Bei Patentübersetzungen wird oftmals "substantially" verwendet, um die Aussage, dass etwas zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt (hier: as soon as) oder in einem bestimmten Umfang (wall surface having a substantially uniform thickness) zu "entschärfen".


Is "Substantially" Particular Enough?
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http://www.invention-protection.com/ip/publications/docs/Is_...

Those familiar with the patent application process recognize that patent attorneys use phrases such as "substantially" and "approximately" all too often. In fact, some patent applications could be reduced in length by several pages simply by removing such phrases. However, such expressions are used to avoid strict numerical boundaries that may result in narrow patent protection. The question often presented is whether phrases such as "substantially" and "approximately" satisfy the requirement of 35 USC §112 that the applicant "particularly point out and distinctly claim" the invention...