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).

  • Patent number: 11755860
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Publication number: 20220314605
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20220269912
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20220266605
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
  • Patent number: 9664701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 9063099
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 9011066
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Hoffmann, Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8753583
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8722412
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Egle, Stefan Thiem, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8709360
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Midhat Hajrovic, Bernhard Neef, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Simon Keimer
  • Patent number: 8501121
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nusslock GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel
  • Patent number: 8431091
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel
  • Publication number: 20120290127
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Publication number: 20120287261
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8277730
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel, Janet Minshew
  • Publication number: 20120192660
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Midhat Hajrovic, Bernhard Neef, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Simon Keimer
  • Publication number: 20120189412
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Joachim HOFFMANN, Bernhard NEEF, Simon KEIMER, Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120171003
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nusslock GmbH
    Inventors: Markus EGLE, Stefan THIEM, Simon KEIMER, Karl-Heinz WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120134894
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Neef, Simon Keimer, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff
  • Publication number: 20120052526
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel, Janet I. Minshew