Patents by Inventor Mikio Hirano
Mikio Hirano 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: 8905527Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a liquid path that is in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a sealing member that is selectively penetrated and closed, and a storage. The storage includes a first count storage area configured to store first count data corresponding to a number of times the sealing member has been penetrated at a first position, and a first position sealing data corresponding to a first number that is comparable to the first count data.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taichi Shirono, Noritsugu Ito, Mikio Hirano
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Patent number: 8851644Abstract: The method includes: (a) preparing a liquid cartridge to be recycled and including a liquid storing unit, a liquid delivery path having an opening, a blocking member detachably mounted in the liquid delivery path to block the opening, and a valve configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state; (b) removing the blocking member from the liquid delivery path; (c) switching the valve from the closed state to the open state; (d) injecting liquid into the liquid storing unit through the opening with the blocking member removed in step (b) and the valve maintained in the open state achieved in step (c); (e) switching the valve from the open state to the closed state after performing step (d); and (f) assembling the blocking member or another blocking member different from the blocking member in the liquid delivery path to block the opening after performing step (e).Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taichi Shirono, Noritsugu Ito, Mikio Hirano
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Publication number: 20140253628Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a detection portion in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a movable member that is disposed in the detection portion, and a sensor that outputs a signal relative to a position of the movable member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mikio HIRANO, Noritsugu ITO
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Patent number: 8752943Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a detection portion in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a movable member that is disposed in the detection portion, and a sensor that outputs a signal relative to a position of the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mikio Hirano, Noritsugu Ito
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Publication number: 20130175272Abstract: The method includes: (a) preparing a liquid cartridge to be recycled and including a liquid storing unit, a liquid delivery path having an opening, a blocking member detachably mounted in the liquid delivery path to block the opening, and a valve configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state; (b) removing the blocking member from the liquid delivery path; (c) switching the valve from the closed state to the open state; (d) injecting liquid into the liquid storing unit through the opening with the blocking member removed in step (b) and the valve maintained in the open state achieved in step (c); (e) switching the valve from the open state to the closed state after performing step (d); and (f) assembling the blocking member or another blocking member different from the blocking member in the liquid delivery path to block the opening after performing step (e).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taichi SHIRONO, Noritsugu ITO, Mikio HIRANO
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Publication number: 20130136522Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid accommodating unit, a delivery channel, a valve, and a locking mechanism. The liquid accommodating unit is configured to accommodate liquid. The delivery channel is configured to discharge the liquid outside. The delivery channel is in fluid communication with the liquid accommodating unit. The valve includes a valve body provided in the delivery channel. The valve body is configured to selectively move between a closed position where the delivery channel is closed and an open position where the delivery channel is open. The locking mechanism includes a locking member configured to selectively move between a locking position to prevent the valve body positioned at the closed position from moving to the open position and a disengaged position to allow the valve body positioned at the closed position to move to the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mikio HIRANO, Noritsugu ITO
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Publication number: 20120075392Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a liquid path that is in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a sealing member that is selectively penetrated and closed, and a storage. The storage includes a first count storage area configured to store first count data corresponding to a number of times the sealing member has been penetrated at a first position, and a first position sealing data corresponding to a first number that is comparable to the first count data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taichi SHIRONO, Noritsugu ITO, Mikio HIRANO
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Publication number: 20120069068Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a liquid path that is in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a sensor, and a memory. The sensor outputs a particular data corresponding to a particular value indicating that the liquid storing portion is in fluid communication with an exterior of the liquid cartridge, and a further data corresponding to a further value indicating that the liquid storing portion is not in fluid communication with the exterior of the liquid cartridge. The memory includes a first data corresponding to a first value and a second data corresponding to a second value. The first value and the second value are defined such that when the particular data and the further data are outputted, one half of a sum of the first value and the second value is between the particular value and the further value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noritsugu ITO, Mikio HIRANO
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Publication number: 20110292139Abstract: A liquid cartridge detachably mountable on a body of an image forming device and capable of supplying liquid to the image forming device when mounted on the body. A liquid delivery path has a first portion and a second portion positioned between a liquid accommodating unit and the first portion. A first opening/closing unit is configured so as to be capable of being switched between an open state in which the first portion is opened and a closed state in which the first portion is closed. A second opening/closing unit is configured so as to be capable of being switched between an open state in which the second portion is opened and a closed state in which the second portion is closed. A storing unit is configured to store time length data indicating a length of a prescribed time. A second opening/closing unit is changed from the closed state to the open state when the prescribed time has elapsed after the liquid cartridge is mounted on the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noritsugu ITO, Mikio HIRANO, Hisashi IGI
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Publication number: 20110267388Abstract: A liquid cartridge is detachably mountable on a body of an image forming device and capable of supplying liquid to the image forming device when mounted on the body. A liquid delivery path has a first portion and a second portion positioned between a liquid accommodating unit and the first portion. The first opening/closing unit is configured so as to be capable of being switched between an open state in which the first portion is opened and a closed state in which the first portion is closed. The second opening/closing unit is configured so as to be capable of being switched between an open state in which the second portion is opened and a closed state in which the second portion is closed. The interlocking mechanism is configured so as to be capable of being operated in association with an operation of an actuator provided on the body to switch the second opening/closing unit between the open state and the closed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noritsugu ITO, Mikio HIRANO
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Publication number: 20110249065Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink storing portion that stores ink therein, a detection portion in fluid communication with the ink storing portion, a movable member that is disposed in the detection portion, and a sensor that outputs a signal relative to a position of the movable member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mikio HIRANO, Noritsugu ITO
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Publication number: 20110242232Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion configured to store liquid therein, a liquid outlet path configured to place an interior of the liquid storing portion in fluid communication with an exterior of the liquid storing portion, a particular valve disposed at the liquid outlet path configured to selectively close the liquid outlet path, and a further valve. The further valve is disposed at the liquid outlet path. The further valve includes a valve seat separately formed from the particular valve, and a further valve member that closes the further valve when the further valve member contacts the valve seat. The further valve member is urged against the valve seat toward the particular valve when the further valve is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noritsugu ITO, Mikio HIRANO
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Publication number: 20110242233Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a detection portion in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a movable member that is disposed in the detection portion, and a sensor that outputs a signal relative to a position of the movable member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mikio HIRANO, Noritsugu ITO
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Publication number: 20110228019Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink storing portion configured to store ink therein, an ink outlet path configured to place an interior of the ink storing portion in fluid communication with an exterior of the ink storing portion, a particular valve disposed at the ink outlet path configured to selectively close the ink outlet path, and a further valve. The further valve is disposed at the ink outlet path. The further valve includes a valve seat separately formed from the particular valve, and a further valve member that closes the further valve when the further valve member contacts the valve seat. The further valve member is urged against the valve seat toward the particular valve when the further valve is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noritsugu ITO, Mikio HIRANO
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Patent number: 7997669Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus including: (a) a recording head; (b) an ink supply source; (c) an ink supply conduit interconnecting the recording head and the ink supply source, such that the ink is supplied from the ink supply source to the recording head in an ink supplying direction; (d) a movable body disposed in the ink supply conduit and movable in the ink supply conduit; (e) a moving device configured to move the movable body in the ink supply conduit; and (f) a control device configured to control the moving device. The ink supply conduit includes a small-clearance defining portion in which a small clearance is to be defined between the movable body and an inner surface of the ink supply conduit when the movable body is being positioned in the small-clearance defining portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadanobu Chikamoto, Akira Shinoda, Mikio Hirano, Hiroshi Taira
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Publication number: 20100053240Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus including: (a) a recording head; (b) an ink supply source; (c) an ink supply conduit interconnecting the recording head and the ink supply source, such that the ink is supplied from the ink supply source to the recording head in an ink supplying direction; (d) a movable body disposed in the ink supply conduit and movable in the ink supply conduit; (e) a moving device configured to move the movable body in the ink supply conduit; and (f) a control device configured to control the moving device. The ink supply conduit includes a small-clearance defining portion in which a small clearance is to be defined between the movable body and an inner surface of the ink supply conduit when the movable body is being positioned in the small-clearance defining portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tadanobu Chikamoto, Akira Shinoda, Mikio Hirano, Hiroshi Taira
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Publication number: 20090145858Abstract: A method for treating waste water containing nitrate ion which comprises supplying raw waste water from a tube (2), formalin from a tube (3) and an aqueous alkaline solution from a tube (4) to a mixing vessel (1), while agitating with an agitator (5), so the resultant mixture has a pH of 7 or higher, transferring the mixture from an outlet pipe (6) to a catalyst bed (9) through a tube (8) by a pump (7), and discharging the treated fluid drained from the catalyst bed (9) to the outside of the system through pipe (11), wherein the catalyst bed (9) is provided within a jacket (10), through which a liquid such as water flows, for the temperature control, and is packed with a support type catalyst comprising spherical type activated carbon and Pd—Cu supported thereon. The type of reactor containing the support type catalyst in the catalyst bed (9) may be a fluidized bed or a fixed bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: JGC CorporationInventors: Shigeru Mihara, Hirofumi Ito, Mikio Hirano, Takashi Kato
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Patent number: 7049925Abstract: Plural magnetic sheets (22) are laminated in circumference direction to form a cylindrical laminated core. Magnetic sheets (22) adjacent to each other have coupling point (25) at an upper section or a lower section and gap (26) on an opposite side of coupling point (25). Coupling point (25) is prepared at upper section (23), then lower section (24), and upper section (23) then lower section (24) alternately. This structure allows assembling a radial laminated core with ease.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichiro Kawano, Hiroshi Ueda, Mikio Hirano, Masami Wada
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Patent number: 6877787Abstract: A strength member, for vehicle use, extending in the vehicle width direction inside an instrument panel of a vehicle has a reinforcing bar in which a closed space is formed, and the reinforcing bar has a driver's seat side region, a central region and an assistant driver's seat side region, the reinforcing bar being composed of a metallic member arranged in the driver's seat side region and a resin member or a resin and metallic member arranged in the central region and the assistant driver's seat side region.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Koichi Ito, Mikio Hirano, Masafumi Kawashima, Hironori Suzuki, Dai Matsui, Kazushi Shikata, Mitsugu Yamanaka
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Publication number: 20040110458Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust purification apparatus for removing contaminants and odorous components from exhaust from cooking or the like, to an exhaust purification cabinet and cooking device equipped with the exhaust purification apparatus, and to a cooking system equipped with such a cooking device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Shinji Kato, Misao Iwata, Hirokazu Watanabe, Hisanori Kurobe, Mikio Hirano