Patents by Inventor Masumi Nishikawa

Masumi Nishikawa 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: 8727054
    Abstract: A movable grille shutter for a vehicle includes a fin adapted to be provided at a grille opening portion and being operated so as to freely open or close the grille opening portion through which ambient air is taken in, a drive source for driving the fin, a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the drive source to the fin and a flexible member being linked to the driving force transmitting mechanism and being deformed for operating the fin to open the grille opening portion in a case where a load that is equal to or more than a predetermined value is acted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Hori, Hiroshi Watanabe, Yoshimasa Asano, Masumi Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20110232981
    Abstract: A movable grille shutter for a vehicle includes a first fin adapted to be provided at a grille opening portion through which ambient air is taken in, a second fin adapted to be provided at the grille opening portion and be arranged so as to be parallel to the first fin, and an actuating device for actuating the first fin and the second fin so as to open or close the grille opening portion. The actuating device includes a first output shaft arranged on a rotational axis of the first fin, a second output shaft arranged on a rotational axis of the second fin so as to rotate in a direction opposite to a rotation of the first output shaft, a driving source for applying a driving force to the first output shaft and the second output shaft and an actuating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Kenji Hori, Yoshimasa Asano, Masumi Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20110226541
    Abstract: A movable grille shutter for a vehicle includes a fin adapted to be provided at a grille opening portion and being operated so as to freely open or close the grille opening portion through which ambient air is taken in, a drive source for driving the fin, a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the drive source to the fin and a flexible member being linked to the driving force transmitting mechanism and being deformed for operating the fin to open the grille opening portion in a case where a load that is equal to or more than a predetermined value is acted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Kenji Hori, Hiroshi Watanabe, Yoshimasa Asano, Masumi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7083217
    Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for vehicle lid includes a lower base adapted to be mounted on a body panel of the vehicle and arranged to an opening of an inner space of the vehicle, first and second hinge links rotatably connected to the lower base at each one end of the respective first and second hinge links, an upper base attached to the vehicle lid formed for closing the opening of the inner space and connected to each the other end of the respective first and second hinge links, a motor for providing a drive to the first hinge link, a drive transmitting member provided between the motor and the first hinge link for transmitting the drive from the motor to the first hinge link, a normally section torque transmitting mechanism provided between the drive transmitting member and the first hinge link for transmitting the drive to the first hinge link at a point of force reaction through the normally section torque transmitting mechanism after the drive transmitting member is rotated with a predetermined an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoichi Fukumoto, Masumi Nishikawa, Mamoru Marutani
  • Patent number: 7028573
    Abstract: An opening and closing device for moving a movable member which includes a drive gear connected to a power source, a driven gear geared with the drive gear, an immovable portion supporting the drive gear and the driven gear, and a dynamic transmission mechanism connected to the driven gear so that the driven gear and the dynamic transmission mechanism rotate together as a unit. The dynamic transmission mechanism transmits a drive force of the power source from the driven gear to the movable member. A direction of a rotational force affecting the driven gear via the dynamic transmission mechanism in accordance with a state of the movable member fluctuates. The opening and closing device further includes a friction member located at least at one position between relatively movable facing surfaces of the immovable portion, the drive gear, the driven gear, and the dynamic power transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Inaba, Katsuaki Kadoike, Masumi Nishikawa, Satoshi Isobe, Hideyuki Nagai, Masahiro Kojima
  • Publication number: 20050057067
    Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for vehicle lid includes a lower base adapted to be mounted on a body panel of the vehicle and arranged to an opening of an inner space of the vehicle, first and second hinge links rotatably connected to the lower base at each one end of the respective first and second hinge links, an upper base attached to the vehicle lid formed for closing the opening of the inner space and connected to each the other end of the respective first and second hinge links, a motor for providing a drive to the first hinge link, a drive transmitting member provided between the motor and the first hinge link for transmitting the drive from the motor to the first hinge link, a normally section torque transmitting mechanism provided between the drive transmitting member and the first hinge link for transmitting the drive to the first hinge link at a point of force reaction through the normally section torque transmitting mechanism after the drive transmitting member is rotated with a predetermined an
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Ryoichi Fukumoto, Masumi Nishikawa, Mamoru Marutani
  • Publication number: 20040020319
    Abstract: An opening and closing device for moving a movable member which includes a drive gear connected to a power source, a driven gear geared with the drive gear, an immovable portion supporting the drive gear and the driven gear, and a dynamic transmission mechanism connected to the driven gear so that the driven gear and the dynamic transmission mechanism rotate together as a unit. The dynamic transmission mechanism transmits a drive force of the power source from the driven gear to the movable member. A direction of a rotational force affecting the driven gear via the dynamic transmission mechanism in accordance with a state of the movable member fluctuates. The opening and closing device further includes a friction member located at least at one position between relatively movable facing surfaces of the immovable portion, the drive gear, the driven gear, and the dynamic power transmission mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Inaba, Katsuaki Kadoike, Masumi Nishikawa, Satoshi Isobe, Hideyuki Nagai, Masahiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 5724198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rear under view mirror device having a driving arm and a follower link which are compact in structure. The first driving arm is coupled to a power source and rotatably supported on a mirror assembly and the follower link is coupled to a deflector and the mirror housing. The first driving arm is lockated in parallel with the follower link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masumi Nishikawa, Shoji Okada, Hidekazu Kogita
  • Patent number: 5712736
    Abstract: An under view mirror apparatus for a vehicle comprises a mirror structure mountable on a rear portion of a vehicle and selectively positionable in either a first condition in which the mirror structure is stored in the rear portion of the vehicle or a second condition in which the mirror structure projects out from the rear portion of the vehicle. The first operating mechanism is adapted to be disposed between one side of the minor structure and the rear portion of the vehicle, while the second operating mechanism is adapted to be disposed between the other side of the mirror structure and the rear portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Kogita, Masumi Nishikawa, Shoji Okada
  • Patent number: 5638209
    Abstract: An outer rear view mirror for a vehicle includes a casing for being connected to a side portion of the vehicle, a mirror member having an outer surface and accommodated within the casing such that the outer surface extends substantially perpendicular to a road surface, and a generator positioned at an upper portion of the outer surface of the mirror member and generating surface acoustic waves which travel along the outer surface of the mirror member towards a lower portion thereof. Water drops on the outer surface of the mirror member are expected to be urged to the lower portion of the mirror member, which results in that the resultant water drops are expelled by the gravity. Thus, the water drops can be removed from the outer surface of the mirror member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Okada, Hirotsugu Sugiura, Masumi Nishikawa, Chiaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 5537263
    Abstract: An under view mirror apparatus for a vehicle comprises a mirror structure mountable on a rear portion of a vehicle and selectively positionable in either a first condition in which the mirror structure is stored in the rear portion of the vehicle and a second condition in which the mirror structure projects out from the rear portion of the vehicle, an operating mechanism which is adapted to be disposed between the rear portion of the vehicle and the mirror structure and which supports the mirror structure and moves the mirror structure between the first condition and the second condition. The operating mechanism includes a guide rail for being fixed on the rear portion of the vehicle, a first link slidably supported on the guide rail and connected with the mirror structure, and a second link connected to one of the mirror structure and the first link. The apparatus also includes a driving device connected to the operating mechanism for driving the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Kogita, Masumi Nishikawa, Shoji Okada
  • Patent number: 5497273
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a retractable rear under view mirror system for an automotive vehicle having a rear door mounted on a vehicle body and hinged at a rear upper portion thereof. There is provided rearward of the automotive vehicle, a deflector which is mounted on the rear door at its upper portion and on which a recess is formed. A mirror assembly is movably supported by the deflector, and selectively positionable from a retracted position to an extended position. A motor is provided for actuating the mirror assembly to be positioned in the retracted position or the extended position. The motor is controlled by an controller in response to an output of a detector for detecting a state of the rear door which is positionable in its open state and its closed state. Consequently, the mirror assembly is moved to a position responsive to the state of the rear door, such that the mirror assembly is automatically retracted when the rear door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Kogita, Masumi Nishikawa, Shoji Okada
  • Patent number: 5337190
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a retractable rear under view mirror system for an automotive vehicle, mounted rearward thereof for ensuring a rear under field of view from a driver's seat. There is provided a base member rearward of the automotive vehicle. A mirror assembly is movably supported by the base member, and selectively positionable from a stored position to a use position. An actuator is provided for actuating the mirror assembly to be positioned in the stored position or the use position. A detector is provided for detecting at least an operating condition of a component out of the components of the automotive vehicle. The actuator is controlled by a controller in response to an output of a detector to move the mirror assembly to a position responsive to the operating condition of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Kogita, Masumi Nishikawa, Shoji Okada
  • Patent number: 5024157
    Abstract: A shock detecting device having a housing, a weight disposed within the housing and rotatably slidable in response to an external shock. A cam is formed on the weight for engaging or disengaging the firing lever by the rotational sliding of the weight. A spring is interposed between the housing and firing lever for urging constantly the firing lever in the rotatable direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masumi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5022282
    Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus includes a fixed bracket, a movable bracket pivotably mounted to the fixed bracket by a center pin, a ratchet provided to the movable bracket, a pawl mounted rotatably to the fixed bracket and meshed with the ratchet for regulating the position thereof, a tilt-operating lever mounted rotatably on the center pin for engaging or disengaging between the ratchet and the pawl, a first biasing device disposed between the fixed bracket and the movable bracket so as to urge the movable bracket to its away-position, a stopper provided to the fixed bracket and engaged with the ratchet for regulating the movable bracket positioned at its away position, a pawl lever mounted rotatably on the center pin and mounting pivotally the pawl, a second biasing device disposed between the tilt-operating lever and the pawl lever for rotating the pawl lever in one direction, a hook lever mounted pivotally to the fixed bracket and engaged with the pawl lever for preventing the rotation in one direction thereo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masumi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 4876910
    Abstract: A tilting steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a fixed bracket secured to the vehicle chassis, a movable bracket pivotally supported on the fixed bracket, a ratchet provided on the movable bracket and having ratchet teeth, a pawl having pawl teeth meshing with the ratchet teeth and constraining the ratchet position, a tilt operating lever causing the pawl teeth and ratchet teeth to mesh and unmesh, means for biasing the movable bracket to a lifted position with respect to the fixed bracket, a main lever pivotally supporting the pawl and rotatably supported by a first pin about which the movable bracket is turned, a second pin secured to the fixed bracket so as to abut against the other end of the main lever to inhibit turning of the main lever in one direction, a hook lever supported by the fixed bracket so as to clamp the main lever in the inhibit position in cooperation with the second pin, a lifted-position lock member provided on the fixed bracket so as to engage at a lifted position a projection on
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masumi Nishikawa, Masanobu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 4819498
    Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus for vehicles has a fixed bracket member fixed on a vehicle body and a rotatable bracket member pivoted on the fixed bracket member. A ratchet member and a pawl are disposed on the opposite bracket members. A lever for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet is rotatably disposed around the pivoting point between the fixed bracket and the rotatable bracket at one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masumi Nishikawa, Masanobu Ishikawa, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4785684
    Abstract: A tiltable and telescopically extensible steering shaft assembly includes a lower main shaft journalled by a stationary bracket and an upper main shaft assembly including a first shaft portion telescopically connected with the lower main shaft through splines and a second shaft portion connected with the first shaft portion for pivotable movements with respect thereto through a universal joint. The stationary bracket carries a first screw shaft and one or more second screw shafts for rotation and engaged with first and second nuts, respectively. An upper bracket is provided on the second shaft portion of the upper shaft assembly and connected with the second nuts for pivotable movements about a transverse tilting axis passing through the pivot point of the universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masumi Nishikawa, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4753122
    Abstract: A screw-nut type driving mechanism having a rotatable screw shaft, a nut engaged with the screw shaft and a driven member secured to the nut. The nut has an axially tapered outer surface which is formed with external threads. The driven member has an internally threaded, axially tapered hole with which the nut is threadably engaged. A retaining plate is provided to hold the nut on the driven member to prevent rotation of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masumi Nishikawa, Masanobu Ishikawa, Hakumi Ishii, Sumio Takizawa
  • Patent number: 4750379
    Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus for vehicles includes a fixed bracket and a rotational bracket rotatably mounted on the fixed bracket and having a ratchet fixed on a side thereof. A pawl, pivotally mounted on the fixed bracket, engages the ratchet when the rotational bracket is in an upward position and in a downward driving position. Memory means memorizes a selected engagement relationship between the pawl and ratchet when the pawl and ratchet are engaged and the rotational bracket is in a downward position. When the rotational bracket is subsequently being rotated to the downward position, intermediate means maintain the ratchet and pawl in a disengaged state until the rotational bracket is in the downward driving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masumi Nishikawa, Masanobu Ishikawa