Patents by Inventor Heiko Zimmermann

Heiko Zimmermann 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: 8586341
    Abstract: A method for moving a probe (10, 91) through a cell material (20), which is formed from biological cells (21), is described, the probe (10) displacing the cells (21) without injury. A probe (10, 91) for performing the method and a cell manipulator, which is equipped with at least one probe of this type, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Günter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8584473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling apparatus, especially for cryogenically preserving biological samples, comprising a duct (5) for delivering a coolant (3) to a cooling chamber (1), a heater (6) that has an adjustable first heating performance (P2) for heating the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), a first temperature sensor (8-10) for measuring the temperature (T2-T4) in the cooling chamber (1), a second temperature sensor (7) for measuring the temperature (T1) of the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), and a regulator (11) for regulating the temperature. Said regulator (11) is embodied as a multiple regulator which detects several temperatures (T1-T4) as control variables and/or adjusts several heating performances (P1, P2) as manipulated variables. The invention further relates to a corresponding operating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung, e.V.
    Inventors: Uwe Schon, Heiko Zimmermann, Gunter Fuhr
  • Patent number: 8563082
    Abstract: A device for producing a crosslinked substance, e.g., of crosslinked microcapsules (1) of a crosslinkable capsule substance, in particular crosslinked alginates, is described, having a first dispensing device (2) for dispensing a jet of the crosslinkable capsule substance and a crosslinking device for applying a crosslinking agent to the capsule substance, whereby the crosslinking device has a second dispensing device (5) which directs a jet (9, 13) of the crosslinking agent at the jet or at a layer of the capsule substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Ulrich Zimmermann, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20130244271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a cryopreserved biological sample (1), comprising the steps of providing the biological sample (1) in a cryopreserved state, measuring at least one Raman spectroscopic sample characteristic by means of a Raman spectroscopic measuring apparatus (10, 20), comparing the at least one sample characteristic with a reference characteristic by means of an evaluating apparatus (30), and providing a state characteristic that depends on the result of the comparison and that is characteristic of a storage state of the biological sample (1). The invention further relates to a monitoring device for cryopreserved samples, in particular for performing said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Guenter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann, Frank Stracke, Daniel Doerr
  • Publication number: 20130198529
    Abstract: A sample carrier unit (100), in particular for biological samples, is described which comprises a sample uptake unit (10) which is equipped for taking up at least one sample, a data storage unit (20) which is equipped for the storage of sample data that relate to the at least one sample, and to a key storage unit (30) having at least one key store (31, 32, 33), wherein the key storage unit (30) is equipped for storing key data in the at least one key store (31, 32, 33). At least one key store (31, 32, 33) of the key storage unit (30) can be arranged so as to be separable from the sample carrier unit (100). In addition, a data processing unit (200) which is configured for coupling to the sample carrier unit (100) and a method for processing sample data are described, which sample data are encrypted using at least one cryptological key which is stored in the key storage unit (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Guenter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann, Haiko Wick, Frank Ihmig
  • Patent number: 8451138
    Abstract: A method for operating a cryostorage device (100), especially for biological samples, is described which comprises a sample carrier (10) to receive at least one sample (11) and a data storage (20), wherein data are inductively transmitted from the data storage device (20) into a wireless transmission channel (40) and/or conversely using a resonant circuit (30) connected to the data storage device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Heiko Zimmermann, Guenter R. Fuhr, Rolf Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 8304228
    Abstract: A manipulation tool is disclosed for producing cell material having multiple biological cells, which have a predefined geometrical arrangement. The tool includes a tool body, whose surface at least partially contacts the cell material, and a setting device for adjusting the tool body by a continuous expansion, so that geometrical properties of the surface change and an interior of the tool body is enlarged. The setting device is adapted to expand the tool body at an advance velocity in a range from 0.1 ?m/h to 1 mm/h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Günter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20120079990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conserving at least one biological deep-sea organism (1) comprising the steps of collecting the biological organism (1) in a deep-sea trapping device (110); cooling the biological organism (1) with a cooling device (120), wherein the biological organism (1) is put in a frozen condition; and moving the frozen biological organism (1), preferably with the trapping device (110), to a normal-pressure environment. The invention further relates to a conservation apparatus (100) for conserving at least one biological deep-sea organism (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Guenter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann, Charli Kruse, Robert Lemor
  • Publication number: 20110308333
    Abstract: An adapter device includes a receptacle including at least one receiving element that detachably secures a sample chamber for cryoconservation of a biological sample, and a coupling device that connects the receptacle to a base section which can be secured in a cooling device, wherein the receiving element is 1) immobile in a holding state at a cryoconservation temperature and secures the sample chamber and 2) at least one of deformable and movable in a release state at a temperature above the cryoconservation temperature so that the sample chamber is detachable from the adapter device or can be inserted into the adapter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Günter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann, Hagen von Briesen, Anja Germann
  • Publication number: 20110277486
    Abstract: A method for operating a cryostorage device (100), especially for biological samples, is described which comprises a sample carrier (10) to receive at least one sample (11) and a data storage (20), wherein data are inductively transmitted from the data storage device (20) into a wireless transmission channel (40) and/or conversely using a resonant circuit (30) connected to the data storage device (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Heiko ZIMMERMANN, Guenter R. FUHR, Rolf HAGEDORN
  • Publication number: 20110219788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cryogenic storage device and to a method for operating a cryogenic storage device, particularly for cryogenic storage of biological samples, comprising a sample carrying device that is set up to accommodate samples, a cryogenic container that is set up to accommodate the sample carrying device, a container cooling device with which the cryogenic container can be cooled, an intermediate storage container that is set up for intermediate storage of the sample carrying device, a transport device with which the sample carrying device can be moved between the cryogenic container and the intermediate storage container and a sensor device with which at least one operating parameter of the cryogenic storage device can be registered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Heiko Zimmermann, Uwe Schoen, Guenter R. Fuhr, Dirk Leuthold, Marianne Belke
  • Publication number: 20110209668
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium with a pressure-tight aquarium tank (7-12), which during operation is filled with a liquid, and with a pressure-resistant rising pipe (1), which opens out into the aquarium tank (7-12) and is intended for producing an increased hydrostatic pressure in the aquarium tank (7-12) by a liquid column located in the rising pipe (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Günter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7984616
    Abstract: A cryostorage device (100) is described that includes at least one data storage device (200) and at least one sample receptacle device (300) with at least one sample chamber (301, 302, etc.) for the uptake of a suspension sample, the at least one sample chamber (301, 302, etc.) being connected to the data storage device (200) and having a elongated, hollow shape that extends from an inlet end (320) over a predetermined length to an outlet end (330) and being attached to the at least one data storage device (200) in a flexible and movably hanging manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Günter Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7958791
    Abstract: A method for operating a cryostorage device (100), especially for biological samples, is described which comprises a sample carrier (10) to receive at least one sample (11) and a data storage (20), wherein data are inductively transmitted from the data storage device (20) into a wireless transmission channel (40) and/or conversely using a resonant circuit (30) connected to the data storage device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forshung e.V.
    Inventors: Heiko Zimmermann, Günter R. Fuhr, Rolf Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 7892815
    Abstract: A conditioning device (100) for biological cells includes a support (10), adapted to support at least one biological cell (1) in a supporting zone (11), and a contact device (20), adapted to support at least one conditioning sample (3) and to displace the at least one conditioning sample (3) relative to the support (10) in such a manner that the at least one conditioning sample (3) touches the at least one biological cell (1), the contact device (20) including at least two mechanical supporting elements (21, 22) that can be displaced from various spatial directions towards the support (10). The invention also relates to methods for conditioning, especially imprinting or differentiating biological cells and to uses of the conditioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Guenter Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20100196946
    Abstract: A conditioning device (100) for biological cells includes a support (10), adapted to support at least one biological cell (1) in a supporting zone (11), and a contact device (20), adapted to support at least one conditioning sample (3) and to displace the at least one conditioning sample (3) relative to the support (10) in such a manner that the at least one conditioning sample (3) touches the at least one biological cell (1), the contact device (20) including at least two mechanical supporting elements (21, 22) that can be displaced from various spatial directions towards the support (10). The invention also relates to methods for conditioning, especially imprinting or differentiating biological cells and to uses of the conditioning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Guenter Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20100167382
    Abstract: A manipulation tool is disclosed for producing cell material having multiple biological cells, which have a predefined geometrical arrangement. The tool includes a tool body, whose surface at least partially contacts the cell material, and a setting device for adjusting the tool body by a continuous expansion, so that geometrical properties of the surface change and an interior of the tool body is enlarged. The setting device is adapted to expand the tool body at an advance velocity in a range from 0.1 ?m/h to 1 mm/h.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Günter R. FUHR, Heiko ZIMMERMANN
  • Publication number: 20100116216
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium with a water tank (2), filled with water (3) when in operation and containing objects for investigation (4, 19), in particularly biological organisms, said water tank (2) being at least partly located below ground in the earth (5). According to the invention, the water tank (2) runs so deep into the earth (5) that, at least the bottom of the water tank (2) is at the pressure of the deep sea. The invention further relates to a corresponding method of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Gunter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7704741
    Abstract: A method for producing cell material (20) having multiple biological cells (21), which have a predefined geometrical arrangement, includes the steps of providing a manipulation tool (10) having a tool body (11), whose surface (12, 14) at least partially contacts the cell material (20), and adjusting the manipulation tool (10) using a change of geometrical properties of the surface (12, 14) in such a way that the geometrical arrangement of the cells (21) is changed. A manipulation tool for performing a method of this type is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Gunter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20100062529
    Abstract: Disclosed is a deposition apparatus (100) which is designed to deposit frozen biological material (1) in a target substrate (2) and includes a charging device (10) and a driving device (20). The charging device (10) is designed to supply the biological material (1) to the driving device (20) while the driving device (20) is designed to apply a driving force to the biological material (1). In order to apply the driving force, the driving device (20) is formed such that the biological material (1) can penetrate into the target substrate (2) under the effect of the driving force. Also disclosed are an injector cartridge which is designed to provide frozen biological material in a deposition apparatus as well as a method for depositing biological material (1) in a target substrate (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Heiko Zimmermann, Guenter R. Fuhr