Patents Represented by Attorney Schlee IP International, P.C.
  • Patent number: 8177685
    Abstract: A method for shifting gears in a dual clutch transmission within a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle implementing said method are suggested providing a smooth transition between gears particularly in the starting phase. The dual clutch transmission comprises a first clutch and a second clutch as well as a first partial transmission having a first and other gears and a second partial transmission having a second and other gears. The clutches are controlled to a) decrease a torque transmitting capacity of the first clutch; b) increase a torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; c) adapt the rotational speed of the motor in direction of a rotational speed of an input shaft of the second partial transmission via increasing the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; and d) control the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch to a final torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz, Marco Siebigteroth
  • Patent number: 8180549
    Abstract: A method of controlling a clutch in a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle adapted to perform this method are suggested, in particular resulting in a good starting phase action for supercharged diesel motors. The method comprises the method steps of: setting a clutch torque that is transmitted by a clutch by a plurality of clutch characteristics; determining by a respective clutch characteristic the clutch torque for a particular motor load depending on the rotational speed of the motor; dividing the clutch characteristics into a low speed range and into a full load range; increasing within the low speed range at a constant rotational speed of the motor the transmitted clutch torque with increasing the motor load; and transmitting in the full load range in comparison to the low speed range lower clutch torques at the same rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8172927
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filtering sectioning wastes of a microtome that are present in an air stream are described. The apparatus has an aspiration device with which sectioning waste can be aspirated from a blade region of the microtome with an air stream. A main filter and a prefilter are provided. A valve is provided for opening and closing an opening so that the air stream so that if desired an air stream can be directed through a filter insert in the prefilter for emptying the prefilter into the main filter. According to the method, an air stream that is used for aspirating sectioning waste from a blade region of the microtome is shut off immediately before emptying the prefilter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Schmitt, Roland Walter
  • Patent number: 8164072
    Abstract: A method and a device for preparing specimens for a cryo-electron microscope are described. A carrier is fixed to a holder, sample liquid is applied to the carrier, and a blotting device for removing excess sample liquid from the carrier by means of the absorbing medium is applied. The absorbing medium is illuminated with light and a change in the optical properties of the absorbing medium is detected by means of an optical sensor device. A control moves the blotting away from the carrier depending on a change in the detected optical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Lihl, Guenter Resch
  • Patent number: 8152906
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filtering sectioning wastes of a microtome that are present in an air stream are described. The apparatus has an aspiration device with which sectioning waste can be aspirated from a blade region of the microtome with an air stream. A main filter and a prefilter are provided. The direction of the air stream can be reversed and a filter insert in the prefilter can be rotated for emptying the prefilter into the main filter. According to the method, the prefilter is only emptied to the main filter after all the sections of a block that are to be produced with the microtome have been produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Schmitt, Roland Waller
  • Patent number: 8132769
    Abstract: A stand for a surgical microscope is suggested, comprising a vertical support, at least one horizontal support, a first vertical articulation unit that is connected the horizontal support, a second articulation unit determining an oblique pivot axis, a displacement unit that is attached to the second articulation unit and has multiple degrees of freedom for displacement and balancing of an optics carrier carrying the surgical microscope, at least one pivot support encompassed by the displacement unit, and a displacer for displacing the optics carrier in an X direction extending horizontally and transversely to the oblique pivot axis. The pivot support comprises a pivotable parallelogram support and a holding arm that is attached to the pivotable parallelogram support and is configured such that it simultaneously serves as a displacer for displacing the optics carrier in the X direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore)Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrzej Metelski
  • Patent number: 8131501
    Abstract: An analyzing method for a sensor system determining the position of a shifting fork in a shift transmission is suggested wherein a shifting fork can be moved from a neutral position into at least one gear position. The position of the shifting fork is determined by a sensor system comprising at least one magnet and at least one magnetic field sensor that can be moved relative to the magnet. The method includes storing a base diagram for a base output signal in relation to position s and correcting the measured output signal so that the base diagram can be used for determining with high accuracy the position of the shifting fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Helmuth Bosch, Dirk Nikolai
  • Patent number: 8123659
    Abstract: A method and a motor vehicle applying that method for preventing an uncontrolled rollback of a motor vehicle is suggested, said method comprising means for influencing the torque transmission by a drive train. In case a rollback action is detected, namely a movement in opposite direction as the predetermined direction of movement, the transmission of torque is influenced such that a torque is transmitted via the drive train acting against the rollback direction and the torque does not exceed a defined maximum value. The control allows a controlled rollback by making the intervention by the system to be perceived little disturbing, but at the same time in particular in case of strong incline of the road does not render the driver non-informed about the actual incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8092343
    Abstract: A method for determining the filling pressure for a clutch and a hydraulic clutch adapted to conduct said method are suggested where clutch linings are brought into engagement against the force of a clutch release spring by a hydraulic pressure system. The hydraulic pressure is controlled such that an engagement point where the clutch linings abut against each other but without establishing a torque transmitting capacity in the clutch can be reached quickly and precisely. The purpose is to achieve a short gear shifting time, but at the same time avoid impacts due to premature torque transmittal capacity in the clutch during gear shifting. A precision shifting mode or a fast shifting mode can be established, compromising speed and torque transmitting capacity depending on the preferred driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Stefan Kirschstein, Manfred Henning
  • Patent number: 8082085
    Abstract: A method for shifting a gear into a gear position in an automated shift transmission with several gears and an automated shift transmission adapted to perform said method are suggested. Via a shifting fork, a shifting sleeve can be shifted from a neutral position into respective gear positions and reaches on its way a pull-in position where the shifting sleeve is automatically forced in direction of the gear position. It is achieved that the pull-in position is safely reached by checking whether the shifting fork has reached a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and whether it has come to a standstill therebetween. Accordingly, an increased shifting force can be applied. Albeit allowing production tolerances in the transmission, the respective gear position is safely reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventor: Helmuth Bosch
  • Patent number: 8071026
    Abstract: A tissue processor is described that comprises a retort for processing histological samples using various reagents, a plurality of exchangeable reagent supply containers that each comprise at least one container opening, a system of conduits, a control device for conveying reagents out of the reagent supply containers through at least one reagent conduit into the retort, and system bottles. The reagent supply containers and the system bottles are connected via the pertinent reagent conduits to at least one valve. The valve is electrically connected to the control device such that at least one of filling and emptying of the system bottles with reagents from the reagent supply containers is controlled. This design allows differently dimensioned reagent supply containers while at the same time minimizing the space requirement for the reagent containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rapp, Marc Konrad, Markus Dobusch, Stefan Kuenkel
  • Patent number: 8064121
    Abstract: An acousto-optical component is suggested, in particular for use in the beam path of an optical arrangement, preferably of a microscope, with a crystal for the passage of light. Sound waves are generated via an electrical transducer and passed through the crystal. The sound waves passing through the crystal affect the optical properties of the crystal and therefore the light passing through the crystal. For exerting a variable influence on the light passing through the crystal, the sound waves passing through the crystal, or the acoustic field in the crystal, are/is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Seyfried
  • Patent number: 8054561
    Abstract: An optical system is described for merging a first and a second partial image beam emanating from a specimen into a resultant image beam allowing modification of the areal proportion of the respective first or second partial image beam in the resultant image beam. A stop arrangement comprises at least a first and a second movable stop element each comprising at least one stop region adapted to be brought into a working position with the first or second partial image beam. Movably arranged connecting means for connecting the two stop elements are provided to modify the respective areal proportions of the partial image beams in the resultant image beam by movement of the connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Bender
  • Patent number: 8051760
    Abstract: A microtome for producing thin sections for microscopy is suggested that has a high level of automation and can be operated ergonomically. The microtome has a sectioning knife, a specimen holder, a first and a second motor unit operating the knife, a control system and an operating unit comprising a first and a second operating element. The first operating element controls the relative displacement between the sectioning knife and specimen holder, while the second operating element adjusts the advance rate of the displacement. The first operating element is a rotating ring and the second element is a rotary knob, concentrically within the rotating ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Walter
  • Patent number: 8048206
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filtering sectioning wastes of a microtome that are present in an air stream is suggested. The apparatus encompasses an aspiration device. With the aspiration device, sectioning waste can be aspirated from a blade region of the microtome with an air stream. The aspiration device comprises a main filter in which the sectioning wastes can be filtered from the air. In order to allow inadvertently aspirated histological sections to be retrieved again without mix-up, the apparatus according to the present invention has an aspiration device comprising a prefilter that is arranged between the blade region and the main filter and prefilters the sectioning wastes. The present invention further relates to a microtome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Schmitt, Roland Walter
  • Patent number: 8042674
    Abstract: A clutch device is described comprising a first clutch element, a second clutch element that is disposed in a coaxial manner in relation to the first clutch element, a first engagement means, a second engagement provided for engaging with the first engagement in a positively interlocking manner for transmitting a torque between the first clutch element and the second clutch element, and a spring biasing the first engagement element and the second engagement element in a circumferential direction against each other. The spring comprises a leg spring with a ring part and two legs, wherein the ring part is disposed in a substantially coaxial relation to the first and second clutch parts and the legs extend in a radially outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hegerath, Uwe Hinsberger, Johann None Kirchhoffer, Josef Fuss
  • Patent number: 8039262
    Abstract: A method for controlling a tissue processor and a tissue processor for processing tissue samples is described. A retort is provided including a cover that can be opened and closed by an operator. The retort cover is closed prior to tissue processing. The actuation state of a first and a second operating element can be determined. An operator is prompted to confirm unlocking of the closed retort cover by actuating a second operating element. The tissue processing is interrupted when an actuation of the second operating element is determined and the closed retort cover is unlocked and is continued after the retort cover is once again locked. After having completed tissue processing the retort cover is unlocked. By means of the described method and tissue processor improper intervention during ongoing tissue processing is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Konrad, Holger Metzner, Udo Hermann, Frank Meder, Hermann Ulbrich, Markus Dobusch, Stefan Künkel
  • Patent number: 8027085
    Abstract: A microscope comprising a main objective having a lens assembly movable in the direction of the optical axis of the main objective for focal length change and comprising an illuminating unit with illumination deflector elements for deflecting an illuminating beam path for generating an illuminating beam path directed onto an object plane. The position of the illumination deflector elements is adjustable dependent on a focal length change of the main objective for centering the illumination, and the illumination deflector elements are designed as at least partly integrated into the movable lens assembly of the main objective. For this purpose, in particular a part of the lens surface of the movable lens assembly can be made reflective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon Haw Chong
  • Patent number: 8009352
    Abstract: A microscope comprising a main objective having a variable focal length and comprising an illuminating unit including a light source and an illuminating optical system for generating an illuminating beam path directed onto the object plane and extending outside the main objective. A unit is provided for centering the illumination dependent on a variation of the focal length of the main objective. The illuminating optical system is mounted at least in part in a laterally shiftable manner for centering the illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd
    Inventor: Haw Chong Soon
  • Patent number: 7999935
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method for imaging at least one microscopic property of a sample and an apparatus with which the proposed method can be carried out. In the method, at least one coherent illumination light with at least one illumination wavelength is produced by means of at least one light source. The illumination light is imaged onto at least one region on or within the sample. Detection light emitted by the sample is split at least partially into incoherent detection light and into coherent detection light by means of at least on physically separating beam splitter. The coherent detection light is at least partially separated from the coherent illumination light by at least one beam-splitter element. The coherent detection light is detected. The proposed method can be used in particular for investigating the sample by means of coherent anti-Stokes-Raman scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus Dyba