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).

  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140273078
    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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew Guy, Stella KNORR, Hermann ULBRICH
  • Publication number: 20140245842
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian Löchte, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20140193314
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20140186883
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Eckert, Markus Berberich, Hermann Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 8757016
    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: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8709749
    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: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8591833
    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: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8557511
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for infiltrating tissue samples with carrier material, preferably paraffin. A supply of carrier material is kept ready for use in a supply station. From there, the carrier material can be delivered into at least a first and a second container. In these first and second containers carrier materials of differing degrees of purity are kept ready for use, respectively, for performing various infiltration steps on tissue samples. By means of the described method and apparatus the tissue processor can be operated with as little interruptions as possible and an ease in operation is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Michael Rapp, Marc Konrad, Holger Metzner, Markus Dobusch, Eva Goedecke, Stefan Kuenkel, Udo Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8501121
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for automatically embedding at least one tissue sample. A tissue embedding apparatus (1) can be provided having an input unit (2), an image acquisition unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding apparatus (1). At least one image of the tissue sample (8) and/or at least one image of the cassette (9) may be acquired using the image acquisition unit (3). The at least one image acquired of the tissue sample (8) and/or of the cassette (9) may be evaluated. Further processing the tissue sample (8) in the tissue embedding apparatus (1) can be performed as a function of the image evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nusslock GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel
  • Publication number: 20130141246
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Thiel, Hermann Ulbrich, Martin Zwicklowsky, Michael Erben, Michael Rapp, Stefan Künkel, Udo Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8431091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding at least one tissue sample (8). Said tissue embedding device (1) comprises an input unit (2), an image recording unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding device (1). The embedding unit (4) allows the tissue sample (8) to be embedded in an embedding medium, while the at least one output unit (5) allows the embedded tissue sample to be output. The image recording unit (3) makes it possible to record at least one image of the tissue sample (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Stefan Künkel
  • Patent number: 8383418
    Abstract: A method for operating a tissue processor is described. During the operation of a tissue processor a reagent is fed from a container into a retort of the tissue processor, which retort does not contain any tissue samples. Thereafter, the reagent is returned into the container. During feeding, returning and/or in between feeding and returning a measured value is detected by a sensor of the tissue processor. This value is representative of a concentration of the reagent. During this feeding, this returning and/or in between no tissue sample is placed in the retort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Herrmann, Hermann Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 8337781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue infiltration device (1) for samples (34) contained in cassettes (5). The tissue infiltration device (1) comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). A liquid (12, 14, 16) having a property that can be predetermined can be filled into a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A plurality of cassettes (5) can be held by a transport device (4). Using the transport apparatus (6), a transport device (4) can be brought to a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and/or moved away from a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A sequence of operations (8) can be prescribed in which a transport device (4) runs through the liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) of the tissue infiltration device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Ulbrich, Marc Konrad, Peter Richter
  • Publication number: 20120269605
    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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120266696
    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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120271451
    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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120266697
    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: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Publication number: 20120271450
    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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne BURISCH, Christian LÖCHTE, Annika RAATZ, Hermann ULBRICH, Karl-Heinrich WESTERHOFF
  • Patent number: 8288086
    Abstract: A method for operating a tissue processor and a respective tissue processor for performing this method are described for the processing tissue samples. The tissue processor comprises at least one retort for receiving the tissue samples and at least one container for receiving a process medium. The process medium is transferred at least one of from the container into the retort and from the retort into the container. A value is automatically measured in the course of transferring the process medium, the value representing a characteristic property of the process medium. The process medium is identified based on the value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Metzner, Udo Herrmann, Hermann Ulbrich, Eva Goedecke