Patents Assigned to Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd
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Patent number: 8554372Abstract: A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Victor Camfield Windeyer, Michael Houston Drummond
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Publication number: 20130185091Abstract: A sample, embedded in a paraffin block, is placed on a tissue cassette which carries a label which may be a bar code. When the sample is processed, the cassette is given to a microtome operator who scans the label. Scanning causes information to be displayed on a screen and the operator verifies that what is on the screen matches what was on the label. The paraffin block is then placed in a microtome chuck and sections are cut from the block. A number of slide labels related to the cassette label are printed for the sections. If the operator does not verify that the information displayed on the screen matches the information on the cassette label and/or does not place the paraffin block in the microtome chuck within an allocated time interval after scanning the cassette label, dispensing and labeling of slides and/or operation of the microtome is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventor: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd
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Publication number: 20130123979Abstract: A biological reaction apparatus for receiving at least one substrate having a sample located in a sample region, and a separate cover, such that a reaction chamber is formed between the cover and substrate over the sample region, wherein the apparatus includes a locating means to locate the substrate; a cover locating means for locating and moving the cover with respect to the substrate; a fluid dispensing means for dispensing fluid into the reaction chamber; and a draining mechanism; wherein the draining mechanism includes wicking means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventor: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd
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Patent number: 8409871Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tissue processing, particularly, to the treatment of fluids used in tissue processing. In one embodiment the present invention provides for treating a tissue processing fluid comprising first processing fluid comprising a first processing fluid and a second contaminating fluid, by: gradually varying the pressure of the fluid from an initial pressure level to a first pressure level such that the fluid remains below a vaporizing point of the second contaminating fluid and, heating the fluid to at least a vaporizing temperature of the second contaminating fluid. In another embodiment, the present invention removes the second contaminating fluid from the fluid by varying at least one of the pressure and temperature of the fluid so as to allow the second contaminating fluid to vaporize. Alternatively, an embodiment of the present invention interleaves the step of removing with one or more tissue processing protocol steps.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventor: Michael Houston Drummond
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Publication number: 20130078734Abstract: A cover for a substrate including: a body defining a cavity, for positioning over the substrate to form a reaction chamber; and a projection extending from the body to define a fluid reservoir, when the cover is fitted to the substrate, the fluid reservoir being in fluid communication with the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventor: Leica Biosystems Melbourne PTY Ltd
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Patent number: 8394322Abstract: A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for histological analysis. The processor comprises two retorts, wax baths, reagent containers, a pump and valve. The vale distributes the reagent from one container to either retort. Separate reagent lines connect the wax baths to the retorts. A method of infiltrating a sample containing a reagent such as a dehydrating reagent like an alcohol, where the infiltrating material is heated to a temperature at or above the boiling point of the reagent, to boil off the reagent when the tissue sample is contacted by the infiltrating material. The pressure in the retort may be reduced to lower the boiling point of the reagent.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Victor Camfield Windeyer, Michael Houston Drummond, Stephen Gregory Phillip
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Patent number: 8337786Abstract: A cover for a substrate including: a body defining a cavity, for positioning over the substrate to form a reaction chamber; and a projection extending from the body to define a fluid reservoir, when the cover is fitted to the substrate, the fluid reservoir being in fluid communication with the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Andrew McLellan, George Goris, Chester Henderson, Jonathan McKinlay
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Patent number: 8315445Abstract: A method an apparatus for identifying slides is disclosed, where samples such as tissue sample mounted to slides are labeled with information, and an image of the information is captured by a processing instrument. The image is analyzed, for example using optical character recognition, and information extracted from the image is used to determine the test to be applied to the slide by the processing instrument. Where information about the slide cannot be extracted from the image, the image is presented to a user to that the slide information, such as its identity or the test to be applied, may be selected by the user to allow the slide to be processed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Paul Sorenson, Chris Zawadzki
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Patent number: 8315899Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling are disclosed. The apparatus applies tests to microscope slides, where the slides are loaded in trays. Each tray is treated as a batch, and batches may be interleaved to reduce the total running time of testing all slides in up to three batches. The batches of slides have protocols that define the application of reagents such as primary antibodies. The protocols define open times, where no common resources are used, and use times, where common resources are used. The scheduler operates to ensure that the use times between batches does not overlap, without leaving the next step in the protocol for an excessive period of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Frank Samuhel, Stuart Lucas, Christopher Bowen
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Publication number: 20120208287Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a chromogenic compositions and reagents systems and methods therefor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTD.Inventor: Costa Conn
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Publication number: 20110201106Abstract: A mould and tissue cassette for automated embedding of tissue, and a method of operation are disclosed. The mould attaches to the cassette prior to embedding, and fits into a rack. The rack supports the mould holding the tissue cassette when the mould and cassette are in a first position. When the mould and cassette are moved to a second position, a projection on the rack separates the mould from the cassette, to facilitate easy removal. Also disclosed is a mould for a tissue cassette having projections for holding the mould to a rack, so that the tissue cassette is not in contact with the mould.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventors: Ian Emil Sohn, Chester Henderson, Timothy Brett McDonald, Richard John Louis Gardner
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Publication number: 20110174088Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying reagents to tissue mounted on slides, in the field of histology is disclosed. The apparatus holds a number of slides, in slide trays, which are loaded onto the apparatus. Each slide tray forms a batch of slides, with all the batched forming a group. The apparatus holds a number of reagents, grouped into a first group comprising bulk type reagents, and a second group comprising antibodies or probes, and detection systems, for identifying elements of the tissue. A group fluid dispenser, in the form of a robot arm, dispense reagents to the group of slides. Each batch of slides has its own batch fluid dispenser to dispense reagents onto the batch of slides. In on embodiment, the group fluid dispenser dispense antibodies, probes, detection reagents to all slides depending on the protocol defined for each slide, and the batch dispensers dispense bulk reagent to each batch, thus freeing the group fluid dispense from dispensing bulk reagents to all slides.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Leica Biosystems melbourne pty ltdInventors: Andrew Watkins, Ray Mitcham, David Huang
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Publication number: 20100151513Abstract: A tissue embedder comprising a transport mechanism for an input member, the input member adapted to hold a plurality of tissue supports, with each tissue support associated with a mould, a wax bath and a cooling station wherein the transport mechanism moves the input member from a wax bath to a cooling station.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTD.Inventors: Eduardo Vom, Chester John Henderson, Craig Matthew Lewis
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Publication number: 20090210254Abstract: A sample, which is embedded in a paraffin block, is placed on a tissue cassette (22) which carries a label (20) which may a bar code. When the sample is to be processed, the cassette is given to a microtome operator who scans the label (20) with, for example, a bar code reader (4). Scanning causes information to be displayed on a screen (12) and the operator verifies that what is on the screen matches what was on the label. The paraffin block is then placed in a microtome chuck (26) and sections are cut from the block. Concurrently with, or prior to sectioning, a number of slides (18) are dispensed (2) and are printed with a label (16) so that the sections can be mounted thereon. The slide label (16) is related to the cassette label (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventor: Phillip Clyde Roberts Gurney
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Publication number: 20080254504Abstract: A tissue handling apparatus is provided comprising a support and a locator, for processing and embedding tissue samples. The support and cover form a chamber, within which a tissue sample is oriented prior to processing. After processing, the tissue sample within the chamber is embedded and the locator is removed, leaving the tissue sample correctly oriented in embedding material, mounted to a support, ready for microtoming.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2006Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventors: Eduardo Vom, Chester John Henderson, Neville John Farmer
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Publication number: 20080220468Abstract: A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for histological analysis. The processor comprises two retorts, wax baths, reagent containers, a pump and valve. The vale distributes the reagent from one container to either retort. Separate reagent lines connect the wax baths to the retorts. A method of infiltrating a sample containing a reagent such as a dehydrating reagent like an alcohol, where the infiltrating material is heated to a temperature at or above the boiling point of the reagent, to boil off the reagent when the tissue sample is contacted by the infiltrating material. The pressure in the retort may be reduced to lower the boiling point of the reagent.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventors: Victor Camfield Windeyer, Michael Houston Drummond, Stephen Gregory Phillip
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Patent number: 7403330Abstract: A slide holder (6) for use with a microscope to accurately locate a slide (19) in position under the microscope has a pivotal lever (13) having a clamping and locating portion (14) with abutments (15) and (16) which bear on respective edges of the slide when it is in the clamped position. Further abutments (10) on a fixed angular plate (9) locate the other edges of the slide. The slide holder is adapted for mounting on a slide translation stage of a slide loader (1) which includes a stationary sensor block (20) positioned to engage the lever (13) when the slide holder moves from its inspection or scanning position under the microscope to a loading/unloading position. The slide translation stage includes a robotic head for lifting and depositing slides and the translation stage includes a bar code reader to read a bar code on the slide.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Chester John Henderson, Stephen Collings Morris, Ian Donald Reilly, Eduardo Vom
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Publication number: 20080113440Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to laboratory systems for processing tissue samples and specimens within a laboratory. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for automating sample processing, comprising handling and analysis of tissue specimens with laboratory and/or medical diagnostic equipment. In one form the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sample processing tissue specimens for histological and/or pathological laboratory analysis involving procedures or tasks such as, for example, tissue processing, embedding, staining, coverslipping and imaging. In a laboratory system utilizing aspects of the present invention there is provided at least one workcell and at least one conveyer in which tissue samples may be routed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventors: Phillip Clyde Roberts Gurney, Stuart Stanley Elliott, Eduardo VOM, Simon Jonathon Spence, Stephen Bagnato, Andrew Watkins
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Patent number: 7371346Abstract: A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for histological analysis. The processor comprises two retorts, wax baths, reagent containers, a pump and valve. The vale distributes the reagent from one container to either retort. Separate reagent lines connect the wax baths to the retorts. A method of infiltrating a sample containing a reagent such as a dehydrating reagent like an alcohol, where the infiltrating material is heated to a temperature at or above the boiling point of the reagent, to boil off the reagent when the tissue sample is contacted by the infiltrating material. The pressure in the retort may be reduced to lower the boiling point of the reagent.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Victor Camfield Windeyer, Michael Houston Drummond, Stephen Gregory Phillip