[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1998029034A1 - Regulateur respiratoire - Google Patents

Regulateur respiratoire Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998029034A1
WO1998029034A1 PCT/US1997/024091 US9724091W WO9829034A1 WO 1998029034 A1 WO1998029034 A1 WO 1998029034A1 US 9724091 W US9724091 W US 9724091W WO 9829034 A1 WO9829034 A1 WO 9829034A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
breath
breathing regulator
breathing
means comprises
breath sensing
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1997/024091
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Karim Esmailzadeh
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU57249/98A priority Critical patent/AU5724998A/en
Publication of WO1998029034A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998029034A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/18—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for improving respiratory function
    • A63B23/185—Rhythm indicators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/08—Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
    • A61B5/0816—Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency
    • 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. ventilators; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
    • A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
    • A61M2016/0021—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
    • 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
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
    • A61M2021/0022—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus by the tactile sense, e.g. vibrations
    • 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
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
    • A61M2021/0027—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus by the hearing sense
    • 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
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
    • A61M2021/0055—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus with electric or electro-magnetic fields

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for regulating a bodily function and more particularly to a device for encouraging regular breathing especially during sleep.
  • Breathing improperly is known to cause problems due to a body receiving an inadequate quantity of oxygen causing physiological effects. For example, failure to breathe properly during sleep is known to cause a person to indicate symptoms of sleepiness during waking hours, fatigue and reduced health.
  • obstructive sleep apnoea is a common disorder, particularly in middle age people.
  • the problem is a sleep-induced blockage of the airway which results in apnoeic episodes during sleep.
  • the sleep is fragmented causing continuing degeneration over months or years. This continuing degeneration worsens the problem with the apnoeic episode frequently exceeding two minutes in a sleeper and causing the blood/oxygen saturation level to fall below 90% .
  • the nasal air passageway from the nose to the lungs may become partially blocked or interrupted by tissues, such as the tongue, in the throat and mouth area.
  • the obstruction of the airway causes a degree of asphyxia in the sleeper due to reduced oxygen being absorbed into the body. This obstruction may cause the sleeper to wake frequently during the sleeping time to breathe, resulting in insufficient rest.
  • Major symptoms of the sleep apnoea problem are excessive daytime sleepiness and snoring.
  • the daytime sleepiness is due to the sleep apnoea problem preventing a sleeper from getting sufficient rest while sleeping.
  • Snoring may be associated with this obstruction as an indication of blockage of the airway leading to the lungs.
  • the partial asphyxia may cause a variety of problems in the sleeper including hypertension, heart problems, headaches, and personality changes.
  • the obstructive sleep apnoea has also been linked to stroke mortality, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. More than 75% of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea have been reported having a variation in heart rate referred to as Brady tachy- arrhythmia. Studies have shown that the heart rate slows with the cessation of ventilation during obstructive sleep apnoea and the extent of slowing correlates to the duration and amount of oxygen desaturation caused by the problem. The heart rate increases suddenly as the sleeper wakes and the obstructive apnoea is terminated. This variation in heart rate has been shown to reduce the amount of oxygen distributed to the body. The combination of reduced heart rate and reduced oxygen distribution have been linked to the problems of myocardial infarction, sudden death and stroke.
  • the problem of obstructive sleep apnoea may be caused by reduced pressure in the body airway during inspiration which urges the tongue and soft palate to block the body airway.
  • failure of muscles in the throat may further allow blockage of the body airway.
  • suction created by a sleeper having airway resistance in the mouth or nose region may cause additional pressure causing the body airway to collapse.
  • Gravity may also force the mouth into an open position allowing the tongue, soft palate and pharynx to block the body airway.
  • the pneumatic pressurizing system has been used to provide a continuous positive body airway pressure acting as a pneumatic splint in holding the body airway in communication with a pressurizing device which supplies air to the nasal passageway.
  • the breathing regulator generally comprises a breath sensing means to determine whether a user has or has not taken a breath. If a breath has not been taken the breath sensing means sends a signal to a controller which initiates a warning means, which can be timed, that encourages the user to take a breath.
  • An object and advantage of the present invention is that the breathing regulator is a non-invasive device that will cause little, if any, discomfort to the user.
  • Another object and advantage of the present invention is that the breathing regulator is of a relatively simple and inexpensive design that would be affordable to almost all individuals.
  • Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is that the breathing regulator allows a user to choose from a number of breath sensing means and warning means. The user can choose which ever means are most appropriate and/or comfortable for their use.
  • Still another object and advantage of the present invention is that with continued use of the breathing regulator many of the problems of obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleeping disorders may be overcome and normal, consistent breathing patterns during sleep may actually be restored.
  • FIG. 1 depicts the main components of the breathing regulator
  • FIG. 2 depicts a simplified version of the breathing regulator.
  • the breathing regulator 10 generally comprises a control system 20, a breath sensing means 15, a warning means 25 and a power supply 30.
  • the control system 20 may comprise an integrated circuit or actual component parts, either of which is powered by an electrical supply 30.
  • the electrical supply 30 may comprise a battery that may or may not be self contained within the control system 20.
  • the control system 20 is adapted to receive a breath sensing signal from the breath sensing means 15, to output a warning signal to the warning means 25 and may incorporate an on/off timer 33.
  • the breath sensing means 15 detects whether or not a breath has been taken by a user; (2) the breath sensing signal correlative to whether a breath has or has not been taken is sent from the breath sensing means 15 to the control system 20; (3) the control system 20 reads the breath sensing signal; (4) if a breath has been taken no further action by the control system 20 is taken. However, if a breath has not been taken the control system 20 outputs the warning signal; (5) the warning signal initiates the warning means 25 that encourages the user to breathe; (6) the warning means 25 continues operating until the breath sensing means 15 sends a breath sensing signal to the control system 20 that a breath has been taken.
  • control system 20 may incorporate an on/off timer 33.
  • the use of the timer 33 produces operation of the breathing regulator 10 as follows: (1) the breath sensing means 15 detects whether or not a breath has been taken by a user; (2) the breath sensing signal correlative to whether a breath has or has not been taken is sent from the breath sensing means 15 to the control system 20; (3) the control system 20 reads the breath sensing signal; (4) if a breath has been taken no further action by the control system 20 is taken.
  • the control system 20 outputs the warning signal; (5) the warning signal simultaneously turns on the timer 33 and the warning means 25; (6) the warning means 25 continues operation until the timer 33, set for a predetermined "on” time, times out (or shuts "off) at which time the timer 33 is reset to await another warning signal from the control system 20.
  • the breath sensing means 15 may consist of any number of various devices.
  • the breath sensing means 15 may be a thermocouple that is attached to the nose and mouth.
  • the thermocouple detects the differential air temperature between the nose and mouth. If the differential air temperature is low, this indicates that a breath has not been taken and a correlative breath sensing signal is sent to the control system 20 whereby operation of the breathing regulator 10 continues as described above.
  • the breath sensing means 20 may consist of microphones attached to the nose and mouth to detect noise arising from breathing. If no noise is detected, this indicates that a breath has not been taken and a correlative breath sensing signal is sent to the control system 20 whereby operation of the breathing regulator 10 continues as described above.
  • a breath sensing means 15 is a pulse oximeter.
  • the pulse oximeter may be attached to the finger or toe of an individual to monitor the amount of oxygen saturation in the blood. If the oxygen saturation is low, this indicates that a breath has not been taken and a correlative breath sensing signal is sent to the control system 20 whereby operation of the breathing regulator 10 continues as described above.
  • a breath sensing means 15 is an air movement probe.
  • the air movement probe is attached to the nose and mouth to detect the amount of air rushing past it. If the probe detects only a small amount of rushing air, this indicates that a breath has not been taken and a correlative breath sensing signal is sent to the control system 20 whereby operation of the breathing regulator 10 continues as described above.
  • breath sensing means 15 include: (1) using a motion probe attached to breathing muscles or body parts, i.e. the chest, to detect movement, little movement indicating that a breath is necessary; (2) using a carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide analyzer to detect breathing, low levels of carbon dioxide and monoxide indicating that a breath is necessary; and (3) other means available now or in the future for determining whether a breath has been taken.
  • a motion probe attached to breathing muscles or body parts i.e. the chest
  • carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide analyzer to detect breathing, low levels of carbon dioxide and monoxide indicating that a breath is necessary
  • other means available now or in the future for determining whether a breath has been taken are examples of these devices, having detected that a breath has not been taken sends a correlative breath sensing signal to the control system 20 whereby operation of the breathing regulator 10 continues as described above.
  • the warning means 25 may also take many forms.
  • the warning signal from the control system 20 may initiate a vibrator which may appropriately rest or be strapped to an individuals neck, arm, hand, leg, chest or other appropriate body part.
  • the warning signal from the control system 20 may initiate a small electrical sensation or shock to the body.
  • Yet another alternative for the warning means 25 is to initiate a sound in or nearby the ear.
  • Each of these warning means 25 notifies the user that it is necessary to take a breath. While initially, this notification may awaken the user from sleep, after continued use the user will be conditioned to breathe without awakening. Continued use of the breathing regulator 10 may actually restore normal and healthy breathing patterns to the user. Further, the warning means 25 of the breathing regulator will encourage breathing before sleep induced-blockage of the airway can occur. In this manner, the breathing regulator 10 will help to overcome many of the problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing and/or sleeping disorders.
  • the on/off timer 33 is a standard timer circuit incorporated into the control system 20.
  • the timer 33 may have an adjustable "on” time or may be manufactured with a preset “on” time.
  • An “on” time of 2.5 seconds is appropriate; this means that the warning means 25 will operate for 2.5 seconds which is approximately the average length of time that a person inhales during a breath.
  • FIG. 2 A simplified version of the breathing regulator 10 is shown in Figure 2 and comprises a warning means 25 such as a vibrator, a power supply 30 and a timer 35.
  • the breathing regulator 10 of Figure 2 is an electrically supplied, timer controlled vibrator that is attachable to the body, preferably in a position close to the shoulder and/or neck.
  • the timer 35 is set with a five second cycle (two and one-half seconds “on” and two and one-half seconds “off”). When the timer 35 is "on” the vibrator, operating as the warning means 25, is vibrating encouraging the user to breathe.
  • the timer 35 may be adjustable such that various cycles can be set for more or less breaths per minute as required.
  • a small electric shock or sound could be used as the warning means 25 in combination with the timer 35 and achieve similar breath regulating results.
  • a "DAYTON” ® Solid State Time Delay Relay has been found to work well as the timer 35 in this application.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)

Abstract

Le régulateur respiratoire de l'invention comprend généralement un détecteur de souffle permettant de déterminer si l'utilisateur vient d'inspirer ou non. Si ce n'est pas le cas, le détecteur de souffle envoie un signal à une unité de commande qui déclenche un dispositif d'alerte, dont on peut régler la synchronisation, et qui encourage l'utilisateur à inspirer. Le détecteur de souffle peut comprendre un ou plusieurs des dispositifs suivants: thermocouple, microphone, sphygmo-oxymètre, sonde de détection de déplacement d'air, sonde de détection de mouvements ou détecteur d'oxyde/dioxyde de carbone. Le dispositif d'alerte peut également se présenter sous diverses formes. Par exemple, un vibrateur, un dispositif à électrochocs ou un générateur de sons peuvent être utilisés pour avertir l'utilisateur qu'il doit inspirer.
PCT/US1997/024091 1997-01-02 1997-12-30 Regulateur respiratoire Ceased WO1998029034A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU57249/98A AU5724998A (en) 1997-01-02 1997-12-30 Breathing regulator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US77809597A 1997-01-02 1997-01-02
US08/778,095 1997-01-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998029034A1 true WO1998029034A1 (fr) 1998-07-09

Family

ID=25112292

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/024091 Ceased WO1998029034A1 (fr) 1997-01-02 1997-12-30 Regulateur respiratoire

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5724998A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998029034A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2233071A1 (fr) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-29 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Dispositif de rétroaction respirable
FR2964560A1 (fr) * 2010-09-10 2012-03-16 Jacek Wasylkiewicz Stimulateur respiratoire
CN102499656A (zh) * 2011-11-01 2012-06-20 陕西科技大学 一种腕带式睡眠监控装置
WO2012149558A1 (fr) * 2011-04-29 2012-11-01 Chamberlin D Eric Systèmes et procédés pour éliciter une zone thérapeutique
US8528552B2 (en) 2008-12-01 2013-09-10 Dräger Medical GmbH SPO2 control with adaptive linear compensation

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1492875A (en) * 1975-03-12 1977-11-23 Leuner H Device for the measurement of respiratory movement
US4064869A (en) * 1974-10-16 1977-12-27 Peter Bernard Defares Apparatus for regulating the breathing pattern
US4074710A (en) * 1976-05-28 1978-02-21 City Of Hope National Medical Center Intrathoracic pressure biofeedback method
DE3134641A1 (de) * 1981-09-02 1983-03-31 Egon Fred 3002 Wedemark Warnke Verfahren zur stimulation des einschlaf- und/oder entspannungsverhaltens sowie einer einrichtung hierzu
US4420001A (en) * 1979-01-19 1983-12-13 Hearne Keith M T Respiratory measuring devices
US5195528A (en) * 1990-02-16 1993-03-23 Hok Instrument Ab Acoustic respiration detector
WO1996028093A1 (fr) * 1995-03-09 1996-09-19 St. Elizabeth's Medical Center Of Boston, Inc. Appareil et procede de reduction de la frequence et de la duree d'evenements apneiques

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4064869A (en) * 1974-10-16 1977-12-27 Peter Bernard Defares Apparatus for regulating the breathing pattern
GB1492875A (en) * 1975-03-12 1977-11-23 Leuner H Device for the measurement of respiratory movement
US4074710A (en) * 1976-05-28 1978-02-21 City Of Hope National Medical Center Intrathoracic pressure biofeedback method
US4420001A (en) * 1979-01-19 1983-12-13 Hearne Keith M T Respiratory measuring devices
DE3134641A1 (de) * 1981-09-02 1983-03-31 Egon Fred 3002 Wedemark Warnke Verfahren zur stimulation des einschlaf- und/oder entspannungsverhaltens sowie einer einrichtung hierzu
US5195528A (en) * 1990-02-16 1993-03-23 Hok Instrument Ab Acoustic respiration detector
WO1996028093A1 (fr) * 1995-03-09 1996-09-19 St. Elizabeth's Medical Center Of Boston, Inc. Appareil et procede de reduction de la frequence et de la duree d'evenements apneiques

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8528552B2 (en) 2008-12-01 2013-09-10 Dräger Medical GmbH SPO2 control with adaptive linear compensation
EP2233071A1 (fr) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-29 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Dispositif de rétroaction respirable
FR2964560A1 (fr) * 2010-09-10 2012-03-16 Jacek Wasylkiewicz Stimulateur respiratoire
WO2012149558A1 (fr) * 2011-04-29 2012-11-01 Chamberlin D Eric Systèmes et procédés pour éliciter une zone thérapeutique
CN102499656A (zh) * 2011-11-01 2012-06-20 陕西科技大学 一种腕带式睡眠监控装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5724998A (en) 1998-07-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8616208B2 (en) Oral appliance with auto negative pressure control and method thereof
US7913691B2 (en) Session-by-session adjustments of a device for treating sleep disordered breathing
US5884625A (en) Oral appliance for delivering gas to the retroglossal area
US5901704A (en) Sleep apnea treatment apparatus with minimum leakage assurance circuit
US20060276701A1 (en) Detection and stimulus conditioning system for sleep apnea
WO2016073965A1 (fr) Dispositif pour la détection, l'évaluation et le traitement de ronflement, d'apnées et d'hypopnées du sommeil
US20140123977A1 (en) Sleep-activated cpap machine
US10105256B2 (en) Intraoral functional device for relieving obstructive sleep apnea syndrom, snoring and/or other airway disorders
US5873363A (en) Method and apparatus for breathing
KR20100119249A (ko) 코골이 베개
CN113350018A (zh) 一种可调式下颌前移侧卧止鼾装置
WO1998029034A1 (fr) Regulateur respiratoire
CN212650976U (zh) 一种可调式下颌前移侧卧止鼾装置
CN113164319B (zh) 用于治疗呼吸相关睡眠障碍的装置和方法及装置控制方法
US20180250487A1 (en) CPAP Mask Connector and Pillow System
CN203288041U (zh) 一种睡姿调控仪
Goldberg et al. Combined Nasal Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation and Rocking Bed in Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency*: Nocturnal Ventilatory Support of a Disabled Person at Home
CN201079473Y (zh) 一种除鼾球
CN114246550A (zh) 一种人体睡眠监控系统在改善睡眠障碍中的用途
Phillips Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Shneerson Sleep apnoeas
AV ANALYSIS ON PARAMETERS AFFECTING SLEEP APNEA & CONTROL MEASURES USING LOW COST POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE SUPPLY MACHINE

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CN CU CZ EE GE GH GM GW HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL RO RU SD SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG UZ VN YU ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI

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

Ref country code: CA

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase