Patents by Inventor Peter Soppelsa

Peter Soppelsa 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: 8331020
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (1) for a microscope (10) utilizing at least one point light source (4) arranged on a carrier element (2), at least one carrier element (2) for receiving at least one point light source (4), and a holder (5) attachable to the microscope (10) and having an arc-shaped guide (6), being provided, the at least one carrier element (2) being mounted displaceably along the guide (6) in a horizontal plane. According to a further aspect, the illumination device (1) comprises a connector element (20) for attaching the illumination device (1) both to a stationary focusing column (12) and to an adjustable focusing arm (11) of a microscope (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Soppelsa, Andreas Klopfer, Seto Ming
  • Publication number: 20100103511
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (1) for a microscope (10) utilizing at least one point light source (4) arranged on a carrier element (2), at least one carrier element (2) for receiving at least one point light source (4), and a holder (5) attachable to the microscope (10) and having an arc-shaped guide (6), being provided, the at least one carrier element (2) being mounted displaceably along the guide (6) in a horizontal plane. According to a further aspect, the illumination device (1) comprises a connector element (20) for attaching the illumination device (1) both to a stationary focusing column (12) and to an adjustable focusing arm (11) of a microscope (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: LEICA MICROSYSTEMS (SCHWEIZ) AG
    Inventors: Peter Soppelsa, Andreas Klopfer, Seto Ming
  • Patent number: 7586677
    Abstract: A stereomicroscope system (1) having an incident illumination device is disclosed. The stereomicroscope system (1) comprises a base (13) on which a focusing column (11) is secured. Mounted shiftably on the focusing column (11) is a focusing arm (5) which has an opening that serves to receive a stereomicroscope (3). The stereomicroscope (3) defines a device axis (20) that is perpendicular to the base (13). Multiple light-emitting diodes (30) are arranged in the focusing arm (5) around the receiving opening (5c). Multiple light-emitting diodes (31) are likewise arranged along the focusing arm (5) between the focusing column (11) and the receiving opening (5c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Peter Bertschi, Roman Gerster, Peter Soppelsa
  • Patent number: 7186047
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasable fastening and for modifying the relative position of two components (1, 1?, Bf, G; 2, 2?, Bk, Br), which have a common connecting surface forming a contact surface (5, 5?), comprises two screws (3), which in coaction with specially configured V-shaped notch zones (9a1, 9a2; 9b1, 9b2; 9a3, 9a4; 9b3, 9b4) permit a relative positioning in zero-backlash and accurately aligned fashion, and serve as the fastening means. It is thereby possible to perform a linear displacement and/or a rotation and/or a tilt in simple fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Peter Soppelsa, Waldemar Blüthgen
  • Publication number: 20070030564
    Abstract: A stereomicroscope system (1) having an incident illumination device is disclosed. The stereomicroscope system (1) comprises a base (13) on which a focusing column (11) is secured. Mounted shiftably on the focusing column (11) is a focusing arm (5) which has an opening that serves to receive a stereomicroscope (3). The stereomicroscope (3) defines a device axis (20) that is perpendicular to the base (13). Multiple light-emitting diodes (30) are arranged in the focusing arm (5) around the receiving opening (5c). Multiple light-emitting diodes (31) are likewise arranged along the focusing arm (5) between the focusing column (11) and the receiving opening (5c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Bertschi, Roman Gerster, Peter Soppelsa
  • Publication number: 20070030565
    Abstract: A cross-slide stage comprises a support element, a first displacement element (21) joined to the support element, and a second displacement element (31), wherein the displacement elements (21, 31) are movable in directions arranged perpendicular to one another. The second displacement element (31) defines a plane on which a specimen (105) to be investigated comes to rest. An illumination module (3a) is provided which defines an illuminated-field plane; and when the cross-slide stage (101) is placed onto the illumination module (3a), the plane of the second displacement element (31) coincides with the illuminated-field plane of the illumination module (3a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Soppelsa, Vui Loh
  • Patent number: 7064911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide system for optical systems, particularly for zoom systems, with which optical assemblies such as lenses and/or sets of lenses can be moved along an optical axis (16). The proposed guide system comprises a housing (2) defining an internal diameter (1) and extending along the optical axis (16). A slide (3) is configured to accommodate an optical assembly (19) and has a sleeve segment (15) which has on its outside a plurality of contact surfaces (4) for abutment on the internal diameter (1) of the housing (2). For defined movement of the slide (3) along the optical axis (16) a drive unit (12) is provided. A device (17) serves to hold the sleeve segment (15) at the internal diameter (1), another device (18) serves to secure the slide (3) against rotation in the cross-sectional area of the housing. The guide system according to the invention provides guidance which is absolutely free from play and low in friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Peter Soppelsa
  • Publication number: 20050213201
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a microscope holder on a carrier includes both a clamping device for holding the microscope holder in a selected position relative to the carrier, and a locking device for securing the microscope holder to the carrier especially while the clamping device is released during positioning of the microscope holder relative to the carrier. Accordingly, accidental dropping of the microscope holder or disconnection of the microscope holder from the carrier is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Inventors: Heinz Zimmermann, Otto Geschwentner, Peter Soppelsa, Stephan Keller
  • Publication number: 20050047857
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for releasable fastening and for modifying the relative position of two components (1, 1?, Bf, G; 2, 2?, Bk, Br), which have a common connecting surface forming a contact surface (5, 5?), is described. Two screws (3), which in coaction with specially configured V-shaped notch zones (9a1, 9a2; 9b1, 9b2; 9a3, 9a4; 9b3, 9b4) permit a relative positioning in zero-backlash and accurately aligned fashion, serve as the fastening means. It is thereby possible to perform a linear displacement and/or a rotation and/or a tilt in simple fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Soppelsa, Waldemar Bluthgen
  • Publication number: 20050046972
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide system for optical systems, particularly for zoom systems, with which optical assemblies such as lenses and/or sets of lenses can be moved along an optical axis (16). The proposed guide system comprises a housing (2) defining an internal diameter (1) and extending along the optical axis (16). A slide (3) is configured to accommodate an optical assembly (19) and has a sleeve segment (15) which has on its outside a plurality of contact surfaces (4) for abutment on the internal diameter (1) of the housing (2). For defined movement of the slide (3) along the optical axis (16) a drive unit (12) is provided. A device (17) serves to hold the sleeve segment (15) at the internal diameter (1), another device (18) serves to secure the slide (3) against rotation in the cross-sectional area of the housing. The guide system according to the invention provides guidance which is absolutely free from play and low in friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Soppelsa
  • Patent number: 6760166
    Abstract: A zero-clearance, axially displaceable aligning mount system for optical components includes an unthreaded mount receptacle having a transverse orifice and includes an aligning mount carrying lens elements or lens combinations. A cured plastic casting compound forms a thread substitute in the region of the transverse orifice and beyond it. Coating of this region with an antiadhesion agent, prior to application of the casting compound in pasty form, prevents the molded threads from sticking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Albert Ritz, Otto Geschwentner, Peter Soppelsa, Heinz Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20030169519
    Abstract: A zero-clearance, axially displaceable aligning mount system for optical components includes an unthreaded mount receptacle having a transverse orifice and includes an aligning mount carrying lens elements or lens combinations. A cured plastic casting compound forms a thread substitute in the region of the transverse orifice and beyond it. Coating of this region with an antiadhesion agent, prior to application of the casting compound in pasty form, prevents the molded threads from sticking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Albert Ritz, Otto Geschwentner, Peter Soppelsa, Heinz Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6563113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel type of microscope with an illuminating beam which is guided through the magnification power changer with optimized light intensity parallel to the observation beam. The invention specifically relates to a stereo fluorescence microscope comprising a set of quickly replaceable filters in interchangeable filter carriers. The novel design offers good light efficiency on the object. Malfunctions occurring as a result of intrinsic reflections or fluorescence phenomena inside the microscope are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Thomas Amann, Jurij Sterban, Ruedi Rottermann, Peter Soppelsa, Heinz Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6487010
    Abstract: The invention describes a focusing drive for optical instruments that has, in addition to a pinion (1) and toothed rack arrangement (1, 2), slide rods (4) as guidance means for continuously changing the relative position of optical assemblies with respect to one another. The toothed rack (2) has a plurality of support elements (3) that are arranged—for example in angled fashion—on either side of its longitudinal extent. The support elements (3) are designed so that they have a shallow S-shape in cross section. In addition, they are dimensioned in such a way that they touch the contact surface of the one housing module (5) only with their planar end regions (3a). The result is a resilient or flexing motion upon actuation of the pinion (1), thus achieving smooth and zero-backlash adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems AG
    Inventors: Peter Soppelsa, Vui Fah Loh
  • Publication number: 20010040725
    Abstract: The invention describes a focusing drive for optical instruments that has, in addition to a pinion (1) and toothed rack arrangement (1, 2), slide rods (4) as guidance means for continuously changing the relative position of optical assemblies with respect to one another. The toothed rack (2) has a plurality of support elements (3) that are arranged—for example in angled fashion—on either side of its longitudinal extent. The support elements (3) are designed so that they have a shallow S-shape in cross section. In addition, they are dimensioned in such a way that they touch the contact surface of the one housing module (5) only with their planar end regions (3a). The result is a resilient or flexing motion upon actuation of the pinion (1), thus achieving smooth and zero-backlash adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Peter Soppelsa, Vui Fah Loh
  • Patent number: 4354272
    Abstract: A solid crystal laser emission device with an emission crystal and a gas discharge tube in a pumping cavity provided with a cooling circuit for cooling both emission crystal and discharge tube. The crystal and discharge cooling circuit is provided at least with a thermal conductor in contact with the crystal and with the discharge tube, each thermal conductor being further in contact with at least a dissipating wall of the pumping cavity. The crystal cooling circuit is provided with a set of three metal clamps having a longitudinal axis of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crystal, the metal clamps encompassing the crystal approximately at its median zone and at each of its extremities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Lasag S.A.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Schwob, Peter Soppelsa