Patents by Inventor Kazuhiro Saitou
Kazuhiro Saitou 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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Publication number: 20240092285Abstract: A protector includes a case main body and a cover member. The cover member includes the cover main body part, the first cover part, and the second cover part. The first cover part and the second cover part are at the positions overlapping with each other in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the lateral direction of the cover main body part, and form an insertion space for passing a third extension part of a wiring material WH through in the lateral direction when viewed from the orthogonal direction of the cover main body part. The first cover part includes a movable part that is movable in the orthogonal direction with respect to the cover main body part when viewed from the lateral direction of the cover main body part, and a hinge part that rotatably connects the cover main body part and the movable part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Shinji Kato, Kazuhiro Tsutida, Suginobu Iguchi, Takumasa Suzuki, Rikuya Saitou, Tomohiro Shibata
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Patent number: 11501032Abstract: Methods are provided for designing a structure with developable surfaces using a surface developability constraint. The surface developability constraint is developed based on the discovery of a sufficient condition for surface piecewise developability, namely surface normal directions lie on a small, finite number of planes. Automated methods and algorithms may include providing a design domain and a characteristic function of a material in the design domain to be optimized. The methods include defining a nodal density of the material, and determining surface normal directions of a plurality of planes. A density gradient that describes the surface normal directions is then determined. The methods include performing a topology optimization process on the design domain using a surface developability constraint that is based, at least in part, on the characteristic function. A geometric domain is then created for the structure using results from the topology optimization.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Yuqing Zhou, Tsuyoshi Nomura, Kazuhiro Saitou
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Patent number: 11455438Abstract: Methods for multi-component topology optimization for composite structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of designing a structure by computer-implemented topology optimization includes establishing a plurality of design points within a design domain and establishing at least a first orientation field and a second orientation field. The method further includes assigning values for the one or more membership fields, the one or more density fields, the first orientation field and the second orientation field, and projecting the values onto a simulation model. The method includes achieving convergence of an objective function for a design variable by iteratively executing a topology optimization of the simulation model using the values. Each design point of the plurality of design points is a member of no component or a member of one of the first component and the second component.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Tsuyoshi Nomura, Kazuhiro Saitou, Yuqing Zhou
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Patent number: 11132478Abstract: Methods for combinatorial choice in topology optimization are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of performing combinatorial choice in a non-linear programming problem for designing a structure includes establishing, by one or more processors, a set of K variables, wherein the set of K variables defines an K-dimensional unit cube in a normal coordinate system. The K-dimensional unit cube includes a plurality of desired vertices representing a plurality of desired combinations that satisfy a constraint and a plurality of undesired vertices representing a plurality of undesired combinations that do not satisfy the constraint. The method further includes transforming the K-dimensional unit cube into a transformed shape in a transformed coordinate system using a shape function. Values of the set of K variables cannot have a combination represented by the plurality of undesired combinations.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignees: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Tsuyoshi Nomura, Kazuhiro Saitou, Yuqing Zhou
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Publication number: 20210240880Abstract: Methods are provided for designing a structure with developable surfaces using a surface developability constraint. The surface developability constraint is developed based on the discovery of a sufficient condition for surface piecewise developability, namely surface normal directions lie on a small, finite number of planes. Automated methods and algorithms may include providing a design domain and a characteristic function of a material in the design domain to be optimized. The methods include defining a nodal density of the material, and determining surface normal directions of a plurality of planes. A density gradient that describes the surface normal directions is then determined. The methods include performing a topology optimization process on the design domain using a surface developability constraint that is based, at least in part, on the characteristic function. A geometric domain is then created for the structure using results from the topology optimization.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Yuqing Zhou, Tsuyoshi Nomura, Kazuhiro Saitou
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Publication number: 20210221211Abstract: A customizable power and propulsion kit includes is shown and described. The customizable power and propulsion kit includes an enclosure, an electric motor disposed in the enclosure, a battery disposed in the enclosure and electrically connected to the electric motor, and a connection point disposed on the enclosure, wherein the connection point facilitates connection of the kit to an object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2020Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Christopher Borroni-Bird, Richard Saad, Kazuhiro Saitou, Mohsen Shabana, Brian N. Bird
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Patent number: 10788668Abstract: There is provided a display device which has a shutter capable of being accommodated in a compact space and a simplified operation mechanism, and can be reduced in size. The display device of the present invention is characterized by including: a housing having a top plate with an opening and a pair of opposed side plates; a drive member which is provided on at least one of the pair of side plates and slidable relative to the at least one of the side plates, the drive member having a cam structure and a drive rack gear; a display member that is engaged with the cam structure and movable through the opening; and a movable shutter capable of closing the opening along the top plate by a drive transfer unit that is engaged with the drive rack gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuhiro Saitou
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Patent number: 10725421Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a frame structure including first and second frames supporting a photosensitive member, and a third frame extending in the axis direction and connecting the first frame and the second frame with each other; an operating portion for receiving an instruction of a user; a supporting portion rotatably supporting the operating portion; and a connecting portion connecting the supporting portion with the first frame and the third frame, the connecting portion including a first fixed portion fixed to the third frame, a contact portion contacted with the first frame to restrict movement at least in a direction while permitting movement in another direction, and a second fixed portion fixed to the first frame at a position closer to the first fixed portion than to the contact portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhiro Saitou
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Publication number: 20200081391Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a frame structure including first and second frames supporting a photosensitive member, and a third frame extending in the axis direction and connecting the first frame and the second frame with each other; an operating portion for receiving an instruction of a user; a supporting portion rotatably supporting the operating portion; and a connecting portion connecting the supporting portion with the first frame and the third frame, the connecting portion including a first fixed portion fixed to the third frame, a contact portion contacted with the first frame to restrict movement at least in a direction while permitting movement in another direction, and a second fixed portion fixed to the first frame at a position closer to the first fixed portion than to the contact portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventor: Kazuhiro Saitou
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Patent number: 10416449Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a housing including a top plate having an opening and two opposed side plate units; a display member capable of moving through the opening; a shutter configured to open and close the opening; and a moving mechanism provided on at least one of the two side plate units, the moving mechanism including a first slide member and a second slide member each moving along the at least one side plate unit and a transmission member transmitting an amount of movement of the first slide member to the second slide member while increasing the amount of movement, wherein the shutter moves according to movement of the second slide member.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignees: PIONEER CORPORATION, TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiro Saitou, Kenji Kawamura, Shinji Sato, Tomohiro Adachi, Toru Suzuki
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Publication number: 20190236220Abstract: Methods for multi-component topology optimization for composite structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of designing a structure by computer-implemented topology optimization includes establishing a plurality of design points within a design domain and establishing at least a first orientation field and a second orientation field. The method further includes assigning values for the one or more membership fields, the one or more density fields, the first orientation field and the second orientation field, and projecting the values onto a simulation model. The method includes achieving convergence of an objective function for a design variable by iteratively executing a topology optimization of the simulation model using the values. Each design point of the plurality of design points is a member of no component or a member of one of the first component and the second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Tsuyoshi Nomura, Kazuhiro Saitou, Yuqing Zhou
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Publication number: 20190236221Abstract: Methods for combinatorial choice in topology optimization are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of performing combinatorial choice in a non-linear programming problem for designing a structure includes establishing, by one or more processors, a set of K variables, wherein the set of K variables defines an K-dimensional unit cube in a normal coordinate system. The K-dimensional unit cube includes a plurality of desired vertices representing a plurality of desired combinations that satisfy a constraint and a plurality of undesired vertices representing a plurality of undesired combinations that do not satisfy the constraint. The method further includes transforming the K-dimensional unit cube into a transformed shape in a transformed coordinate system using a shape function. Values of the set of K variables cannot have a combination represented by the plurality of undesired combinations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Tsuyoshi Nomura, Kazuhiro Saitou, Yuqing Zhou
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Publication number: 20190079289Abstract: There is provided a display device which has a shutter capable of being accommodated in a compact space and a simplified operation mechanism, and can be reduced in size. The display device of the present invention is characterized by including: a housing having a top plate with an opening and a pair of opposed side plates; a drive member which is provided on at least one of the pair of side plates and slidable relative to the at least one of the side plates, the drive member having a cam structure and a drive rack gear; a display member that is engaged with the cam structure and movable through the opening; and a movable shutter capable of closing the opening along the top plate by a drive transfer unit that is engaged with the drive rack gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventor: Kazuhiro SAITOU
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Publication number: 20180373034Abstract: The display device includes: a housing; a display member which gets in and out of the housing; and a transfer member which moves in a depth direction of a side face of the housing by a driving of a driving unit and transfers a driving force of the driving unit to the display member. The supporting part of the display member engages with a guide on the transfer member, and moves along a guide on the side face of the housing while moving in the guide on the transfer member in the thickness direction of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2015Publication date: December 27, 2018Inventors: Kazuhiro SAITOU, Kenji KAWAMURA, Toru SUZUKI
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Publication number: 20180201204Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a housing including a pair of opposed side plate portions; a moving mechanism provided on at least one of the side plate portions, the moving mechanism including a first cam structure and a second cam structure extending along the at least one side plate portion; and a display member including a first pin engaged with the first cam structure and a second pin engaged with the second cam structure, wherein the first cam structure includes a first region parallel to the second cam structure, and a second region bent away from the second cam structure in a bottom end portion of the first cam structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Kazuhiro SAITOU, Kenji KAWAMURA, Toru SUZUKI
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Publication number: 20180180881Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a housing including a top plate having an opening and two opposed side plate units; a display member capable of moving through the opening; a shutter configured to open and close the opening; and a moving mechanism provided on at least one of the two side plate units, the moving mechanism including a first slide member and a second slide member each moving along the at least one side plate unit and a transmission member transmitting an amount of movement of the first slide member to the second slide member while increasing the amount of movement, wherein the shutter moves according to movement of the second slide member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: June 28, 2018Inventors: Kazuhiro SAITOU, Kenji KAWAMURA, Shinji SATO, Tomohiro ADACHI, Toru SUZUKI
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Patent number: 9746197Abstract: A bathroom air-conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a radiator, a decompressing mechanism and a heat absorber are connected with one another through a pipe, a circulating air-course, and a ventilating air-course. In the circulating air-course, the radiator and a circulating fan for circulating the air of the bathroom are placed. In the ventilating air-course, the heat absorber and a ventilating fan for discharging the air from the bathroom to the outside are placed. The heat absorber makes the refrigerant absorb heat from the air of the bathroom, and the radiator makes the refrigerant dissipate heat to the air of the bathroom for heating the bathroom. During the heating of the bathroom, when a temperature of the bathroom becomes higher than a given temperature, a controller reduces an air-blow amount from the ventilating fan.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshimasa Katsumi, Yoshihiro Nishizuru, Kazuhiro Saitou, Mitunori Matubara, Masafumi Tsubouchi, Yuuji Sugata, Hiroshi Tsuihiji
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Topology Optimization Using Reduced Length Boundaries On Structure Segments Of Different Thicknesses
Publication number: 20170161405Abstract: A method and apparatus determines an optimal design of an engineered structure formed of segments having different thicknesses. The techniques include receiving a design model for the engineered structure. The design model includes a finite element model of a spatial domain wherein the engineered structure is contained and an objective function to be optimized. Based on satisfying a converged objective function value and a lower bound of material density values, the techniques are able to produce a completed model of the engineered structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Naoko Ishizuka, Kazuhiro Saitou, Takahiro Shimada -
Patent number: 8934802Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly, a rotatable unit, a first gear, provided in one of the rotatable unit and the main assembly, including a gear portion at an arcuate portion having a center substantially aligned with a rotation center of the rotatable unit, and a second gear, provided rotatably in another one of the rotatable unit and the main assembly, engageable with the first gear in a first rotation region of the rotatable unit. In addition, a third gear is provided at a position different from the second gear with respect to a circumferential direction of the arcuate portion and is engageable with the first gear when the rotatable unit is rotated in a second rotation region thereof. A damper mechanism imparts rotational resistance to the second and third gears when each of the second and third gears is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noriaki Koyanagi, Kazuhiro Saitou
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Publication number: 20130283944Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main assembly; a rotatable unit; a first gear, provided in one of the rotatable unit and the main assembly, including a gear portion at an arcuate portion having a center substantially aligned with a rotation center of the rotatable unit; a second gear, provided rotatably in another one of the rotatable unit and the main assembly, engageable with the first gear in a first rotation region of the rotatable unit; a third gear provided at a position different from a position of the second gear with respect to a circumferential direction of the arcuate portion, wherein the third gear is engageable with the first gear when the rotatable unit is rotated in a second rotation region thereof; and a damper mechanism for imparting rotational resistance to the second and third gears when each of the second and third gears is rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Noriaki Koyanagi, Kazuhiro Saitou