Patents by Inventor Bernhard Kern

Bernhard Kern has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8394637
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jochen Schulat, Gertrud Albrecht, Bernhard Kern
  • Publication number: 20090298182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jochen Schulat, Gertrud Albrecht, Bernhard Kern
  • Patent number: 7501097
    Abstract: The invention relates an analysis system having a positioning device for positioning a test element and a method for positioning the test element in the analysis system. The positioning device has a support surface for supporting the test element. A first switch component sits on the support element. A second switch component is positioned parallel to the first switch component. A connection is established when the second switch component is positioned in recess on the test element due to the displacement of the second switch component relative to the first switch component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ute Hübner, Bernd Stenkamp, Michael Schabbach, Bernhard Kern
  • Patent number: 7477404
    Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of a method and a system for monitoring the correct positioning of a test element in a test element receptacle of an analysis unit, the test element carrying a sample to be analyzed by the analysis unit. Using a delimiting element, responsive signals resulting from irradiating an analysis region on the test element are effectively prevented from impinging upon a signal detector when the analysis region is in an incorrect position relative to the analysis unit. The delimiting element is provided with a light-opaque region and a light-transmissive region, and the light-opaque region is positioned such that responsive signals impinge upon it rather than the light-transmissive region when the analysis region is in an incorrect position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jochen Schulat, Bernd Stenkamp, Guenter Schmelzeisen-Redeker, Wilfried Schmid, Dieter Meinecke, Kai Dickopf, Gertrud Albrecht, Andreas Menke, Bernhard Kern, Wolfgang Schwoebel, Stefan Kalveram
  • Publication number: 20080106730
    Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of a method and a system for monitoring the correct positioning of a test element in a test element receptacle of an analysis unit, the test element carrying a sample to be analyzed by the analysis unit. Using a delimiting element, responsive signals resulting from irradiating an analysis region on the test element are effectively prevented from impinging upon a signal detector when the analysis region is in an incorrect position relative to the analysis unit. The delimiting element is provided with a light-opaque region and a light-transmissive region, and the light-opaque region is positioned such that responsive signals impinge upon it rather than the light-transmissive region when the analysis region is in an incorrect position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Jochen Schulat, Bernd Stenkamp, Guenter Schmelzeisen-Redeker, Wilfried Schmid, Dieter Meinecke, Kai Dickopf, Gertrud Albrecht, Andreas Menke, Bernhard Kern, Wolfgang Schwoebel, Stefan Kalveram
  • Publication number: 20050042765
    Abstract: The invention relates an analysis system having a positioning device for positioning a test element and a method for positioning the test element in the analysis system. The positioning device has a support surface for supporting the test element. A first switch component sits on the support element. A second switch component is positioned parallel to the first switch component. A connection is established when the second switch component is positioned in recess on the test element due to the displacement of the second switch component relative to the first switch component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Ute Hubner, Bernd Stenkamp, Michael Schabbach, Bernhard Kern
  • Publication number: 20020000303
    Abstract: Production of light metal castings composed of magnesium or magnesium alloys, includes supplying a liquid metal first to a dosing chamber; pumping gas under pressure into the dosing chamber so as to press the liquid metal into a preliminarily evacuated mold nest; performing a production process within a system which is pressure-tightly closed from outside; performing heating of the liquid metal in a lower part of a melting device which adjoins a feed system; performing overheating of the liquid metal from a melting condition with a temperature of approximately 630° C. to a rigidification condition at a tool side to a lower region of a valve seat; and supplying and withdrawing a protective gas by a differential pressure system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Bernhard Kern
  • Patent number: 4890830
    Abstract: A body fitness training apparatus to exercise the muscles is described including a lever arm positioned on a frame and seating equipment. A self-stabilizing frame with attached cable guide rolls, a weight plate held on shafts by sleeves, a telescope which adjusts the weight power and which is movably arranged in or at a vertical lever, and a seating wedge stop arranged on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Bernhard Kern