[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1997035137A1 - Raccord pour tuyaux - Google Patents

Raccord pour tuyaux Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997035137A1
WO1997035137A1 PCT/US1997/004327 US9704327W WO9735137A1 WO 1997035137 A1 WO1997035137 A1 WO 1997035137A1 US 9704327 W US9704327 W US 9704327W WO 9735137 A1 WO9735137 A1 WO 9735137A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coupling
threads
pipe joints
pipe
pipeline
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/004327
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joseph R. Roche
Robert P. Badrak
Original Assignee
Hydril Company
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 Hydril Company filed Critical Hydril Company
Priority to AU22162/97A priority Critical patent/AU2216297A/en
Publication of WO1997035137A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997035137A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L15/00Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints
    • F16L15/001Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints with conical threads
    • F16L15/003Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints with conical threads with sealing rings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21DWORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D39/00Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
    • B21D39/04Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of tubes with tubes; of tubes with rods
    • B21D39/046Connecting tubes to tube-like fittings
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L15/00Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints
    • F16L15/006Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints with straight threads
    • F16L15/008Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints with straight threads with sealing rings
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/08Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/12Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement
    • F16L27/125Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement having longitudinal and rotary movement
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/10Indicators for correct coupling

Definitions

  • This invention relates to threaded pipeline couplings generally.
  • the coupling of this invention is used to connect two axially aligned plain end pipe joints.
  • the coupling is used to connect a replacement section of a submerged pipeline to replace a damaged section of the pipeline.
  • a major cost of a pipeline is preparing and connecting the ends of the pipe.
  • one of three types of connections are used: welds, screw threads, or clamps.
  • the coupling can make such a threaded connection with one axially aligned plain end pipe joint by rotating the coupling relatively to the pipe and then make such a threaded connection with another axially aligned plain end pipe joint by rotating the pipe relative to the coupling.
  • the threads have to be of opposite hand.
  • the inventive concept includes a coupling having threads of the same hand since such a coupling can also connect the ends of two axially aligned pipe joints by forming spiral grooves in the ends of the pipe joints and connect the coupling to the pipe sequentially and wherever "threads" are referred to without specifying whether they are the same or different hand, it will be understood that they can be either the same hand or the opposite hand.
  • It is a further object and feature of this invention to provide a coupling for simultaneously making a pressure tight, threaded connection with two axially aligned plain end pipe joints comprising a tubular member having internal screw threads adjacent opposite ends of the tubular member for cutting simultaneously a spiral groove in the outer surfaces of two aligned plain end pipe joints to form threaded connections with the pipe joints when the coupling is rotated relative to the pipe joints.
  • a threaded connection can be made with the coupling of this invention by first rotating a first joint of pipe relative to the coupling to connect the pipe joint to the coupling and then rotating the first joint of pipe and the coupling to connect the coupling to a second joint of pipe.
  • It is a further object and feature of this invention to provide a coupling for connecting the ends of two axially aligned plain end pipe joints comprising a tubular coupling having internal threads of opposite hand, the threads having a diameter such that the threads will form spiral grooves in the outer surface of the pipe joints to receive at least a portion of the threads on the coupling to hold the pipe joints from axial movement relative to the coupling.
  • a thread compound such as a cross-link polymer
  • separate internal metal cutting elements such as a hardened helical coil insert
  • Patent No. 4,572,549 that issued February 25, 1986 describes apparatus for replacing a damaged section of a pipeline laying on the bottom of a deep body of water.
  • Patent No. 4,572,549 is included herein by reference.
  • Four steps are involved. First, using a remotely controlled vehicle (RCV) , the damaged section is inspected. Second, a RCV attaches guide modules that raise the pipeline above the seabed. Third, the damaged section is removed, the ends of the pipe are prepared to receive collets, and the length required for the replacement section is determined. Fourth, the replacement section is connected between the ends of the pipe using collets.
  • RCV remotely controlled vehicle
  • Collets have a plurality of resilient fingers with lugs.
  • the fingers bend outwardly to allow the lugs to pass over a flange then move inwardly into engagement with the flange or groove and hold the collet from moving in the other direction.
  • "connector/buckle arresters” are used to connect the pipeline sections and "Each connector portion 10, 11 is formed with an annular flange 20.
  • the flange 20 constitutes a means of attachment for a collet type connector in the event that damaged pipeline sections have to be repaired.”
  • Buckle arrestors are important to have in the line to prevent collapse in deep water as the line is being lowered to the bottom and is full of air, but one for every connection having extra thick walls and mating flanges in anticipation of connecting replacement sections using collets would be an expensive luxury.
  • a replacement section is provided that is equipped with swivel unions at each end.
  • the union portion of each swivel union is the coupling of this invention.
  • the swivel portion of the swivel union allows the coupling portion to be rotated to make a threaded, sealed, connection with the ends of the pipeline and thereby restore the integrity of the line without the use of collets and without the need for special connectors/buckle arrestors in the line.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view, taken along line 1—1 of FIG. 2, partly in elevation and partly in vertical section, of the coupling of this invention positioned between the ends of two pipe joints preparatory to forming a connection with the two joints.
  • FIG. 2 is a view taken along line 2—2 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 3—3 of FIG. 2 of the threaded connection formed between the coupling and the two axially aligned pipe joints with seal rings positioned between the ends of the pipe joints, a stop shoulder integral with the coupling, and thread compound sealing the flutes of the connection.
  • FIG. 4 is a view on an enlarged scale of the portion of the connection in FIG. 3 within the circle showing the thread compound that lubricates the threads on the coupling as they cut threads on the pipe joint and that cures to form a cross ⁇ linked polymer seal that prevents fluid under pressure from leaking out of the pipeline through the threaded connection between the coupling and the pipe.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the coupling of this invention installed on the end of a plain end pipe joint with the end of the pipe joint in engagement with an internal stop shoulder on the coupling to limit the distance the pipe extends into the coupling.
  • FIG. 6 is a view of a portion of a coupling of this invention that uses a hardened helical coil insert as the die for cutting spiral grooves in the plain end pipe joint and also serving as the female threads.
  • FIG. 7 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the coupling of this invention having flutes extending only partway through the threads.
  • FIG. 8 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the coupling of this invention provided with straight threads.
  • FIG. 9 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the coupling of this invention provided with both tapered and straight threads.
  • FIG. 10 shows an underwater pipeline that has been repaired by replacing a damaged section of the pipeline using the coupling of this invention to connect a replacement section in the pipeline.
  • FIG. 11 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of swivel union 44 of FIG. 7 connected to end 48 of underwater pipeline 52.
  • FIG. 12 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of a telescoping joint in the pipeline replacement section.
  • coupling 10 is in axial alignment with and abutting the ends of pipe joints 12 and 14.
  • Coupling 10 is provided with tapered threads 16 and 18 of opposite hand so that when coupling 10 is rotated relative to the pipe joints, with the pipe joints being moved toward the center of the coupling, threads 16 and 18 will form a spiral groove in the outer surface of the ends of the pipe joints, as shown in FIG. 3, to simultaneously form threaded connections between the adjacent ends of the two joints of line pipe and the coupling.
  • Flutes 20 are provided to receive metal that is removed or displaced as the threads on the coupling form spiral grooves in the outer surface of the line pipe as the connection is made up. In the embodiment shown, four such flutes are provided.
  • the thread profile can be dimensioned based on the outside diameter of the line pipe so that the metal that is removed or displaced by the threads in the coupling is accommodated in the female thread groove.
  • the inner ID of the coupling is cylindrical and provided with 0-ring grooves 22 and 24 where O-rings 26 and 28 are located. These O-rings engage the cylindrical outer surface of pipe joints 12 and 14 and seal the threaded connection formed between the coupling and the pipe joints. Circumferential scribe lines 31 indicate when the pipe joint has been drawn into the coupling the proper distance to energize the seals.
  • threads 16 and 18 in FIGS, l, 2, and 3, that act as threading dies are tapered and also are sharp V- threads in form so that they can more readily penetrate the metal in the outer surface of the two pipe joints and form spiral grooves on the threaded connection between the threads on the coupling and the threads that are formed in the outer surface of the pipe joints.
  • FIG. 3 is an alternate embodiment of the connection of FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the threads are formed in the same way. The difference is the addition of U-shaped ring seals 30 and 32 that are compressed between the ends of pipe joints 12 and 14 and integral stop shoulder 34 on the coupling. Threads 16 and 18 on the coupling are coated and flutes 20 are filled with thread compound 36.
  • FIG. 3 is taken along line 3—3 of FIG. 2 to show how the flutes are filled with thread compound.
  • the lubricant supplies the lubricity desired for reducing friction between the coupling and the pipe joints while the connection is being made up and then cures to form a cross-linked polymer seal that blocks the leak paths between the threads and through the flutes.
  • One such thread compound is manufactured by EQUIVALENT, S.A. Frivier, Switzerland and sold under the trademark CA TSTM 101.
  • FIG. 4 is a view, on an enlarged scale of a portion of the connection shown in FIG. 3.
  • coupling 10 In FIG. 5, the distance that coupling 10 can move onto pipe joint 14 is limited by the engagement of the end of the pipe joint with internal stop shoulder 34.
  • cutting element 20 is threaded or formed in coupling 10.
  • hardened helical coil 40 with cutting edges 41 form a spiral groove in pipe joint 14 as the coupling 10 is rotated relative to the pipe or vice versa resulting in the coil being in engagement with spiral grooves in both the coupling and the pipe joint to hold the two together.
  • a centrifugal casting process for example, a more hardenable cutting surface can be cast in the I.D. surface, which would be integral to the structure.
  • a hardened cast or wrought insert that can be threaded or formed in the coupling can be used.
  • Thread 18a is provided with flutes 20a that extend only through the section of the threads having the smallest diameter and would, therefore, displace the most metal from pipe joint 14a.
  • the internal threads of the coupling can be straight, tapered, or both depending on the situation.
  • the threads are tapered.
  • threads 18b in coupling 10b are straight.
  • O-ring 28b seals the connection and scribe line 31b indicates when the coupling is made upon pipe joint 14b. The engagement of the end of pipe joint 14b with shoulder 34b limits the distance the coupling can be made up on the pipe joint.
  • threads 18c are divided into two portions A and B.
  • Portion A are straight threads that are designed to form relatively shallow spiral grooves in the outside surface of pipe joint 14c.
  • Portion B are tapered threads that form much deeper spiral grooves in the pipe joint. This coupling has the advantage of forming a long stable connection between the coupling and the pipe joint with less torque.
  • FIGS. 10-12 The use of this invention to connect a replacement section in an underwater pipeline is shown in FIGS. 10-12.
  • Replacement section 40 is suspended from strongback 41, that includes hydraulically actuated end positioning assemblies 42 and 43, and is used to lower replacement section 40 into position to be connected in the pipeline.
  • the replacement section includes two swivel unions 44 and 46 that are constructed as shown in FIG. 11 in which swivel union 44 is shown in section.
  • Swivel union 44 includes threaded section 44a and swivel section 44b.
  • the swivel section includes cylindrical section 44c and locking ring 44d that is connected to the inner surface of cylindrical section 44c to engage lug 44e on the end of section 48 of the replacement section. This arrangement allows threaded section 44a to be rotated relative to the replacement section and form a threaded connection with end 48 of pipeline 52. Seals 44f prevent fluid from escaping from the repaired pipeline.
  • the ends of the pipeline need no special treatment except that the damaged section should be cut from the pipeline so that the ends of the pipeline to be connected to the couplings are not damaged. Further, all burrs resulting from the cutting process should be removed.
  • Telescoping joint 58 is connected in replacement section 52 by couplings 45 and 47.
  • Male sleeve 58a extends into female sleeve 58b to allow relative longitudinal movement of the sleeves to accommodate the longitudinal movement of the swivel unions away from each other as they are connected to the ends of the pipeline.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Joints Allowing Movement (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un raccord (10) permettant d'obtenir un raccordement fileté résistant à la pression de deux parties de raccordement de tuyaux à extrémités lisses (12, 14), alignés axialement. Le raccord (10) comprend un élément tubulaire ayant un filetage interne (16, 18) aux extrémités opposées de l'élément tubulaire. Lors de la rotation du tuyau et du raccord l'un par rapport à l'autre, les filetages forment une rainure hélicoïdale à la surface extérieure de chacune des deux parties de raccordement des tuyaux à extrémités lisses, alignés axialement, pour former un raccordement fileté avec les tuyaux lors de la rotation du raccord par rapport auxdits tuyaux. Le raccord configuré comme un raccord orientable peut également être utilisé pour remplacer le tronçon endommagé d'un pipeline par un nouveau tronçon.
PCT/US1997/004327 1996-03-20 1997-03-19 Raccord pour tuyaux WO1997035137A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU22162/97A AU2216297A (en) 1996-03-20 1997-03-19 Pipeline coupling

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US61885896A 1996-03-20 1996-03-20
US08/618,858 1996-03-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997035137A1 true WO1997035137A1 (fr) 1997-09-25

Family

ID=24479416

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/004327 WO1997035137A1 (fr) 1996-03-20 1997-03-19 Raccord pour tuyaux

Country Status (4)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2216297A (fr)
CA (1) CA2200289A1 (fr)
ID (1) ID16376A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997035137A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000022338A1 (fr) * 1998-10-14 2000-04-20 Novoplastic Dispositif de connexion pour la construction d'un reseau de transport subaquatique de fluide, d'energie, ou de signaux
EP1253365A1 (fr) * 2001-04-25 2002-10-30 Veritas Ag Tuyau
EP1091158A3 (fr) * 1999-10-07 2003-01-02 Virotec Rohrtechnik GmbH & Co. KG Tube télescopique
WO2004013531A1 (fr) * 2002-08-01 2004-02-12 Atlas Copco Mai Gmbh Accouplement pour boulons d'ancrage
NO20150217A1 (en) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-15 Arne Barrett Sele Threaded connector
US9857005B2 (en) 2014-01-10 2018-01-02 Wright's Well Control Services, Llc Fluid connector assembly and method of establishing a fluid connection
CN114992410A (zh) * 2022-06-28 2022-09-02 中建七局(上海)有限公司 一种施工用管道对接器及用于安装对接器的辅助装置

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102922443A (zh) * 2011-08-12 2013-02-13 成都科盛石油科技有限公司 一种便于工件准确安装的定向连接套筒

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2338665A (en) * 1941-02-03 1944-01-04 Lewen R Nelson Method of producing coupling parts
US3272539A (en) * 1964-04-06 1966-09-13 Sr Ray W Asbury Conduit fitting
GB2032557A (en) * 1978-10-27 1980-05-08 Deutsch Co Metal Components Fittings for fluid-tight connection to tubular members
US4328983A (en) * 1979-06-15 1982-05-11 Gibson Jack Edward Positive seal steel coupling apparatus and method therefor
US4572549A (en) * 1982-08-24 1986-02-25 Cameron Iron Works, Inc. Subsea pipelines

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2338665A (en) * 1941-02-03 1944-01-04 Lewen R Nelson Method of producing coupling parts
US3272539A (en) * 1964-04-06 1966-09-13 Sr Ray W Asbury Conduit fitting
GB2032557A (en) * 1978-10-27 1980-05-08 Deutsch Co Metal Components Fittings for fluid-tight connection to tubular members
US4328983A (en) * 1979-06-15 1982-05-11 Gibson Jack Edward Positive seal steel coupling apparatus and method therefor
US4572549A (en) * 1982-08-24 1986-02-25 Cameron Iron Works, Inc. Subsea pipelines

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000022338A1 (fr) * 1998-10-14 2000-04-20 Novoplastic Dispositif de connexion pour la construction d'un reseau de transport subaquatique de fluide, d'energie, ou de signaux
EP1091158A3 (fr) * 1999-10-07 2003-01-02 Virotec Rohrtechnik GmbH & Co. KG Tube télescopique
EP1253365A1 (fr) * 2001-04-25 2002-10-30 Veritas Ag Tuyau
WO2004013531A1 (fr) * 2002-08-01 2004-02-12 Atlas Copco Mai Gmbh Accouplement pour boulons d'ancrage
US7387319B2 (en) 2002-08-01 2008-06-17 Atlas Copco Mai Gmbh Coupling for anchor bolts
US9857005B2 (en) 2014-01-10 2018-01-02 Wright's Well Control Services, Llc Fluid connector assembly and method of establishing a fluid connection
US10697569B2 (en) 2014-01-10 2020-06-30 David C Wright Fluid connector assembly and method of establishing a fluid connection
NO20150217A1 (en) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-15 Arne Barrett Sele Threaded connector
CN114992410A (zh) * 2022-06-28 2022-09-02 中建七局(上海)有限公司 一种施工用管道对接器及用于安装对接器的辅助装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2216297A (en) 1997-10-10
CA2200289A1 (fr) 1997-09-20
ID16376A (id) 1997-09-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA1164023A (fr) Dispositif et methode de raccordement etanche de tuyaux en acier
EP1200704B1 (fr) Raccord de tube filete
EP2372211B1 (fr) Raccord de tuyau à paroi mince et méthode pour coupler un premier tuyau à un second tuyau
US4139221A (en) Ball and socket joint
GB1582391A (en) Apparatus methods and joints for connecting tubular bodies
EP0418434B1 (fr) Dispositif de raccord ajustable
EP1373774B1 (fr) Ameliorations concernant ou relatives a la pose d'oleoducs sous-marins
US4411456A (en) Apparatus, methods, and joints for connecting tubular members
AU2002304663A1 (en) Method of laying pipe-in-pipe structures and device for use therein
WO1997035137A1 (fr) Raccord pour tuyaux
CN1008209B (zh) 软管接头
CA3045359A1 (fr) Accessoires de tuyauterie pour joindre des elements de tuyau par un raccord a ajustement serre et tuyauterie formee a l'aide de ceux-ci
US5143411A (en) Threaded tubular connection
EP3405644B1 (fr) Raccord de tuyau
US10815738B2 (en) Method for upgrading a connector assembling two riser pipe sections by means of a dismountable locking collar
US4527820A (en) Postive seal steel coupling apparatus and method
US11946572B2 (en) Threaded connection including and intermediate shoulder
CA2017097A1 (fr) Raccord ajustable
EA044460B1 (ru) Резьбовое соединение, содержащее промежуточный заплечик
GB2115094A (en) Apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH HU IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

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

Ref country code: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 97533634

Format of ref document f/p: F