Patents by Inventor Manfred Kuster

Manfred Kuster 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: 11921275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination filter system (2) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, such as a surgical microscope, in particular a surgical multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a first optical filter (35). The present invention also relates to an observation system (3) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, in particular a multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a beam splitter (21) adapted to split a light image (13) into a first light portion (16, 17) along a first light path (18) and a second light portion (20) along a second light path (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, George Themelis
  • Publication number: 20210018738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination filter system (2) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, such as a surgical microscope, in particular a surgical multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a first optical filter (35). The present invention also relates to an observation system (3) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, in particular a multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a beam splitter (21) adapted to split a light image (13) into a first light portion (16, 17) along a first light path (18) and a second light portion (20) along a second light path (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Manfred KUSTER, George THEMELIS
  • Patent number: 10823947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination filter system (2) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, such as a surgical microscope, in particular a surgical multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a first optical filter (35). The present invention also relates to an observation system (3) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, in particular a multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a beam splitter (21) adapted to split a light image (13) into a first light portion (16, 17) along a first light path (18) and a second light portion (20) along a second light path (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, George Themelis
  • Patent number: 10823949
    Abstract: A beam splitter device (1) for a microscope (2), and for a microscope imaging method, supports at least two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14). The two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14) have different reflection-to-transmission ratios. The beam splitter device (1) has an optical path (3, 3a, 3b). A first one of the two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14) is configured to be moved from a first operation position (15), in which the first beamsplitting surface (4) is located in the optical path, to a second operation position (16), in which a second (14) of the beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14) is located in the optical path. With this configuration, it is possible to change the available light in the branches (3a, 3b) of the optical path (3) after the beamsplitting surface (4, 14). This is useful if one of the branches (3a, 3b) is directed to an exit port (8) configured to receive a camera. By directing more light to the camera exit port (8), the image quality of the camera is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, Heinrich Wilhelm Dreyer, Heinz Suhner, Luca Tobler, Marc Hocke, Patrick Wolf, Ralf Koerber
  • Patent number: 10545326
    Abstract: An illumination and observation system (1) for an ophthalmic surgical microscope (2) has first, second, third and fourth observation pupils (4, 5, 8, 9) for two observers, a coaxial illumination (6, 10, 11) in the first, third and fourth observation pupils to generate a red reflex (13) therein, and a main illumination (7) in the second observation pupil. For widely illuminating the surroundings, the main illumination has a larger illumination field than the coaxial illumination in any of the first, third and fourth observation pupils. For superior observation quality and a visible and homogenous red reflex in the second observation pupil, the main illumination overlaps at least 50% with the second observation pupil. The main illumination may be aligned within ±5° to an optical axis (12) of the second observation pupil and to overlap the coaxial illumination at least 50% with the first, third and fourth observation pupils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, Michael Guentert
  • Patent number: 10545325
    Abstract: An illumination and observation system (1), in particular for an ophthalmic microscope, comprises a first observation pupil (4) and a second observation pupil (5) for the eyes of an observer such as an assistant. Further, the system comprises a coaxial illumination (6) in the first observation pupil (4) and a main illumination (7), the coaxial illumination (6) being adapted to generate a red reflex (13) in the observed eye in operation and the main illumination having a larger field of illumination than the coaxial illumination (6, 10, 11). To facilitate usage of the system (1) and/or the microscope (2) and to create a superior stereoscopic view using the red reflex (13), a control subsystem (21, 27) is provided which is adapted to automatically adjust an intensity of the main illumination (7) depending on a change in an intensity of the coaxial illumination (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, Michael Guentert
  • Patent number: 10260716
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination unit that encompasses two light sources arranged one behind another in a channel . A cooling unit is provided respectively at the two ends of the channel. The invention further relates to an energy supply unit for supplying the illumination unit with electrical energy. The energy supply unit encompasses two energy sources arranged in a channel. Respective cooling units are arranged at the two ends of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, Marco Schutz, Ralf Körber
  • Patent number: 10145796
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination filter (36, 44) for an illumination filter system (2) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, in particular a multispectral fluorescence microscope. The present invention provides an illumination filter for medical imaging, in particular a multispectral fluorescence imaging, that is capable of capturing simultaneously more than one fluorescence signal, and allow a homogeneous illumination for obtaining different images from the object illuminated by comprising a spatial filter pattern (43) masking a defined filtering fraction of a first illumination path (47) on the filter and masking a defined filtering fraction of a second illumination path (48, 49, 50) on the filter, wherein the filtering fraction of the first and the second illumination paths (47, 48, 49, 50) are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, George Themelis
  • Publication number: 20180307028
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beam splitter device (1) for a microscope (2), in particular a stereoscopic microscope and to a microscope imaging method, in particular a stereoscopic microscope imaging method. The beam splitter device (1) supports at least two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14). Each of the at least two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14) has a different reflection-to-transmission ratio. The beam splitter device (1) further comprises an optical path (3, 3a, 3b). At least one of the at least two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14) are configured to be moved from a first operation position (15), in which a first (4) of the at least two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14) is located in the optical path, to a second operation position (16), in which a second (14) of the at least two beamsplitting surfaces (4, 14) is located in the optical path. With this configuration, it is possible to change the available light in the branches (3a, 3b) of the optical path (3) after the beamsplitting surface (4, 14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Manfred KUSTER, Heinrich Wilhelm DREYER, Heinz SUHNER, Luca TOBLER, Marc HOCKE, Patrick WOLF, Ralf KOERBER
  • Publication number: 20180231757
    Abstract: The invention relates to an Illumination and observation system (1), in particular for an ophthalmic microscope. The system comprises a first observation pupil (4) and a second observation pupil (5) for the eyes of an observer such as an assistant. Further, the system comprises a coaxial illumination (6) in the first observation pupil (4) and a main illumination (7), the coaxial illumination (6) being adapted to generate a red reflex (13) in the observed eye in operation and the main illumination having a larger field of illumination than the coaxial illumination (6, 10, 11). In order to facilitate usage of the system (1) and/or the microscope (2) and to create a superior stereoscopic view using the red reflex (13), a control subsystem (21, 27) is provided which is adapted to automatically adjust an intensity of the main illumination (7) depending on a change in an intensity of the coaxial illumination (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Manfred KUSTER, Michael GUENTERT
  • Publication number: 20180224647
    Abstract: The invention relates to an Illumination and observation system (1) for a microscope (2), in particular a microscope for performing eye surgery, a microscope and a microscopying method. The Illumination and observation system (1) comprises a first, second, third and fourth observation pupil (4, 5, 8, 9) for the eyes of two observers such as a surgeon and an assistant, a coaxial illumination (6, 10, 11) in the first, third and fourth observation pupil (4, 8, 9) to generate a red reflex (13) in the first, third and fourth observation pupil (4, 8, 9), and a main illumination (7) in the second observation pupil (5). In order to provide a wide illumination of the surroundings, the main illumination has a larger field of illumination than the coaxial illumination (6, 10, 11) in any of the first, third and fourth observation pupil (4, 8, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Manfred KUSTER, Michael GUENTERT
  • Publication number: 20170235118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination filter system (2) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, such as a surgical microscope, in particular a surgical multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a first optical filter (35). The present invention also relates to an observation system (3) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, in particular a multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a beam splitter (21) adapted to split a light image (13) into a first light portion (16, 17) along a first light path (18) and a second light portion (20) along a second light path (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Manfred KUSTER, George THEMELIS
  • Publication number: 20170234796
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination filter (36, 44) for an illumination filter system (2) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, in particular a multispectral fluorescence microscope. The present invention provides an illumination filter for medical imaging, in particular a multispectral fluorescence imaging, that is capable of capturing simultaneously more than one fluorescence signal, and allow a homogeneous illumination for obtaining different images from the object illuminated by comprising a spatial filter pattern (43) masking a defined filtering fraction of a first illumination path (47) on the filter and masking a defined filtering fraction of a second illumination path (48, 49, 50) on the filter, wherein the filtering fraction of the first and the second illumination paths (47, 48, 49, 50) are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Manfred KUSTER, George THEMELIS
  • Publication number: 20160363299
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination unit (10) that encompasses two light sources (16, 18) arranged one behind another in a channel (14). A cooling unit (30, 32) is provided respectively at the two ends (26, 28) of the channel (14). The invention further relates to an energy supply unit (50) for supplying the illumination unit (10) with electrical energy. The energy supply unit (50) encompasses two energy sources (56, 58) arranged in a channel (54). Respective cooling units (64, 66) are arranged at the two ends (60, 62) of the channel (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Manfred KUSTER, Marco SCHUTZ, Ralf KÖRBER
  • Patent number: 9036021
    Abstract: A method and device for autofocusing in a microscope (11), wherein two preferably spot-shaped, markers (12) are generated on an object, the spacing (d) of the markers representing an indication of the defocusing of a working plane (9) in the object from the focal plane (10) of the microscope (11). A focus drive (6) displaces the working plane (9) into the focal plane (10) as a function of the marker spacing (d). In order to allow rapid and exact focusing to be performed, a detector (4) acquires an image of the markers (12) generated on the object, an evaluation unit (7a) determines the spacing of the markers (12), and a control unit (7b) adjusts, as a function of the determined marker spacing (d), the speed of the focus drive (6) at which the working plane (9) is displaced into the focal plane (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: LEICA MICROSYSTREMS (SCHWEIZ) AG
    Inventor: Manfred Kuster
  • Patent number: 8941915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminating device for an operating microscope including two observation beam paths for a first observer and two observation beam paths for a second observer. An illuminating system provides two parallel illuminating beam paths and a deflecting device, for deflecting the parallel illuminating beam paths onto an object that is to be observed. The deflecting device includes a first semitransparent deflector element which is associated with a first observation beam path of the first observer and a first observation beam path of the second observer, and a second semitransparent deflector element, which is associated with a second observation beam path of the first observer and a second observation beam path of the second observer. The first illuminating beam path acts exclusively on the first deflector element and the second illuminating beam path acts exclusively on the second deflector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, Heinz Suhner
  • Patent number: 8810639
    Abstract: An endoscopic video measurement system having a proximal operating part, an insertion part, and a replaceable head that can be inserted thereon, and where the operating part contains a connection for supplying electrical and optical power, optical transmission means for the lens illumination are provided in the insertion part for an electronic image sensor positioned in the distal end portion, and the replaceable head contains optical transmission means for the lens illumination and lens imaging, is characterized in that, in the insertion part, for transmitting a measurement beam a single-mode optical fiber is provided, with which an optical system positioned in the distal end part of the insertion part for producing a collimated sample beam bundle is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Storz Endoskop Produktions GmbH
    Inventors: Beat Krattiger, Martin Klumpp, Manfred Kuster
  • Publication number: 20140152959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination device for a surgical microscope, comprising at least one light source (10, 20) for generating a first illumination beam path (80) that makes available a first illumination region in an object plane (70), and a second illumination beam path (90) that makes available a second illumination region in the object plane (70), such that the first illumination region and second illumination region at least partly overlap, and comprising a switching device (50) with which illumination of the object plane with the first and/or with the second illumination beam path (80, 90) can selectably be made available, and an eclipse filter (40), introducible into the first illumination beam path (80), by means of which the first illumination beam part (80) is partly darkenable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Manfred Kuster, Carlo Spizuoco
  • Patent number: 8734332
    Abstract: A plug-in unit with integral cable connection to the operating part of an endoscope and plug connections for lamps, mechanical, and/or electronic modules is characterized in that a hollow tube extending to the distal end of the endoscope is inserted into the plug-in unit by the integral cable connection and the operating part and has its proximal end positioned so that it is freely movable in the plug-in unit in such a way that can be conducted out of a closeable bore-hole in the wall of the plug-in unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Storz Endoskop Produktions GmbH
    Inventors: Beat Krattiger, Martin Klumpp, Manfred Kuster
  • Patent number: 8614851
    Abstract: A surgical fluorescence stereomicroscope (1) for detecting and operating on fluorescing areas of an object field (7) is described, which microscope encompasses a first illumination device (2) for irradiating the object field (7) with light in an excitation wavelength region (E). The surgical fluorescence stereomicroscope (1) further encompasses an observation beam path (21) for guiding the reflected and emitted light received from the object field (7), and a first observation filter (9) in the observation beam path (21) which is transparent in the excitation wavelength region (E) and in a fluorescence wavelength region (F). According to the present invention, means (10a to 10c) for controllable attenuation in the excitation wavelength region (E) are additionally arranged in the observation beam path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Manfred Kuster