Patents by Inventor Hermann Ulbrich

Hermann Ulbrich 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: 10481054
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for embedding a tissue sample into an embedding medium. In a first step the tissue sample is held in an intended orientation in a container by means of a holding element that presses the tissue sample against a base of the container. In a further step a liquid embedding medium that has a temperature above 64 degrees Celsius, in particular in the range from 65 degrees Celsius to 67 degrees Celsius, or a temperature of 66 degrees Celsius, is poured into the container, and the base of the container is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Böhl, Ralf Eckert, Karin Flieger, Markus Berberich, Hermann Ulbrich, Stella Knorr, Andrew Guy
  • Patent number: 10345202
    Abstract: A method (100) for fixing at least one tissue sample (1) is carried out using a tissue processor (10). The tissue sample (1) is introduced at a first temperature level and a first pressure level into a fixing reagent (2) containing at least one nitrogen-containing compound capable of pressure- and/or temperature-dependent release of at least one aldehyde. The tissue sample (1) is left in the fixing reagent (2) for a fixing time period during which the fixing reagent (2) is brought to a second temperature level above the first temperature level and/or to a second pressure level above the first pressure level. A concentration in the fixing reagent (2) of the nitrogen-containing compound is ascertained using at least one concentration measuring device (14) of the tissue processor (10), and a signal is outputted on the basis of a measured value of the at least one concentration measuring device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Markus Berberich
  • Patent number: 10054364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a melting apparatus (100) for melting paraffin (1), having: a melting container (110) for receiving paraffin (1) to be melted; a storage container (190) for storing molten paraffin (4); having a melting container heating device (120) for heating the melting container (110), having a storage container heating device (191) for heating the storage container (190), having a fluid connection (113) fluidically connecting the melting container (110) and the storage container; the melting container (110), the storage container (190), and the fluid connection (113) being arranged so that molten paraffin (4) flows out of the melting container (110) into the storage container (190).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Berberich, Hermann Ulbrich, Florian Böhl, Ralf Eckert, Karin Flieger
  • Publication number: 20170241876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for melting paraffin, the paraffin (1) that is to be melted, and metallic bodies (2), being arranged in a melting container (210), eddy currents being induced in the metallic bodies (2) using at least one inductor (220); furthermore to a melting apparatus (200) for melting paraffin, having a melting container (210) for receiving paraffin (1) that is to be melted and metallic bodies (2), and having an inductor (220) for inducing eddy currents in the metallic bodies (2) received in the melting container (210); and to paraffin (1), having metallic bodies (2) embedded therein, which is configured in order to be inductively melted in a melting container (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Hermann ULBRICH, Simon KEIMER
  • Publication number: 20170241712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a melting apparatus (100) for melting paraffin (1), having: a melting container (110) for receiving paraffin (1) to be melted; a storage container (190) for storing molten paraffin (4); having a melting container heating device (120) for heating the melting container (110), having a storage container heating device (191) for heating the storage container (190), having a fluid connection (113) fluidically connecting the melting container (110) and the storage container; the melting container (110), the storage container (190), and the fluid connection (113) being arranged so that molten paraffin (4) flows out of the melting container (110) into the storage container (190).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Markus BERBERICH, Hermann ULBRICH, Florian BÖHL, Ralf ECKERT, Karin FLIEGER
  • Patent number: 9709467
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating histological samples, in particular for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that, in particular after an infiltration operation, is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette (1), having a sample receiving chamber (2) which is embodied and intended to be filled at least partly with a liquid (3), in particular with liquid paraffin. The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a displacement means (5) is provided that is introducible into the liquid (3), in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height (6) of the liquid (3), and/or that a displacement means (5) is provided whose volume is increasable, in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch Gmbh
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Publication number: 20170067804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for embedding a tissue sample into an embedding medium. In a first step the tissue sample is held in an intended orientation in a container by means of a holding element that presses the tissue sample against a base of the container. In a further step a liquid embedding medium that has a temperature above 64 degrees Celsius, in particular in the range from 65 degrees Celsius to 67 degrees Celsius, or a temperature of 66 degrees Celsius, is poured into the container, and the base of the container is cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Florian Böhl, Ralf Eckert, Karin Flieger, Markus Berberich, Hermann Ulbrich, Stella Knorr, Andrew Guy
  • Patent number: 9568402
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a processor for processing histological samples. The processor comprises an inlet for insertion of a closed fixing container having the samples present therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Eckert, Markus Berberich, Hermann Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 9377382
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette, for example as a result of solidification of an embedding medium within a cassette. The sample is immobilized in a sample receiving chamber above a first fill level of a liquid that is suitable for counteracting the adhesion; and that the fill level of the liquid is then elevated at least until said level reaches the sample. An apparatus according to the present invention that can be used for carrying out the method comprises a sample receiving chamber and an adjusting chamber, the adjusting chamber being connected to the sample receiving chamber in such a way that a change in the fill level height of the liquid in the sample receiving chamber is producible by changing the pressure existing in the adjusting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 9304069
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treatment of histological samples. The apparatus includes at least a working station, in which the sample gets into contact with a liquid reagent. Further, the apparatus includes a purification device, which blows off at least a part of the reagent adhering to the sample and/or the sample holding arrangement by means of a gas flow, or which sucks off at least a part of the reagent adhering to the sample and/or a sample holding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew Guy, Stella Knorr, Hermann Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 9194776
    Abstract: The invention relates to a processor for working on histological samples. The processor has an inlet for the insertion of a fixing container, particularly a closed fixing container, with the samples located in the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Eckert, Hermann Ulbrich, Stella Knorr, Graeme Robertson
  • Patent number: 9121796
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for execution upon processing of at least one histological sample that is arranged, in particular after an infiltration process, in a closed cassette (2). The method is characterized in that prior to opening of the cassette (2), the sample is detached from the cover of the cassette (2) and/or isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Publication number: 20150140601
    Abstract: A method (100) for fixing at least one tissue sample (1) is carried out using a tissue processor (10). The tissue sample (1) is introduced at a first temperature level and a first pressure level into a fixing reagent (2) containing at least one nitrogen-containing compound capable of pressure- and/or temperature-dependent release of at least one aldehyde. The tissue sample (1) is left in the fixing reagent (2) for a fixing time period during which the fixing reagent (2) is brought to a second temperature level above the first temperature level and/or to a second pressure level above the first pressure level. A concentration in the fixing reagent (2) of the nitrogen-containing compound is ascertained using at least one concentration measuring device (14) of the tissue processor (10), and a signal is outputted on the basis of a measured value of the at least one concentration measuring device (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Markus Berberich
  • Patent number: 9016332
    Abstract: An apparatus for safety-compliant emptying and filling of a reagent container (24, 40) for a tissue processor (20) comprises a suction line (30, 42) for aspirating a reagent out of the reagent container (24, 40) and a delivery line (32, 44) for filling the reagent container (24, 40) with the reagent, a terminating opening (31, 43) of the suction line (30, 42) being spaced away from a terminating opening (33, 45) of the delivery line (32, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Haberkorn, Hermann Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 8968683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8959935
    Abstract: A freezing microtome for the production of microscopable thin sections of tissue samples (60), comprising a cooling device (24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52) for freezing the tissue samples (60), a cutting device for cutting the frozen tissue samples (60) and a working chamber, in which the cutting device and at least a part of the cooling device (24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52) are arranged is described. The part of the cooling device (24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52) arranged in the working chamber contains a liquid coolant (70), in which the tissue samples (60) can be inserted for freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Höfling, Hermann Ulbrich, Ralf Eckert, Michael Eberhard
  • Publication number: 20140373641
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating histological samples, in particular for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that, in particular after an infiltration operation, is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette (1), having a sample receiving chamber (2) which is embodied and intended to be filled at least partly with a liquid (3), in particular with liquid paraffin. The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a displacement means (5) is provided that is introducible into the liquid (3), in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height (6) of the liquid (3), and/or that a displacement means (5) is provided whose volume is increasable, in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian Löchte, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Patent number: 8890709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of displaying a system state of an automatic treatment device, a corresponding display system which is configured for carrying out the method, and a treatment device equipped with the display system. At least one system parameter (121, 122, 123) is determined, the at least one determined (120) system parameter (121, 122, 123) is evaluated on the basis of evaluation criteria, the system state is evaluated on the basis of the at least one evaluated (130) system parameter (121, 122, 123), and the evaluated (140) system state is displayed by a traffic light function (175).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Thiel, Hermann Ulbrich, Martin Zwicklowsky, Michael Erben, Michael Rapp, Stefan Künkel, Udo Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8850902
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating histological samples, in particular for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that, in particular after an infiltration operation, is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette (1), having a sample receiving chamber (2) which is embodied and intended to be filled at least partly with a liquid (3), in particular with liquid paraffin. The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that an apparatus is provided that is introducible into the liquid (3), in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height (6) of the liquid (3), and/or that an apparatus is provided whose volume is increasable, in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Publication number: 20140273085
    Abstract: The invention relates to a processor for working on histological samples. The processor has an inlet for the insertion of a fixing container, particularly a closed fixing container, with the samples located in the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf ECKERT, Hermann ULBRICH, Stella KNORR, Graeme ROBERTSON