Patents by Inventor Rafael Storz

Rafael Storz 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: 7223961
    Abstract: A device for selectively detecting specific wavelength components of a light beam includes a spectral spreading element for spectrally spreading the light beam, and a detector array arranged downstream of the element. The detector array includes light-insensitive regions and light-sensitive regions. The element and the detector array are matched to each other so that selectable wavelength components of the light beam hit the light-insensitive regions and remaining wavelength components of the light beam hit the light-sensitive regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Volker Seyfried, Rafael Storz
  • Publication number: 20070035822
    Abstract: The arrangement for examining microscope preparations with a scanning microscope comprises a laser (1) and an optical means (12) which images the light generated by the laser (1) onto a specimen (13) that is to be examined. Provided between the laser (1) and the optical means (12) is an optical component (3, 20) that spectrally spreads, with a single pass, the light generated by the laser (1). The optical component (3, 20) is made of photonic band-gap material. It is particularly advantageous if the photonic band-gap material is configured as a light-guiding fiber (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Rafael Storz
  • Patent number: 7151270
    Abstract: A method for classifying a plurality of object image regions of an object to be detected using a scanning microscope includes labeling each of the image areas of the object with a different marker so that light of a respective characteristic emanates from each marker. The intensity of the light from each marker is detected using at least two channels so as to generate detection signals, each detection signal being a function of the intensity of the detected light. The object regions are classified using ratios of the detection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Rafael Storz
  • Patent number: 7151633
    Abstract: A detector, arranged in the detection beam path of a scanning microscope, for the detection of detected light proceeding from a sample can be used to detect other than the detected light for example of external optical experiments. The scanning microscope comprises an incoupling apparatus with which light other than the detected light can be coupled into the detection beam path and conveyed to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Rafael Storz, Werner Knebel
  • Patent number: 7133130
    Abstract: In a method for scanning microscopy an illuminating light beam that contains at least first light of a first wavelength and second light of a second wavelength, is coded. The coded illuminating light beam is directed onto a specimen and detection light proceeding from the specimen is decoded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Rafael Storz, Volker Seyfried
  • Patent number: 7123408
    Abstract: The arrangement for examining microscope preparations with a scanning microscope comprises a laser (1) and an optical means (12) which images the light generated by the laser (1) onto a specimen (13) that is to be examined. Provided between the laser (1) and the optical means (12) is an optical component (3, 20) that spectrally spreads, with a single pass, the light generated by the laser (1). The optical component (3, 20) is made of photonic band-gap material. It is particularly advantageous if the photonic band-gap material is configured as a light-guiding fiber (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Rafael Storz
  • Publication number: 20060219881
    Abstract: A microscope includes a scanning head including a scanning device for a light beam. A scanning tube lens is coupled to the scanning head. The scanning head may be a scanning head of a scanning microscope. The scanning tube lens may be disposed inside the scanning head. The scanning tube lens may be adapted to an optical requirement of the scanning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Rafael Storz, Holger Birk, Heinrich Ulrich, Peter Euteneuer
  • Publication number: 20060215264
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting photons of a light beam emanating from a spatially limited source includes a detection device having a plurality of detectors forming a three-dimensional array with semitranslucent EMCCDs disposed one behind another. A light splitting device is disposed in a path of rays of the light beam for splitting the light beam so as to distribute the photons over the detectors for detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Rafael Storz, Volker Seyfried
  • Patent number: 7110645
    Abstract: A microscope includes a light source that emits an illuminating light beam for illumination of a specimen, a beam splitter separating measuring light out of the illuminating light beam, and an apparatus for determining the light power level of the illuminating light beam. The apparatus for determining the light power level of the illuminating light beam receives the measuring light and includes an apparatus for simultaneous color-selective detection of the measuring light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Rafael Storz, Johann Engelhardt, Kyra Moellmann
  • Patent number: 7087891
    Abstract: A scanning microscope having an acoustooptical component that splits out illuminating light for illumination of a sample from the output light of at least one light source, and conveys detected light proceeding from the sample to a detector, comprises, in the beam path of the output light from which the illuminating light is split out, at least one monitoring detector which is the measuring element of a control circuit. The scanning microscope is characterized in that fluctuations over time in the illuminating light power level are largely eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Mircosystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Knebel, Rafael Storz, Kyra Moellmann
  • Publication number: 20060164723
    Abstract: With an eye towards achieving a particularly simple structure, a microscope with an objective (1) and/or an objective changer and/or an objective turret as well as adjustment means (3) for positioning a specimen stage is configured and refined in such a way that the objective (1) and/or the objective changer and/or the objective turret is/are coupled to the adjustment means (3) in such a way that the position of the objective (1) and/or the objective changer and/or the objective turret can be adjusted by the adjustment means (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Rafael Storz, Heinrich Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20060152787
    Abstract: A scanning microscope for imaging an object includes a light source and a spectrally selective detection device. An illumination beam path extends from the light source to the object. A detection beam path extends from the object to the detection device. A spectrally selective element useable to select light from the light source is provided. The spectrally selective element is useable to mask out of the detection beam path the selected light from the light source reflected or scattered on the object. An illumination slit diaphragm is disposed in the illumination beam path and configured to generate a linear illumination pattern in a region of the object. A detection slit diaphragm is disposed in the detection beam path and configured to detect the light coming from the linear illumination region from a focal plane so as to provide a confocal slit scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Knebel, Holger Birk, Rafael Storz
  • Patent number: 7041951
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for investigating layers (1) of tissues in living animals using a microscope (2). The microscope (2) is focused onto a layer (1), and images of the layer (1) are acquired or optical measurements are performed on it. Positional changes of the layer (1) are brought about by movements of the animal or of its organs. The positional changes are sensed, and corresponding signals are generated. The signals are stored, together with the corresponding images or measurement results, for later evaluation; or they are processed in such a way that the positional changes are compensated for in order to investigate the layer (1). As a result, the layer (1) can be qualitatively or quantitatively investigated microscopically, irrespective of the movement of the animal or its organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Hoppe, Werner Knebel, Kyra Moellmann, Rafael Storz
  • Patent number: 7038193
    Abstract: A method for separating different emission wavelengths in a scanning microscope includes scanning a specimen with an illuminating light beam by passing the illuminating light beam over the specimen using a beam deflector, and selectively applying each of a plurality of excitation wavelengths to the illuminating light beam during the scanning according to a predefinable illumination scheme. Emission light coming from the specimen is detected using a detector, the emission light including emission wavelengths corresponding to the excitation wavelengths. The detector is read out when an excitation wavelength is applied so as to provide detected signals. The detected signals are associated with the respective excitation wavelengths using the illumination scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Seyfried, Rafael Storz
  • Publication number: 20060066734
    Abstract: A method for superimposing optical information in a scanning microscope includes determining a transformation matrix, and superimposing first optical information of a CCD image and second optical information of at least one piece of second image information using the transformation matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Rafael Storz, Volker Seyfried
  • Patent number: 7002717
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for beam deflection, in particular for scanning microscopy, a light beam being deflectable by a mirror arrangement that is alternatingly rotatable by a rotary drive. The apparatus for beam deflection makes possible maximum variability in terms of frequency range and maximally achievable oscillation frequency, and is thus usable in flexible and versatile fashion. It moreover allows almost any desired angular offset from the zero point position to be established, and is characterized in that the rotary drive comprises two mutually independent drive units which rotate the mirror arrangement, together or mutually independently, about a rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Rafael Storz, Johann Engelhardt, Holger Birk, Joachim Bradl
  • Publication number: 20050249457
    Abstract: A device for generating a light beam having several wavelengths includes a beam recombiner arrangement for recombining several laser light beams having different wavelengths. The beam recombiner arrangement includes several individual beam recombiners arranged in a row or in groups parallel to each other and each configured to couple in a respective laser light beam having a wavelength of a defined wavelength range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Seyfried, Rafael Storz
  • Publication number: 20050201441
    Abstract: A device for generating a laser light beam includes a module. The module includes at least one laser light source, and a mechanical, an electrical and/or an optical interface defined towards an outside of the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Seyfried, Rafael Storz
  • Patent number: 6909540
    Abstract: A microscope objective that comprises an objective housing and contains several lens elements, at least one lens element being arranged displaceably in motor-driven fashion within the objective housing, is disclosed. A microscope and a method for imaging a specimen are additionally disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Engelhardt, Rafael Storz
  • Publication number: 20050122580
    Abstract: The arrangement for examining microscope preparations with a scanning microscope comprises a laser (1) and an optical means (12) which images the light generated by the laser (1) onto a specimen (13) that is to be examined. Provided between the laser (1) and the optical means (12) is an optical component (3, 20) that spectrally spreads, with a single pass, the light generated by the laser (1). The optical component (3, 20) is made of photonic band-gap material. It is particularly advantageous if the photonic band-gap material is configured as a light-guiding fiber (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Rafael Storz