Patents by Inventor Heinz Westerhoff
Heinz Westerhoff 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).
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Patent number: 11755860Abstract: A printer for printing on histology-laboratory consumable articles (16) includes an optical reading device (13), which reads an image pattern of a histology-laboratory consumable article (16) to be printed on by means of the printing device (4), generates analog or digital image-pattern image signals with regard to the read image pattern and transfers the image-pattern image signals to a control device (8) of the printer, and/or which reads an overprint (18) printed onto a histology-laboratory consumable article (16) by the printing device (4), generates analog or digital overprint image signals with regard to the read overprint (18) and transfers the overprint image signals to a control device (8) of the printer, which control device determines at least one quality parameter with regard to the overprint (18).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventor: Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Publication number: 20220314605Abstract: A printer for printing on unused histology-laboratory consumable articles including an optical reading apparatus which reads an image pattern of a histology-laboratory consumable article to be printed on, generates analog or digital image signals relating to the image pattern that has been read, and transfers the image signals to a control apparatus of the printer which evaluates the received image signals and as a function of the evaluation result establishes at least one processing step for the further processing of the histology-laboratory consumable article with regard to the quality of the impression to be printed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventor: Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
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Publication number: 20220269912Abstract: A printer for printing on histology-laboratory consumable articles (16) includes an optical reading device (13), which reads an image pattern of a histology-laboratory consumable article (16) to be printed on by means of the printing device (4), generates analog or digital image-pattern image signals with regard to the read image pattern and transfers the image-pattern image signals to a control device (8) of the printer, and/or which reads an overprint (18) printed onto a histology-laboratory consumable article (16) by the printing device (4), generates analog or digital overprint image signals with regard to the read overprint (18) and transfers the overprint image signals to a control device (8) of the printer, which control device determines at least one quality parameter with regard to the overprint (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventor: Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
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Publication number: 20220266605Abstract: A printer for printing on histology-laboratory consumable articles (16) includes a control apparatus (8), which is configured to receive analog or digital image signals of a target impression image pattern, and an optical reading apparatus (13). The optical reading apparatus (13) reads an impression (18) printed on a histology-laboratory consumable article (16) by the printing device (4), generates analog or digital impression image signals relating to the impression (18) that has been read, and transfers the impression image signals to the control apparatus (8). The control apparatus (8) evaluates the impression image signals received from the optical reading apparatus (13) by comparing them with the analog or digital image signals of the target impression image pattern and determines at least one quality parameter relating to the impression (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventor: Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
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Patent number: 9664701Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10) for handling slides, including a first and at least a second module-receiving area (24 through 28) for receiving at least one module (30, 34) for handling slides each. The first module-receiving area (24) accommodates a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping thin sections on slides with a mounting medium and a cover slip (48).Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Patent number: 9063099Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10, 100) for handling slides, including an input compartment (14) for inputting racks (16) and the slides held therein, and a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping slides. The system (10, 100) further includes an output compartment (22) for outputting racks (16), a transport unit (20) for transporting the racks (16), and a control unit (52) for controlling the transport unit (20). The transport unit (20) is designed to be capable of transporting the racks (16) between the input compartment (14), the coverslipper module (30, 32) and the output compartment (22).Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBHInventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Patent number: 9011066Abstract: The invention relates to a coverslipping module for mounting coverslips onto specimen slides (12) for microscopic investigations, having a transport apparatus (9) for transporting a specimen slide (12) out of a rack (3) or a specimen slide holder to a coverslipping position (13) in which the specimen slide (12) is equipped with a coverslip, and having an alignment device for aligning the specimen slide (12) in the coverslipping position (13) for mounting the coverslip. In order to allow the specimen slide (12) to be reliably and quickly aligned for mounting of the coverslips, thereby ensuring a high level of process dependability with a short processing time, the alignment device are constituted by multiple movable orientation jaws (18) which are arranged so that by closure of the orientation jaws (18), the specimen slide (12) becomes aligned in the coverslipping position (13).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Joachim Hoffmann, Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Patent number: 8753583Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides (32, 78, 80) has at least one coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The apparatus (10) further encompasses a drying unit (16, 70, 90) for extracting solvent from the mounting medium applied onto the specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The drying unit (16, 70, 90) has an air delivery unit (40) for delivering an air flow to the specimen slides (32, 78, 80).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Patent number: 8722412Abstract: An apparatus for sensing specimen slides (38) has a specimen slide holder (42) holding specimen slides (38), each specimen slide (38) comprising an identification code. The specimen slides (38) are arranged inside the specimen slide holder (42) on a lifting element (50) in a lifted position. The apparatus includes a reading apparatus (40) for reading out the identification code, and a positioning apparatus that moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50). As one of the specimen slides (38) drops, the identification code of the specimen slide (38) or of the subsequent specimen slide (38) becomes readable for the reading apparatus (40). A triggering apparatus (67, 68) triggers the reading apparatus (40) to read the identification code.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Markus Egle, Stefan Thiem, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Patent number: 8709360Abstract: An automated processing machine, in particular an automated coverslipper or an automated stainer used for processing samples placed on slides and having an output device for outputting slides that have been processed by the automated processing machine. The output device includes an extensible and retractable drawer unit. The drawer unit includes at least one receiving channel for receiving a plurality of holders for slides. Holders received in any position in the receiving channel can be removed therefrom when the output device is in the open position. The automated processing machine is designed such that holders intended for output are inserted into the at least one receiving channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Midhat Hajrovic, Bernhard Neef, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Simon Keimer
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Patent number: 8501121Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for automatically embedding at least one tissue sample. A tissue embedding apparatus (1) can be provided having an input unit (2), an image acquisition unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding apparatus (1). At least one image of the tissue sample (8) and/or at least one image of the cassette (9) may be acquired using the image acquisition unit (3). The at least one image acquired of the tissue sample (8) and/or of the cassette (9) may be evaluated. Further processing the tissue sample (8) in the tissue embedding apparatus (1) can be performed as a function of the image evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nusslock GmbHInventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel
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Patent number: 8431091Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding at least one tissue sample (8). Said tissue embedding device (1) comprises an input unit (2), an image recording unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding device (1). The embedding unit (4) allows the tissue sample (8) to be embedded in an embedding medium, while the at least one output unit (5) allows the embedded tissue sample to be output. The image recording unit (3) makes it possible to record at least one image of the tissue sample (8).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel
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Publication number: 20120290127Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10, 100) for handling slides, including an input compartment (14) for inputting racks (16) and the slides held therein, and a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping slides. The system (10, 100) further includes an output compartment (22) for outputting racks (16), a transport unit (20) for transporting the racks (16), and a control unit (52) for controlling the transport unit (20). The transport unit (20) is designed to be capable of transporting the racks (16) between the input compartment (14), the coverslipper module (30, 32) and the output compartment (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBHInventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Publication number: 20120287261Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10) for handling slides, including a first and at least a second module-receiving area (24 through 28) for receiving at least one module (30, 34) for handling slides each. The first module-receiving area (24) accommodates a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping thin sections on slides with a mounting medium and a cover slip (48).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBHInventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Patent number: 8277730Abstract: A tissue infiltration apparatus (1) for specimens present in cassettes (5) comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). Multiple cassettes (5) are receivable in a transport basket (4). The transport apparatus (6) is configured in such a way that at least two transport baskets (4) are transportable in the tissue infiltration apparatus (1). A transport basket (4) is deliverable to, and/or movable away from, a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) with the transport apparatus (6). An execution sequence (21) in which the transport baskets (4) pass through the liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) is definable. To enable accelerated or preferred processing of a transport basket (4) with the tissue infiltration apparatus (1), at least one means (8) is provided with which the order of two transport baskets (4) is definably modifiable.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel, Janet Minshew
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Publication number: 20120192660Abstract: An automated processing machine, in particular an automated coverslipper or an automated stainer used for processing samples placed on slides and having an output device for outputting slides that have been processed by the automated processing machine. The output device includes an extensible and retractable drawer unit. The drawer unit includes at least one receiving channel for receiving a plurality of holders for slides. Holders received in any position in the receiving channel can be removed therefrom when the output device is in the open position. The automated processing machine is designed such that holders intended for output are inserted into the at least one receiving channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBHInventors: Midhat Hajrovic, Bernhard Neef, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Simon Keimer
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Publication number: 20120189412Abstract: The invention relates to a coverslipping module for mounting coverslips onto specimen slides (12) for microscopic investigations, having a transport apparatus (9) for transporting a specimen slide (12) out of a rack (3) or a specimen slide holder to a coverslipping position (13) in which the specimen slide (12) is equipped with a coverslip, and having alignment means for aligning the specimen slide (12) in the coverslipping position (13) for mounting the coverslip. In order to allow the specimen slide (12) to be reliably and quickly aligned for mounting of the coverslips, thereby ensuring a high level of process dependability with a short processing time, the alignment means are constituted by multiple movable orientation jaws (18) which are arranged so that by closure of the orientation jaws (18), the specimen slide (12) becomes aligned in the coverslipping position (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBHInventors: Joachim HOFFMANN, Bernhard NEEF, Simon KEIMER, Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
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Publication number: 20120171003Abstract: An apparatus for sensing specimen slides (38) has a specimen slide holder (42) holding specimen slides (38), each specimen slide (38) comprising an identification code. The specimen slides (38) are arranged inside the specimen slide holder (42) on a lifting element (50) in a lifted position. The apparatus includes a reading apparatus (40) for reading out the identification code, and a positioning apparatus that moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50). As one of the specimen slides (38) drops, the identification code of the specimen slide (38) or of the subsequent specimen slide (38) becomes readable for the reading apparatus (40). A triggering apparatus (67, 68) triggers the reading apparatus (40) to read the identification code.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nusslock GmbHInventors: Markus EGLE, Stefan THIEM, Simon KEIMER, Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
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Publication number: 20120134894Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides (32, 78, 80) has at least one coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The apparatus (10) further encompasses a drying unit (16, 70, 90) for extracting solvent from the mounting medium applied onto the specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The drying unit (16, 70, 90) has an air delivery unit (40) for delivering an air flow to the specimen slides (32, 78, 80).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
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Publication number: 20120052526Abstract: A tissue infiltration apparatus (1) for specimens present in cassettes (5) comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). Multiple cassettes (5) are receivable in a transport basket (4). The transport apparatus (6) is configured in such a way that at least two transport baskets (4) are transportable in the tissue infiltration apparatus (1). A transport basket (4) is deliverable to, and/or movable away from, a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) with the transport apparatus (6). An execution sequence (21) in which the transport baskets (4) pass through the liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) is definable. To enable accelerated or preferred processing of a transport basket (4) with the tissue infiltration apparatus (1), at least one means (8) is provided with which the order of two transport baskets (4) is definably modifiable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBHInventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel, Janet I. Minshew