EP3943377B1 - Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen - Google Patents

Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3943377B1
EP3943377B1 EP21190035.2A EP21190035A EP3943377B1 EP 3943377 B1 EP3943377 B1 EP 3943377B1 EP 21190035 A EP21190035 A EP 21190035A EP 3943377 B1 EP3943377 B1 EP 3943377B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
section
underwater vehicle
polygonal cross
curvature
midship
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.)
Active
Application number
EP21190035.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3943377C0 (de
EP3943377A1 (de
Inventor
Tom AVSIC
Randolf Teppner
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.)
ThyssenKrupp AG
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH
Original Assignee
ThyssenKrupp AG
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH
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 ThyssenKrupp AG, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH filed Critical ThyssenKrupp AG
Publication of EP3943377A1 publication Critical patent/EP3943377A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3943377B1 publication Critical patent/EP3943377B1/de
Publication of EP3943377C0 publication Critical patent/EP3943377C0/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/28—Arrangement of offensive or defensive equipment
    • B63G8/34—Camouflage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B3/00—Hulls characterised by their structure or component parts
    • B63B3/13—Hulls built to withstand hydrostatic pressure when fully submerged, e.g. submarine hulls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/39—Arrangements of sonic watch equipment, e.g. low-frequency, sonar

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an underwater vehicle, in particular a submarine, with an external shape, wherein the shape is optimized to reduce detectability by means of active sonar. As a result, the distance from which the underwater vehicle is likely to be detectable can be significantly reduced.
  • sonar is used in particular to detect submarines, with detection preferably taking place over long distances, for example 100 km. This means that the sound waves from the sonar hit an underwater vehicle at a very shallow angle parallel to the water surface. To avoid detection, reflection of the sound waves must be avoided, particularly towards the transmitter, where the receiver is usually located. From this geometric consideration, it follows that the detectability of an underwater vehicle over long distances depends in particular on the reflection of sound at an angle of ⁇ 20°, especially at an angle of ⁇ 10°.
  • a cylindrical body has the property of reflecting a wave practically vertically isotropically and thus emitting practically the same energy in all vertical spatial directions. This means that the detection in the critical flat angle range is not particularly low.
  • From the DE 1 196 531 A is an underwater vehicle with a curved surface.
  • From the US 4 577 583 A is an underwater vehicle with a streamlined hull.
  • the object of the invention is to create an underwater vehicle which has a significantly reduced detection probability under the conditions of location over a distance.
  • the underwater vehicle according to the invention with reduced detection probability has an outer hull.
  • the underwater vehicle has a bow section, a stern section and a midship section.
  • the outer hull of the midship section has a polygonal cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle.
  • the outer hull of the midship section has a curvature along the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle over the entire length of the midship section.
  • the polygonal cross-section itself is known for the targeted reflection of a detection wave in a direction deviating from the transmitter. This is used in aircraft construction or shipbuilding, for example the Sea Shadow, is known in principle. Here, large, flat and tilted surfaces are used as reflectors.
  • the outer shell of the midship section has a curvature along the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle. This causes both effects, reflection and dispersion, to occur. The effect is that the energy of the detection wave in the critical flat angle range can be significantly minimized.
  • the curvature of the outer shell of the midship section extends over the entire length of the midship section. The curvature can have a variable radius of curvature over the length, but the radius of curvature must not be infinite. This would form a flat surface at least in one place, which would reflect an incoming beam without dispersion.
  • the midship section is arranged between the bow section and the stern section.
  • the bow section has a length of 5% to 40%, preferably 5% to 30%, particularly preferably 5% to 20% of the total length of the underwater vehicle, with the bow section beginning at the bow of the underwater vehicle.
  • the stern section has a length of 5% to 40%, preferably 5% to 30%, particularly preferably 5% to 20% of the total length of the underwater vehicle, with the stern section beginning at the stern of the underwater vehicle.
  • the midship section thus has a length of 20% to 90%, preferably 40% to 90%, particularly preferably 60% to 90% of the total length of the underwater vehicle.
  • a triangle or a square can be used as a polygonal cross-section, for example, although these two polygons are less preferred due to the limited scope for adaptation.
  • Polygons with 5 to 10 corners or sides are preferred, although the length of the sides preferably differs. Opposite sides are particularly preferred if they are the same length in pairs.
  • the polygonal cross-section has rounded corner areas. This is advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology and hydrodynamics.
  • the polygonal cross-section has a mirror plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This means that the outer contour of the port side and the starboard side are the same.
  • the outer hull of the midship section has a curvature along the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle over the entire cross section, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle.
  • the outer shell has at least a first segment, the first segment forming a first conic section in the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle or being composed of two or more conic sections.
  • a segment is defined as an area which is limited at the top and bottom by the edges of the polygonal cross section. In the longitudinal direction, the extent of the segment is limited by the extent of the midship section.
  • a conic section is a partial area of the shell of a cone. Particularly preferably, a first segment and a corresponding second segment on the opposite side of the ship have mirror-image conical sections.
  • a cone is a geometric figure which is defined by height and radius. In a conical section, the radius of curvature thus changes continuously transversely to the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle. Of course, it can also be a conical section of an oblique cone in which the height axis is not centered on the circular base.
  • the outer shell has at least a third segment, wherein the third segment forms a third conic section at least in sections, preferably completely, in the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle, wherein the height and/or radius of the third conic section are different from the height and/or radius of the first conic section.
  • the cone of the conic section has a height, wherein the ratio of height to length of the underwater vehicle is between 0.5 and 1,000, preferably between 3.5 and 130, particularly preferably between 8.0 and 35.
  • the cone of the conic section has a diameter, wherein the ratio of cone diameter to length of the underwater vehicle is between 2 and 100, preferably between 6 and 50, particularly preferably between 10 and 20.
  • the underwater vehicle has a tower in the midship section.
  • the tower particularly preferably has outer walls inclined by at least 10°, particularly preferably by at least 20°, relative to the vertical.
  • the tower has the same angle as the side of the polygonal cross-section adjacent below the tower.
  • the curvature of the midship section has a radius of curvature, wherein the ratio of radius of curvature to length of the underwater vehicle is between 5 and 1,000, preferably between 10 and 250, particularly preferably between 25 and 100.
  • the curvature of the midship section does not have to be constant over the entire length.
  • the curvature of the midship section can increase towards the sections, particularly adjacent to the bow section and/or stern section, for example to create a transition.
  • the curvature increases in the transition from the midship to the bow section and decreases in the transition from the midship to the area of the stern section.
  • the polygonal cross-section has a widest point, wherein the widest point of the polygonal cross-section is arranged below or above the center, wherein the center defines half the height of the polygonal cross-section.
  • the deviation from a symmetrical design makes it possible to specifically deflect a larger part of the incoming detection wave in the same direction. If the widest point is below the middle, the larger part is reflected upwards and thus to the water surface. If the widest point is above the middle, the larger part is reflected downwards and thus to the seabed.
  • the first variant is preferred for boat stability, the second for reducing the target size.
  • the widest point of the polygonal cross-section is arranged at least 10%, preferably at least 20% of half the height of the polygonal cross-section below or above the center.
  • all planes of the polygonal cross-section have an inclination of at least 10°, preferably of at least 20°, relative to the vertical.
  • all planes of the polygonal cross-section have an inclination of 10° to 40° or 50° to 80° relative to the vertical.
  • the angle of 45° should also be avoided, since the incoming wave is reflected, for example, onto the water surface, reflected back from there and then reflected directly back to the transmitter. Although the intensity is reduced by the multiple reflection, it is still significantly higher than at other angles.
  • the outer shell has a sound-absorbing property.
  • the outer shell can be made of a consist of, contain or be coated with sound-absorbing material. Since absorption can never be complete, the two effects combine positively.
  • the outer shell is essentially reflective and/or absorbent for sound waves in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 100 kHz, in particular in the range from 1 kHz to 25 kHz. Since other, non-optimized structures can be arranged under the outer shell, the transmission through the outer shell must be kept as low as possible.
  • the sum of the reflectance, absorbance and transmittance is by definition 1. It is considered to be essentially reflective and/or absorbent if the reflectance and/or transmittance is at least 0.75, preferably at least 0.9, particularly preferably at least 0.95.
  • the underwater vehicle has a substantially cylindrical pressure hull under the outer hull.
  • the outer shell does not completely enclose the cylindrical pressure body.
  • the pressure body thus forms the outer shell in some areas. This can be the case, for example, in less critical places, for example on the underside.
  • sensors in particular passive sonar sensors and/or fuel reservoirs, are arranged between the outer hull and the pressure hull.
  • Fuel storage includes all forms of storage goods that are required to operate the submarine, for example gasoline or diesel tanks, hydrogen storage, for example in the form of compressed gas storage, liquid hydrogen storage or metal hydride storage, oxygen storage, for example in the form of compressed gas storage or liquid oxygen storage, methanol storage, ethanol storage, batteries, accumulators and compressed gas storage for gas turbines, but also autonomous or remote-controlled underwater vehicles, weapons, such as torpedoes or missiles, or decoys.
  • hydrogen storage for example in the form of compressed gas storage
  • oxygen storage for example in the form of compressed gas storage or liquid oxygen storage
  • methanol storage ethanol storage
  • batteries accumulators and compressed gas storage for gas turbines
  • weapons such as torpedoes or missiles, or decoys.
  • a propeller is arranged at the level of the widest point of the outer skin.
  • the underwater vehicle is a submarine.
  • the underwater vehicle is a military underwater vehicle, particularly preferably a military submarine.
  • Fig.1 the top view shows an underwater vehicle 10 with a bow section 20, a midship section 30 and a stern section 40, the underwater vehicle having a rudder 60, here in the form of a cruiser, and a propeller 70 in the stern section 40.
  • the underwater vehicle 10 has an outer hull 50, which has a curvature of the midship section in the longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle 10, as can be seen in comparison to a pressure hull 80 shown simplified as a cylinder.
  • the pressure hull 80 will also have rounded ends at the bow and stern, preferably hemispherical ends, which has been neglected here for the sake of simplicity.
  • the pressure hull 80 also does not have to take up the full length.
  • weapon barrels can be arranged in the bow.
  • Fig.2 shows a first example cross-section.
  • the outer shell 80 has a hexagonal cross-section, the widest point 100 is exactly at the height of the center 90, which is formed by the center of the cylindrical pressure body 80. This point is used here and below as the center according to half the height of the polygonal cross-section, since these practically coincide, but the center is easier to represent visually. All surfaces of the outer shell 50 have an angle of 30° or 90° with respect to the vertical.
  • Fig.3 shows a second exemplary cross-section.
  • the outer shell 80 has an irregular hexagonal cross-section, with the widest point 100 clearly above which is arranged at 90° in the middle. This means that a large part of the incoming waves are reflected to the seabed, which further minimizes the probability of detection.
  • Fig.4 shows a third exemplary cross-section.
  • the outer shell 80 has an irregular hexagonal cross-section, with the widest point 100 being arranged significantly below the center 90.
  • the center of gravity of the underwater vehicle 10 can be arranged lower. This is advantageous for the stability of the underwater vehicle 10.
  • Fig.5 a cross-section with rounded corners, which is otherwise basically the same as the second exemplary cross-section from Fig.3
  • fuel storage 110 and sonar sensors 120 are arranged between the outer hull 50 and the pressure hull 80.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
EP21190035.2A 2016-11-24 2017-11-20 Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen Active EP3943377B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016014108.5A DE102016014108A1 (de) 2016-11-24 2016-11-24 Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter Detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über große Distanzen
PCT/EP2017/079823 WO2018095873A1 (de) 2016-11-24 2017-11-20 UNTERWASSERFAHRZEUG MIT REDUZIERTER DETEKTIONSWAHRSCHEINLICHKEIT ÜBER GROßE DISTANZEN
EP17804514.2A EP3544885B1 (de) 2016-11-24 2017-11-20 Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17804514.2A Division EP3544885B1 (de) 2016-11-24 2017-11-20 Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3943377A1 EP3943377A1 (de) 2022-01-26
EP3943377B1 true EP3943377B1 (de) 2024-04-10
EP3943377C0 EP3943377C0 (de) 2024-04-10

Family

ID=60473517

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17804514.2A Active EP3544885B1 (de) 2016-11-24 2017-11-20 Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen
EP21190035.2A Active EP3943377B1 (de) 2016-11-24 2017-11-20 Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17804514.2A Active EP3544885B1 (de) 2016-11-24 2017-11-20 Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen

Country Status (14)

Country Link
US (1) US10814950B2 (ko)
EP (2) EP3544885B1 (ko)
JP (1) JP6979069B2 (ko)
KR (1) KR102230099B1 (ko)
CN (1) CN110072769B (ko)
AU (1) AU2017364150B2 (ko)
BR (1) BR112019010518A2 (ko)
DE (1) DE102016014108A1 (ko)
ES (1) ES2895722T3 (ko)
IL (1) IL266803B2 (ko)
PL (1) PL3544885T3 (ko)
PT (1) PT3544885T (ko)
WO (1) WO2018095873A1 (ko)
ZA (1) ZA201904042B (ko)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112356969A (zh) * 2020-08-28 2021-02-12 江苏科技大学 一种多边形潜水器
FR3130251A1 (fr) * 2021-12-15 2023-06-16 Naval Group Engin sous-marin comportant un réservoir externe
CN116477028A (zh) * 2023-04-26 2023-07-25 上海交通大学 一种用于水下航行器的局部小曲率半径翼型结构

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1432142A (en) * 1921-01-14 1922-10-17 Fried Krupp Germaniawerft Ag Submarine boat
US1500997A (en) * 1922-05-09 1924-07-08 Knox Samuel Lippincot Griswold Submarine construction
GB531892A (en) * 1939-06-12 1941-01-14 Christian Jensen Gordon Improvements in submarine construction
US2942681A (en) * 1957-08-29 1960-06-28 Morris W Lindman Noise reduction device for submarines
DE1196531B (de) * 1963-07-29 1965-07-08 Dieter Schmidt Oberflaechengestaltung von Unterwasser-fahrzeugen und -geraeten
US3648635A (en) * 1970-08-03 1972-03-14 Universal Eng Marine transport
US4577583A (en) * 1984-06-28 1986-03-25 Green Ii John G Small gliding underwater craft
JPH04130287A (ja) 1990-09-20 1992-05-01 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 水中吸音体
DE19623127C1 (de) * 1996-06-10 1997-06-19 Stn Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Schallabsorber
EP0850830A3 (en) * 1996-12-30 1999-10-20 Javier Silvano Arzola A submarine
DE19754333A1 (de) * 1997-11-24 1998-06-25 Norbert Peters Katamaran-U-Boot
US6941888B2 (en) * 2003-12-16 2005-09-13 Roshdy George S. Barsoum Hybrid ship hull
DE102009025111B3 (de) * 2009-06-11 2010-12-16 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft Gmbh Unterseeboot
CN201457726U (zh) * 2009-07-25 2010-05-12 西南交通大学 潜艇的吸声外套
CN102381461A (zh) * 2010-09-01 2012-03-21 伊才库 海军潜水艇
KR20150002986A (ko) * 2013-06-28 2015-01-08 대우조선해양 주식회사 군사용 수중로봇 및 그 운용방법
CN105270584A (zh) * 2015-11-05 2016-01-27 李建明 低噪音潜艇
CN106828836A (zh) * 2016-11-25 2017-06-13 戴罗明 一种深水科研潜艇

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2017364150A1 (en) 2019-06-20
US10814950B2 (en) 2020-10-27
PL3544885T3 (pl) 2022-01-10
ZA201904042B (en) 2022-12-21
DE102016014108A1 (de) 2018-05-24
KR102230099B1 (ko) 2021-03-19
KR20190078641A (ko) 2019-07-04
EP3544885B1 (de) 2021-09-08
ES2895722T3 (es) 2022-02-22
EP3943377C0 (de) 2024-04-10
JP2019536685A (ja) 2019-12-19
CN110072769A (zh) 2019-07-30
EP3544885A1 (de) 2019-10-02
EP3943377A1 (de) 2022-01-26
PT3544885T (pt) 2021-10-29
AU2017364150B2 (en) 2020-06-25
US20190315445A1 (en) 2019-10-17
WO2018095873A1 (de) 2018-05-31
IL266803A (en) 2019-08-29
IL266803B (en) 2022-12-01
IL266803B2 (en) 2023-04-01
BR112019010518A2 (pt) 2019-10-01
JP6979069B2 (ja) 2021-12-08
CN110072769B (zh) 2022-01-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3943377B1 (de) Unterwasserfahrzeug mit reduzierter detektionswahrscheinlichkeit über grosse distanzen
EP2616785B1 (de) Schiff mit magnus-rotor und kraftmessvorrichtung
DE1684802A1 (de) Aus einer Vielzahl von Einzelzellen aufgebauter,unter einem gleichfoermigen Druck aplexischer oder quasiaplexischer Koerper
EP2676876B1 (de) Unterseeboot
EP3303120B1 (de) Unterseeboot mit reduzierter signatur
Savitsky et al. Re-evaluation of the planing hull form
DE102019202604A1 (de) Schleppsonarträger
DE102014103601A1 (de) Vorrichtung zur Reduktion der effektiven Radarrückstrahlfläche
EP4110690A1 (de) Überwasserplattform, insbesondere zur verfolgung von unterseebooten
DE102016221597A1 (de) Autonomes Unterwasserfahrzeug und Stapelvorrichtung
EP3201118A1 (de) Wasserfahrzeug mit einem kran zum heben von lasten
Boehe Modern Warships for Combat in Coastal Waters
CN201703557U (zh) 集成飞战舰
Asada A study of the effect onRadar Cross Section (RCS) due to” Starved horse patterns”
Boulougouris et al. Preliminary Design of a SWATH Corvette for Operations in the Littoral Environment
DE102012108156A1 (de) Radar-Reflektoreinrichtung und Schwimmvorrichtung mit Reflektoreinrichtung
Yeo Future frigate shortlist announced
DE19511825A1 (de) Verfahren zur Stealth- (Heimlichkeits- bzw. "Tarnkappen"-) Sicherheits-Systemherstellung für schnelle (Offshore-) Strömungskörper bei Katastrophen- und Umwelt-Aktivitäten, desgleichen in (Offshore-) Erdöl- bzw. Erdgaserschließungsstätten sowie für Einsätze gegen Drogen-Schmuggel und/oder Piraterie, Raubfischerei, ebenfalls zur Abwehr von Flugkörper oder endphasengelenkter Munition und Vorrichtung sowie Einrichtung zur Durchführung desselben
BROWER et al. THE SOVREMENNYY CLASS DESTROYER
DE102015219658A1 (de) Trimmvorrichtung, insbesondere für ein Wasserfahrzeug
CN1162735A (zh) 隐形皮板技术
DE102007026118A1 (de) Von einem Medium umströmter, Bugwellen und/oder Heckwellen bildender Körper mit einem stufenförmig ausgebildeten Bug und/oder Heck

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 3544885

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL 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 RS SE SI SK SM TR

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220726

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL 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 RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20231106

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 3544885

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL 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 RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502017016029

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

U01 Request for unitary effect filed

Effective date: 20240429

U07 Unitary effect registered

Designated state(s): AT BE BG DE DK EE FI FR IT LT LU LV MT NL PT SE SI

Effective date: 20240513