EP0681924B1 - Writing implement with fluid, especially solvent based - Google Patents

Writing implement with fluid, especially solvent based Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0681924B1
EP0681924B1 EP95490019A EP95490019A EP0681924B1 EP 0681924 B1 EP0681924 B1 EP 0681924B1 EP 95490019 A EP95490019 A EP 95490019A EP 95490019 A EP95490019 A EP 95490019A EP 0681924 B1 EP0681924 B1 EP 0681924B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
reservoir
surface tension
implement according
buffer reservoir
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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.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP95490019A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0681924A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Chavatte
José Duez
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Conte SA
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Conte SA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
    • B43K8/02—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls with writing-points comprising fibres, felt, or similar porous or capillary material
    • B43K8/04—Arrangements for feeding ink to writing-points
    • B43K8/06—Wick feed from within reservoir to writing-points

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a writing article with liquid ink, that is to say in which the ink is in the free state, not being trapped in a tank fibrous.
  • This item has a reservoir for liquid ink, a tip ensuring by capillary action the transfer of ink from the reservoir to the writing head proper, said writing head possibly being the free end of the point transfer and finally a buffer tank intended to absorb and restore the excess ink in case of variation of the conditions of use of the article.
  • the reservoir that contains the ink is not isolated from ambient air, but air reaches it through the tip transfer.
  • a variation in the conditions of use in particular the increase in air pressure in the tank due to the heating of the air results in an abnormal inflow of ink in the tip transfer and may cause stains or drips when the item is uncapped.
  • Different modes of the buffer tank have already been proposed.
  • it is a molded part, comprising shaped radial slots comb and longitudinal slots connecting the radial slots and the central hollowed out part in contact with the transfer point.
  • this buffer tank is only defined as being a capillary storage element whose capillarity is on average lower than the capillarity of the transfer point on average, at least at the junction orifice between the transfer tip and the tank liquid ink.
  • this buffer tank is made of a porous material and / or fibrous.
  • the buffer tank is in the form of an minus a compact block adjusted loosely around the transfer point. he can in particular it is a porous hydrophobic material based on microspheres, obtained by thermofusion of microspheres of one or more materials thermoplastics, in particular microspheres of polypropylene or polyethylene.
  • the problem that the applicant seeks to solve is to propose a writing article of the aforementioned type which can be used with inks intended writing on non-absorbent supports, metallic or plastic, for example on dry erase boards.
  • the ink which is used is a solvent-based ink or an aqueous ink comprising an amount large amount of surfactants allowing the wettability of the support.
  • the ink is an ink, having a tension surface between 21 and 25mN / m, intended to be used on supports non-absorbent, metallic or plastic, and in that the constituent material of the buffer tank has a surface tension which is lower than that of the ink a determined deviation, said voltage being sufficient for the reservoir to be able absorb and restore excess ink from the transfer tip, for example capillarity, in case of pressure variation prevailing in the tank.
  • the determined difference between the surface tensions of the constituent material of the buffer tank and the ink is preferably less than or equal to 4mN / m.
  • the buffer tank is made of a porous material or fibrous, in particular polypropylene or polyester, whose surface tension has been lowered by depositing an agent with a surface tension of less than 21mN / m.
  • the same capillary diffusion effect with solvent inks or aqueous inks with a high dose of surfactant can be reached at from the buffer tanks as described in the previous documents but which have been subjected to a treatment intended to produce a surface deposit of a agent modifying the initial surface tension of the buffer tank.
  • This treatment may in particular consist of a fluorination treatment, for example by plasma.
  • a fluorination treatment for example by plasma.
  • this deposit may be the deposition of a polysiloxane.
  • this deposit can be obtained by impregnation of said fibers with a polysiloxane bath, padding and drying.
  • the subject of the present invention is a liquid ink writing article of the type by which ink, which is contained in a reservoir, is transferred from said reservoir to the writing head, by capillary action, in a transfer point.
  • the writing article also includes a reservoir buffer in which the excess ink, in case of pressure variations in the tank, can migrate from the transfer point and then be restored when the conditions of use return to normal.
  • the writing article 1 consists of a hollow body 2 substantially cylindrical, the bottom 3 of which is closed, the front part 4 of which is terminated by a cone 5 comprising a central orifice 6, and the rear part 7 of which acts reservoir 8 for liquid ink 9. Said reservoir 8 is closed by a partition interior 10 which has a central orifice 11.
  • Article 1 also consists of a cylindrical transfer tip 12, made of a material capable of ensuring the transfer of the ink by capillary action. It may especially be a felt obtained from acrylic fibers or compacted polyester fibers.
  • This tip 12 is positioned along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the body 2. Its rear end 12 a is pressed slightly into the central orifice 11 of the partition 10 so that the tightness of the reservoir 8 is ensured, but without crushing of this end 12 a so that there can be circulation of ink and air by the tip 12.
  • a tubular shoulder 14 of the internal partition 10 surrounds the central orifice 11 through which the tip 12 passes.
  • This tubular shoulder 14 makes it possible to obtain a perfect seal of the reservoir 8 without crushing the end 12 a of the tip 12.
  • the front end 12 b of said point 12 is cut in a bevel, in a warhead or in another configuration it forms the writing head and is centered in the central orifice 6 of the conical part 5 of the body 2.
  • This centering is preferably obtained by lugs 15 distributed over the periphery of the internal wall of the neck 16 extending the cone 5; said lugs 15 delimit free spaces around the front end 12 b of the tip so as to allow air circulation between the inside and the outside of the article 1.
  • Article 1 finally consists of a buffer tank 13 which surrounds the transfer point 12 in the inner part of the body 2 which is between the tank 8 and the cone 5.
  • the ink 9 which is contained in the reservoir 8 and which is in contact with the rear end 12 a of the tip 12 is absorbed and migrates by capillary action in the tip 12 to its front end 12 b .
  • the ink consumed by the writing head is gradually replaced by the ink coming from the reservoir 8.
  • a pressure balance is established between the air contained in the reservoir 8 and the air prevailing in the rest of body 2.
  • this excess ink would migrate to the writing head 12 b and cause an abnormal supply of the article 1, capable of forming spots or streaks on the writing medium. Thanks to the presence of the buffer tank 13, this excess ink does not reach the writing head 12b ; by capillarity, the excess ink diffuses into the buffer tank 13 in contact with the capillaries of the tip 12, until the pressure balance is restored. Then, when the article 1 is reused, the ink which is consumed by the writing head 12 b preferably comes from the buffer tank 13.
  • the buffer tank 13 is in the form of a compact block adjusted without tightening around of the tip 12, in an open pore material, of high porosity. he can also be a fibrous material or a consistent buffer tank in one molded part, with comb-like radial slots and slots longitudinal connecting the radial slots and the central part hollowed out in contact with the transfer point, in accordance with document EP.380696.
  • the aim of the present invention is to be able to use such an article 1 for writing on non-absorbent supports such as dry erase whiteboards or on metallic or plastic supports.
  • non-absorbent supports such as dry erase whiteboards or on metallic or plastic supports.
  • the ink which is implemented must have sufficient wettability with respect to the support for that there is a satisfactory marking.
  • Solvent-based inks are used or aqueous inks comprising surfactants modifying their wettability with respect to such supports.
  • the surface tension inks used for such media was in the range of 21 at 25mN / m.
  • Writing article 1 which has been described above has so far been used only for aqueous inks, i.e. for writing on supports absorbent.
  • the aim of the present invention is to modify said article writing 1 so as to allow its use on non-absorbent supports or metallic or plastic supports.
  • the ink 9 is an ink which has a surface tension between 21 and 25mN / m and on the other hand the buffer tank 13 has a surface tension which is lower than that of the ink.
  • the gap between surface tension of the material of the buffer tank 13 and the tension of the ink 9 is such that the buffer tank can absorb and restore the excess ink coming from the transfer point 12, by capillary action, in the event of variations in the pressure in the tank.
  • a buffer tank that is versatile, i.e. can be used for any type of ink whose surface tension is included between 21 and 25mN / m, it is preferable that the determined difference between the tensions of the constituent material of the buffer tank and the ink is equal or less than 4mN / m.
  • a buffer tank 13 can already be treated consisting, for example, obtained by thermofusion of a mixture of microspheres or microbeads of two types of polypropylene of different grades, i.e. of polypropylene with different melting temperatures, as described in document EP.516538, or by thermobonding microspheres of a single material thermoplastic.
  • this reservoir fills with ink even when the item is used in normal pressure and temperature conditions.
  • the buffer tank 13 fulfills its function, that is to say only absorbs ink 9 coming from tip 12 only if the pressure changes prevailing in the reservoir 8.
  • This fluorination treatment has the effect of depositing a thin layer of fluorine on the surface of the polypropylene making up the buffer tank, which lowers the surface tension of it to make it for example less than 21mN / m.
  • the already placed buffer tank either in shape but the materials that will constitute the buffer tank before putting in the shape of it.
  • a fibrous buffer tank made from polyester or polypropylene fibers
  • the surface tension of the buffer tank 13 must be lower than that of the ink 9 contained in the reservoir 8. However, it should not be too much low since in this case the ink 9 could no longer migrate inside of the buffer tank 13 even in the event of a pressure variation prevailing in the tank 8. The buffer tank 13 could then no longer fulfill the function which is imparted to him. According to the applicant, the difference between the surface tension of the buffer tank and that of the ink must not exceed 4mN / m.
  • the buffer tank 13 may have a surface tension differentiated throughout its volume.
  • this variation of surface tension can be materialized by a buffer tank 13 composed of a modular assembly, in the longitudinal direction with respect to the transfer point 12.
  • the surface tension of the buffer tank is higher near of the reservoir 8 that near the central outlet of the transfer point of so as to absorb the excess ink preferably appearing on the side of the tank 8.
  • the transfer tip 12 is in two parts connected to one another, by means of connection.
  • the connection must allow the transfer rod to fulfill its function of diffusing the ink 9 from the reservoir 8 to the writing tip, despite the dissociation of the latter into two parts 12 ', 12''similarly nature or different nature.
  • the first part 12 ' has its rear end which opens into the reservoir 8 and the second part 12''has its front end 12'' b which forms a writing point and opens out of the body 2.
  • the buffer tank 13 is in contact with the first part 12 '.
  • the first part 12 ′ consists of a capillary rod.
  • the second part consists of a writing or marking point; whatever its nature: extruded tip, roller tip, pen, felt tip, acrylic fiber tip or polyester.
  • connection of the front end 12'c of the first part 12 'and of the rear end 12 '' c of the second part 12 '' is for example obtained by supply of glue 17 (FIG. 2A) or by welding or using a sheath 18 (FIG. 2B) welded or not or via a fiber connection piece 19 hydrophilic or in a porous hydrophilic capillary material.
  • the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment which has been described by way of non-exhaustive example. Particularly in the case of a tank buffer such as the one disclosed in document EP.380696, it would possible with adequate treatment, including plasma fluorination, make the writing article into which it fits suitable for use on supports non-absorbent, including dry erase boards, or metallic supports or plastics.

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  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Recording Measured Values (AREA)
  • Inks, Pencil-Leads, Or Crayons (AREA)

Abstract

The writing implement consists of a body (2) with its rear section forming a reservoir (8) for the ink (9), and a tip (12) with its rear end in the reservoir and its front end projecting from the body to write with, surrounded by an ink storage pad (13). The ink is a liquid with a surface tension of between 21 and 25mN/m and is designed for application on non-absorbent surfaces such as metals or plastics, and the material of the storage pad has a surface tension which is lower than that of the ink, so that it can absorb excess ink from the tip (12) by capillary action. The surface tension of the pad's material is reduced by treating it with an agent such as polysiloxane or fluorinated resin. The pad itself is made from a porous or fibrous material such as polypropylene or polyester. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un article d'écriture à encre liquide, c'est-à-dire dans lequel l'encre est à l'état libre, n'étant pas emprisonnée dans un réservoir fibreux. Cet article comporte un réservoir pour l'encre liquide, une pointe assurant par capillarité le transfert de l'encre depuis le réservoir jusqu'à la tête d'écriture proprement dite , ladite tête d'écriture pouvant être l'extrémité libre de la pointe transfert et enfin un réservoir tampon destiné à absorber et restituer l'excès d'encre en cas de variation des conditions d'utilisation de l'article.The present invention relates to a writing article with liquid ink, that is to say in which the ink is in the free state, not being trapped in a tank fibrous. This item has a reservoir for liquid ink, a tip ensuring by capillary action the transfer of ink from the reservoir to the writing head proper, said writing head possibly being the free end of the point transfer and finally a buffer tank intended to absorb and restore the excess ink in case of variation of the conditions of use of the article.

Dans ce type d'article d'écriture, le réservoir qui contient l'encre n'est pas isolé de l'air ambiant, mais de l'air lui parvient par l'intermédiaire de la pointe transfert. De ce fait, une variation des conditions d'utilisation , notamment l'augmentation de la pression de l'air contenu dans le réservoir due à l'échauffement de l'air se traduit par un afflux anormal d'encre dans la pointe transfert et peut provoquer des tâches ou coulures quand l'article est décapuchonné. C'est le rôle imparti au réservoir tampon que d'absorber l'excès d'encre provenant du réservoir avant qu'il n'atteigne la tête d'écriture, c'est-à-dire l'extrémité avant de la pointe de transfert qui sert à l'écriture, puis , une fois les conditions normales rétablies, de restituer à la pointe transfert l'encre qu'il contient. Différents modes de réalisation du réservoir tampon ont déjà été proposés. Dans le document EP.380696, il s'agit d'une pièce moulée, comportant des fentes radiales en forme de peigne et des fentes longitudinales mettant en communication les fentes radiales et la partie centrale évidée en contact avec la pointe transfert.In this type of writing article, the reservoir that contains the ink is not isolated from ambient air, but air reaches it through the tip transfer. As a result, a variation in the conditions of use, in particular the increase in air pressure in the tank due to the heating of the air results in an abnormal inflow of ink in the tip transfer and may cause stains or drips when the item is uncapped. It is the role of the buffer tank to absorb excess ink from of the reservoir before it reaches the write head, i.e. the front end of the transfer point which is used for writing, then, once the normal conditions restored, to return to the transfer point the ink it contains. Different modes of the buffer tank have already been proposed. In the document EP.380696, it is a molded part, comprising shaped radial slots comb and longitudinal slots connecting the radial slots and the central hollowed out part in contact with the transfer point.

Dans le document CH.A.422575 il s'agit d'une masse spongieuse à cellules ouvertes, de préférence dans un matériau n'absorbant pas l'encre.In document CH.A.422575 it is a spongy mass with open cells, preferably in a material that does not absorb ink.

Dans le document WO.92/20530, la structure de ce réservoir tampon n'est définie que comme étant un élément stockeur capillaire dont la capillarité est en moyenne plus faible que ne l'est en moyenne la capillarité de la pointe transfert, au moins au niveau de l'orifice de jonction entre la pointe transfert et le réservoir d'encre liquide.In document WO.92 / 20530, the structure of this buffer tank is only defined as being a capillary storage element whose capillarity is on average lower than the capillarity of the transfer point on average, at least at the junction orifice between the transfer tip and the tank liquid ink.

Il est à noté que ce réservoir tampon est conçu en un matériau poreux et/ou fibreux.It should be noted that this buffer tank is made of a porous material and / or fibrous.

Dans le document EP.516538, le réservoir tampon est sous forme d'au moins un bloc compact ajusté sans serrage autour de la pointe transfert. Il peut notamment s'agir d'un matériau hydrophobe poreux à base de microsphères, obtenues par thermofusion de microsphères d'une ou de plusieurs matières thermoplastiques, notamment de microsphères en polypropylène ou polyéthylène.In document EP.516538, the buffer tank is in the form of an minus a compact block adjusted loosely around the transfer point. he can in particular it is a porous hydrophobic material based on microspheres, obtained by thermofusion of microspheres of one or more materials thermoplastics, in particular microspheres of polypropylene or polyethylene.

A la connaissance du demandeur, les articles d'écriture avec encre liquide et réservoir tampon, comme décrits ci-dessus n'ont donné lieu à application que dans le domaine des encres aqueuses destinées à l'écriture sur support absorbant.To the knowledge of the applicant, writing articles with liquid ink and buffer tank, as described above, have only been applied in the field of aqueous inks intended for writing on absorbent support.

Le problème que cherche à résoudre le demandeur est de proposer un article d'écriture du type précité qui puisse être utilisé avec des encres destinées à l'écriture sur des supports non-absorbants, métalliques ou plastiques, par exemple sur des tableaux effaçables à sec. Dans ce cas l'encre qui est mise en oeuvre est une encre à base de solvant ou une encre aqueuse comprenant une quantité importante d'agents tensioactifs permettant la mouillabilité du support.The problem that the applicant seeks to solve is to propose a writing article of the aforementioned type which can be used with inks intended writing on non-absorbent supports, metallic or plastic, for example on dry erase boards. In this case the ink which is used is a solvent-based ink or an aqueous ink comprising an amount large amount of surfactants allowing the wettability of the support.

Les essais réalisés par le demandeur avec de telles encres en mettant en oeuvre les réservoirs tampons décrits dans les documents antérieurs n'ont pas donné de résultats satisfaisants dans la mesure où l'encre diffuse à l'intérieur du réservoir tampon alors même que les conditions d'utilisation sont des conditions normales. En cas de variations des conditions d'utilisation, le réservoir tampon ne peut plus jouer son rôle et on observe les tâches ou coulures que l'on cherchait à éviter grâce audit réservoir tampon.The tests carried out by the applicant with such inks by highlighting works the buffer tanks described in the previous documents have not given satisfactory results insofar as the ink diffuses inside the buffer tank even though the conditions of use are conditions normal. In case of variations in the conditions of use, the buffer tank does not can no longer play its role and we observe the tasks or streaks that we were looking for avoid using said buffer tank.

L'objet de l'invention est donc de proposer un article d'écriture à encre liquide et à réservoir tampon qui pallie l'inconvénient précité. Il s'agit d'un article d'écriture contenant de l'encre liquide et destiné à être utilisé sur des supports non-absorbants, métalliques ou plastiques, ledit article étant composé :

  • a) d'un corps dont la partie arrière constitue le réservoir pour l'encre,
  • b) d'une pointe de transfert dont l'extrémité arrière débouche dans le réservoir et dont l'extrémité avant, formant pointe d'écriture, débouche hors dudit corps, et
  • c) d'un réservoir tampon en contact avec la pointe de transfert.
    • The object of the invention is therefore to provide a writing article with liquid ink and a buffer tank which overcomes the aforementioned drawback. It is a writing article containing liquid ink and intended for use on non-absorbent supports, metallic or plastic, said article being composed:
  • a) a body the rear part of which constitutes the reservoir for the ink,
  • b) a transfer tip, the rear end of which opens into the reservoir and the front end of which forms a writing tip, opens out of said body, and
  • c) a buffer tank in contact with the transfer tip.

    • De manière caractéristique l'encre est une encre, ayant une tension superficielle comprise entre 21 et 25mN/m, destinée à être utilisée sur des supports non-absorbants, métalliques ou plastiques, et en ce que le matériau constitutif du réservoir tampon a une tension superficielle qui est inférieure à celle de l'encre d'un écart déterminé, ladite tension étant suffisante pour que le réservoir puisse absorber et restituer l'excès d'encre provenant de la pointe de transfert, par capillarité, en cas de variation de la pression régnant dans le réservoir.Typically the ink is an ink, having a tension surface between 21 and 25mN / m, intended to be used on supports non-absorbent, metallic or plastic, and in that the constituent material of the buffer tank has a surface tension which is lower than that of the ink a determined deviation, said voltage being sufficient for the reservoir to be able absorb and restore excess ink from the transfer tip, for example capillarity, in case of pressure variation prevailing in the tank.

    C'est le mérite du demandeur que d'avoir analysé les conditions particulières de la capillarité au niveau du réservoir tampon et à déterminer l'importance de la tension superficielle du matériau constitutif de ce réservoir tampon au regard de celle de l'encre.It is the plaintiff's merit to have analyzed the conditions particularities of capillarity at the buffer tank and to be determined the importance of the surface tension of the material of which this tank is made stamp against that of the ink.

    L'écart déterminé entre les tensions superficielles du matériau constitutif du réservoir tampon et de l'encre est de préférence inférieur ou égal à 4mN/m.The determined difference between the surface tensions of the constituent material of the buffer tank and the ink is preferably less than or equal to 4mN / m.

    De préférence le réservoir tampon est réalisé dans un matériau poreux ou fibreux, notamment en polypropylène ou en polyester, dont la tension de surface a été abaissée par dépôt d'un agent ayant une tension de surface inférieure à 21mN/m. Le même effet de diffusion par capillarité avec des encres solvants ou des encres aqueuses comportant une forte dose de tensioactif peut être atteint à partir des réservoirs tampons tels que décrits dans les documents antérieurs mais auxquels on a fait subir un traitement destiné à réaliser un dépôt de surface d'un agent modifiant la tension superficielle initiale du réservoir tampon.Preferably the buffer tank is made of a porous material or fibrous, in particular polypropylene or polyester, whose surface tension has been lowered by depositing an agent with a surface tension of less than 21mN / m. The same capillary diffusion effect with solvent inks or aqueous inks with a high dose of surfactant can be reached at from the buffer tanks as described in the previous documents but which have been subjected to a treatment intended to produce a surface deposit of a agent modifying the initial surface tension of the buffer tank.

    Ce traitement peut notamment consister dans un traitement de fluoration, par exemple par plasma. Dans ce cas on obtient l'accrochage d'une couche superficielle de fluor modifiant la tension superficielle du réservoir tampon, ladite tension correspondant alors à celle du fluor.This treatment may in particular consist of a fluorination treatment, for example by plasma. In this case, we get the attachment of a layer surface fluorine modifying the surface tension of the buffer tank, said voltage then corresponding to that of fluorine.

    Selon une autre version, il peut s'agir du dépôt d'un polysiloxane. S'agissant d'un réservoir tampon à base de fibres, ce dépôt peut être obtenu par imprégnation desdites fibres par un bain de polysiloxane , foulardage et séchage.According to another version, it may be the deposition of a polysiloxane. As this is a fiber-based buffer tank, this deposit can be obtained by impregnation of said fibers with a polysiloxane bath, padding and drying.

    La présente invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va être faite d'un exemple de réalisation d'un article d'écriture à encre liquide pour surface non absorbante comportant un réservoir tampon en polypropylène poreux fluoré par plasma, illustré par le dessin annexé dans lequel :

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale de l'article,
  • Les figures 2A à 2C sont des vues schématiques partielles en coupe de la pointe transfert.
    • The present invention will be better understood on reading the description which will be given of an exemplary embodiment of a writing article with liquid ink for a non-absorbent surface comprising a buffer tank made of porous polypropylene fluorinated by plasma, illustrated by the attached drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the article,
  • Figures 2A to 2C are partial schematic sectional views of the transfer tip.

    • La présente invention a pour objet un article d'écriture à encre liquide du type selon lequel l'encre, qui est contenue dans un réservoir, est transférée dudit réservoir jusqu'à la tête d'écriture, par capillarité, dans une pointe de transfert. De manière connue, notamment par les documents antérieurs CH.422575, EP.380696, WO.92/20531, EP.516538, l'article d'écriture comporte également un réservoir tampon dans lequel l'encre en excès, en cas de variations de pression dans le réservoir, peut migrer depuis la pointe de transfert puis être restituée lorsque les conditions d'utilisation redeviennent normales.The subject of the present invention is a liquid ink writing article of the type by which ink, which is contained in a reservoir, is transferred from said reservoir to the writing head, by capillary action, in a transfer point. Of known manner, in particular by the prior documents CH.422575, EP.380696, WO.92 / 20531, EP.516538, the writing article also includes a reservoir buffer in which the excess ink, in case of pressure variations in the tank, can migrate from the transfer point and then be restored when the conditions of use return to normal.

    Un mode préféré d'articles d'écriture de ce type est notamment décrit dans le document antérieur EP.516538 et illustré par la figure 1 annexée.A preferred mode of writing articles of this type is described in particular in the prior document EP.516538 and illustrated by Figure 1 attached.

    L'article d'écriture 1 est constitué d'un corps creux 2 sensiblement cylindrique dont le fond 3 est obturé, dont la partie antérieure 4 est terminée par un cône 5 comportant un orifice central 6, et dont la partie postérieure 7 fait office de réservoir 8 pour l'encre liquide 9. Ledit réservoir 8 est fermé par une cloison intérieure 10 qui comporte un orifice central 11.The writing article 1 consists of a hollow body 2 substantially cylindrical, the bottom 3 of which is closed, the front part 4 of which is terminated by a cone 5 comprising a central orifice 6, and the rear part 7 of which acts reservoir 8 for liquid ink 9. Said reservoir 8 is closed by a partition interior 10 which has a central orifice 11.

    L'article 1 est constitué également d'une pointe de transfert 12 cylindrique, réalisée dans un matériau apte à assurer le transfert de l'encre par capillarité . Il peut s'agir notamment d'un feutre obtenu à partir de fibres acryliques ou de fibres de polyester compactées. Cette pointe 12 est positionnée selon l'axe longitudinal de symétrie du corps 2. Son extrémité arrière 12a est emmanchée légèrement à force dans l'orifice central 11 de la cloison 10 de sorte que l'étanchéité du réservoir 8 soit assurée, mais sans écrasement de cette extrémité 12a de sorte qu'il puisse y avoir circulation de l'encre et de l'air par la pointe 12.Article 1 also consists of a cylindrical transfer tip 12, made of a material capable of ensuring the transfer of the ink by capillary action. It may especially be a felt obtained from acrylic fibers or compacted polyester fibers. This tip 12 is positioned along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the body 2. Its rear end 12 a is pressed slightly into the central orifice 11 of the partition 10 so that the tightness of the reservoir 8 is ensured, but without crushing of this end 12 a so that there can be circulation of ink and air by the tip 12.

    De préférence, comme illustré sur la figure 1 , un épaulement tubulaire 14 de la cloison intérieure 10 entoure l'orifice central 11 par lequel passe la pointe 12. Cet épaulement tubulaire 14 permet d'obtenir une parfaite étanchéité du réservoir 8 sans écrasement de l'extrémité 12a de la pointe 12.Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a tubular shoulder 14 of the internal partition 10 surrounds the central orifice 11 through which the tip 12 passes. This tubular shoulder 14 makes it possible to obtain a perfect seal of the reservoir 8 without crushing the end 12 a of the tip 12.

    L'extrémité avant 12b de ladite pointe 12 est taillée en biseau, en ogive ou selon une autre configuration elle forme la tête d'écriture et est centrée dans l'orifice central 6 de la partie conique 5 du corps 2. Ce centrage est de préférence obtenu par des ergots 15 répartis sur la périphérie de la paroi interne du col 16 prolongeant le cône 5; lesdits ergots 15 délimitent des espaces libres autour de l'extrémité avant 12b de la pointe de manière à permettre une circulation d'air entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur de l'article 1.The front end 12 b of said point 12 is cut in a bevel, in a warhead or in another configuration it forms the writing head and is centered in the central orifice 6 of the conical part 5 of the body 2. This centering is preferably obtained by lugs 15 distributed over the periphery of the internal wall of the neck 16 extending the cone 5; said lugs 15 delimit free spaces around the front end 12 b of the tip so as to allow air circulation between the inside and the outside of the article 1.

    L'article 1 est constitué enfin d'un réservoir tampon 13 qui entoure la pointe transfert 12 dans la partie intérieure du corps 2 qui est comprise entre le réservoir 8 et le cône 5.Article 1 finally consists of a buffer tank 13 which surrounds the transfer point 12 in the inner part of the body 2 which is between the tank 8 and the cone 5.

    Le réservoir tampon 13 a pour fonction d'absorber et de restituer l'excès d'encre parvenant à la pointe de transfert 12 en cas de variations des conditions d'utilisation de l'article 1.The buffer tank 13 has the function of absorbing and restoring the excess ink reaching transfer point 12 if conditions change of use of article 1.

    En fonctionnement normal, l'encre 9 qui est contenue dans le réservoir 8 et qui est en contact avec l'extrémité arrière 12a de la pointe 12 est absorbée et migre par capillarité dans la pointe 12 jusqu'à son extrémité avant 12b. L'encre consommée par la tête d'écriture est remplacée au fur et à mesure par l'encre provenant du réservoir 8. Il s'établit un équilibre de pression entre l'air contenu dans le réservoir 8 et l'air régnant dans le reste du corps 2.In normal operation, the ink 9 which is contained in the reservoir 8 and which is in contact with the rear end 12 a of the tip 12 is absorbed and migrates by capillary action in the tip 12 to its front end 12 b . The ink consumed by the writing head is gradually replaced by the ink coming from the reservoir 8. A pressure balance is established between the air contained in the reservoir 8 and the air prevailing in the rest of body 2.

    En cas de fonctionnement anormal, dû notamment à une augmentation de pression dans le réservoir 8, par exemple lors d'un échauffement de l'article 1, un excès d'encre 9 afflue depuis le réservoir 8 dans la pointe 12.In the event of abnormal operation, due in particular to an increase in pressure in tank 8, for example during heating of article 1, a excess ink 9 flows from the reservoir 8 into the tip 12.

    En absence de réservoir tampon 13, cet excès d'encre migrerait jusqu'à la tête d'écriture 12b et provoquerait une alimentation anormale de l'article 1, susceptible de former des tâches ou des coulures sur le support d'écriture . Grâce à la présence du réservoir tampon 13, cet excès d'encre ne parvient pas à la tête d'écriture 12b ; par capillarité, l'excès d'encre diffuse dans le réservoir tampon 13 en contact avec les capillaires de la pointe 12, jusqu'à ce que l'équilibre de pression se rétablisse. Ensuite, lors de la ré-utilisation de l'article 1, l'encre qui est consommée par la tête d'écriture 12b provient préférentiellement du réservoir tampon 13.In the absence of a buffer tank 13, this excess ink would migrate to the writing head 12 b and cause an abnormal supply of the article 1, capable of forming spots or streaks on the writing medium. Thanks to the presence of the buffer tank 13, this excess ink does not reach the writing head 12b ; by capillarity, the excess ink diffuses into the buffer tank 13 in contact with the capillaries of the tip 12, until the pressure balance is restored. Then, when the article 1 is reused, the ink which is consumed by the writing head 12 b preferably comes from the buffer tank 13.

    Selon l'exemple de réalisation, conforme au document EP.516538, le réservoir tampon 13 est sous forme d'un bloc compact ajusté sans serrage autour de la pointe 12, dans un matériau à pores ouverts, de grande porosité. Il peut également s'agir d'un matériau fibreux ou encore d'un réservoir tampon consistant en une pièce moulée , avec des fentes radiales en forme de peignes et des fentes longitudinales mettant en communication les fentes radiales et la partie centrale évidée en contact avec la pointe transfert, conforme au document EP.380696.According to the embodiment, in accordance with document EP.516538, the buffer tank 13 is in the form of a compact block adjusted without tightening around of the tip 12, in an open pore material, of high porosity. he can also be a fibrous material or a consistent buffer tank in one molded part, with comb-like radial slots and slots longitudinal connecting the radial slots and the central part hollowed out in contact with the transfer point, in accordance with document EP.380696.

    Le but visé par la présente invention est de pouvoir utiliser un tel article 1 pour écrire sur des supports non-absorbants du type tableau blanc effaçable à sec ou sur des supports métalliques ou plastiques. On sait que dans ce cas l'encre qui est mise en oeuvre doit avoir une mouillabilité suffisante vis-à-vis du support pour qu'il y ait un marquage satisfaisant. On utilise alors des encres à base de solvant ou encore des encres aqueuses comportant des tensioactifs modifiant leur mouillabilité vis-à-vis de tels supports.The aim of the present invention is to be able to use such an article 1 for writing on non-absorbent supports such as dry erase whiteboards or on metallic or plastic supports. We know that in this case the ink which is implemented must have sufficient wettability with respect to the support for that there is a satisfactory marking. Solvent-based inks are used or aqueous inks comprising surfactants modifying their wettability with respect to such supports.

    Le demandeur a constaté que de manière générale la tension superficielle des encres utilisées pour de tels supports était comprise dans une fourchette de 21 à 25mN/m.The applicant has found that, in general, the surface tension inks used for such media was in the range of 21 at 25mN / m.

    L'article d'écriture 1 qui a été décrit ci-dessus n'a jusqu'à présent été utilisé que pour des encres aqueuses, c'est-à-dire pour écrire sur des supports absorbants. Le but visé par la présente invention est de modifier ledit article d'écriture 1 de manière à permettre son utilisation sur des supports non-absorbants ou des supports métalliques ou plastiques.Writing article 1 which has been described above has so far been used only for aqueous inks, i.e. for writing on supports absorbent. The aim of the present invention is to modify said article writing 1 so as to allow its use on non-absorbent supports or metallic or plastic supports.

    De manière caractéristique, d'une part l'encre 9 est une encre qui a une tension de surface comprise entre 21 et 25mN/m et d'autre part le réservoir tampon 13 a une tension de surface qui est inférieure à celle de l'encre. L'écart entre la tension superficielle du matériau constitutif du réservoir tampon 13 et la tension superficielle de l'encre 9 est tel que le réservoir tampon puisse absorber et restituer l'excès d'encre provenant de la pointe de transfert 12, par capillarité , en cas de variations de la pression régnant dans le réservoir.Typically, on the one hand the ink 9 is an ink which has a surface tension between 21 and 25mN / m and on the other hand the buffer tank 13 has a surface tension which is lower than that of the ink. The gap between surface tension of the material of the buffer tank 13 and the tension of the ink 9 is such that the buffer tank can absorb and restore the excess ink coming from the transfer point 12, by capillary action, in the event of variations in the pressure in the tank.

    En effet les travaux du demandeur l'ont conduit à analyser et à vérifier l'importance des rapports existant entre les tensions de surface des différents composants entrant dans la circulation de l'encre, après avoir constaté qu'en mettant en oeuvre une encre du type solvant le réservoir tampon hydrophobe en polypropylène tel que décrit dans le document EP.516538 se remplissait d'encre dans des conditions normales de fonctionnement.Indeed, the applicant's work led him to analyze and verify the importance of the relationships between the surface tensions of the different components entering the ink circulation, after having noted that using a solvent type ink the hydrophobic buffer tank in polypropylene as described in document EP.516538 was filled with ink under normal operating conditions.

    Pour obtenir un réservoir tampon qui soit polyvalent, c'est-à-dire qui puisse être utilisé pour tout type d'encre dont la tension de surface est comprise entre 21 et 25mN/m, il est préférable que l'écart déterminé entre les tensions superficielles du matériau constitutif du réservoir tampon et de l'encre soit égal ou inférieur à 4mN/m.To obtain a buffer tank that is versatile, i.e. can be used for any type of ink whose surface tension is included between 21 and 25mN / m, it is preferable that the determined difference between the tensions of the constituent material of the buffer tank and the ink is equal or less than 4mN / m.

    Ceci peut être obtenu en mettant en oeuvre dans ledit réservoir un matériau ayant une telle tension de surface ou encore en modifiant le matériau constitutif du réservoir tampon pour abaisser la tension superficielle par dépôt d'un agent ayant une tension superficielle plus basse, par exemple inférieure à 21mN/m.This can be obtained by using in said tank a material with such surface tension or by modifying the material constituting the buffer tank to lower the surface tension by depositing a agent having a lower surface tension, for example less than 21mN / m.

    Pour obtenir un tel résultat on peut traiter un réservoir tampon 13 déjà constitué, par exemple obtenu par thermofusion d'un mélange de microsphères ou microbilles de deux types de polypropylène de grades différents, c'est-à-dire de polypropylène ayant des températures de fusion différentes, comme décrit dans le document EP.516538, ou par thermocollage de microsphères d'un seul matériau thermoplastique. Comme cela a été indiqué précédemment, lorsqu'il est mis en oeuvre avec des encres du type solvant ou comportant des tensioactifs , ce réservoir se remplit d'encre même en cas d'utilisation de l'article dans des conditions normales de pression et de température.To obtain such a result, a buffer tank 13 can already be treated consisting, for example, obtained by thermofusion of a mixture of microspheres or microbeads of two types of polypropylene of different grades, i.e. of polypropylene with different melting temperatures, as described in document EP.516538, or by thermobonding microspheres of a single material thermoplastic. As noted earlier, when put in works with inks of the solvent type or comprising surfactants, this reservoir fills with ink even when the item is used in normal pressure and temperature conditions.

    Par contre si on soumet ledit réservoir tampon à un traitement de fluoration en milieu plasma, le réservoir tampon 13 remplit sa fonction c'est-à-dire n'absorbe l'encre 9 provenant de la pointe 12 qu'en cas de variation de la pression régnant dans le réservoir 8. Ce traitement de fluoration a pour effet de déposer une fine couche de fluor en surface du polypropylène constitutif du réservoir tampon, ce qui abaisse la tension superficielle de celui-ci jusqu'à la rendre par exemple inférieure à 21mN/m.On the other hand, if said buffer tank is subjected to a treatment of fluorination in plasma medium, the buffer tank 13 fulfills its function, that is to say only absorbs ink 9 coming from tip 12 only if the pressure changes prevailing in the reservoir 8. This fluorination treatment has the effect of depositing a thin layer of fluorine on the surface of the polypropylene making up the buffer tank, which lowers the surface tension of it to make it for example less than 21mN / m.

    Il est possible d'appliquer un tel traitement de fluoration par plasma sur tout type de matériaux adaptés pour constituer le réservoir tampon.It is possible to apply such a plasma fluorination treatment to all types of materials suitable for constituting the buffer tank.

    Il est également possible de traiter non plus le réservoir tampon déjà mis en forme mais les matériaux qui constitueront le réservoir tampon avant la mise en forme de celui-ci. En particulier , s'agissant d'un réservoir tampon fibreux, réalisé à partir de fibres de polyester ou de polypropylène, il est possible de déposer en surface desdites fibres une fine couche d'un polysiloxane ou encore d'une résine fluorée par imprégnation desdites fibres par un bain contenant l'un ou l'autre de ces ingrédients , foulardage et séchage.It is also possible to process the already placed buffer tank either in shape but the materials that will constitute the buffer tank before putting in the shape of it. In particular, being a fibrous buffer tank, made from polyester or polypropylene fibers, it is possible to deposit on the surface of said fibers a thin layer of a polysiloxane or else of a fluorinated resin by impregnating said fibers with a bath containing one either of these ingredients, padding and drying.

    La tension superficielle du réservoir tampon 13 doit être inférieure à celle de l'encre 9 contenue dans le réservoir 8. Cependant elle ne doit pas être trop basse dans la mesure où dans ce cas l'encre 9 ne pourrait plus migrer à l'intérieur du réservoir tampon 13 même en cas de variation de pression régnant dans le réservoir 8. Le réservoir tampon 13 ne pourrait alors plus remplir la fonction qui lui est impartie. Selon le demandeur, la différence entre la tension superficielle du réservoir tampon et celle de l'encre ne doit pas excéder 4mN/m.The surface tension of the buffer tank 13 must be lower than that of the ink 9 contained in the reservoir 8. However, it should not be too much low since in this case the ink 9 could no longer migrate inside of the buffer tank 13 even in the event of a pressure variation prevailing in the tank 8. The buffer tank 13 could then no longer fulfill the function which is imparted to him. According to the applicant, the difference between the surface tension of the buffer tank and that of the ink must not exceed 4mN / m.

    Le réservoir tampon 13 peut présenter une tension superficielle différenciée dans l'ensemble de son volume. En particulier cette variation de tension superficielle peut se matérialiser par un réservoir tampon 13 composé d'un assemblage modulaire, dans le sens longitudinal par rapport à la pointe transfert 12. De préférence la tension superficielle du réservoir tampon est plus haute près du réservoir 8 que près de l'orifice central de sortie de la pointe transfert de manière à absorber l'excès d'encre apparaissant préférentiellement du côté du réservoir 8.The buffer tank 13 may have a surface tension differentiated throughout its volume. In particular this variation of surface tension can be materialized by a buffer tank 13 composed of a modular assembly, in the longitudinal direction with respect to the transfer point 12. Preferably the surface tension of the buffer tank is higher near of the reservoir 8 that near the central outlet of the transfer point of so as to absorb the excess ink preferably appearing on the side of the tank 8.

    A la figure 2 on a représenté des variantes de réalisation de la pointe transfert 12 pouvant être mises en oeuvre pour des raisons de facilité de fabrication et de montage. Selon toutes ces variantes, la pointe transfert 12 est en deux parties connectées l'une à l'autre, grâce à des moyens de connexion. La connexion doit permettre à la tige transfert de remplir sa fonction de diffusion de l'encre 9 depuis le réservoir 8 jusqu'à la pointe d'écriture, malgré la dissociation de celle-ci en deux parties 12',12'' de même nature ou de nature différente. La première partie 12' a son extrémité arrière qui débouche dans le réservoir 8 et la seconde partie 12'' a son extrémité avant 12''b qui forme pointe d'écriture et débouche hors du corps 2. Le réservoir tampon 13 est en contact avec la première partie 12'. In Figure 2 there are shown alternative embodiments of the transfer tip 12 which can be implemented for reasons of ease of manufacture and assembly. According to all these variants, the transfer tip 12 is in two parts connected to one another, by means of connection. The connection must allow the transfer rod to fulfill its function of diffusing the ink 9 from the reservoir 8 to the writing tip, despite the dissociation of the latter into two parts 12 ', 12''similarly nature or different nature. The first part 12 'has its rear end which opens into the reservoir 8 and the second part 12''has its front end 12'' b which forms a writing point and opens out of the body 2. The buffer tank 13 is in contact with the first part 12 '.

    La première partie 12' est constituée d'un jonc capillaire. La seconde partie est constituée d'une pointe à écrire ou à marquer ; quelle que soit sa nature: pointe extrudée, pointe roller, plume, pointe feutre, pointe en fibre acrylique ou polyester.The first part 12 ′ consists of a capillary rod. The second part consists of a writing or marking point; whatever its nature: extruded tip, roller tip, pen, felt tip, acrylic fiber tip or polyester.

    La connexion de l'extrémité avant 12'c de la première partie 12' et de l'extrémité arrière 12''c de la seconde partie 12'' est par exemple obtenue par apport de colle 17 (figure 2A) ou par soudage ou grâce à une gaine 18 (figure 2B) soudée ou non ou par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce de connexion 19 en fibre hydrophile ou dans un matériau poreux capillaire hydrophile.The connection of the front end 12'c of the first part 12 'and of the rear end 12 '' c of the second part 12 '' is for example obtained by supply of glue 17 (FIG. 2A) or by welding or using a sheath 18 (FIG. 2B) welded or not or via a fiber connection piece 19 hydrophilic or in a porous hydrophilic capillary material.

    La présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode préféré de réalisation qui a été décrit à titre d'exemple non exhaustif. En particulier s'agissant d'un réservoir tampon tel que celui qui est divulgué dans le document EP.380696, il serait possible grâce à un traitement adéquat, notamment une fluoration par plasma, de rendre l'article d'écriture dans lequel il s'insère apte à être utilisé sur des supports non-absorbants, notamment tableaux effaçables à sec, ou des supports métalliques ou plastiques.The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment which has been described by way of non-exhaustive example. Particularly in the case of a tank buffer such as the one disclosed in document EP.380696, it would possible with adequate treatment, including plasma fluorination, make the writing article into which it fits suitable for use on supports non-absorbent, including dry erase boards, or metallic supports or plastics.

    Claims (9)

    1. A liquid ink writing implement that is designed for use on non-absorbent media made of metal or of plastic and that is composed of:
      a) a body (2) whose rear portion (7) constitutes the reservoir (8) for the ink (9);
      b) a transfer rod (12) whose rear end (12a) opens out into the reservoir (8) and whose front end (12b) projects out from said body (2) and forms a writing tip; and
      c) a buffer reservoir (13) in contact with the transfer rod (12);
      characterised in that the ink is an ink (9) having a surface tension lying in the range 21 mN/m to 25 mN/m, that is designed for use on non-absorbent media made of metal or of plastic, and in that the surface tension of the material constituting the buffer reservoir (13) is less than that of the ink (9), having a determined difference therefrom, said surface tension of the buffer reservoir being sufficient to enable it to absorb and to give back excess ink coming from the transfer rod (12) by capillarity in the event of variation in the pressure inside the reservoir (8).
    2. An implement according to claim 1, characterised in that the determined difference between the surface tension of the ink (9) and that of the material constituting the buffer reservoir (13) is less than or equal to 4 mN/m.
    3. An implement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the buffer reservoir (13) is made of a material whose surface tension has been lowered by depositing thereon an agent whose surface tension is less than that of the ink and lies within the determined difference.
    4. An implement according to claim 3, characterised in that the agent deposit is a deposit of fluorine.
    5. An implement according to claim 4, characterised in that the fluorine deposit is obtained by plasma fluorination treatment.
    6. An implement according to claim 3, characterised in that the agent deposit is a deposit of fluorine-containing resin or of polysiloxane.
    7. An implement according to claim 6, characterised in that the buffer reservoir (13) is based on fibers, and in that the deposit is obtained by impregnating the fibers in a bath of fluorine-containing resin or of polysiloxane, by mangling, and by drying, prior to forming the buffer reservoir.
    8. An implement according to claim 1, characterised in that the surface tension of the buffer reservoir varies in the longitudinal direction as determined by the direction of the transfer rod, being greater close to the reservoir than close to the central outlet orifice of the rod.
    9. An implement according to claim 1, characterised in that the transfer rod (12) is made up of two interconnected portions: a first portion (12') whose rear end penetrates into the reservoir (8); and a second portion (12'') whose front end (12''b) forms the writing tip and projects out from the body (2); in that the buffer reservoir (13) is in contact with said first portion (12'); and in that the implement includes means for connecting the front end (12'c) of the first portion (12') to the rear end (12''c) of the second portion.
    EP95490019A 1994-05-11 1995-05-10 Writing implement with fluid, especially solvent based Expired - Lifetime EP0681924B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9406026A FR2719806B1 (en) 1994-05-11 1994-05-11 Writing article in liquid ink, in particular solvent-based.
    FR9406026 1994-05-11

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    EP0681924A1 EP0681924A1 (en) 1995-11-15
    EP0681924B1 true EP0681924B1 (en) 1998-04-08

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    EP (1) EP0681924B1 (en)
    JP (1) JP3482032B2 (en)
    AT (1) ATE164807T1 (en)
    BR (1) BR9502011A (en)
    CA (1) CA2148902C (en)
    DE (1) DE69501976T2 (en)
    DK (1) DK0681924T3 (en)
    ES (1) ES2119343T3 (en)
    FR (1) FR2719806B1 (en)
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    RU2127672C1 (en) 1999-03-20
    JPH07318377A (en) 1995-12-08
    RU95107148A (en) 1996-12-27
    CA2148902C (en) 2006-02-21
    FR2719806A1 (en) 1995-11-17
    FR2719806B1 (en) 1996-08-02
    DE69501976D1 (en) 1998-05-14
    US5971646A (en) 1999-10-26
    ATE164807T1 (en) 1998-04-15
    CA2148902A1 (en) 1995-11-12
    BR9502011A (en) 1995-12-12
    JP3482032B2 (en) 2003-12-22
    ES2119343T3 (en) 1998-10-01
    DK0681924T3 (en) 1999-01-25
    DE69501976T2 (en) 1998-11-05
    EP0681924A1 (en) 1995-11-15

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