Patents by Inventor Nao-omi Maeda

Nao-omi Maeda 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).

  • Mechanism for bending elongated body
    Patent number: 4969709
    Abstract: A mechanism for bending an elongated body such as the tube of an endoscope without the use of electric elements, thereby eliminating a shock hazard. A shape-memorizing alloy is inserted into the elongated body at portions to be bent. In some embodiments, heat for causing the shape-memorizing alloy and hence the elongated body to bend is produced by light carried by an optical fiber, while in other embodiments frictional heat produced by a mechanism vibrator is employed. In some embodiments using light, a shutter arrangement is added to control the heating of the shape-memorizing alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Sogawa, Nao-omi Maeda, Kazuhiko Hayashi, Masahiko Kanda, Koro Yotsuya
  • Mechanism for bending elongated body
    Patent number: 4904048
    Abstract: A mechanism for bending an elongated body such as the tube of an endoscope without the use of electric elements, thereby eliminating a shock hazard. A shape-memorizing alloy is inserted into the elongated body at portions to be bent. In some embodiments, heat for causing the shape-memorizing alloy and hence the elongated body to bend is produced by light carried by an optical fiber, while in other embodiments frictional heat produced by a mechanism vibrator is employed. In some embodiments using light, a shutter arrangement is added to control the heating of the shape-memorizing alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Sogawa, Nao-omi Maeda, Kazuhiko Hayashi, Masahiko Kanda, Koro Yotsuya