Patents by Inventor Stefan Thiem

Stefan Thiem 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).

  • Publication number: 20240085485
    Abstract: A method for determining the parameters of an equivalent circuit for representation of the impedance of a lithium ion cell is provided. The equivalent circuit includes at least one RC element having an ohmic resistor R1, a capacitor C1, and a series resistor Rs. The series resistor Rs is determined by an impedance measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Stefan ROEMERSPERGER, Jan Philipp SCHMIDT, Tobias THIEM, Christopher WAGNER
  • Patent number: 8850848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for sectioning histological samples, which encompasses a sectioning unit (18), a sample holder (14), and a drive unit (16) for moving the sample holder (14) relative to the sectioning unit (18) in order to section the sample (12). Also provided is a cooling unit (20), for cooling at least a sub-region of the sample holder (14), which encompasses a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a capillary tube (25) for delivering the liquefied refrigerant from the compressor (22) to the sample holder (14), and a return line (28) for returning the refrigerant from the sample holder (14) to the compressor (22). At least a sub-region (32) of the capillary tube (25) is embodied in a spiral shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Christian Lorenz
  • 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: 8353232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for braking or locking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). The microtome (1) comprises the shaft (6), an actuating element (2), a movement mechanism (37) and a housing (38). With the movement mechanism (37) an object to be cut can be moved relative to a knife blade. The actuating element (2) can be manually actuated by an operator. As a result thereof, the shaft (6) can be rotated. Via the shaft (6), the movement mechanism (37) for performing the relative motion between the object and the knife blade can be driven. Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating a device for braking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). So that the device can be used in a mechanically formed movement mechanism (37), the inventive device is characterized by an actuator and a braking unit (25). The braking unit (25) is connected in a rotatably fixed manner to the shaft (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Stefan Thiem, Andreas Laudat
  • Publication number: 20120318075
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for sectioning histological samples, which encompasses a sectioning unit. (18), a. sample holder (14), and a drive unit (16) for moving the sample holder (14) relative to the sectioning unit (18) in order to section the sample (12). Also provided is a cooling unit (20), for cooling at least a sub-region of the sample holder (14), which encompasses a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a capillary tube (25) for delivering the liquefied refrigerant from the compressor (22) to the sample holder (14), and a return line (28) for returning the refrigerant from the sample holder (14) to the compressor (22). At least a sub-region (32) of the capillary tube (25) is embodied in a spiral shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan THIEM, Christian LORENZ
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8187157
    Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Rolf Metzner, Christoph Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8042444
    Abstract: A knife holder (1) for microtome blades (2) has a body (3) for reception of the blade (2) against an abutment edge (4) and a pressure plate (5) for retention of the blade, such that in the retained state, only the blade cutting edge (6) protrudes from the body (3), and an ejection apparatus (8), associated with one side edge (7) of the blade cutting edge (6), is connected to the body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiem
  • Patent number: 7910060
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating prepared specimens. The apparatus comprises at least two container rows arranged in parallel to each other, each comprising a plurality of reagent containers and a transport mechanism for transporting at least one transport container that receives at least one carrier holding at least one prepared specimen. The transport mechanism is movable along an X and Z axis. A rotation unit is provided comprising holding arms and at least one holding element. The container rows are received rotatably at the ends of the holding arms of the at least one holding element that is connected to a rotation shaft such that it co-rotates with the rotation shaft that extends parallel to the X axis. The rotation unit is adapted to assume at least one working position allowing the transport mechanism to have access to the reagent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Simon Keimer, Harald Rauh, Eberhard Sendobry, Jürgen Tenhaef, Stefan Thiem
  • Publication number: 20100180742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for braking or locking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). The microtome (1) comprises the shaft (6), an actuating element (2), a movement mechanism (37) and a housing (38). With the movement mechanism (37) an object to be cut can be moved relative to a knife blade. The actuating element (2) can be manually actuated by an operator. As a result thereof, the shaft (6) can be rotated. Via the shaft (6), the movement mechanism (37) for performing the relative motion between the object and the knife blade can be driven. Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating a device for braking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). So that the device can be used in a mechanically formed movement mechanism (37), the inventive device is characterized by an actuator and a braking unit (25). The braking unit (25) is connected in a rotatably fixed manner to the shaft (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Stefan Thiem, Andreas Laudat
  • Publication number: 20100068094
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating prepared specimens. The apparatus comprises at least two container rows arranged in parallel to each other, each comprising a plurality of reagent containers and a transport mechanism for transporting at least one transport container that receives at least one carrier holding at least one prepared specimen. The transport mechanism is movable along an X and Z axis. A rotation unit is provided comprising holding arms and at least one holding element. The container rows are received rotatably at the ends of the holding arms of the at least one holding element that is connected to a rotation shaft such that it co-rotates with the rotation shaft that extends parallel to the X axis. The rotation unit is adapted to assume at least one working position allowing the transport mechanism to have access to the reagent container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Simon Keimer, Harald Rauh, Eberhard Sendobry, Jürgen Tenhaef, Stefan Thiem
  • Publication number: 20090235799
    Abstract: A knife holder (1) for microtome blades (2) is described, which holder has a body (3) for reception of the blade (2) against an abutment edge (4) and a pressure plate (5) for retention of the blade, such that in the retained state, only the blade cutting edge (6) protrudes from the body (3), and an ejection apparatus (8), associated with one side edge (7) of the blade cutting edge (6), is arranged on the body (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2005
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiem
  • Publication number: 20080148918
    Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Rolf Metzner, Christoph Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7368081
    Abstract: A system (100) for staining and coverslipping specimen slides comprises a first part (the stainer (1)) and a second part (the coverslipper (20)). A transport device (5), with which racks (4) carrying specimen slides are transferred directly from the stainer (1) into the coverslipper (20), is provided in the stainer (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiem
  • Patent number: 7357384
    Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an orientable sample holder for a microtome is described. The drive system (2) for moving the sample holder is arranged in a housing. At least one rotatably mounted spindle (4), and a nut (5) running on the spindle (4), are provided for moving the sample holder in one spatial direction. The nut (5) comprises a position element (6) identifying the zero position, and an indicating element (11) is associated with the position element (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiem
  • Patent number: 7273000
    Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) is disclosed, having a base part (2) on which a microtome housing (4) and a knife holder (6) are arranged. Also provided is a collection element (8) that surrounds the knife holder on three sides, the collection element having a U-shaped base outline. Also provided are several clamping levers that are associated with the knife holder, at least one clamping lever for the knife holder being arranged operably on a first or a second outer side wall (18a, 18b). In addition, the bottom (12) of the collection element (8) has shaped on it an elevation (22) under which a mechanical coupling is guided from the clamping lever (10c) to the knife holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20070098599
    Abstract: A system (100) for staining and coverslipping specimen slides comprises a first part (the stainer (1)) and a second part (the coverslipper (20)). A transport device (5), with which racks (4) carrying specimen slides are transferred directly from the stainer (1) into the coverslipper (20), is provided in the stainer (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Stefan Thiem
  • Patent number: 7198752
    Abstract: For automatic transportation and lifting and lowering of specimens in an automatic stainer, a drive system comprises a motor (16) and a side wall assembly (40), the motor (16) being coupled on the drive side to a first (12) and a second (14) crank system. The first (12) and second (14) crank systems are respectively coupled to the side wall assembly (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiem
  • Patent number: 7153474
    Abstract: A system (100) for staining and coverslipping specimen slides comprises a first part (the stainer (1)) and a second part (the coverslipper (20)). A transport device (5), with which racks (4) carrying specimen slides are transferred directly from the stainer (1) into the coverslipper (20), is provided in the stainer (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiem
  • Patent number: 6887428
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects, in particular cytological or histological specimens, having multiple processing stations (2) and a transport device (4) for delivering the objects into and out of the processing stations (2), is characterized in that the transport device (4) comprises a robot arm (5) that is movable in three dimensions and provides for arbitrary positioning of the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Wernz, Stefan Thiem, Eric Barth