EP2305556A1 - Vorrichtung zum Reinigen mit einem Fluidstrom eine eingetauchte Fläche einer Wasserkonstruktion von Muscheln und anderen Organismen - Google Patents

Vorrichtung zum Reinigen mit einem Fluidstrom eine eingetauchte Fläche einer Wasserkonstruktion von Muscheln und anderen Organismen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2305556A1
EP2305556A1 EP09171844A EP09171844A EP2305556A1 EP 2305556 A1 EP2305556 A1 EP 2305556A1 EP 09171844 A EP09171844 A EP 09171844A EP 09171844 A EP09171844 A EP 09171844A EP 2305556 A1 EP2305556 A1 EP 2305556A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
vessel
arm
mussels
construction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP09171844A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2305556B1 (de
Inventor
Cornelis Wilhelmus Wals
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.)
Wals Diving & Marine Service
Original Assignee
Wals Diving & Marine Service
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 Wals Diving & Marine Service filed Critical Wals Diving & Marine Service
Priority to EP20090171844 priority Critical patent/EP2305556B1/de
Publication of EP2305556A1 publication Critical patent/EP2305556A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2305556B1 publication Critical patent/EP2305556B1/de
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B59/00—Hull protection specially adapted for vessels; Cleaning devices specially adapted for vessels
    • B63B59/06—Cleaning devices for hulls
    • B63B59/08—Cleaning devices for hulls of underwater surfaces while afloat

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for cleaning a marine construction at sea.
  • the present invention relates in particular to removing mussels and other organisms such as barnacles from a submerged surface of said marine construction.
  • Devices for cleaning a submerged structure in general are known in the field of the art.
  • GB1294011 discloses a working vessel 5 on which an arm 14,20 is mounted.
  • Figure 2 shows the arm 14, 20 with a working head 28 mounted to the end thereof.
  • the working head 28 comprises a nozzle 33.
  • the nozzle head 28 comprises wheels 44, 45, 49 which are constructed to roll over the surface of a construction 53 which is to be cleaned, see figure 3 .
  • the working head 28 is constructed to position the nozzle 33 close to the surface 53 which is to be cleaned.
  • the arm comprises a spring 26 to control the position of the nozzle head on the surface of the construction.
  • a hydraulic system is provided to move the arm.
  • Devices like the device of GB1294011 are typically constructed to operate at a pressure of approximately 380 Bar and a discharge of approximately 36 liter per minute. Other systems exist which operate at 500 bar or 800 bar.
  • the device of GB1294011 has a serious limitation.
  • the device of GB1294011 needs a relatively calm environment to function properly.
  • the device of GB1294011 does not work at sea. At sea, relative movements of the target and the working vessel due to wind and waves make it too difficult to ensure that the working head follows the contour of the structure which is to be cleaned. In operation, the working head will move relative to the surface which is to be cleaned and will be too far from the target for most of the time in order to function properly.
  • Wind turbines typically comprise an under water section, typically a column extending upwards from the seabed.
  • the column intersects the water surface and extends upwards to a considerably height above the water surface.
  • the column supports the nacelle and the rotor.
  • auxiliary devices Near the water surface, several auxiliary devices are located such as a boat landing, J-tubes and anodes. These auxiliary devices need to be inspected on a regular basis.
  • mussels and other organisms grow to the underwater surface of the column.
  • the mussels provide additional weight on the wind turbine.
  • the wind turbine wil become very heavy due to the mussels.
  • the columns will gradually have a larger surface and have a greater drag resistance when a water current flows along the column. Due to the mussels and other organisms, the wind turbine will thus exert a gradually increasing force on its foundation. This can lead to problems, such as stability problems. A need for periodical cleaning thus arises.
  • a further effect of the mussels is that inspection of certain parts of the wind turbine becomes more difficult or impossible.
  • Various devices become obstructed by mussels and other organisms, in particular the above mentioned auxiliary devices.
  • ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle
  • the divers may use brushes to remove the mussels and other organisms.
  • the ROV may comprise a water jet system comparable to the water jet system shown in GB1294011 .
  • the problem associated with the device of GB1294011 is related to the pressure at which the water jet is ejected from the nozzle. It was recognized that the discharge also plays a role.
  • the water jet which ejects from the nozzle has a substantial pressure. This is effective when cleaning power is required for removing mussels and other organisms.
  • the water jet squirts from the nozzle and travels through the surrounding water over a certain distance. The water then hits the construction some time after leaving the nozzle.
  • the invention provides a cleaning device for removing mussels and other marine organisms from a submerged surface of a construction at sea, the cleaning device comprising:
  • the invention allows submerged surfaces to be cleaned at sea from a simple work vessel.
  • the invention allows the nozzle to be positioned at approximately 2-3 meter from the target, thereby allowing the wind and waves to move the work vessel substantially without risk of collision of the nozzle with the construction.
  • constructions at sea can be cleaned in a much simpler way than is currently possible.
  • the invention provides a substantial advantage in terms of costs over current methods.
  • the invention allows cleaning of the construction without any contact between the cleaning device and the construction.
  • the present invention allows faster cleaning of submerged surfaces and thus enables a substantial increase in productivity.
  • the invention thus provides a valuable contribution in terms of economic productivity of cleaning operations of submerged constructions at sea.
  • the present invention makes constructions at sea more profitable.
  • the water jet ejecting from the nozzle has a certain cross-sectional area and a certain velocity. This combination results in substantial total force being exerted on the target surface. It was found that this substantial force allows removal of mussels, even though the pressure of the water jet is much smaller than the pressure of known systems.
  • the present invention may leave some mussels behind on the construction. This is acceptable.
  • the detrimental effects of the mussels are related to the quantity of mussels that are grown on the construction. If a few mussels remain behind on the construction, this does not cause great problems in terms of an increased weight and/or an increased drag. Moreover, inspection is possible when only a few mussels remain on the construction.
  • the fluid will be a liquid, in particular water.
  • the water may be pumped up from the sea directly surrounding the vessel.
  • the invention requires a supply of fluid.
  • the fluid supply device may be a pump on board the vessel which has a dedicated purpose for the mussel cleaning system.
  • the jet exerts a considerable force on the target surface. If the force is measured, the measurement is generally not measured on the target structure, but on the cleaning device itself, because this is much easier.
  • the force with which the nozzle is held in position is an indication of the power of the water jet.
  • the total reaction force of the water jet on the nozzle may be between 10 kN and 40 kN.
  • the force on the target will be lower and will vary in dependence of the distance to the target. This force is substantially larger than in the prior art. The force is sufficient to tear chunks of mussels from the construction.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that the risk of damage to the coating of the construction is reduced. Damage to coatings is generally caused by excessive peak pressures of the water jet on a small, local area of the target structure. Due to the sharp drop of the pressure in known systems, this pressure may also rise sharply when the distance between the nozzle and the target surface is unexpectedly decreased. This may happen due to a local protrusion on the target structure, or due to a local indentation in the target structure which causes a wheel or other stop organ to move into the indentation, thereby drawing the nozzle closer to the surface of the construction. In particular the antifouling layers are spared from damage.
  • an irregular surface may be cleaned by positioning the nozzle at a distance from the target surface and varying the position and angle of the nozzle. This is in particular advantageous for the above mentioned auxiliary devices on wind turbines, such as the boat landing, the J-tubes and the anodes. Other constructions than wind turbines may also have protruding auxiliary devices.
  • the arm may comprise one or several hinges in order to be able to reach required surfaces and eject a liquid jet at these surfaces at a required angle.
  • the arm will generally be positioned on a vessel, but it is also possible that the arm is mounted on a barge or a semi-submersible vessel.
  • the present invention is not limited to cleaning wind turbines.
  • Other constructions may also be cleaned such as jackets, vessels, pipelines, in particular risers, TLP's, other kinds of platforms.
  • the nozzle is constructed to eject a jet having a discharge between 15000 and 25000 liter per minute. It was found that this discharge leads to good results.
  • the nozzle is constructed to eject a fluid at a pressure of between 15 - 30 bar.
  • the nozzle has a diameter of between 3 and 7 cm. In another embodiment, the nozzle has a diameter of between 4 and 6 cm.
  • the nozzle typically is circular or substantially circular.
  • a work vessel is provided to which the arm is mounted.
  • the vessel comprises a fire extinguishing system, and the fire extinguishing system is coupled to the fluid supply conduit in order to serve as the supply of the liquid for the liquid jet.
  • the vessel comprises a dynamic positioning system (DP system) which is configured to accurately position the vessel at a target location in substantially rough weather conditions.
  • DP system dynamic positioning system
  • the device comprises a stop organ to prevent damage to the arm or nozzle when the arm contacts the target surface.
  • the device further comprises a deformable part comprising a spring system which is configured to store energy resulting from a contact between the distal end of the arm and the target structure, which contact results in a deformation of the arm.
  • the nozzle is mounted to a working head, and the working head comprises at least one actuator to rotate the working head relative to the arm, for allowing a relatively accurate pointing of the fluid jet at the target structure.
  • the nozzle may be pivoted up and/or down and from left to right.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for removing mussels and other marine organisms from a submerged surface of a construction at sea, the method comprising providing a vessel comprising a cleaning device comprising:
  • the method provides the same advantages as the device of the invention.
  • the method comprises providing a dynamic positioning system on the vessel and using the dynamic positioning system to maintain the vessel in proximity with the construction.
  • the cleaning device 10 is mounted to the rear end or the forward end of a working vessel 11.
  • the working vessel comprises a DP system 13 for accurate position control.
  • the cleaning device 10 can be housed in a container 1, for instance a 20-foot container.
  • the cleaning device comprises an arm 12 which comprises multiple segments.
  • the arm comprises an upper segment 14 and a lower segment 16.
  • the arm is made from aluminium.
  • the segments 14, 16 are connected to one another and to the working vessel 11 via a first hinge 18 and a second hinge 20.
  • the hinges 18, 20 may be elbow joints.
  • the first hinge 18 is supported by the container 1.
  • a hydraulic system is provided to move the arm in a controllable fashion.
  • the hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic power pack 3, a hydraulic accumulator 2 and hydraulic cylinders 4.
  • the power pack 3 comprises a pump, an electric drive and a storage tank for hydraulic fluid. drives the hydraulic cylinders 4.
  • the hydraulic accumulator 2 is a device known in the prior art and comprises several reservoirs filled with hydraulic oil and compressed air, the oil and the air being separated by a membrane. The hydraulic accumulator 2 can temporarily store energy from the hydraulic system and release the energy on demand. This will be explained further below.
  • One or more hydraulic bumper cylinders 7 are provided which allow an outer telescopic arm B and an inner telescopic A arm to slide relative to one another.
  • the hydraulic bumper cylinders 7 are connected to the hydraulic accumulator pack 2.
  • a working head 22 is provided at a distal end 24 of the arm 12.
  • the working head 22 comprises a frame.
  • the working head 22 supports a nozzle 26.
  • the nozzle is connected to a conduit 28 which extends through the arm 12 to the working vessel 11.
  • the fluid conduit 28 is connected to a fluid pump 30.
  • the fluid pump 30 may be positioned in the container 1. It is also possible that the fluid pump 30 is part of a fire extinguishing system on board the working vessel 11.
  • the pump has a relatively large size and thus it is more suitable to position the pump on board the working vessel 11 than to mount the pump on the arm 12.
  • the working head 22 is pivotable about two axes, i.e. a pan axis 37 allowing the working head to pivot to the left and to the right and a tilt axis 39 allowing the working head to pivot up and down.
  • Actuators 25 in the form of hydraulic cylinders are provided to allow a controlled pan and tilt movement.
  • the nozzle may be pivoted over a range of 180 degrees from left to right.
  • the nozzle may be moved over a range of 160 degrees up and down.
  • a camera 27 is provided on the working head to monitor the process.
  • a sonar device 29 is mounted on the working head 22 to monitor the position relative to the construction 36.
  • the sonar may be coupled to the DP system for automatic position control.
  • a bumper wheel 32 is connected to a bumper frame 9.
  • the bumper frame 9 is connected to the working head 22.
  • the working vessel 11 is positioned near a construction 36 which is to be cleaned.
  • the construction is covered with a layer 45 of mussels and other sea organisms.
  • the mussels are grown together and form a crust-like layer. Mussels and other organisms generally need daylight to grow. Therefore, the majority of the mussels and other organisms are located within limited depths 44 from the water surface 46, which depth typically is no larger then approximately 16 meter. This depth 44 allows cleaning from a working vessel 11 with a movable arm.
  • the working vessel 11 is positioned downstream of the construction 36 if there is a current 38 at the location.
  • the working vessel 11 is positioned in a weathervaned fashion, i.e. in the direction of the current 38.
  • the arm 12 extends from the vessel in the direction of the construction 36.
  • the nozzle 26 is positioned at a distance 40 of about 2-3 meter from a target surface 42 on the construction 36.
  • the working head 22 will move due to action of wind and waves. Due to the distance 40, there is no contact between the working head 22 and the construction 36. If there is any contact, the bumper 9 will prevent damage by cushioning the impact.
  • the telescopic arms B,C will slide into one another, thereby avoiding damage.
  • the energy due to the sliding of the telescopic arm B,C is stored in the hydraulic accumulator 2 via a conduit.
  • the telescopic arm B, C extends until it reaches its normal length. The energy which was previously stored in the hydraulic accumulator 2 is used for this purpose.
  • the telescopic arms B, C have a working range of 3 meter.
  • the water pump is started, and a jet 50 ejects from the nozzle 26.
  • the nozzle typically has a substantially circular opening with a diameter between 3 and 7 cm, preferably between 4 and 6 cm.
  • the jet 50 typically has a discharge of about 10000 - 30000 liter per minute and is ejected from the nozzle at a pressure of 10 - 30 bar. Due to the relatively low pressure and the relatively high discharge, this results in a flow of water which has a substantial impulse and thus is capable of exerting a substantial force on the mussels at a distance of 2-3 meter.
  • the mussels will tear loose in large chunks and drop to the seabed.
  • Figure 4 shows the operation of the device of the prior art of GB1294011 .
  • the nozzle 33 (see GB1294011 ) is positioned in close proximity 41 to the target surface 42. A distance 41 of 10 - 15 centimetres is common.
  • the layer of mussels 45 is formed by individual mussels 52.
  • the water jet 50 is directed at one mussel 52 and the resulting force on this particular mussel tears the connection 54 with which these on mussel is attached to the target surface loose.
  • Figure 5 shows the working of the invention.
  • the nozzle 26 is positioned at a much greater distance 40 from the target surface than in the prior art. The distance may be 2-3 meter.
  • the nozzle 26 has a larger opening than the nozzle 33 of the prior art.
  • the water jet 50 ejects from the nozzle with a much lower pressure and a higher discharge per unit of time. Thus, the average force per mussel 52 is substantially smaller than in the prior art.
  • the mussels 52 are connected to one another, they form a crust 45.
  • the water jet 50 exerts a force on a large number of mussels.
  • the forces on a large number of mussels 52 become concentrated in connections 54 which come loose. Subsequently, the next mussel comes loose, until all the mussels are removed.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
EP20090171844 2009-09-30 2009-09-30 Vorrichtung zum Reinigen mit einem Fluidstrom einer eingetauchten Fläche einer Wasserkonstruktion von Muscheln und anderen Organismen Not-in-force EP2305556B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20090171844 EP2305556B1 (de) 2009-09-30 2009-09-30 Vorrichtung zum Reinigen mit einem Fluidstrom einer eingetauchten Fläche einer Wasserkonstruktion von Muscheln und anderen Organismen

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20090171844 EP2305556B1 (de) 2009-09-30 2009-09-30 Vorrichtung zum Reinigen mit einem Fluidstrom einer eingetauchten Fläche einer Wasserkonstruktion von Muscheln und anderen Organismen

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2305556A1 true EP2305556A1 (de) 2011-04-06
EP2305556B1 EP2305556B1 (de) 2013-05-15

Family

ID=41683124

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20090171844 Not-in-force EP2305556B1 (de) 2009-09-30 2009-09-30 Vorrichtung zum Reinigen mit einem Fluidstrom einer eingetauchten Fläche einer Wasserkonstruktion von Muscheln und anderen Organismen

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2305556B1 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2532578A1 (de) 2011-06-10 2012-12-12 Wals Diving & Marine Service Reinigungsvorrichtung und -verfahren für zylindrisches Objekt
CN111252206A (zh) * 2020-02-14 2020-06-09 何惠婷 一种利用水流防止海洋生物吸附的盐度传感器保护装置
CN112572717A (zh) * 2020-12-17 2021-03-30 韩洋 一种用于船舶生物污损的自动清除装置

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1448241A (fr) * 1965-06-23 1966-08-05 Dispositif pour enlever les organismes marins de la coque des navires
GB1294011A (en) 1970-04-08 1972-10-25 Ronald James Fleming Improvements in cleaning ships hulls
US4445451A (en) * 1980-08-14 1984-05-01 Stork Services B.V. Dock device
FR2612875A1 (fr) * 1987-03-26 1988-09-30 Vanek Michel Procede et dispositif pour nettoyer, lustrer et carener les bateaux, a flot
WO2002044020A1 (fr) * 2000-11-29 2002-06-06 Advanced Boat Cleaning Technology (E.U.R.L.) Dispositif et procede de nettoyage des parties d'un bateau immergees dans l'eau

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1448241A (fr) * 1965-06-23 1966-08-05 Dispositif pour enlever les organismes marins de la coque des navires
GB1294011A (en) 1970-04-08 1972-10-25 Ronald James Fleming Improvements in cleaning ships hulls
US4445451A (en) * 1980-08-14 1984-05-01 Stork Services B.V. Dock device
FR2612875A1 (fr) * 1987-03-26 1988-09-30 Vanek Michel Procede et dispositif pour nettoyer, lustrer et carener les bateaux, a flot
WO2002044020A1 (fr) * 2000-11-29 2002-06-06 Advanced Boat Cleaning Technology (E.U.R.L.) Dispositif et procede de nettoyage des parties d'un bateau immergees dans l'eau

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2532578A1 (de) 2011-06-10 2012-12-12 Wals Diving & Marine Service Reinigungsvorrichtung und -verfahren für zylindrisches Objekt
CN111252206A (zh) * 2020-02-14 2020-06-09 何惠婷 一种利用水流防止海洋生物吸附的盐度传感器保护装置
CN112572717A (zh) * 2020-12-17 2021-03-30 韩洋 一种用于船舶生物污损的自动清除装置
CN112572717B (zh) * 2020-12-17 2022-02-11 重庆征东船务有限责任公司 一种用于船舶生物污损的自动清除装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2305556B1 (de) 2013-05-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9434456B2 (en) Submergible cleaning system
US4502407A (en) Method and apparatus for cleaning, viewing and documenting the condition of weldments on offshore platforms
JP5502873B2 (ja) 現場対応型の海中ネットクリーニング及び検査装置
JP7097073B2 (ja) 波からエネルギーを得る装置
TWI706895B (zh) 水下船體清洗器、船體清洗系統以及清洗船體的方法
EP3025951B1 (de) Vorrichtung und verfahren zur reinigung einer eingetauchten fläche eines schiffes oder dergleichen und verwendung solch einer vorrichtung
EP3245131B1 (de) Wasserschöpfvorrichtung zur waldbrandbekämpfung in nicht amphibischen lufttankern
CN105480395A (zh) 用于海洋船舶与平台表面生物污损的空化清洗装置
WO2015171874A1 (en) Subsea structure cleaning apparatus and method
EP2305556B1 (de) Vorrichtung zum Reinigen mit einem Fluidstrom einer eingetauchten Fläche einer Wasserkonstruktion von Muscheln und anderen Organismen
US6273642B1 (en) Buoyant propulsion underwater trenching apparatus
HRP20030434A2 (en) Device and method for cleaning parts of a boat immersed in water
CN109050822A (zh) 柔性磁吸附水下爬壁机器人
KR20150058334A (ko) 선박용 부잔교
WO2016209709A1 (en) Door systems and method for boats
GB2483401A (en) Pivoting deck vessel for allowing transfer to a fixed structure
JP6887591B2 (ja) ２つのボートを連結するための装置
EP3418178A1 (de) Reinigungssystem
CN212423409U (zh) 推动式水下船底清理装置
EP2434061B1 (de) Baggervorrichtung und Verfahren zum Baggern ohne die Beschädigung von Strukturen des zu bebaggernden Bodens
GB2475085A (en) Pivoting deck vessel for allowing transfer to a fixed structure
CN202642055U (zh) 耙齿式远程除污装置
KR20160115427A (ko) 레그의 백플레이트 제거 장치
CN212580108U (zh) 摆动式水下船底清理装置
KR102617772B1 (ko) 적응형 날개를 가진 수중청소로봇, 동 수중청소로봇을 포함하는 수중청소시스템 및 수중청소방법

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20110921

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20111205

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B63B 59/08 20060101AFI20120620BHEP

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 612004

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602009015676

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130711

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 612004

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20130515

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

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130816

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130815

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130916

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130915

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130826

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

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

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130815

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

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

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

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

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

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602009015676

Country of ref document: DE

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20140218

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

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Effective date: 20130930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602009015676

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602009015676

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140401

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20140530

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20130930

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20130930

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20130930

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20130930

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20140401

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20130930

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

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

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

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

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

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20130930

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20090930