Patents by Inventor Akihiko Kitano
Akihiko Kitano 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).
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Patent number: 8906494Abstract: A composite prepreg base includes a raw prepreg base comprising a fiber sheet including discontinuous reinforcing fibers arranged in one direction and having a fiber length of 1-300 mm and a matrix resin infiltrated into the fiber sheet; and an additional resin layer formed on at least one surface of the raw prepreg base. The composite prepreg base is produced by a process including (i) the step of preparing the raw prepreg base and (ii) the step of forming an additional resin layer on at least one surface of the raw prepreg base prepared. A layered base includes two or more sheets of the composite prepreg base which have been superposed so that the additional resin layer is present on at least one surface; and a fiber-reinforced plastic formed by heating and pressing the layered base.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Eisuke Wadahara, Masahiro Yamanouchi, Ichiro Taketa, Akihiko Kitano
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Publication number: 20140322504Abstract: A carbon fiber base which comprises a continuous-carbon-fiber layer constituted of continuous carbon fibers and, disposed on one or each surface of the continuous-carbon-fiber layer, a carbon short-fiber web in which short carbon fibers having an average fiber length of 2-12 mm have been dispersed in the shape of single fibers; a prepreg which comprises the carbon fiber base and a matrix resin infiltrated into the carbon fiber base; and a carbon-fiber-reinforced composite material which comprises the carbon fiber base and a matrix resin infiltrated into the carbon fiber base and cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Kaori Narimatsu, Noriyuki Hirano, Masato Honma, Atsuki Tsuchiya, Akihiko Kitano
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Patent number: 8361265Abstract: A composite prepreg base which includes a raw prepreg base comprising a fiber sheet comprising discontinuous reinforcing fibers arranged in one direction and having a fiber length of 1-300 mm and a matrix resin infiltrated into the fiber sheet; and an additional resin layer formed on at least one surface of the raw prepreg base. The composite prepreg base is produced by a process including (i) the step of preparing the raw prepreg base and (ii) the step of forming an additional resin layer on at least one surface of the raw prepreg base prepared. Also provided are: a layered base including two or more sheets of the composite prepreg base which have been superposed so that the additional resin layer is present on at least one surface; and a fiber-reinforced plastic formed by heating and pressing the layered base.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Eisuke Wadahara, Masahiro Yamanouchi, Ichiro Taketa, Akihiko Kitano
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Patent number: 8101262Abstract: A fiber-reinforced plate-like plastic having a plate and a protrusion rising on the plate, wherein the plate and the protrusion each contain a laminated structure composed of plural reinforcing fiber sheets which each include many fibers of 10 to 100 mm in fiber length arranged in a fixed direction and at least two of the layers constituting the laminated structure are different in the direction of arrangement of reinforcing fibers and wherein at least part of the reinforcing fibers extend continuously from the plate to the protrusion and at least one of the layers constituting the laminated structure of the protrusion has a shape similar to the shape of the protrusion; and a process for the production of fiber-reinforced plastic which includes cutting a unidirectional prepreg sheet composed of many reinforcing fibers arranged in a fixed direction and a matrix resin into prepreg base material sheets with the above fiber length, laminating the prepreg base material sheets with the directions of arrangement ofType: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Masahiro Yamanouchi, Ichiro Taketa, Eisuke Wadahara, Akihiko Kitano
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Publication number: 20100092770Abstract: A composite prepreg base which includes a raw prepreg base comprising a fiber sheet comprising discontinuous reinforcing fibers arranged in one direction and having a fiber length of 1-300 mm and a matrix resin infiltrated into the fiber sheet; and an additional resin layer formed on at least one surface of the raw prepreg base. The composite prepreg base is produced by a process including (i) the step of preparing the raw prepreg base and (ii) the step of forming an additional resin layer on at least one surface of the raw prepreg base prepared. Also provided are: a layered base including two or more sheets of the composite prepreg base which have been superposed so that the additional resin layer is present on at least one surface; and a fiber-rein-forced plastic formed by heating and pressing the layered base.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Eisuke Wadahara, Masahiro Yamanouchi, Ichiro Taketa, Akihiko Kitano
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Publication number: 20100028616Abstract: A fiber-reinforced plate-like plastic having a plate and a protrusion rising on the plate, wherein the plate and the protrusion each contain a laminated structure composed of plural reinforcing fiber sheets which each include many fibers of 10 to 100 mm in fiber length arranged in a fixed direction and at least two of the layers constituting the laminated structure are different in the direction of arrangement of reinforcing fibers and wherein at least part of the reinforcing fibers extend continuously from the plate to the protrusion and at least one of the layers constituting the laminated structure of the protrusion has a shape similar to the shape of the protrusion; and a process for the production of fiber-reinforced plastic which includes cutting a unidirectional prepreg sheet composed of many reinforcing fibers arranged in a fixed direction and a matrix resin into prepreg base material sheets with the above fiber length, laminating the prepreg base material sheets with the directions of arrangement ofType: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Masahiro Yamanouchi, Ichiro Taketa, Eisuke Wadahara, Akihiko Kitano
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Patent number: 7458450Abstract: This invention is an impact energy absorption device, in which a long part (1) made of a high strength material is disposed with its lengthwise direction kept different from an impact direction, and both terminals of the long part (1) are connected with columns (2) through upper platens (3) covering the upper faces of the columns (2) kept standing apart from each other with a predetermined distance (L), comprising a structural system, in which a deformation of the long part (1) caused by the impact force applied to it, causes the upper platens (3) to move for compressing or deflecting the columns (2), thereby absorbing the impact energy. The conventional column type energy absorption member is weak against an impact applied in a direction within a wide angle (?) such as an impact applied in an oblique direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Takuya Karaki, Akihiko Kitano, Shoji Murai
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Patent number: 7208220Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite material including reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin, wherein at least some of the reinforcing fibers have their ends in the matrix resin, and a second resin having an elastic modulus less than that of the matrix resin is present in contact with fiber ends of at least some of reinforcing fibers having above-mentioned ends and only in the neighborhood thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Masaaki Yamasaki, Akihiko Kitano, Tomoyuki Shinoda
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Patent number: 7081218Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a large FRP member including: disposing a preform containing a reinforcing fiber on a surface of a molding die; covering a molding portion with a bagging material or a mold and providing a suction port and a resin injection port for sealing; evacuating the molding portion through the suction port; heating the molding portion; injecting a thermosetting resin from the resin injection port for impregnating the reinforcing fiber with the resin while a temperature Tm of the molding die and a temperature Tv of the bagging material or the mold are both set to room temperature or more, and a difference ?T in temperature between the Tm and the Tv is set to 10° C. or less; and curing the resin by maintaining the molding portion at a predetermined temperature Tpc which is equal to or more than room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Toshihide Sekido, Akihiko Kitano, Eisuke Wadahara, Fumiaki Noma
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Patent number: 7059665Abstract: A light-weight, highly rigid, high-strength environment-friendly fiber-reinforced plastic (hereinafter, CFRP) board having a surface quality that can endure long-term use suitable for use in automobiles and the like is provided. A method for making the same is also provided. The CFRP board includes a board member formed from a woven fabric as a reinforcing base material, the woven fabric including carbon fibers; and at least one of a gel coat and a paint provided on the board member, wherein the NSIC value of the surface of the CFRP board is 30% or more.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Shoji Murai, Tomoyuki Shinoda, Takehiko Hirabara, Akihiko Kitano
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Patent number: 7032769Abstract: The pressure vessel of the present invention comprises an inner shell capable of serving as a gas barrier and a pressure resistant outer shell provided to cover the inner shell, said outer shell being made of an FRP comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin and is 35 GPa or more in tensile modulus and 1.5% or more in tensile breaking strain. The present invention can provide a pressure vessel not only light in weight,.but also excellent in retaining its internal pressure against repetitive impacts and also excellent in reliability. The process for producing a pressure vessel of the present invention comprises the step of forming a pressure resistant outer shell made of an FRP comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin and is 35 GPa or more in tensile modulus and 1.5% or more in tensile breaking strain, around an inner shell capable of serving as a gas barrier, by a filament winding method or a tape winding method.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Yasushi Iida, Akihiko Kitano, Masayoshi Yamagiwa, Masanobu Kobayashi, Kenichi Noguchi
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Publication number: 20050053787Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite material comprised of reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin, wherein at least some of the reinforcing fibers have their ends in the matrix resin, characterizes in that a second resin having an elastic modulus less than that of the matrix resin is present in contact with fiber ends of at least some of reinforcing fibers having above-mentioned ends and only in the neighborhood thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: March 10, 2005Inventors: Masaki Yamasaki, Akihiko Kitano, Tomoyuki Shinoda
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Publication number: 20040206762Abstract: The pressure vessel of the present invention comprises an inner shell capable of serving as a gas barrier and a pressure resistant outer shell provided to cover the inner shell, said outer shell being made of an FRP comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin and is 35 GPa or more in tensile modulus and 1.5% or more in tensile breaking strain. The present invention can provide a pressure vessel not only light in weight,.but also excellent in retaining its internal pressure against repetitive impacts and also excellent in reliability.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Yasushi Iida, Akihiko Kitano, Masayoshi Yamagiwa, Masanobu Kobayashi, Kenichi Noguchi
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Publication number: 20040185733Abstract: A light-weight, highly rigid, high-strength environment-friendly fiber-reforced plastic (hereinafter, CFRP) board having a surface quality that can endure long-term use suitable for use in automobiles and the like is provided. A method for making the same is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Shoji Murai, Tomoyuki Shinoda, Takehiko Hirabara, Akihiko Kitano
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Publication number: 20040130072Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a large FRP member and has the following structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Toshihide Sekido, Akihiko Kitano, Eisuke Wadahara, Fumiaki Noma
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Publication number: 20040056469Abstract: This invention is an impact energy absorption device, in which a long part (1) made of a high strength material is disposed with its lengthwise direction kept different from an impact direction, and both terminals of the long part (1) are connected with columns (2) through upper platens (3) covering the upper faces of the columns (2) kept standing apart from each other with a predetermined distance (L), comprising a structural system, in which a deformation of the long part (1) caused by the impact force applied to it, causes the upper platens (3) to move for compressing or deflecting the columns (2), thereby absorbing the impact energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Takuya Karaki, Akihiko Kitano, Shoji Murai
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Patent number: 6591949Abstract: The present invention is an impact energy absorption member that is characterized by comprising a long member of fiber reinforced resin having a lengthwise direction and a thickness direction, wherein the ratio of the thickness t (mm) of the long member to the length L (mm) thereof is within the range of 1/11000 to 6/1000 as well as the direction of an external force is substantially in agreement with the thickness direction of the impact member. The member of the present invention sufficiently absorbs impact energy from a moving body when collision occurs and greatly increases safety to collision of transportation equipment, for example, a motor car and the like as well as is light in weight and compact, whereby the member can improve resistance against environment and saves energy. Further, when this member is applied to a house and a building against which the transportation equipment may collide, it can reduce the loss of social properties.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Akihiko Kitano, Tomoyuki Shinoda, Hitoshi Nishiyama, Takuya Karaki
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Publication number: 20020179390Abstract: The present invention is an impact energy absorption member that is characterized by comprising a long member of fiber reinforced resin having a lengthwise direction and a thickness direction, wherein the ratio of the thickness t (mm) of the long member to the length L (mm) thereof is within the range of 1/11000 to 6/1000 as well as the direction of an external force is substantially in agreement with the thickness direction of the impact member. The member of the present invention sufficiently absorbs impact energy from a moving body when collision occurs and greatly increases safety to collision of transportation equipment, for example, a motor car and the like as well as is light in weight and compact, whereby the member can improve resistance against environment and saves energy. Further, when this member is applied to a house and a building against which the transportation equipment may collide, it can reduce the loss of social properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Akihiko Kitano, Tomoyuki Shinoda, Hitoshi Nishiyama, Takuya Karaki
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Patent number: 6468613Abstract: Light metal/CFRP-made structural members which are characterized in that they are structural materials in which a CFRP material is stuck to the surface of a light metal material via an adhesive agent layer of thickness at least 10 &mgr;m and up to 500 &mgr;m, and the volume resistivity of the adhesive agent layer between said metal material and said CFRP material is at least 1×1013 &OHgr;.cm and, furthermore, the adhesive strength at room temperature is at least 15 MPa. In accordance with the present invention, since conventional light metal/CFRP structural materials can be made lighter and, furthermore, since the resistance to galvanic corrosion is outstanding and it is possible to markedly enhance the strength and the impact energy absorption performance, the development of applications and large-scale expansion into new fields becomes possible. Weight reduction and enhancing the durability and reliability of structures also makes a considerable contribution in terms of environmental protection.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Akihiko Kitano, Kenichi Yoshioka, Kenichi Noguchi, Hitoshi Nishiyama
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Patent number: 6190481Abstract: The pressure vessel of the present invention comprises an inner shell capable of serving as a gas barrier and a pressure resistant outer shell provided to cover the inner shell, said outer shell being made of an FRP comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin and is 35 GPa or more in tensile modulus and 1.5% or more in tensile breaking strain. The present invention can provide a pressure vessel not only light in weight, but also excellent in retaining its internal pressure against repetitive impacts and also excellent in reliability. The process for producing a pressure vessel of the present invention comprises the step of forming a pressure resistant outer shell made of an FRP comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin and is 35 GPa or more in tensile modulus and 1.5% or more in tensile breaking strain, around an inner shell capable of serving as a gas barrier, by a filament winding method or a tape winding method.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Yasushi Iida, Akihiko Kitano, Masayoshi Yamagiwa, Masanobu Kobayashi, Kenichi Noguchi