EP0124441A1 - Tuned-loop antenna with band switching - Google Patents

Tuned-loop antenna with band switching Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0124441A1
EP0124441A1 EP84400850A EP84400850A EP0124441A1 EP 0124441 A1 EP0124441 A1 EP 0124441A1 EP 84400850 A EP84400850 A EP 84400850A EP 84400850 A EP84400850 A EP 84400850A EP 0124441 A1 EP0124441 A1 EP 0124441A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
loop antenna
antenna
loop
tuned
choke
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
EP84400850A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0124441B1 (en
Inventor
Jean Choquer
Thierry Gartner
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.)
APPLIC RECH ELECTRONIQUE
TECHNIQUE D'APPLICATION ET DE RECHERCHE ELECTRONIQUE Ste
Original Assignee
APPLIC RECH ELECTRONIQUE
TECHNIQUE D'APPLICATION ET DE RECHERCHE ELECTRONIQUE Ste
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 APPLIC RECH ELECTRONIQUE, TECHNIQUE D'APPLICATION ET DE RECHERCHE ELECTRONIQUE Ste filed Critical APPLIC RECH ELECTRONIQUE
Publication of EP0124441A1 publication Critical patent/EP0124441A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0124441B1 publication Critical patent/EP0124441B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01QANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q7/00Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
    • H01Q7/005Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop with variable reactance for tuning the antenna

Definitions

  • the invention relates to improvements to an HF loop antenna tuned using a variable capacitor.
  • the ratio between the maximum tuning frequency and the minimum tuning frequency is directly linked to the value of the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the capacitance of the tuning capacitor.
  • this relationship is above all limited by the fact that the minimum value of the capacity cannot fall below a certain value or residual value.
  • the invention aims to provide an antenna having a good efficiency in a wide frequency range.
  • Such an antenna operates in one or other of two frequency ranges depending on whether the choke is in service or out of service.
  • the self therefore increases the frequency range in which the antenna can be tuned.
  • the antenna shown ( Figure 1) consists of two vertical arms 1,2, for example hollow tubes, fixed to a metal leg 3 which serves as a support.
  • the two arms 1,2 which constitute the radiating loop are joined at the top by a variable capacitor shown diagrammatically in 4 ) housed in an insulating cylinder 5.
  • This antenna is attacked by means of two secondary half-loops 6,7 and d 'A balun 16 powered by a coaxial cable 8 housed in the foot.
  • the variation of the capacitor is controlled by a motor 9 housed in the cylinder.
  • the loop formed by the two arms is substantially square: this shape is not limiting and one can, as a variant, use a circular loop, as described for example in US Pat. No. 3,588,905, or d 'other forms.
  • the main loop is attacked by two secondary half-loops: this arrangement is not limiting and one can alternatively use a single secondary loop, for example a circular secondary loop, as described in US patent 3 588 905 already cited.
  • FIG. 2 represents, by memory, an antenna of the type described in US Pat. No. 3,588,905, where the secondary loop has been identified 10.
  • Figures 1 and 2 are only given as examples of antennas to which the invention applies.
  • the invention is not not only applicable in the case of a single loop antenna, located entirely in a plane.
  • the antenna of FIG. 1 or of FIG. 2 is improved, by placing a self 11 with variable switching state in parallel with the variable capacitor (FIG. 3).
  • variable switching state we mean that the inductor can, at will, be switched on or switched off.
  • this command is shown diagrammatically by a switch.
  • the inductor is placed in the air.
  • the inductor is constituted by a metal tube, constituting a short circuited two-wire line, a solution considered preferable to a wound inductor which would consume too much energy.
  • This tube 11 has a lower branch 11a (relative to the capacitor, connected by two branches 11b, 11c to the terminals of the capacitor.
  • the short-circuited two-wire line can be placed in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop to reduce mutual coupling.
  • the tube is provided with a cut 12, for example in its lower branch 11a (FIG. 4), a place which allows the symmetry of the antenna to be respected, and a relay is provided. 13 to control at will a short circuit of the two ends of the tube which determine between them the cut.
  • This relay is controlled by an electromagnet shown diagrammatically at 14.
  • the establishment of the short circuit corresponds to the commissioning of the choke.
  • the invention is not limited to this particular means for controlling the switching state of the inductor.
  • a loop antenna of 1 kw operating, in the absence of a choke, in a low frequency range 3-13.2 MHz, is provided, thanks to the commissioning of a choke, with a sub-range of frequencies 13.2-29 MHz.

Abstract

L'antenne comporte, en parallèle au condensateur variable (4) une self (11) à état de commutation variable. Application notamment aux antennes destinées aux liaisons dans la gamme HF avec une puissance pouvant atteindre 1 kW.The antenna comprises, in parallel with the variable capacitor (4) a choke (11) with variable switching state. Application in particular to antennas intended for links in the HF range with a power of up to 1 kW.

Description

L'invention concerne des perfectionnements à une antenne boucle HF accordée à l'aide d'un condensateur variable.The invention relates to improvements to an HF loop antenna tuned using a variable capacitor.

Elle s'applique en particulier à une antenne destinée aux liaisons dans la gamme HF avec une puissance pouvant atteindre 1 KW.It applies in particular to an antenna intended for links in the HF range with a power of up to 1 KW.

Pour ce type d'antenne, le rapport entre la fréquence d'accord maximale et la fréquence d'accord minimale est directement lié à la valeur du rapport entre la valeur maximale et la valeur minimale de la capacité du condensateur d'accord. En pratique ce rapport est surtout limité par le fait que la valeur minimale de la capacité ne peut pas descendre au-dessous d'une certaine valeur ou valeur résiduelle.For this type of antenna, the ratio between the maximum tuning frequency and the minimum tuning frequency is directly linked to the value of the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the capacitance of the tuning capacitor. In practice, this relationship is above all limited by the fact that the minimum value of the capacity cannot fall below a certain value or residual value.

L'invention vise à fournir une antenne ayant un bon rendement dans une gamme de fréquences étendue.The invention aims to provide an antenna having a good efficiency in a wide frequency range.

On y parvient, selon l'invention, par le fait que l'on place une self en parallèle avec le condensateur et que l'on associe à la self des moyens pour la mettre en circuit ou hors-circuit.This is achieved, according to the invention, by the fact that a choke is placed in parallel with the capacitor and that means are associated with the choke to switch it on or off.

Une telle antenne fonctionne dans l'une ou l'autre de deux gammes de fréquences selon que la self est en service ou hors-service.Such an antenna operates in one or other of two frequency ranges depending on whether the choke is in service or out of service.

La self permet donc d'augmenter la gamme de fréquences dans laquelle on peut accorder l'antenne.The self therefore increases the frequency range in which the antenna can be tuned.

On décrira ci-après un exemple de réalisation de l'invention, donné à titre préféré mais non limitatif de la portée de l'invention, en référence aux figures du dessin joint, la description et les figures faisant apparaître d'autres particularités de l'invention.An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below, given as a preferred but non-limiting example of the scope of the invention, with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawing, the description and the figures showing other particular features of the invention. 'invention.

Sur les dessins :

  • - la figure 1 est un schéma d'une antenne à laquelle s'applique l'invention ;
  • - la figure 2 est un schéma d'une variante d'antenne à laquelle s'applique l'invention ;
  • - la figure 3 est un schéma de perfectionnement apporté par l'invention aux antennes des figures 1 et 2 ;
  • - la figure 4 est une vue de détail d'une réalisation du perfectionnement de l'invention ;
  • - la figure 5 est une vue de détail d'une variante de réalisation du perfectionnement de l'invention.
In the drawings:
  • - Figure 1 is a diagram of an antenna to which the invention applies;
  • - Figure 2 is a diagram of an alternative antenna to which the invention applies;
  • - Figure 3 is an improvement diagram provided by the invention to the antennas of Figures 1 and 2;
  • - Figure 4 is a detailed view of an embodiment of the improvement of the invention;
  • - Figure 5 is a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the improvement of the invention.

L'antenne représentée (figure 1) est constituée de deux bras verticaux 1,2, par exemple des tubes creux, fixés à un pied métallique 3 qui sert de support. Les deux bras 1,2, qui constituent la boucle rayonnante sont réunis au sommet par un condensateur variable schématisé en 4)logé dans un cylindre isolant 5. Cette antenne est attaquée par l'intermédiaire de deux demi-boucles secondaires 6,7 et d'un symétriseur 16 alimenté par un câble coaxial 8 logé dans le pied. La variation du condensateur est commandée par un moteur 9 logé dans le cylindre.The antenna shown (Figure 1) consists of two vertical arms 1,2, for example hollow tubes, fixed to a metal leg 3 which serves as a support. The two arms 1,2 which constitute the radiating loop are joined at the top by a variable capacitor shown diagrammatically in 4 ) housed in an insulating cylinder 5. This antenna is attacked by means of two secondary half-loops 6,7 and d 'A balun 16 powered by a coaxial cable 8 housed in the foot. The variation of the capacitor is controlled by a motor 9 housed in the cylinder.

Dans cet exemple, la boucle formée par les deux bras est sensiblement carrée : cette forme n'est pas limitative et l'on peut, en variante, utiliser une boucle circulaire, comme décrit par exemple dans le brevet US 3 588 905, ou d'autres formes.In this example, the loop formed by the two arms is substantially square: this shape is not limiting and one can, as a variant, use a circular loop, as described for example in US Pat. No. 3,588,905, or d 'other forms.

Dans cet exemple, la boucle principale est attaquée par deux demi-boucles secondaires : cette disposition n'est pas limitative et l'on peut en variante utiliser une seule boucle secondaire, par exemple une boucle secondaire circulaire, comme décrit dans le brevet US 3 588 905 déjà cité.In this example, the main loop is attacked by two secondary half-loops: this arrangement is not limiting and one can alternatively use a single secondary loop, for example a circular secondary loop, as described in US patent 3 588 905 already cited.

La figure 2 représente, par mémoire, une antenne du type décrit dans le brevet US 3 588 905, où la boucle secondaire a été repérée 10.FIG. 2 represents, by memory, an antenna of the type described in US Pat. No. 3,588,905, where the secondary loop has been identified 10.

Les réalisations des figures 1 et 2 ne sont données qu'à titre d'exemples d'antennes auxquelles s'applique l'invention. En particulier, l'invention n'est pas seulement applicable au cas d'une antenne à boucle unique, située toute entière dans un plan.The embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 are only given as examples of antennas to which the invention applies. In particular, the invention is not not only applicable in the case of a single loop antenna, located entirely in a plane.

Selon l'invention, on perfectionne l'antenne de la figure 1 ou de la figure 2, en disposant en parallèle au condensateur variable une self 11 à état de commutation variable (figure 3).According to the invention, the antenna of FIG. 1 or of FIG. 2 is improved, by placing a self 11 with variable switching state in parallel with the variable capacitor (FIG. 3).

Par état de commutation variable, on veut dire que la self peut, à volonté, être commutée en circuit ou commutée hors-circuit. Sur la figure 3, on a schématisé cette commande par un commutateur.By variable switching state, we mean that the inductor can, at will, be switched on or switched off. In FIG. 3, this command is shown diagrammatically by a switch.

De préférence, la self est placée dans l'air.Preferably, the inductor is placed in the air.

Dans une réalisation préférée (figure 4), la self est constituée par un tube métallique, constituant une ligne bifilaire court circuitée, solution jugée préférable à une self bobinée qui consommerait trop d'énergie. Ce tube 11 présente une branche basse 11a (par rapport au condensateur, relié par deux branches 11b, 11c aux bornes du condensateur.In a preferred embodiment (FIG. 4), the inductor is constituted by a metal tube, constituting a short circuited two-wire line, a solution considered preferable to a wound inductor which would consume too much energy. This tube 11 has a lower branch 11a (relative to the capacitor, connected by two branches 11b, 11c to the terminals of the capacitor.

Avantageusement (figure 5), la ligne bifilaire court circuitée peut être placée dans un plan perpendiculaire au plan de la boucle pour réduire le couplage mutuel.Advantageously (FIG. 5), the short-circuited two-wire line can be placed in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop to reduce mutual coupling.

Pour commander l'état de commutation de la self, on munit le tube d'une coupe 12, par exemple dans sa branche basse 11a (figure 4), endroit qui permet de respecter la symétrie de l'antenne, et on dispose un relais 13 pour commander à volonté un court-circuit des deux extrémités du tube qui déterminent entre elles la coupure. Ce relais est commandé par un électroaimant schématisé en 14.To control the switching state of the choke, the tube is provided with a cut 12, for example in its lower branch 11a (FIG. 4), a place which allows the symmetry of the antenna to be respected, and a relay is provided. 13 to control at will a short circuit of the two ends of the tube which determine between them the cut. This relay is controlled by an electromagnet shown diagrammatically at 14.

L'établissement du court-circuit correspond à la mise en service de la self.The establishment of the short circuit corresponds to the commissioning of the choke.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à ce moyen particulier pour commander l'état de commutation de la self.The invention is not limited to this particular means for controlling the switching state of the inductor.

EXEMPLE.-EXAMPLE.-

Une antenne boucle de 1 kw fonctionnant, en l'absence de self, dans une gamme de fréquences basse 3-13,2 MHz, est dotée, grâce à la mise en service d'une self, d'une sous-gamme de fréquences 13,2-29 MHz.A loop antenna of 1 kw operating, in the absence of a choke, in a low frequency range 3-13.2 MHz, is provided, thanks to the commissioning of a choke, with a sub-range of frequencies 13.2-29 MHz.

Claims (6)

1. Antenne boucle accordée à l'aide d'un condensateur variable, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte, en parallèle au condensateur variable (4), une self (11) à état de commutation variable.1. Loop antenna tuned using a variable capacitor, characterized in that it comprises, in parallel with the variable capacitor (4), a choke (11) with variable switching state. 2. Antenne boucle selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la self (11) est dans l'air.2. Loop antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the choke (11) is in the air. 3. Antenne boucle selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisée en ce que la self (11) est située dans une plan perpendiculaire au plan de la boucle.3. Loop antenna according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the inductor (11) is located in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop. 4. Antenne boucle selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que la self (11) est constituée par une ligne bifilaire.4. Loop antenna according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inductor (11) is constituted by a two-wire line. 5. Antenne boucle selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que la self (11) est un tube métallique.5. Loop antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that the inductor (11) is a metal tube. 6. Antenne boucle selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que le tube (11) présente une coupure (12) et en ce que des moyens (13,14) sont prévus pour commander l'établissement d'un court-circuit entre les deux extrémités du tube qui déterminent la coupure.6. Loop antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that the tube (11) has a cut (12) and in that means (13,14) are provided for controlling the establishment of a short circuit between the two ends of the tube which determine the cut.
EP84400850A 1983-04-27 1984-04-26 Tuned-loop antenna with band switching Expired - Lifetime EP0124441B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8306948A FR2545279B1 (en) 1983-04-27 1983-04-27 TUNED LOOP ANTENNA WITH RANGE SWITCHING
FR8306948 1983-04-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0124441A1 true EP0124441A1 (en) 1984-11-07
EP0124441B1 EP0124441B1 (en) 1990-01-10

Family

ID=9288288

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84400850A Expired - Lifetime EP0124441B1 (en) 1983-04-27 1984-04-26 Tuned-loop antenna with band switching

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4617571A (en)
EP (1) EP0124441B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3481029D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2545279B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0584882A1 (en) * 1992-08-28 1994-03-02 Philips Electronics Uk Limited Loop antenna

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4862181A (en) * 1986-10-31 1989-08-29 Motorola, Inc. Miniature integral antenna-radio apparatus
US5068672A (en) * 1989-03-06 1991-11-26 Onnigian Peter K Balanced antenna feed system
GB2384367A (en) * 2002-01-22 2003-07-23 Benjamin Edginton Multi-band small loop antenna
GB2422959A (en) * 2005-02-07 2006-08-09 Phillip James Forshaw A method of variable tuning for a loop antenna
US8482467B2 (en) 2010-06-25 2013-07-09 Apple Inc. Customizable antenna structures for adjusting antenna performance in electronic devices
US9070969B2 (en) 2010-07-06 2015-06-30 Apple Inc. Tunable antenna systems
US9166279B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2015-10-20 Apple Inc. Tunable antenna system with receiver diversity
US9246221B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2016-01-26 Apple Inc. Tunable loop antennas
US9287627B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2016-03-15 Apple Inc. Customizable antenna feed structure
US9350069B2 (en) 2012-01-04 2016-05-24 Apple Inc. Antenna with switchable inductor low-band tuning
US9190712B2 (en) 2012-02-03 2015-11-17 Apple Inc. Tunable antenna system
RU188485U1 (en) * 2018-06-07 2019-04-16 Павел Аркадьевич Владимиров SMALL-SIZE SHORT-WAVE ANTEN FIDER DEVICE "MRV"

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB436908A (en) * 1934-06-14 1935-10-21 Cole E K Ltd Improvements relating to radio receiving apparatus
FR1449055A (en) * 1965-07-02 1966-08-12 Csf Ferrite Frame High Frequency Receiving Aerial
US3447159A (en) * 1966-06-27 1969-05-27 Sanders Associates Inc Diode bandswitch loop antenna
US3588905A (en) * 1967-10-05 1971-06-28 John H Dunlavy Jr Wide range tunable transmitting loop antenna
US3680127A (en) * 1971-04-07 1972-07-25 Us Air Force Tunable omnidirectional antenna
US3956751A (en) * 1974-12-24 1976-05-11 Julius Herman Miniaturized tunable antenna for general electromagnetic radiation and sensing with particular application to TV and FM
US4339827A (en) * 1980-11-25 1982-07-13 Rca Corporation Automatic tuning circuit arrangement with switched impedances

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3587102A (en) * 1969-12-31 1971-06-22 Us Army Helicopter skid antenna
JPS57142002A (en) * 1981-02-27 1982-09-02 Toshiba Corp Small-sized loop antenna

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB436908A (en) * 1934-06-14 1935-10-21 Cole E K Ltd Improvements relating to radio receiving apparatus
FR1449055A (en) * 1965-07-02 1966-08-12 Csf Ferrite Frame High Frequency Receiving Aerial
US3447159A (en) * 1966-06-27 1969-05-27 Sanders Associates Inc Diode bandswitch loop antenna
US3588905A (en) * 1967-10-05 1971-06-28 John H Dunlavy Jr Wide range tunable transmitting loop antenna
US3680127A (en) * 1971-04-07 1972-07-25 Us Air Force Tunable omnidirectional antenna
US3956751A (en) * 1974-12-24 1976-05-11 Julius Herman Miniaturized tunable antenna for general electromagnetic radiation and sensing with particular application to TV and FM
US4339827A (en) * 1980-11-25 1982-07-13 Rca Corporation Automatic tuning circuit arrangement with switched impedances

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0584882A1 (en) * 1992-08-28 1994-03-02 Philips Electronics Uk Limited Loop antenna
US5422650A (en) * 1992-08-28 1995-06-06 U.S. Philips Corporation Loop antenna with series resonant circuit and parallel reactance providing dual resonant frequencies

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3481029D1 (en) 1990-02-15
EP0124441B1 (en) 1990-01-10
FR2545279A1 (en) 1984-11-02
FR2545279B1 (en) 1986-03-14
US4617571A (en) 1986-10-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0124441B1 (en) Tuned-loop antenna with band switching
FR2823017A1 (en) MULTIBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
JP2008526165A5 (en)
RU2313161C2 (en) Antenna for receiving and/or transmitting device, including antenna mounted on motor-car roof
KR100366821B1 (en) High frequency tuning amplifier for buffer
WO2003010862A3 (en) Tunable semiconductor laser with integrated wideband reflector
FR2718280A1 (en) Lever switch.
EP0833402A1 (en) Radio transmission apparatus with a retractable antenna and an antenna for such apparatus
AU1585300A (en) Antenna for use of portable wireless communication system
EP0934608A1 (en) Antenna system for portable radiotelephone station
EP3008773B1 (en) Method for radioelectrifying an urban furniture object and object radioelectrified in this way
KR100348445B1 (en) Dual band antenna system
KR100360360B1 (en) Buffer circuit with frequency characteristic switching capability
EP1069681A2 (en) Switchable buffer circuit
FR2733369A1 (en) MINIATURE PLUNGER COAXIAL SWITCH OR INVERTER CONNECTOR AND PASSIVE CONTACT BLADES
CH264468A (en) Alarm clock.
FR2628911A3 (en) Remote control switch for electrical apparatus - receives plug and switches supply on or off on reception of command
FR2679851A1 (en) Device for controlling a windscreen wiper motor and a window washer pump
RU1774414C (en) Conical antenna array
KR100679055B1 (en) Switch of Large Output Wireless System
JP2000295015A (en) Ice and snow melting equipment for antenna and ice and snow melting device
FR2733350A1 (en) MINIATURE COAXIAL SWITCH OR INVERTER CONNECTOR WITH PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
KR100204991B1 (en) Antenna jack plug assembly
JP2004179808A (en) Antenna transmission reception switching circuit
JPH06104625A (en) Antenna system

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): DE GB NL

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19850304

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19870623

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE GB NL

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3481029

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19900215

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
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
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19990514

Year of fee payment: 16

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20000417

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20000418

Year of fee payment: 17

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: 20010201

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: 20010426

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

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20011101

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

Effective date: 20010426

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20011101