1
EP0821096A1 EP97106361A EP97106361A EP0821096A1 EP 0821096 A1 EP0821096 A1 EP 0821096A1 EP 97106361 A EP97106361 A EP 97106361A EP 97106361 A EP97106361 A EP 97106361A EP 0821096 A1 EP0821096 A1 EP 0821096A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
boiler
generator according
water
upper portion
steam
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
EP97106361A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0821096B1 (en
Inventor
Gino Barazza
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.)
ESSE85 Srl
Esse 85 Srl
Original Assignee
ESSE85 Srl
Esse 85 Srl
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 ESSE85 Srl, Esse 85 Srl filed Critical ESSE85 Srl
Priority to SI9730216T priority Critical patent/SI0821096T1/en
Publication of EP0821096A1 publication Critical patent/EP0821096A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0821096B1 publication Critical patent/EP0821096B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F75/00—Hand irons
    • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
    • D06F75/12—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water supplied to the iron from an external source
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
    • F22B1/284—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs
    • F22B1/285—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs the water being fed by a pump to the reservoirs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a steam generator intended to be associated with irons, steam-cleaning equipment, coffee-producing machines, saunas or the like.
  • the invention relates to a steam generator consisting of a tank for the water, connected to a boiler by a pipe which has inserted inside it an electric delivery pump which controls the water supply from the tank to the boiler, when necessary.
  • the boiler comprises, moreover, electric heating means.
  • the boiler has inside it an electric coil immersed in the water to be heated.
  • This coil has associated with it, moreover, a thermostatic switch which controls the supply of new water when the level falls below a predetermined minimum value.
  • a further disadvantage of this known solution is due to the well-known formation of scale on the coil which alters the technical characteristics thereof, resulting in it becoming unusable with the passing of time.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore that of overcoming the said drawbacks displayed by the devices of the known type, by providing a steam generator for irons or the like, which, in addition to its functional nature, is also economical in terms of production and operation thereof.
  • a further object achieved is that of making the best possible use of the little space which is available inside irons or the like by providing a generator which is able to supply, within a short time after switching-on, an abundant continuous supply of steam.
  • Another object is that of reducing the times for heating of the new cold water added into the boiler during use so as not to create any interruption in the supply of steam.
  • an object is that of speeding up the reaction times of the thermostatic switch, limiting at the same time the thermal fluctuations of the heating plate.
  • a further object of the present invention is that preventing, during the normal conditions of use of the generator, that the latter is able to supply, together with the steam, also water which is not yet evaporated.
  • Another object of the present generator is that of limiting the formation of solid residue inside the boiler.
  • an object of the invention is that of configuring the boiler so that the generation of steam is never interrupted even when, during particularly critical operating conditions, the supply of new cold water should occur with a certain delay.
  • a boiler with an inclined bottom onto which the heating plate is externally mounted there is provided a thermostatic switch which controls the supply of new cold water to the boiler is mounted in a top zone of the plate.
  • the hole via which the water enters is arranged preferably in the region of the zone where the thermostatic switch is mounted, so as to obtain the double advantage of heating the water very rapidly, bringing it into direct contact with the superheated surface of the boiler which is located above the water level, and cooling equally rapidly the heating plate so as to rapidly enable the command regulating the supply of new water.
  • the generator is extremely sensitive to the temperature variations and is able to provide steam at a constantly high pressure.
  • 1 denotes schematically in its entirety a steam generator intended to be associated for example with a steam iron 8 or a steam cleaning apparatus or else a coffee-producing machine or similar equipment.
  • the generator 1 which is usually arranged inside a casing not shown, comprises a water tank 2 provided at the top with a filling plug 19, and a boiler 3 for generating steam under pressure, connected to the tank 2 via a water supply pipe 5 which contains a delivery pump 6, normally an electromagnetic pump or equivalent type.
  • the tank 2 and the boiler 3 are also connected together via a flowback pipe 20 which has associated with it, in a manner known per se, an overpressure valve 21.
  • a non-return valve 9 communicating with the tank 2 via a return pipe 24.
  • the bottom 11 of the boiler 3 has an inclined zone 14, as can be clearly seen from Figure 1.
  • the boiler 3 is provided with electric heating means 4 associated therewith. These comprise a heating plate 18 mounted externally and connected in a close-fitting manner to the boiler 3 itself in order to optimize transmission of the heat in both directions, from the plate 18 to the water and vice versa. This connection may be achieved for example, in practice, by means of bolting with the application, in between, of a thermally conductive paste (not shown).
  • the inclined bottom 11 has two portions, a lower portion 12 and an upper portion 13, one being arranged at the lowest point inside the boiler 3 and the other in the vicinity of the highest internal zone which is still in contact with the heating plate 4.
  • the heating plate 4, which is single, extends substantially over the entire bottom 11 and has mounted on it a thermostatic sensor located in the region of the upper portion 13.
  • This thermostatic switch 16 interrupts the electric power supply when the heating plate 18 reaches or exceeds a preset operating temperature and reactivates it as soon as the temperature falls back below this limit.
  • the bottom 11 which is thus inclined has a considerable heating surface area which comes into contact with the water, certainly greater than that of an ordinary flat bottom.
  • the boiler 3 has an opening 15 formed substantially along the vertical of the thermostatic switch 16 and connected to the water supply pipe 5.
  • the single thermostatic switch 16 present is of the bivalent type; it is in fact able to control two different operating temperatures. The first is the one detected when the water, evaporating, partially frees the surface of the upper portion 13, causing its temperature to increase. The second temperature level which the thermostatic switch 16 is able to detect is the limit temperature which the heating plate 18 should never exceed. It therefore consists of a safety temperature beyond which the thermostatic switch 16 intervenes, interrupting the electric power supply to the plate 18, whatever the operating condition of the generator 1 in that given instant.
  • the thermostatic switch 16 therefore acts as a detector of the level of the water inside the boiler. In fact, when the water level falls, freeing partially the upper portion 13, the latter is surrounded by steam. Owing to the altered heat exchange coefficient, which is drastically worsened, the temperature of the plate 18 rises rapidly and this rise in temperature causes tripping of the thermostatic switch 16.
  • the boiler 3 moreover has connected to it a steam delivery pipe 7 which terminates in the iron 8 and which has inserted inside it a steam valve 10 which can be operated so as to cause steam 8 to flow out towards the iron 8 whenever necessary.
  • the boiler 8 has, moreover, a discharge plug 23 arranged in the vicinity of the lower portion 12 for removal therefrom of the scale which inevitably forms inside it with time.
  • FIG. 2 shows a constructional variant of the boiler 3'.
  • the inclined bottom is replaced by a flat bottom from which there rises an upper portion 13' formed in the manner of an upturned "U".
  • the heating plate 18' is shaped so as to match exactly the shape of the bottom of the boiler so as to heat the entire surface of the bottom itself.
  • 16' denotes the thermostatic switch arranged, in this case also, in the region of the upper portion 13'.
  • the heating plate 18,18' is supplied electrically by control means (not shown since they form part of the known art), independently of the presence or otherwise of water inside the boiler 3,3'. At this point there are 3 extreme situations:
  • the temperature rapidly increases since there is no water to be heated and trips the thermostatic switch 16 which causes entry of the water via the opening 15 by operating the pump 6.
  • the water falls directly onto the upper portion 13,13' which is very hot and rapidly heats, cooling at the same time the zone controlled by the thermostatic switch 16.
  • the latter then trips again causing switching-off of the delivery pump 6. This operation is automatically repeated several times until the water level is brought up to a preset level.
  • the thermostatic switch 16 causes this automatic operation as a result also of its well-known feature of opening the contacts at one temperature, but closing them again at a slightly different temperature.
  • the intervention time of the thermostatic switch 16 becomes slightly longer since the thermal energy produced by the plate 18 is first of all absorbed by the water. As soon as the level of the water falls below the upper portion 13,13', the thermostatic switch 16 intervenes in the manner already described.
  • This constructional feature moreover prevents the temperature of the boiler from remaining for long periods of time at very high values. This has a positive effect on the quantity of calcium which is deposited inside the boiler, reducing, as is well known, this calcareous formation with a reduction in the temperature.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Control Of Steam Boilers And Waste-Gas Boilers (AREA)
  • Irons (AREA)
  • Catalysts (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam generator (1) consisting of a water tank (2) connected to a boiler (3) by a pipe (5) which has inserted inside it an electric delivery pump (6) which controls the supply of water, from the tank (2) to the boiler (3), when necessary. The boiler (3) comprises moreover a single heating plate (18) associated in a close-fitting manner on the outside thereof by means of pressure casting. The bottom (11) of the boiler (3) is inclined so as to have at least two portions, a lower portion (12) and an upper portion (13).
The heating plate (18) has mounted on it in the region of the upper portion (13) a thermostatic switch (16) located directly underneath an opening (15) connected to the supply pipe (5).

Description

The present invention relates to a steam generator intended to be associated with irons, steam-cleaning equipment, coffee-producing machines, saunas or the like.
More particularly, the invention relates to a steam generator consisting of a tank for the water, connected to a boiler by a pipe which has inserted inside it an electric delivery pump which controls the water supply from the tank to the boiler, when necessary. The boiler comprises, moreover, electric heating means.
These generators, in addition to simplifying and ensuring the total safety of the top-up operations, have the advantage that they do not require switching-off of the generator in order to be able to carry out topping-up of the water inside the tank.
In the known steam generators of the type defined above, the boiler has inside it an electric coil immersed in the water to be heated. This coil has associated with it, moreover, a thermostatic switch which controls the supply of new water when the level falls below a predetermined minimum value.
This solution, however, has the serious drawback of continuously stressing the coil with thermal shocks due to the alternation of extremely high temperatures - reached when the evaporating water partially uncovers the resistor which is thus immersed in the steam - with other relatively low temperatures - due to the supply of cold water - which cause, over time, breakage thereof. In particular, the zones where the coil is welded to the bushes for fixing to the boiler are subject to frequent breakages.
A further disadvantage of this known solution is due to the well-known formation of scale on the coil which alters the technical characteristics thereof, resulting in it becoming unusable with the passing of time.
It is also known of a solution in which the electric coil is replaced by two heating plates located inside the boiler, one in the vertical position and the other in the horizontal position. This solution, however, is unable to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above since these plates are also subject not only to the phenomenon of deposition of the calcium present in the water, but also to the action of thermal shock.
Finally, it is known of a steam generator comprising a boiler consisting of a long vertical tube, in which the electric heating means consist of an electric spiral applied to the outside of the boiler by means of welding.
This solution partially solves the aforementioned drawbacks, but is not directly applicable to irons, the limited vertical dimensions of which are not compatible with the form shown. Moreover, this solution, in addition to being extremely costly in terms of its pratical realization, is subject to slight delays during the production of steam, after new cold water has been added, due to the delay with which the new cold water is brought up to temperature.
None of the solutions of the known type, finally, is able to produce constantly steam without interruption.
An object of the present invention is therefore that of overcoming the said drawbacks displayed by the devices of the known type, by providing a steam generator for irons or the like, which, in addition to its functional nature, is also economical in terms of production and operation thereof.
A further object achieved is that of making the best possible use of the little space which is available inside irons or the like by providing a generator which is able to supply, within a short time after switching-on, an abundant continuous supply of steam.
Another object is that of reducing the times for heating of the new cold water added into the boiler during use so as not to create any interruption in the supply of steam.
Moreover, an object is that of speeding up the reaction times of the thermostatic switch, limiting at the same time the thermal fluctuations of the heating plate.
A further object of the present invention is that preventing, during the normal conditions of use of the generator, that the latter is able to supply, together with the steam, also water which is not yet evaporated.
Another object of the present generator is that of limiting the formation of solid residue inside the boiler.
Last but not least, an object of the invention is that of configuring the boiler so that the generation of steam is never interrupted even when, during particularly critical operating conditions, the supply of new cold water should occur with a certain delay.
These and other objects are all achieved by a steam generator for irons or the like as described in the claims which follow.
In particular, there is provided a boiler with an inclined bottom onto which the heating plate is externally mounted. A thermostatic switch which controls the supply of new cold water to the boiler is mounted in a top zone of the plate. The hole via which the water enters is arranged preferably in the region of the zone where the thermostatic switch is mounted, so as to obtain the double advantage of heating the water very rapidly, bringing it into direct contact with the superheated surface of the boiler which is located above the water level, and cooling equally rapidly the heating plate so as to rapidly enable the command regulating the supply of new water.
As a result of this particular mutual arrangement of the thermostatic switch with respect to the water supply hole, the generator is extremely sensitive to the temperature variations and is able to provide steam at a constantly high pressure.
In this way the temperatures inside the boiler are kept lower, also limiting the formation of calcium.
As a result of the inclined configuration of the boiler, finally, it is ensured that the latter always has inside it a little water for ensuring the continuity in the steam production so that it is not subject to interruptions even if the water level should fall below the minimum preset level.
Further characteristic features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of a preferred embodiment, illustrated purely by way of a non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a steam generator for irons or the like according to the present invention;
  • Figure 2 shows a constructional variant of the boiler according to Figure 1.
With reference to Figure 1, 1 denotes schematically in its entirety a steam generator intended to be associated for example with a steam iron 8 or a steam cleaning apparatus or else a coffee-producing machine or similar equipment.
The generator 1, which is usually arranged inside a casing not shown, comprises a water tank 2 provided at the top with a filling plug 19, and a boiler 3 for generating steam under pressure, connected to the tank 2 via a water supply pipe 5 which contains a delivery pump 6, normally an electromagnetic pump or equivalent type.
The tank 2 and the boiler 3 are also connected together via a flowback pipe 20 which has associated with it, in a manner known per se, an overpressure valve 21.
Between the delivery pump 6 and the boiler 3 there is arranged a non-return valve 9 communicating with the tank 2 via a return pipe 24.
The bottom 11 of the boiler 3 has an inclined zone 14, as can be clearly seen from Figure 1. The boiler 3 is provided with electric heating means 4 associated therewith. These comprise a heating plate 18 mounted externally and connected in a close-fitting manner to the boiler 3 itself in order to optimize transmission of the heat in both directions, from the plate 18 to the water and vice versa. This connection may be achieved for example, in practice, by means of bolting with the application, in between, of a thermally conductive paste (not shown).
The inclined bottom 11 has two portions, a lower portion 12 and an upper portion 13, one being arranged at the lowest point inside the boiler 3 and the other in the vicinity of the highest internal zone which is still in contact with the heating plate 4. The heating plate 4, which is single, extends substantially over the entire bottom 11 and has mounted on it a thermostatic sensor located in the region of the upper portion 13.
This thermostatic switch 16 interrupts the electric power supply when the heating plate 18 reaches or exceeds a preset operating temperature and reactivates it as soon as the temperature falls back below this limit.
The bottom 11 which is thus inclined has a considerable heating surface area which comes into contact with the water, certainly greater than that of an ordinary flat bottom.
The boiler 3 has an opening 15 formed substantially along the vertical of the thermostatic switch 16 and connected to the water supply pipe 5.
The single thermostatic switch 16 present is of the bivalent type; it is in fact able to control two different operating temperatures. The first is the one detected when the water, evaporating, partially frees the surface of the upper portion 13, causing its temperature to increase. The second temperature level which the thermostatic switch 16 is able to detect is the limit temperature which the heating plate 18 should never exceed. It therefore consists of a safety temperature beyond which the thermostatic switch 16 intervenes, interrupting the electric power supply to the plate 18, whatever the operating condition of the generator 1 in that given instant.
The thermostatic switch 16 therefore acts as a detector of the level of the water inside the boiler. In fact, when the water level falls, freeing partially the upper portion 13, the latter is surrounded by steam. Owing to the altered heat exchange coefficient, which is drastically worsened, the temperature of the plate 18 rises rapidly and this rise in temperature causes tripping of the thermostatic switch 16.
The boiler 3 moreover has connected to it a steam delivery pipe 7 which terminates in the iron 8 and which has inserted inside it a steam valve 10 which can be operated so as to cause steam 8 to flow out towards the iron 8 whenever necessary.
The boiler 8 has, moreover, a discharge plug 23 arranged in the vicinity of the lower portion 12 for removal therefrom of the scale which inevitably forms inside it with time.
Figure 2 shows a constructional variant of the boiler 3'.
In it the inclined bottom is replaced by a flat bottom from which there rises an upper portion 13' formed in the manner of an upturned "U". In this case, also, the heating plate 18' is shaped so as to match exactly the shape of the bottom of the boiler so as to heat the entire surface of the bottom itself.
It should be noted that the pipes for supplying the water 5' and delivering the steam 7' are inverted with respect to that shown in Figure 1. This is done so that the supply pipe 5'is arranged along the vertical of the upper portion 13'.
16' denotes the thermostatic switch arranged, in this case also, in the region of the upper portion 13'.
Following the mainly structural description provided above, let us now consider the operating mode of the present invention.
Upon switching-on, the heating plate 18,18' is supplied electrically by control means (not shown since they form part of the known art), independently of the presence or otherwise of water inside the boiler 3,3'. At this point there are 3 extreme situations:
  • the boiler is empty;
  • the boiler contains water;
  • the boiler is full of water.
In the first case, i.e. the one where the boiler is empty, the temperature rapidly increases since there is no water to be heated and trips the thermostatic switch 16 which causes entry of the water via the opening 15 by operating the pump 6. The water falls directly onto the upper portion 13,13' which is very hot and rapidly heats, cooling at the same time the zone controlled by the thermostatic switch 16. The latter then trips again causing switching-off of the delivery pump 6. This operation is automatically repeated several times until the water level is brought up to a preset level.
The thermostatic switch 16 causes this automatic operation as a result also of its well-known feature of opening the contacts at one temperature, but closing them again at a slightly different temperature.
As soon as the water contained inside the boiler 3,3' reaches the boiling temperature, the steam is produced in the desired amount.
If, on the other hand, the boiler 3,3' should already contain water during the initial switch-on phase, the intervention time of the thermostatic switch 16 becomes slightly longer since the thermal energy produced by the plate 18 is first of all absorbed by the water. As soon as the level of the water falls below the upper portion 13,13', the thermostatic switch 16 intervenes in the manner already described.
The last case is that where the boiler 3,3' is already full of water at the moment of switching on. Similarly to that which has already been seen, in this case also, it is the thermostatic switch 16 which causes the supply of new water, but this is triggered only after part of the generated steam is made to flow towards the iron 8, by opening the steam valve 10.
With the configuration of the steam generator indicated in the present invention it is therefore possible to produce quickly and continously the steam required. In particular it is possible to obtain extremely short times for heating of the new water which positively influence the overall operation of the generator. In fact, since the upper, extremely hot portion 13,13' of the boiler 3,3' is directly struck by the water, the times for heat exchange and reaction of the thermostatic switch are shortened considerably. The boiler is therefore extremely sensitive to the variations in level and temperature inside it; substantially this results in a little water being loaded into it, but at frequent intervals.
This constructional feature moreover prevents the temperature of the boiler from remaining for long periods of time at very high values. This has a positive effect on the quantity of calcium which is deposited inside the boiler, reducing, as is well known, this calcareous formation with a reduction in the temperature.
The fact that the boiler 3 is inclined ensures, moreover, that there is always a little water in the inside thereof, thus avoiding non-economical interruptions in the generation of the steam flow. The same advantages are obviously obtained also with the alternative configuration shown in Figure 2, operation of which is entirely similar.
Obviously the invention thus conceived may be subject to numerous modifications and variations, all of which falling within the inventive scope which characterizes it.

Claims (11)

  1. Steam generator for irons or the like, comprising:
    a water tank (2);
    a boiler (3);
    electric heating means (4) associated on the outside of the boiler (3,3');
    a water supply pipe (5,5') which connects the tank (2) to the boiler (3) and which has inserted inside it a delivery pump (6) and a non-return valve (9);
    a steam delivery pipe (7,7') which connects the boiler (3) to the user apparatus (8) and which has inserted inside it a controllable steam valve (10);
    characterized in that said heating means comprise at least one heating plate (18,18') associated in a close-fitting manner with a bottom (11,11') of the boiler (3), said bottom (11,11') having at least two portions, a lower portion (12,12') and an upper portion (13,13') arranged at different heights and both heated by the said heating plate (18,18').
  2. Generator according to Claim 1, characterized in that said heating plate (18,18') extends substantially over the entire surface of the bottom (11,11').
  3. Generator according to Claim 1, characterized in that said bottom (11) comprises an inclined zone (14).
  4. Generator according to Claim 1, characterized in that said lower portion (12') is configured in the form of a substantially horizontal flat zone and said upper portion (13') is configured in the manner of a raised zone which is situated above said lower portion (12').
  5. Generator according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said heating plate (18,18') is associated in a close-fitting manner with the bottom (11,11') by means of bolting with the application, in between, of a thermally conductive paste.
  6. Generator according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said electric heating means (18,18') comprise a thermostatic switch (16) arranged in the region of the said upper portion (13,13').
  7. Generator according to Claim 6, characterized in that the boiler (3,3') has an opening (15) arranged substantially in the region of the said upper portion (13,13'), for connection to the water supply pipe (5).
  8. Generator according to Claim 7, characterized in that said opening (15) is arranged and configured so that the water coming from the supply pipe (5,5') directly hits said upper portion (13,13').
  9. Generator according to Claim 8, characterized in that said opening (15) is arranged substantially along the vertical of the thermostatic switch (16).
  10. Generator according to Claim 1, characterized in that said electric heating means (4) associated on the outside of the boiler (3') comprise a single heating plate (18').
  11. Generator according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the boiler (3) comprises a discharge stopper (23).
EP97106361A 1996-07-26 1997-04-17 Steam generator for irons and the like Expired - Lifetime EP0821096B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI9730216T SI0821096T1 (en) 1996-07-26 1997-04-17 Steam generator for irons and the like

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT96UD000143A IT1288957B1 (en) 1996-07-26 1996-07-26 STEAM GENERATOR FOR IRON OR SIMILAR
ITUD960143 1996-07-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0821096A1 true EP0821096A1 (en) 1998-01-28
EP0821096B1 EP0821096B1 (en) 2001-08-16

Family

ID=11422159

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97106361A Expired - Lifetime EP0821096B1 (en) 1996-07-26 1997-04-17 Steam generator for irons and the like

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0821096B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE204346T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69706105T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2162150T3 (en)
GR (1) GR3036914T3 (en)
IT (1) IT1288957B1 (en)
SI (1) SI0821096T1 (en)

Cited By (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2785975A1 (en) 1998-11-17 2000-05-19 Seb Sa FAST PURGE STEAM GENERATOR
EP1026306A1 (en) * 1999-02-01 2000-08-09 Euro Star S.r.l. Steam generator for cleaning machines, clothes irons, coffee machines and the like
EP1380795A1 (en) * 2001-02-23 2004-01-14 Yeqi Zheng Equipment for producing high-pressure saturated steam
WO2004005605A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-15 Polti S.P.A. Equipment for steam generation for household appliance
WO2005003627A1 (en) * 2003-07-07 2005-01-13 Polti S.P.A. Equipment for steam generation for household appliance
WO2006006187A1 (en) * 2004-07-12 2006-01-19 Dierre Finanziaria S.P.A. Steaming device, particularly for electric household appliances
DE102004037666A1 (en) * 2004-08-04 2006-03-16 Vsm Group Ab Method for regulating a steam generator for ironing devices involves temperature measurement in a steam generator, and control of the liquid flow dependent on the measured temperature
EP1764438A1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2007-03-21 Seb S.A. Electric household appliance with means for detecting the opening of a cap
WO2007072271A2 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-28 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Apparatus and method for generating steam
EP1905330A1 (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Steam generator and heating cooking apparatus having the same
JP2008525086A (en) * 2004-12-22 2008-07-17 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Boiler for use in a steam generator
WO2009069099A2 (en) 2007-11-30 2009-06-04 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steaming device with a rinsing feature
GB2455647A (en) * 2007-12-14 2009-06-24 Tsann Kuen Automatically replenishing water for an iron boiler under the condition of continuous steaming
US7665332B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-02-23 Whirlpool Corporation Steam fabric treatment appliance with exhaust
US7681418B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-03-23 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor
US7690062B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2010-04-06 Whirlpool Corporation Method for cleaning a steam generator
DE102008042275A1 (en) * 2008-09-22 2010-04-08 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Household appliance e.g. steam ironing station, has inlet arranged relative to sensor so that liquid stream entering steam boiler strikes coupling region when inlet releases liquid into interior space before liquid is collected in boiler
US7707859B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-05-04 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7730568B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2010-06-08 Whirlpool Corporation Removal of scale and sludge in a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7753009B2 (en) 2006-10-19 2010-07-13 Whirlpool Corporation Washer with bio prevention cycle
US7765628B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2010-08-03 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having a dual speed spin pre-wash
US7841219B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-11-30 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treating appliance utilizing steam
US7861343B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-01-04 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
FR2947892A1 (en) * 2009-07-10 2011-01-14 Seb Sa Electric household appliance i.e. expresso coffee machine, has circuit comprising valve that has discharging pressure to pass steam in direction of diffusion unit when pressure in duct is higher than or equal to predetermined threshold
US7886392B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-02-15 Whirlpool Corporation Method of sanitizing a fabric load with steam in a fabric treatment appliance
EP2287381A1 (en) * 2009-08-17 2011-02-23 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Steam generator for use in a laundry appliance, and laundry appliance
US7918109B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-04-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment appliance with steam generator having a variable thermal output
US7941885B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2011-05-17 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having dry spin pre-wash
US7966683B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-06-28 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
US8037565B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-10-18 Whirlpool Corporation Method for detecting abnormality in a fabric treatment appliance having a steam generator
WO2011127620A1 (en) * 2010-04-12 2011-10-20 Sun Cupid Industries Ltd. Boiler
WO2011130953A1 (en) * 2010-04-20 2011-10-27 广东新宝电器股份有限公司 Steam station type electric iron
DE112006000031B4 (en) * 2005-02-28 2012-06-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Steam generator and washer with such a steam generator
US8393183B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2013-03-12 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance control panel and associated steam operations
US8555676B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
US8555675B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
WO2014183789A1 (en) * 2013-05-14 2014-11-20 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Steam generator
EP3034682A1 (en) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-22 LG Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
WO2016193363A1 (en) * 2015-06-03 2016-12-08 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Steam iron
CN106765003A (en) * 2017-03-31 2017-05-31 广东美的厨房电器制造有限公司 Steam generator and steam-heating apparatus
EP3783145A1 (en) * 2019-08-22 2021-02-24 Seb S.A. Household appliance comprising a vessel for generating pressurised steam.
CN113123104A (en) * 2019-12-31 2021-07-16 莱克电气绿能科技(苏州)有限公司 Steam ironing machine
USRE48900E1 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-01-25 Lg Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
IT202200011180A1 (en) * 2022-05-27 2023-11-27 Polti Spa Steam generation system including a small-sized “instant steam technology” boiler
WO2023227766A1 (en) * 2022-05-27 2023-11-30 Polti S.P.A. Steam generation system comprising a small boiler making use of "instant steam technology"
WO2023233107A1 (en) 2022-06-01 2023-12-07 Seb S.A. Electrical household appliance having a vessel for generating pressurised steam
WO2024084177A1 (en) * 2022-10-20 2024-04-25 Seb S.A. Assembly for a vapor diffusion accessory

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE112006000052B4 (en) * 2005-05-23 2011-07-07 Lg Electronics Inc., Seoul Laundry machine with steam generator
US7905119B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-03-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam generator having a variable thermal output
EP2325381A1 (en) 2009-11-19 2011-05-25 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Steam generator for use in a laundry care appliance, and laundry care appliance
EP2527733B1 (en) 2011-05-25 2019-07-10 Miele & Cie. KG Steam generator for an ironing system
EP2527732B1 (en) 2011-05-25 2016-07-13 Miele & Cie. KG Steam unit for an ironing system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0438112A2 (en) * 1990-01-17 1991-07-24 Metalnova di Dario Pietro e Maurilio & C. - S.A.S. Steam iron
EP0638684A1 (en) * 1993-08-06 1995-02-15 Moulinex S.A. Steam generator for iron
FR2714149A1 (en) * 1993-12-22 1995-06-23 Seb Sa Steam generator for use with a steam iron

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0438112A2 (en) * 1990-01-17 1991-07-24 Metalnova di Dario Pietro e Maurilio & C. - S.A.S. Steam iron
EP0638684A1 (en) * 1993-08-06 1995-02-15 Moulinex S.A. Steam generator for iron
FR2714149A1 (en) * 1993-12-22 1995-06-23 Seb Sa Steam generator for use with a steam iron

Cited By (84)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2785975A1 (en) 1998-11-17 2000-05-19 Seb Sa FAST PURGE STEAM GENERATOR
EP1026306A1 (en) * 1999-02-01 2000-08-09 Euro Star S.r.l. Steam generator for cleaning machines, clothes irons, coffee machines and the like
EP1380795A4 (en) * 2001-02-23 2006-05-17 Yeqi Zheng Equipment for producing high-pressure saturated steam
EP1380795A1 (en) * 2001-02-23 2004-01-14 Yeqi Zheng Equipment for producing high-pressure saturated steam
WO2004005605A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-15 Polti S.P.A. Equipment for steam generation for household appliance
WO2005003627A1 (en) * 2003-07-07 2005-01-13 Polti S.P.A. Equipment for steam generation for household appliance
WO2006006187A1 (en) * 2004-07-12 2006-01-19 Dierre Finanziaria S.P.A. Steaming device, particularly for electric household appliances
DE102004037666A1 (en) * 2004-08-04 2006-03-16 Vsm Group Ab Method for regulating a steam generator for ironing devices involves temperature measurement in a steam generator, and control of the liquid flow dependent on the measured temperature
JP2008525086A (en) * 2004-12-22 2008-07-17 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Boiler for use in a steam generator
US8875546B2 (en) 2005-02-28 2014-11-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Coupling structure of steam generator in washing device
DE112006000031B4 (en) * 2005-02-28 2012-06-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Steam generator and washer with such a steam generator
EP1764438A1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2007-03-21 Seb S.A. Electric household appliance with means for detecting the opening of a cap
FR2890944A1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2007-03-23 Seb Sa HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE COMPRISING MEANS FOR DETECTING THE OPENING OF A PLUG.
CN1936165B (en) * 2005-09-19 2012-01-11 Seb公司 Electric household appliance with means for detecting the opening of a cap
US7392607B2 (en) 2005-09-19 2008-07-01 Seb S.A. Electrical household appliance having means for detecting the opening of a plug
US8616157B2 (en) 2005-12-19 2013-12-31 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Apparatus and method for generating steam
WO2007072271A2 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-28 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Apparatus and method for generating steam
JP2009524791A (en) * 2005-12-19 2009-07-02 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Apparatus and method for generating steam
CN101568765B (en) * 2005-12-19 2012-01-25 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Apparatus and method for generating steam
WO2007072271A3 (en) * 2005-12-19 2009-04-30 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv Apparatus and method for generating steam
US7730568B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2010-06-08 Whirlpool Corporation Removal of scale and sludge in a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7765628B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2010-08-03 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having a dual speed spin pre-wash
US7941885B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2011-05-17 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having dry spin pre-wash
US7886392B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-02-15 Whirlpool Corporation Method of sanitizing a fabric load with steam in a fabric treatment appliance
US7665332B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-02-23 Whirlpool Corporation Steam fabric treatment appliance with exhaust
US7707859B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-05-04 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7904981B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-03-15 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7681418B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-03-23 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor
US7841219B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-11-30 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treating appliance utilizing steam
US7913339B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-03-29 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor
EP1905330A1 (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Steam generator and heating cooking apparatus having the same
US7989737B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2011-08-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Steam generator and heating cooking apparatus having the same
CN101152049B (en) * 2006-09-28 2011-09-07 三星电子株式会社 Steam generator and heating cooking apparatus having the same
US7753009B2 (en) 2006-10-19 2010-07-13 Whirlpool Corporation Washer with bio prevention cycle
US11993886B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2024-05-28 Whirlpool Corporation Method for controlling a household washing machine
US8393183B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2013-03-12 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance control panel and associated steam operations
US10844533B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2020-11-24 Whirlpool Corporation Method for controlling a household washing machine
US7918109B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-04-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment appliance with steam generator having a variable thermal output
US7690062B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2010-04-06 Whirlpool Corporation Method for cleaning a steam generator
US7966683B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-06-28 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
US8555676B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
US8555675B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
US8037565B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-10-18 Whirlpool Corporation Method for detecting abnormality in a fabric treatment appliance having a steam generator
US7861343B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-01-04 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
CN102132093A (en) * 2007-11-30 2011-07-20 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Steaming device with rinsing feature
WO2009069099A3 (en) * 2007-11-30 2011-11-03 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steaming device with a rinsing feature
CN102132093B (en) * 2007-11-30 2014-03-12 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Steaming device with rinsing feature
US8479419B2 (en) 2007-11-30 2013-07-09 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steaming device with a rinsing feature
WO2009069099A2 (en) 2007-11-30 2009-06-04 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steaming device with a rinsing feature
GB2455647B (en) * 2007-12-14 2010-08-18 Tsann Kuen Method and device for automatically replenishing water for a boiler iron under the condition of continuous steaming
GB2455647A (en) * 2007-12-14 2009-06-24 Tsann Kuen Automatically replenishing water for an iron boiler under the condition of continuous steaming
DE102008042275A1 (en) * 2008-09-22 2010-04-08 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Household appliance e.g. steam ironing station, has inlet arranged relative to sensor so that liquid stream entering steam boiler strikes coupling region when inlet releases liquid into interior space before liquid is collected in boiler
FR2947892A1 (en) * 2009-07-10 2011-01-14 Seb Sa Electric household appliance i.e. expresso coffee machine, has circuit comprising valve that has discharging pressure to pass steam in direction of diffusion unit when pressure in duct is higher than or equal to predetermined threshold
EP2423581A3 (en) * 2009-07-10 2014-07-02 Seb S.A. Household device including a steam generator
CN102482827A (en) * 2009-08-17 2012-05-30 Bsh博世和西门子家用电器有限公司 Steam generator for use in a laundry appliance and laundry appliance
EP2287381A1 (en) * 2009-08-17 2011-02-23 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Steam generator for use in a laundry appliance, and laundry appliance
CN102482827B (en) * 2009-08-17 2014-09-24 Bsh博世和西门子家用电器有限公司 Steam generator for use in a laundry appliance, and laundry appliance
WO2011020700A1 (en) * 2009-08-17 2011-02-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Steam generator for use in a laundry appliance, and laundry appliance
WO2011127620A1 (en) * 2010-04-12 2011-10-20 Sun Cupid Industries Ltd. Boiler
WO2011130953A1 (en) * 2010-04-20 2011-10-27 广东新宝电器股份有限公司 Steam station type electric iron
CN105229376B (en) * 2013-05-14 2017-04-19 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 Steam generator
CN105229376A (en) * 2013-05-14 2016-01-06 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 Steam generator
WO2014183789A1 (en) * 2013-05-14 2014-11-20 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Steam generator
USRE48900E1 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-01-25 Lg Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
EP3034682A1 (en) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-22 LG Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
US10138586B2 (en) 2014-12-19 2018-11-27 Lg Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
USRE49328E1 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-12-06 Lg Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
USRE49282E1 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-11-08 Lg Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
USRE49173E1 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-08-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
USRE49131E1 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-07-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Fabric treating apparatus
WO2016193363A1 (en) * 2015-06-03 2016-12-08 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Steam iron
CN106765003B (en) * 2017-03-31 2020-04-03 广东美的厨房电器制造有限公司 Steam generator and steam heating equipment
CN106765003A (en) * 2017-03-31 2017-05-31 广东美的厨房电器制造有限公司 Steam generator and steam-heating apparatus
FR3100036A1 (en) * 2019-08-22 2021-02-26 Seb S.A. Household appliance comprising a tank for generating pressurized steam.
CN112411154A (en) * 2019-08-22 2021-02-26 Seb公司 Household appliance comprising a tank for generating steam under pressure
EP3783145A1 (en) * 2019-08-22 2021-02-24 Seb S.A. Household appliance comprising a vessel for generating pressurised steam.
CN113123104B (en) * 2019-12-31 2022-06-21 莱克电气绿能科技(苏州)有限公司 Steam ironing machine
CN113123104A (en) * 2019-12-31 2021-07-16 莱克电气绿能科技(苏州)有限公司 Steam ironing machine
IT202200011180A1 (en) * 2022-05-27 2023-11-27 Polti Spa Steam generation system including a small-sized “instant steam technology” boiler
WO2023227766A1 (en) * 2022-05-27 2023-11-30 Polti S.P.A. Steam generation system comprising a small boiler making use of "instant steam technology"
WO2023233107A1 (en) 2022-06-01 2023-12-07 Seb S.A. Electrical household appliance having a vessel for generating pressurised steam
FR3136245A1 (en) 2022-06-01 2023-12-08 Seb S.A. Household appliance comprising a tank for generating steam under pressure.
WO2024084177A1 (en) * 2022-10-20 2024-04-25 Seb S.A. Assembly for a vapor diffusion accessory
FR3141191A1 (en) * 2022-10-20 2024-04-26 Seb S.A. Kit for a steam diffusion accessory

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0821096B1 (en) 2001-08-16
ITUD960143A1 (en) 1998-01-26
ITUD960143A0 (en) 1996-07-26
DE69706105D1 (en) 2001-09-20
GR3036914T3 (en) 2002-01-31
DE69706105T2 (en) 2002-03-21
SI0821096T1 (en) 2001-12-31
IT1288957B1 (en) 1998-09-25
ATE204346T1 (en) 2001-09-15
ES2162150T3 (en) 2001-12-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0821096B1 (en) Steam generator for irons and the like
US4575615A (en) Hot water supplying device
EP0877200B1 (en) Household electrical steam generator with stabilized boiler water level, particularly for smoothing irons
CN101568765B (en) Apparatus and method for generating steam
EP1026306A1 (en) Steam generator for cleaning machines, clothes irons, coffee machines and the like
EP1221570A2 (en) Steam generator with automatic water loading system
EP1831602B1 (en) Boiler for use in a steam generating device
US4320702A (en) Steam generator
EP0333728B1 (en) Utility steam generator with self-controlled pressure more particularly for little household electric appliances
EP1774224B1 (en) Steaming device, particularly for electric household appliances
EP0299343A1 (en) Heating element for household electrical appliances
CN100394878C (en) Electric drinking production devices
US3254796A (en) Vending machine
US2981017A (en) Automatic water metering for steam iron
AU661557B2 (en) Waterheater
JPH06331184A (en) Moistening device
EP0855555A1 (en) Apparatus for the rapid production of steam to be supplied to irons or steam cleaners
EP0139394A2 (en) Self-feeding water-heating boiler
EP0139395A2 (en) Improvements relating to water-heating boilers
GB2109909A (en) Improvements in coffee making machines
JPH041861Y2 (en)
JP3006402B2 (en) Cordless iron
JPS633612Y2 (en)
EP2208818B1 (en) Washing machine provided with a self-controlled and self-cleaned flowthrough steamer generator
JPH05130943A (en) Push-up system hot water stock type coffee maker

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980601

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI LI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19990730

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB GR LI

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: SI PAYMENT 19980601

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 204346

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20010915

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69706105

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20010920

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: BUGNION S.A.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2162150

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20010401790

Country of ref document: GR

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

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20020417

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20020417

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20050408

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20050413

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20050413

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050414

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20050415

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20050527

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20060417

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20060418

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: 20060430

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20060430

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20061101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20061230

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20060418

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

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20060502

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

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20061102