Patents by Inventor Rolf Metzner

Rolf Metzner 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: 8470244
    Abstract: A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2?, 2?) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 8404195
    Abstract: A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2?, 2?) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 8187536
    Abstract: A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Dag Graupner, Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 8187157
    Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Rolf Metzner, Christoph Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20110114719
    Abstract: A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Dag Graupner, Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 7867442
    Abstract: A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Dag Graupner, Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 7597846
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one receiver block (1) and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. The donor block (2) comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being provided. For positioning of the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1) and/or the donor block (2), a positioning array (11) having predefined markings, as well as a movably mounted lever, are provided for transferring the position of the markings onto a corresponding position on the donor block (2) and/or onto a corresponding position on the receiver block (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 7595025
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array is described. At least one receiver block (1), and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, are provided, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being present. A pantograph (6) is provided for positioning the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 7595024
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. A marked tissue section of the tissue (3) to be investigated is arranged on a specimen slide (22), a hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) being present. A sighting device (12) is provided for positioning the hollow needle (5) above the donor block (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20080148918
    Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Rolf Metzner, Christoph Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20080014119
    Abstract: A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2?, 2?) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 7273000
    Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) is disclosed, having a base part (2) on which a microtome housing (4) and a knife holder (6) are arranged. Also provided is a collection element (8) that surrounds the knife holder on three sides, the collection element having a U-shaped base outline. Also provided are several clamping levers that are associated with the knife holder, at least one clamping lever for the knife holder being arranged operably on a first or a second outer side wall (18a, 18b). In addition, the bottom (12) of the collection element (8) has shaped on it an elevation (22) under which a mechanical coupling is guided from the clamping lever (10c) to the knife holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20070172942
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. A marked tissue section of the tissue (3) to be investigated is arranged on a specimen slide (22), a hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) being present. A sighting device (12) is provided for positioning the hollow needle (5) above the donor block (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20070087428
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array is described. At least one receiver block (1), and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, are provided, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being present. A pantograph (6) is provided for positioning the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20070059816
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one receiver block (1) and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. The donor block (2) comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being provided. For positioning of the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1) and/or the donor block (2), a positioning array (11) having predefined markings, as well as a movably mounted lever, are provided for transferring the position of the markings onto a corresponding position on the donor block (2) and/or onto a corresponding position on the receiver block (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20060123800
    Abstract: A cryostat (1) having a container (2) for receiving a microtome is described, having a cover (3) closing off the container (2) and having a disinfection device associated with which is a control circuit (4). The microtome comprises a knife holder, and the disinfection device is equipped with a UV light source (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventor: Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20050235542
    Abstract: A microtome for producing thin sections includes a knife holder (32) with a cutting knife (33), a sample holder (34) for samples (42) embedded in a cartridge (40), a feed device (31) for changing the distance between the cutting knife (33) and the cartridge (40), and a drive device for producing a cutting movement between the cutting knife (33) and the cartridge (40). The microtome also includes a reading device (54) for coded information (45) applied to a cartridge (40), and a control device (10) with a computer for coordination of functional sequences. A magazine (60) with code (62) and partitions (61) holds prepared cartridges (40), and a handling device (50) provides for the controllable removal of a cartridge (40) and positioning on the sample holder (34) as well as returning cartridges into the magazine (60). The reading device (54, 53) is assigned to the magazine housing and/or the handling device (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Rolf Metzner, Roland Walter
  • Publication number: 20050059155
    Abstract: A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Dag Graupner, Rolf Metzner
  • Publication number: 20040261597
    Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) is disclosed, having a base part (2) on which a microtome housing (4) and a knife holder (6) are arranged. Also provided is a collection element (8) that surrounds the knife holder on three sides, the collection element having a U-shaped base outline. Also provided are several clamping levers that are associated with the knife holder, at least one clamping lever for the knife holder being arranged operably on a first or a second outer side wall (18a, 18b). In addition, the bottom (12) of the collection element (8) has shaped on it an elevation (22) under which a mechanical coupling is guided from the clamping lever (10c) to the knife holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Roland Walter, Rolf Metzner
  • Patent number: 6715870
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for printing onto plastic cassettes for histological preparations and/or onto glass specimen slides for microscopic thin sections are described, in which a computing device (1) is provided to control the printing device (2), and the printing device (2) comprises an inkjet printer for printing onto the cassettes and/or specimen slides. The ink is pre-dried by way of a hot-air drier (3) and completely dried by way of a flash device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Kiene, Manfred Biehl, Andreas Laudat, Holger Metzner, Rolf Metzner, Roland Walter