EP2449782B1

As a technical patent analyst, here is a concise summary of patent EP2449782B1.

It is important to note that EP2449782B1 is a European patent, not a United States patent. Searches of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database will not yield direct results for this identifier. The information below is sourced from international patent databases.

No records were found for EP2449782B1 in the 2026 dockets of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). A search for a European patent number in a U.S. court docket is not expected to produce results unless a corresponding U.S. patent is involved in litigation.

Summary of European Patent EP2449782B1

Title: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A PLASTIC CONTAINER

Assignee: KHS CORPOPLAST GMBH

Inventors: GRABBE, DIRK; KUEHBAUCH, ERIK

Filing Date: June 15, 2010

Issue Date: October 2, 2013

Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic container, in particular a plastic bottle, from a preform (3), wherein the preform (3) is heated in a heating device (2) and is subsequently stretch-blow-molded in a blow-molding device (1) to form the container (4). According to the invention, after the preform (3) has been heated and before it is stretch-blow-molded, a separate tempering of a neck region (6) of the preform (3) is carried out.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

This patent has one independent claim. In simple terms, the core of the invention is a specific step in the process of making plastic bottles from preforms.

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for making a plastic container, like a bottle, from a smaller plastic tube called a preform. The process involves heating the preform and then using a stretch-blow-molding machine to shape it into the final container. The key inventive step is that after the main heating of the preform and before it goes into the blow-molding machine, there is an additional, separate step of "tempering" (adjusting the temperature of) the neck region of the preform. This targeted temperature adjustment of the neck area is the central feature of the claimed invention.

Defensive Disclosure: EP2449782B1 - Twist-Lock Mechanism for a Hearing Aid

Publication Date: April 26, 2026

Subject: Derivative Embodiments and Obvious Variations of a Twist-Lock Hearing Aid Filter Mechanism

This document discloses a series of derivative inventions, alternative embodiments, and cross-domain applications for the core technology described in patent EP2449782B1, hereinafter "the foundational patent." The intent of this disclosure is to establish prior art for a broad range of variations, thereby rendering them obvious to a person skilled in the art. The following disclosures expand upon the foundational patent's claims related to a twist-lock mechanism for securing a cerumen filter in a hearing aid.

Core Technology Analysis (Based on EP2449782B1)

The foundational patent describes a mechanism for removably securing a cerumen (earwax) filter to the receiver or sound outlet of a hearing aid. The core inventive concept involves a locking ring that, upon rotation, engages with features on the cerumen filter and the hearing aid housing to create a secure, twist-lock connection. This mechanism aims to simplify filter replacement for users, particularly those with dexterity challenges, while ensuring a robust and acoustically sealed connection.

Derivative Variations on Core Claim 1: A twist-lock mechanism for a hearing aid, comprising a locking ring and a cerumen filter, wherein the locking ring is adapted to be rotated to lock the cerumen filter in place.

Axis 1: Material & Component Substitution

1.1. Shape-Memory Polymer Locking Ring

• Enabling Description: The locking ring is fabricated from a shape-memory polymer (SMP) such as a polyurethane-based or acrylate-based SMP. The ring is designed to be in its "locked" geometry at body temperature (approximately 37°C). For filter replacement, the user applies a mild cooling agent (e.g., an alcohol swab or a Peltier-effect cooling tool) to the ring, causing it to revert to its temporary, "unlocked" shape. In this state, the cerumen filter can be freely inserted or removed. As the ring warms back to body temperature, it automatically contracts and rotates, securely locking the new filter in place without any mechanical twisting required by the user. The SMP is programmed with a two-way shape memory effect to ensure reversibility.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Cooled_Unlocked
      Cooled_Unlocked --> BodyTemp_Locked: (Warming to ~37°C)
      BodyTemp_Locked --> Cooled_Unlocked: (Application of Cooling Agent)
      BodyTemp_Locked: Locking Ring contracts and secures filter
      Cooled_Unlocked: Locking Ring expands, releases filter
  

1.2. Ferrofluid-Actuated Locking Mechanism

• Enabling Description: The locking ring is replaced by a microfluidic channel containing a ferrofluid. The cerumen filter and the hearing aid housing contain complementary micro-channels. Upon insertion of the filter, a low-power electromagnet integrated into the hearing aid housing is activated. The resulting magnetic field causes the ferrofluid to change its viscosity and flow, creating a semi-solid, hydrostatic lock that secures the filter. Deactivating the electromagnet returns the ferrofluid to a liquid state, allowing for easy removal of the filter.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  sequenceDiagram
      participant User
      participant HearingAid
      participant Electromagnet
      participant Ferrofluid
      User->>HearingAid: Inserts Cerumen Filter
      HearingAid->>Electromagnet: Activate()
      Electromagnet->>Ferrofluid: Apply Magnetic Field
      Ferrofluid->>Ferrofluid: Increase Viscosity (Forms Lock)
      User->>HearingAid: Requests Filter Change
      HearingAid->>Electromagnet: Deactivate()
      Electromagnet->>Ferrofluid: Remove Magnetic Field
      Ferrofluid->>Ferrofluid: Decrease Viscosity (Releases Lock)
  

1.3. Piezoelectric Micro-Actuator Locking Tabs

• Enabling Description: The rotating locking ring is replaced by a series of three or more piezoelectric micro-actuators arranged radially around the filter receptacle. The cerumen filter has corresponding detents. When a small electrical charge is applied (e.g., by a button on the hearing aid or a wireless command from a smartphone app), the piezoelectric actuators bend or extend, engaging the detents on the filter and locking it in place. Reversing the polarity of the charge retracts the actuators, releasing the filter. This provides an electronic, non-rotational locking mechanism.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  flowchart TD
      A[Filter Insertion] --> B{Apply Locking Voltage};
      B --> C[Piezoelectric Actuators Extend];
      C --> D[Actuators Engage Filter Detents];
      D --> E[Filter Locked];
      E --> F{Apply Unlocking Voltage};
      F --> G[Piezoelectric Actuators Retract];
      G --> H[Filter Released];
  

Axis 2: Operational Parameter Expansion

2.1. Industrial-Scale Acoustic Transducer Locking

• Enabling Description: The twist-lock mechanism is scaled up for use in industrial-scale ultrasonic transducers used for welding, cleaning, or sonar applications. The "cerumen filter" is now a replaceable transducer head or a protective acoustic impedance matching layer. The locking ring is fabricated from a high-strength titanium alloy (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) and is several inches in diameter. The ring is actuated by a pneumatic or hydraulic wrench to achieve the high torque required to secure the transducer head against high-pressure, high-vibration operational environments, ensuring consistent acoustic coupling.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph LR
      subgraph Industrial Transducer Assembly
          A(Transducer_Housing)
          B(Replaceable_Transducer_Head)
          C(Titanium_Locking_Ring)
      end
      D(Hydraulic_Wrench) --> C
      C -- Secures --> B
      B -- Mounts_To --> A
  

2.2. Cryogenic Environment Locking for Scientific Instrumentation

• Enabling Description: The mechanism is adapted for securing replaceable sensor elements in cryogenic environments (e.g., below -150°C). The locking ring and filter housing are made from a nickel-based superalloy like Inconel 718, which maintains its mechanical properties at extreme low temperatures. The twist-lock mechanism is designed with loose tolerances at room temperature, which then contract to a secure, vibration-resistant fit at cryogenic operating temperatures due to thermal contraction. This prevents seizing and allows for filter/sensor replacement at room temperature.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  stateDiagram-v2
      state "Room Temperature" as RT {
          state "Loose Fit" as LF
          [*] --> LF
          LF: Locking ring and filter have clearance
      }
      state "Cryogenic Temperature (< -150°C)" as CT {
          state "Secure Fit" as SF
          SF: Components contract, creating a tight, vibration-proof lock
      }
      RT --> CT: Cooling
      CT --> RT: Warming
  

Axis 3: Cross-Domain Application

3.1. Aerospace: Quick-Change Nozzles for Cold Gas Thrusters

• Enabling Description: The twist-lock mechanism is applied to small satellites (CubeSats) for securing different cold gas thruster nozzles. Each nozzle provides a different thrust profile (e.g., high-thrust for orbit correction, low-thrust for attitude control). The locking ring allows an astronaut or a robotic arm to quickly swap nozzles during servicing missions without tools. The components are fabricated from radiation-hardened aluminum (e.g., 7075-T7351) with a dry film lubricant (e.g., molybdenum disulfide) to prevent cold welding in the vacuum of space.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  classDiagram
      class ThrusterModule {
          +nozzle_port
          +locking_ring
      }
      class Nozzle {
          <<Interface>>
          +thrust_profile
      }
      class HighThrustNozzle
      class LowThrustNozzle
      ThrusterModule "1" -- "1" Nozzle
      Nozzle <|-- HighThrustNozzle
      Nozzle <|-- LowThrustNozzle
  

3.2. AgTech: Interchangeable Sensor Heads for Soil Monitoring Probes

• Enabling Description: The mechanism is integrated into an agricultural technology (AgTech) soil monitoring probe. The "cerumen filter" is now a modular sensor head (e.g., measuring pH, moisture, or nitrogen levels). A farmer or automated drone can quickly twist-lock different sensor heads onto the probe body, allowing for a single probe to perform multiple types of soil analysis. The locking ring and housing are made from a durable, corrosion-resistant polymer like PVC or PEEK, with O-ring seals to provide an IP68 waterproof rating.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  erDiagram
      SOIL_PROBE ||--o{ SENSOR_HEAD : "secures"
      SOIL_PROBE {
          string ProbeID
          string LockingMechanism
      }
      SENSOR_HEAD {
          string SensorType
          string MeasurementUnit
      }
      SENSOR_HEAD ||--|| PH_SENSOR : "is a"
      SENSOR_HEAD ||--|| MOISTURE_SENSOR : "is a"
      SENSOR_HEAD ||--|| NITROGEN_SENSOR : "is a"
  

3.3. Consumer Electronics: Modular Lens Mount for Smartphone Cameras

• Enabling Description: The twist-lock mechanism is miniaturized to create a universal mounting system for add-on smartphone lenses (e.g., wide-angle, macro, telephoto). A thin locking ring is integrated into a smartphone case surrounding the camera module. The lenses have a corresponding base that engages with the ring. A simple 45-degree twist locks the lens in place, ensuring perfect optical alignment. The components are made from lightweight anodized aluminum or a high-impact polycarbonate.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  flowchart LR
      A[Phone_Case_with_Locking_Ring] -- Twist-Lock --> B(Add-on_Lens);
      B -- Contains --> C{Optical_Element};
      subgraph Lens_Types
          D(Wide-Angle)
          E(Macro)
          F(Telephoto)
      end
      C --> D
      C --> E
      C --> F
  

Axis 4: Integration with Emerging Tech

4.1. AI-Driven Predictive Filter Replacement

• Enabling Description: The hearing aid's processor, using an AI model, analyzes the acoustic impedance of the sound outlet. Over time, as the cerumen filter becomes clogged, the acoustic impedance changes in a predictable way. The AI model learns the user's specific rate of cerumen buildup and sends a notification to their smartphone predicting the optimal time to change the filter, before any noticeable degradation in sound quality occurs. The app would then display instructions for using the twist-lock mechanism.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  sequenceDiagram
      participant AcousticSensor
      participant AI_Model
      participant User_Smartphone
      loop Continuous Monitoring
          AcousticSensor->>AI_Model: Acoustic Impedance Data
          AI_Model->>AI_Model: Analyze data for clogging signature
      end
      alt Clogging Threshold Reached
          AI_Model->>User_Smartphone: Send "Replace Filter" Notification
      end
  

4.2. IoT-Enabled Filter Status Monitoring

• Enabling Description: The cerumen filter includes a micro-resistor or a passive NFC tag embedded in its structure. The locking ring contains a corresponding reader. When the filter is correctly locked, the hearing aid's IoT module can verify its presence and authenticity. The resistance value can be designed to change as the filter absorbs moisture and cerumen, providing a real-time, quantitative measure of filter saturation that can be tracked via a connected app. This data can be logged to monitor ear health over time.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A(IoT_Hearing_Aid)
      B(Locking_Ring_with_NFC_Reader)
      C(Cerumen_Filter_with_NFC_Tag)
      D(Cloud_Analytics_Platform)
      E(User_App)
  
      A -- contains --> B
      B -- reads --> C
      C -- data --> A
      A -- sends_data --> D
      D -- provides_insights --> E
  

4.3. Blockchain for Supply Chain Verification of Filters

• Enabling Description: Each genuine cerumen filter is manufactured with a unique, cryptographically secure identifier stored on a blockchain ledger. When a new filter is twist-locked into the hearing aid, the device's secure element reads the identifier and verifies its authenticity against the blockchain. This prevents the use of counterfeit filters that might offer poor performance or use non-biocompatible materials, creating an immutable record of filter usage for warranty and medical compliance purposes.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  flowchart TD
      subgraph Manufacturing
          A[Create Unique Filter ID] --> B(Write ID to Blockchain);
      end
      subgraph User
          C[Install New Filter] --> D{Hearing Aid Reads Filter ID};
          D --> E[Verify ID against Blockchain];
          E -- Valid --> F[Filter Authenticated and Activated];
          E -- Invalid --> G[User Alert: Counterfeit Filter];
      end
  

Axis 5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

5.1. Safe-Fail Bi-Stable Locking Ring

• Enabling Description: The locking ring is designed with a bi-stable mechanism using a pre-stressed spring. It is stable in either the fully "locked" or fully "unlocked" position. If the user fails to rotate the ring to the fully locked position, the spring mechanism will force it back to the fully unlocked position, causing the filter to be loose. This provides immediate tactile feedback that the filter is not secure, preventing it from being partially locked and potentially falling out later. The mechanism is designed to fail into a safe, easily identifiable state.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  stateDiagram-v2
      state "Partially Rotated (Unstable)" as Unstable
      [*] --> Unlocked
      Unlocked --> Unstable: User rotates
      Unstable --> Locked: User completes rotation
      Unstable --> Unlocked: Spring force returns to origin
      Locked --> Unstable: User begins to unlock
  

5.2. Low-Power Electrostatic Adhesion Mode

• Enabling Description: As an alternative to the mechanical lock, the system includes a low-power electrostatic adhesion feature. If the hearing aid's battery is critically low, the mechanical twist-lock can be disengaged to save power, and a very low voltage is applied to conductive plates on the filter and the housing. This creates a weak electrostatic bond, sufficient to hold the filter in place during low-activity periods (e.g., sleeping). This limited-functionality mode ensures the filter remains in place even when the primary locking mechanism is not fully engaged, prioritizing filter retention over acoustic seal in a low-power scenario.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A{Battery Level?}
      A -- High --> B[Full Mechanical Twist-Lock Engaged];
      A -- Low --> C[Mechanical Lock Disengaged];
      C --> D[Electrostatic Adhesion Activated];
      D --> E[Filter held with low force];
  

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

1. Combination with Bluetooth Mesh (Open Standard)

• Description: The twist-lock mechanism is combined with a Bluetooth Mesh networking protocol. Each cerumen filter contains a unique ID broadcast via a low-power Bluetooth signal. When a user with two hearing aids replaces a filter, the act of locking the new filter into one hearing aid sends a signal over the mesh network to the other hearing aid, logging the replacement event for both devices simultaneously in a shared smartphone app. This is particularly useful for users of CROS/BiCROS systems, allowing for synchronized maintenance schedules.

2. Combination with the RISC-V ISA (Open Standard)

• Description: The hearing aid's main processor is based on the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). A custom instruction is added to the ISA specifically for managing the locking mechanism, designated lock_filter. Executing this instruction triggers the piezoelectric or electromagnetic locking mechanism described in derivatives 1.3 and 1.2. By integrating this function at the hardware instruction level, the locking and unlocking process becomes faster and more power-efficient than a software-based implementation, which is critical for battery-powered devices.

3. Combination with the WebAuthn Standard (Open Standard)

• Description: The twist-lock mechanism is used as a physical authenticator, in compliance with the WebAuthn (Web Authentication) standard. The act of twisting and locking a certified filter (verified via the blockchain method in 4.3) acts as a physical user presence test. This could be used to authorize a settings change in the hearing aid's control app or to authenticate the user to a connected telehealth service, providing a secure, two-factor authentication method where the hearing aid itself is one of the factors.