WO2002020075A2 - Nebulizer - Google Patents

Nebulizer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002020075A2
WO2002020075A2 PCT/ZA2001/000135 ZA0100135W WO0220075A2 WO 2002020075 A2 WO2002020075 A2 WO 2002020075A2 ZA 0100135 W ZA0100135 W ZA 0100135W WO 0220075 A2 WO0220075 A2 WO 0220075A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
fluid
nebulizer apparatus
nebulizer
outlet pipe
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2001/000135
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2002020075A3 (en
Inventor
Louis François LOUW
Original Assignee
Louw Louis Francois
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 Louw Louis Francois filed Critical Louw Louis Francois
Priority to AU2001293320A priority Critical patent/AU2001293320A1/en
Publication of WO2002020075A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002020075A2/en
Publication of WO2002020075A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002020075A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
    • A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/14—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different fluids, one of them being in a liquid phase
    • A61M16/16—Devices to humidify the respiration air
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0057—Pumps therefor
    • A61M16/0066—Blowers or centrifugal pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/36—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling
    • A61M2205/3653—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling by Joule effect, i.e. electric resistance

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a nebulizer apparatus and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a nebulizer apparatus for medical use.
  • the most simplistic method of preparing a medicinal inhalant is by dissolving a medicine in boiling water. The resulting vapour is inhaled by the patient.
  • water can be vaporised and the steam filtered through a separate chamber containing medicinal crystals or fluid.
  • Conventional humidifiers can also be used to inhale medicine by allowing the steam from the humidifier to diffuse with the drug before it is inhaled.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a useful alternative to nebulizers already available on the market.
  • a nebulizer apparatus comprising a container for a fluid; a heater for heating the fluid; a first end of an outlet pipe connected to the container, for conveying evaporated fluid from the container; and an inlet having a non-return valve for allowing a second fluid to be forced into the container in one direction only.
  • the container to include a closure member.
  • the closure member is in the form of a lid.
  • the lid includes a seal for sealing fluids inside the container.
  • the heater to be an electric heater and to include an electric resistive element.
  • a second end of the outlet pipe to terminate in a mouthpiece; alternatively, to terminate in a mask.
  • the nebulizer apparatus includes a pump for pumping a gas into the container through the inlet and then out through the outlet pipe.
  • a still further feature of the invention provides for the heater to be adjustable.
  • a yet further feature of the invention provides for the fluid in the container to be a medicinal fluid mixture; more particularly, to be a water, salt and medicinal composition mixture.
  • a stand may also be provided for supporting the outlet pipe in a desired position.
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a nebulizer apparatus according to the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional front view of the nebulizer apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a nebulizer apparatus according the invention.
  • a nebulizer apparatus is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
  • the nebulizer 10 consists of a container 12, for receiving a fluid and more particularly a medicinal fluid 13; an electric heater in the form of a metal base plate 14 having a resistive element 18, for transferring heat to the medicinal fluid 13; an outlet pipe 16 connected to the container 12, for conveying vaporised medicinal fluid 13 from the container 12.
  • the heater is electrically powered and an electrical cord 22 and is provided.
  • the heater can be set to operate at different levels using a dial 19.
  • An inlet 24 having a non-return valve is situated in a wall of the container 12.
  • the inlet 24 enables the passage of compressed oxygen (not shown) from a compressed oxygen source (also not shown) into the container 12 from a second pipe, the second pipe being releasably connectable to the inlet 24.
  • the nebulizer 10 may include its own built-in air pump 25 for pumping ambient air or an oxygen through the container 12 and outlet pipe 16.
  • a closure member in the form of a lid 26 has a first thread 30, which is engagable with a corresponding second thread 32 at an open end of the container 12. The lid seals fluids inside the container.
  • medicinal fluid 13 is placed inside the container 12.
  • the lid 26 is screwed onto the container 12 thereby sealing the medicinal fluid 13 inside the container 12.
  • the medicinal fluid 13 is a mixture of water and a medicine and it is envisaged that, in most cases, it will be a mixture of water, salt and a medicinal composition.
  • a heat setting is selected using the dial 19.
  • a heating element 18 heats the base plate 14 according to the selected heat setting.
  • the base plate 14 transfers heat from the heating element 18 to the container 12 thereby heating the medicinal fluid 13.
  • the medicinal fluid 13 is evaporated and escapes from the container 12 through the outlet pipe 16.
  • the evaporated medicinal fluid can be conveyed by the outlet pipe 16 to a mask 36, a sprayer or a mouthpiece.
  • compressed oxygen can be filtered through the medicinal fluid 13.
  • a second pipe is connected to the inlet 24, which enables oxygen from an oxygen source or ambient air to flow into the container 12 and through the medicinal fluid 13.
  • the pump of the nebulizer of figure 3 can be used to pump ambient air or an oxygen rich mixture.
  • the nebulizer will provide a useful and relatively inexpensive alternative to existing machines.
  • the outlet pipe is convenient in that it is flexible and the evaporated medicinal fluid can be aimed and concentrated where required.
  • the container closure means need not be in the form of a screw-on lid but may be a hinged lid that is clamped onto the container thereby sealing it; any gas may be filtered through the medicinal fluid; and the heat transfer means may be comprised of any heat conducting material and need not be a plate.
  • the container may be double-walled and may contain insulation material between the walls to enhance its efficiency.
  • a stand may be provided to support the outlet pipe in a desired position.

Abstract

This invention relates to a nebulizer apparatus, and more particularly to a nebulizer apparatus for medical use. The nebulizer apparatus consists of a container for receiving a fluid. A heater is included in the container for heating the fluid so that the fluid escapes through an outlet pipe connected to an outlet of the container. The container also includes an inlet having a non-return valve for allowing a second fluid such as an oxygen rich gas to be filtered through the fluid in the container. A lid is provided for providing a seal at an open end of the container.

Description

NEBULIZER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a nebulizer apparatus and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a nebulizer apparatus for medical use.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Various apparatus for nebulizing a fluid, for the purpose of inhaling a medicinal drug, exist in the market.
The most simplistic method of preparing a medicinal inhalant is by dissolving a medicine in boiling water. The resulting vapour is inhaled by the patient.
Alternatively, water can be vaporised and the steam filtered through a separate chamber containing medicinal crystals or fluid.
Conventional humidifiers can also be used to inhale medicine by allowing the steam from the humidifier to diffuse with the drug before it is inhaled.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a useful alternative to nebulizers already available on the market. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a nebulizer apparatus comprising a container for a fluid; a heater for heating the fluid; a first end of an outlet pipe connected to the container, for conveying evaporated fluid from the container; and an inlet having a non-return valve for allowing a second fluid to be forced into the container in one direction only.
According to a still further feature of the invention there is provided for the container to include a closure member. Preferably, the closure member is in the form of a lid. The lid includes a seal for sealing fluids inside the container.
There is provided for the heater to be an electric heater and to include an electric resistive element.
There is further provided for a second end of the outlet pipe to terminate in a mouthpiece; alternatively, to terminate in a mask.
The nebulizer apparatus includes a pump for pumping a gas into the container through the inlet and then out through the outlet pipe.
A still further feature of the invention provides for the heater to be adjustable. A yet further feature of the invention provides for the fluid in the container to be a medicinal fluid mixture; more particularly, to be a water, salt and medicinal composition mixture.
A stand may also be provided for supporting the outlet pipe in a desired position.
These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a nebulizer apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional front view of the nebulizer apparatus of Figure 1 ; and
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a nebulizer apparatus according the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to the drawings in which like features are indicated by like numerals, a nebulizer apparatus is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
The nebulizer 10 consists of a container 12, for receiving a fluid and more particularly a medicinal fluid 13; an electric heater in the form of a metal base plate 14 having a resistive element 18, for transferring heat to the medicinal fluid 13; an outlet pipe 16 connected to the container 12, for conveying vaporised medicinal fluid 13 from the container 12.
The heater is electrically powered and an electrical cord 22 and is provided. The heater can be set to operate at different levels using a dial 19.
An inlet 24 having a non-return valve is situated in a wall of the container 12. The inlet 24 enables the passage of compressed oxygen (not shown) from a compressed oxygen source (also not shown) into the container 12 from a second pipe, the second pipe being releasably connectable to the inlet 24.
Alternatively, as shown in figure 3, the nebulizer 10 may include its own built-in air pump 25 for pumping ambient air or an oxygen through the container 12 and outlet pipe 16. A closure member in the form of a lid 26 has a first thread 30, which is engagable with a corresponding second thread 32 at an open end of the container 12. The lid seals fluids inside the container.
In use, medicinal fluid 13 is placed inside the container 12. The lid 26 is screwed onto the container 12 thereby sealing the medicinal fluid 13 inside the container 12. The medicinal fluid 13 is a mixture of water and a medicine and it is envisaged that, in most cases, it will be a mixture of water, salt and a medicinal composition.
A heat setting is selected using the dial 19. A heating element 18 heats the base plate 14 according to the selected heat setting. The base plate 14 transfers heat from the heating element 18 to the container 12 thereby heating the medicinal fluid 13. The medicinal fluid 13 is evaporated and escapes from the container 12 through the outlet pipe 16. The evaporated medicinal fluid can be conveyed by the outlet pipe 16 to a mask 36, a sprayer or a mouthpiece.
Optionally, compressed oxygen can be filtered through the medicinal fluid 13. A second pipe is connected to the inlet 24, which enables oxygen from an oxygen source or ambient air to flow into the container 12 and through the medicinal fluid 13. Alternatively, the pump of the nebulizer of figure 3 can be used to pump ambient air or an oxygen rich mixture.
It is envisaged that the nebulizer will provide a useful and relatively inexpensive alternative to existing machines. The outlet pipe is convenient in that it is flexible and the evaporated medicinal fluid can be aimed and concentrated where required.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described hereinbefore. For example, the container closure means need not be in the form of a screw-on lid but may be a hinged lid that is clamped onto the container thereby sealing it; any gas may be filtered through the medicinal fluid; and the heat transfer means may be comprised of any heat conducting material and need not be a plate. Further, the container may be double-walled and may contain insulation material between the walls to enhance its efficiency.
Also, a stand may be provided to support the outlet pipe in a desired position.

Claims

Claims
1. A nebulizer apparatus comprising a container for a fluid; a heater for heating the fluid; a first end of an outlet pipe connected to the container, for conveying evaporated fluid from the container; and an inlet having a non-return valve for allowing a second fluid to be forced into the container in one direction only.
2. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which to container includes a lid to seal the fluid therein.
3. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the heater is a electric heater having an electric resistive element.
4. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a second end of the outlet pipe terminates in a mouthpiece.
5. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which a second end of the outlet pipe terminates in a mask.
6. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the nebulizer includes a pump for pumping the second fluid in the form of a gas through the inlet into the container and out of the container through the outlet pipe.
7. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the heater is an adjustable heater.
8. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the fluid is a medicinal fluid mixture.
9. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a stand is provided for supporting the outlet pipe in a desired position.
10. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the medicinal fluid mixtures is a mixture of water, salt and a medicinal composition.
11. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the gas is ambient air.
12. A nebulizer apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the gas is an oxygen rich mixture.
PCT/ZA2001/000135 2000-09-04 2001-09-04 Nebulizer WO2002020075A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001293320A AU2001293320A1 (en) 2000-09-04 2001-09-04 Nebulizer

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2000/4622 2000-09-04
ZA200004622 2000-09-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002020075A2 true WO2002020075A2 (en) 2002-03-14
WO2002020075A3 WO2002020075A3 (en) 2002-04-25

Family

ID=25588891

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2001/000135 WO2002020075A2 (en) 2000-09-04 2001-09-04 Nebulizer

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001293320A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002020075A2 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200301738B (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2392375A3 (en) * 2003-06-20 2013-07-10 ResMed Ltd. Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US9272116B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2016-03-01 Resmed R&D Germany Gmbh Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
CN106730198A (en) * 2016-12-22 2017-05-31 蔡建华 A kind of activin garlic breathing therapeutic equipment
US10293125B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2019-05-21 Resmed Limited Flow generator with patient reminder
CN109966601A (en) * 2019-05-14 2019-07-05 刘春秀 A kind of small-sized automatic control type ultrasonic ultrasonic delay line memory used in ear-nose-throat department
USD899598S1 (en) 2018-09-04 2020-10-20 3B Medical, Inc. CPAP device

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB450985A (en) * 1935-02-23 1936-07-28 Frank Symonds Improvements in or relating to devices for heating liquids, and heating, and detecting, the rate of flow of gas
US2256286A (en) * 1938-07-19 1941-09-16 Charles O Johnston Therapeutic device
US3945378A (en) * 1974-03-18 1976-03-23 Paluch Bernard R Positive pressure breathing circuit
US4028444A (en) * 1974-03-25 1977-06-07 Chemetron Corporation Humidifier and automatic control system therefor
US4676237A (en) * 1985-01-29 1987-06-30 Boutade Worldwide Investments Nv Inhaler device
US4805614A (en) * 1987-07-01 1989-02-21 Yahav Limited Rhinitis relief device

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9545493B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2017-01-17 Resmed R&D Germany Gmbh Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US10052450B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2018-08-21 Resmed R&D Germany Gmbh Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US9884163B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2018-02-06 RedMed R&D Germany GmbH Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US9555211B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2017-01-31 Resmed R&D Germany Gmbh Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US9545494B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2017-01-17 Resmed R&D Germany Gmbh Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US9272116B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2016-03-01 Resmed R&D Germany Gmbh Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US9302067B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2016-04-05 Resmed R&D Germany Gmbh Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US9610420B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2017-04-04 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US9038632B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2015-05-26 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US9358359B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2016-06-07 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US9227035B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2016-01-05 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US9072860B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2015-07-07 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
EP2392375A3 (en) * 2003-06-20 2013-07-10 ResMed Ltd. Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US11413412B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2022-08-16 ResMed Pty Ltd Breathable gas supply apparatus
USRE46543E1 (en) 2003-06-20 2017-09-12 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US9038631B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2015-05-26 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US9539409B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2017-01-10 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US10201676B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2019-02-12 Resmed Limited Breathable gas supply apparatus
US10293125B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2019-05-21 Resmed Limited Flow generator with patient reminder
US11260187B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2022-03-01 ResMed Pty Ltd Breathable gas supply apparatus
US11235115B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2022-02-01 ResMed Pty Ltd Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
US10850053B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2020-12-01 ResMed Pty Ltd Breathable gas supply apparatus
US10881820B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2021-01-05 ResMed Pty Ltd Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
CN106730198A (en) * 2016-12-22 2017-05-31 蔡建华 A kind of activin garlic breathing therapeutic equipment
USD899598S1 (en) 2018-09-04 2020-10-20 3B Medical, Inc. CPAP device
CN109966601A (en) * 2019-05-14 2019-07-05 刘春秀 A kind of small-sized automatic control type ultrasonic ultrasonic delay line memory used in ear-nose-throat department

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002020075A3 (en) 2002-04-25
ZA200301738B (en) 2004-08-13
AU2001293320A1 (en) 2002-03-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3990442A (en) Respiratory treatment device
AU600877B2 (en) Intermittent signal actuated nebulizer
US5080093A (en) Intermittant signal actuated nebulizer
US9555211B2 (en) Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas
US5373841A (en) Self-operated nasal humidifier
CN101516430B (en) Humidifier with internal heating element and heater plate
EP1007124B1 (en) Vaporizer for inhalation and method for extraction of active ingredients from a crude natural product or other matrix
JP2745014B2 (en) Portable ventilation system
EP3160559B1 (en) A micro-humidifier
EP2608836B1 (en) Portable humidification system and adaptor therefore
CA2533759A1 (en) Device for supplying a respiratory gas with integrated humidifier
EP3950028A1 (en) Systems and methods of aerosol delivery with airflow regulation
NZ527088A (en) Humidifier with structure to prevent backflow of liquid through the humidifier inlet
EP2116271A3 (en) Breathing Assistance Apparatus
EP1927374A3 (en) Apparatus for equalising pressure in an air respiratory system
WO2009107070A1 (en) Pressure support system with upstream humidifier
JP7423086B2 (en) Device for removing heat, energy, and/or fluids from a living mammal
EP2686053A1 (en) Humidifier with liquid ingress protection
WO2002020075A2 (en) Nebulizer
NZ508633A (en) Humidifier assembly having a container, a feed port to direct water into the container, imlet port of directing a respiratory gas into the container and an outlet port for directing the respiratory gas from the container
US2162242A (en) Resuscitation apparatus
EP1787672A3 (en) Medical respiratory apparatus
KR20180001712U (en) nebulizer device
CN209848091U (en) Synchronous atomization high-flow respiratory humidification therapeutic apparatus
CN110665097B (en) System containing portable medical atomizer and matched disposable medicine feeder thereof

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200301738

Country of ref document: ZA

Ref document number: 2003/01738

Country of ref document: ZA

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: JP