Patents by Inventor Naoki Ota
Naoki Ota 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: 11024903Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods described herein relate to the manufacture and use of single pouch battery cells. In some embodiments, an electrochemical cell includes a first current collector coupled to a first portion of a pouch, the first current collector having a first electrode material disposed thereon, a second current collector coupled to a second portion of the pouch, the second current collector having a second electrode material disposed thereon, and a separator disposed between the first electrode material and the second electrode material. The first portion of the pouch is coupled to the second portion of the pouch to enclose the electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignees: 24M Technologies, Inc., Kyocera CorporationInventors: Naoki Ota, Takaaki Fukushima, Ricardo Bazzarella, Taison Tan
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Patent number: 11005087Abstract: Embodiments described in this application relate generally to a system, an apparatus and/or methods for manufacturing electrodes by infusion electrolyte into compacted electrode materials. In some embodiments, a working electrode materials can be produced using an infusion mixing and manufacturing process. In some embodiments, a single-sided finished electrode can be produced directly from a dry powder mixture using an infusion mixing and manufacturing process. In some embodiments, a double-sided finished electrode can be produced directly from a dry powder mixture using an infusion mixing and manufacturing process. The electrodes produced by an infusion mixing and manufacturing process generally perform better than those produced by non-infusion processes.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignees: 24M Technologies, Inc., Kyocera CorporationInventors: Naoki Ota, Takaaki Fukushima, Yutaka Wakai, Motoi Tamaki, Sean Simon, Nicholas Varamo, Duy Le, Taison Tan, Hiromitsu Mishima
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Patent number: 10964973Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to devices, systems and methods of producing high energy density batteries having a semi-solid cathode that is thicker than the anode. An electrochemical cell can include a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector and an ion-permeable membrane disposed between the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a first distance from the positive electrode current collector and at least partially defines a positive electroactive zone. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a second distance from the negative electrode current collector and at least partially defines a negative electroactive zone. The second distance is less than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Taison Tan, Yet-Ming Chiang, Naoki Ota, Throop Wilder, Mihai Duduta
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Publication number: 20210091366Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods described herein relate to safety devices for electrochemical cells comprising an electrode tab electrically coupled to an electrode, the electrode including an electrode material disposed on a current collector. In some embodiments, a fuse can be operably coupled to or formed in the electrode tab. In some embodiments, the fuse can be formed by removing a portion of the electrode tab. In some embodiments, the fuse can include a thin strip of electrically resistive material configured to electrically couple multiple electrodes. In some embodiments, the current collector can include a metal-coated deformable mesh material such that the current collector is self-fusing. In some embodiments, the fuse can be configured to deform, break, melt, or otherwise discontinue electrical communication between the electrode and other components of the electrochemical cell in response to a high current condition, a high voltage condition, or a high temperature condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ricardo BAZZARELLA, Naoki OTA
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Patent number: 10957940Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells having semi-solid electrodes that include a gel polymer additive such that the electrodes demonstrate longer cycle life while significantly retaining the electronic performance of the electrodes and the electrochemical cells formed therefrom. In some embodiments, a semi-solid electrode can include about 20% to about 75% by volume of an active material, about 0.5% to about 25% by volume of a conductive material, and about 20% to about 70% by volume of an electrolyte. The electrolyte further includes about 0.01% to about 1.5% by weight of a polymer additive. In some embodiments, the electrolyte can include about 0.1% to about 0.7% of the polymer additive.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Taison Tan, Naoki Ota, Jeffry Disko
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Publication number: 20210080869Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a charging unit, an electrostatic image forming unit, a developing unit that includes an electrostatic image developer and develops the electrostatic image with the electrostatic image developer, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a replenishment toner container that includes a replenishment toner that is to be supplied into the developing unit and discharges the replenishment toner by rotation of the replenishment toner container, a replenishment toner container mounting unit that holds the replenishment toner container and rotates the replenishment toner container, and a toner supply pass that connects the replenishment toner container mounting unit to the developing unit. The replenishment toner includes toner particles and silica particles having a number average particle size of 110 nm to 130 nm, a large-diameter-side number particle size distribution index (upper GSDp) of less than 1.080, and an average circularity of 0.94 to 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Ota, Yusuke Fukuda, Masataka Kuribayashi, Katsuyuki Kitajima
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Patent number: 10948848Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a charging unit, an electrostatic image forming unit, a developing unit that includes an electrostatic image developer and develops the electrostatic image with the electrostatic image developer, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a replenishment toner container that includes a replenishment toner that is to be supplied into the developing unit and discharges the replenishment toner by rotation of the replenishment toner container, a replenishment toner container mounting unit that holds the replenishment toner container and rotates the replenishment toner container, and a toner supply pass that connects the replenishment toner container mounting unit to the developing unit. The replenishment toner includes toner particles and silica particles having a number average particle size of 110 nm to 130 nm, a large-diameter-side number particle size distribution index (upper GSDp) of less than 1.080, and an average circularity of 0.94 to 0.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Ota, Yusuke Fukuda, Masataka Kuribayashi, Katsuyuki Kitajima
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Patent number: 10921724Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a charging unit that charges a surface of the image holding member, an electrostatic charge image forming unit that forms an electrostatic charge image on the charged surface of the image holding member, a developing unit that includes an electrostatic charge image developing toner and that develops the electrostatic charge image on the surface of the image holding member with the electrostatic chare image developing toner to form a toner image, an intermediate transfer body having a circumferential surface of which micro rubber hardness is in a range of 45 to 65, a first transfer unit that first transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member to a surface of the intermediate transfer body, and a second transfer unit that second transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium, wherein the electrostatic charge image developing toner satisfies the following formulType: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO.. LTD.Inventors: Teppei Yawada, Naoki Ota, Tatsuhiro Igarashi
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Patent number: 10910858Abstract: Systems and methods for charging and discharging a plurality of batteries are described herein. In some embodiments, a system includes a battery module, an energy storage system electrically coupled to the battery module, a power source, and a controller. The energy storage system is operable in a first operating state in which energy is transferred from the energy storage system to the battery module to charge the battery module, and a second operating state in which energy is transferred from the battery module to the energy storage system to discharge the battery module. The power source electrically coupled to the energy storage system and is configured to transfer energy from the power source to the energy storage system based on an amount of stored energy in the energy storage system. The controller is operably coupled to the battery module and is configured to monitor and control a charging state of the battery module.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tony L. Taylor, Naoki Ota, Taison Tan
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Patent number: 10854869Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods described herein relate to safety devices for electrochemical cells comprising an electrode tab electrically coupled to an electrode, the electrode including an electrode material disposed on a current collector. In some embodiments, a fuse can be operably coupled to or formed in the electrode tab. In some embodiments, the fuse can be formed by removing a portion of the electrode tab. In some embodiments, the fuse can include a thin strip of electrically resistive material configured to electrically couple multiple electrodes. In some embodiments, the current collector can include a metal-coated deformable mesh material such that the current collector is self-fusing. In some embodiments, the fuse can be configured to deform, break, melt, or otherwise discontinue electrical communication between the electrode and other components of the electrochemical cell in response to a high current condition, a high voltage condition, or a high temperature condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ricardo Bazzarella, Naoki Ota
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Publication number: 20200358129Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells including a selectively permeable membrane and systems and methods for manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can include a solid-state electrolyte material. In some embodiments, electrochemical cells can include a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an anode disposed on an anode current collector, and the selectively permeable membrane disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the cathode and/or anode can include a slurry of an active material and a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, a catholyte can be different from an anolyte. In some embodiments, the catholyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the cathode and the anolyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the anode. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can be configured to isolate the catholyte from the anolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Applicant: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Junzheng CHEN, Naoki OTA, Jeffry DISKO, Yuki KUSACHI
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Publication number: 20200310307Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a charging unit that charges a surface of the image holding member, an electrostatic charge image forming unit that forms an electrostatic charge image on the charged surface of the image holding member, a developing unit that includes an electrostatic charge image developing toner and that develops the electrostatic charge image on the surface of the image holding member with the electrostatic chare image developing toner to form a toner image, an intermediate transfer body having a circumferential surface of which micro rubber hardness is in a range of 45 to 65, a first transfer unit that first transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member to a surface of the intermediate transfer body, and a second transfer unit that second transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium, wherein the electrostatic charge image developing toner satisfies the following formulType: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Teppei Yawada, Naoki Ota, Tatsuhiro Igarashi
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Patent number: 10777852Abstract: A battery system includes a main electrochemical cell that includes a cathode and an anode, a cathode tab electrically coupled to the cathode, and an anode tab electrically coupled to the anode. A second electrochemical cell is electrically coupled to the cathode tab and the anode tab. An interrupt device, such as a bi-stable metal disc, is operably coupled to the second electrochemical cell and at least one of the cathode tab or the anode tab. Upon overcharging of the main electrochemical cell, the voltage between the cathode tab and the anode tab causes the second electrochemical cell to generate gases that triggers the interrupt device, which in turn disconnects at least one of the cathode tab or the anode tab, thereby protecting the main electrochemical cell from further damages.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignees: 24M Technologies, Inc., Kyocera CorporationInventors: William Henry Woodford, Naoki Ota, Takaaki Fukushima, Jeffry Disko, Junzheng Chen
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Publication number: 20200259338Abstract: Systems and methods for charging and discharging a plurality of batteries are described herein. In some embodiments, a system includes a battery module, an energy storage system electrically coupled to the battery module, a power source, and a controller. The energy storage system is operable in a first operating state in which energy is transferred from the energy storage system to the battery module to charge the battery module, and a second operating state in which energy is transferred from the battery module to the energy storage system to discharge the battery module. The power source electrically coupled to the energy storage system and is configured to transfer energy from the power source to the energy storage system based on an amount of stored energy in the energy storage system. The controller is operably coupled to the battery module and is configured to monitor and control a charging state of the battery module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tony L. TAYLOR, Naoki OTA, Taison TAN
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Patent number: 10734672Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells including a selectively permeable membrane and systems and methods for manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can include a solid-state electrolyte material. In some embodiments, electrochemical cells can include a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an anode disposed on an anode current collector, and the selectively permeable membrane disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the cathode and/or anode can include a slurry of an active material and a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, a catholyte can be different from an anolyte. In some embodiments, the catholyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the cathode and the anolyte can be optimized to improve the redox electrochemistry of the anode. In some embodiments, the selectively permeable membrane can be configured to isolate the catholyte from the anolyte.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Junzheng Chen, Naoki Ota, Jeffry Disko, Yuki Kusachi
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Patent number: 10719041Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a charging unit that charges the surface of the image holding member, an electrostatic charge image forming unit that forms an electrostatic charge image on the charged surface of the image holding member, a developing unit that includes a developer containing toner particles containing a release agent having a melting temperature ranging from 60° C. to 100° C.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuhiro Igarashi, Naoki Ota, Yusuke Fukuda, Makoto Kamisaki, Yasuhisa Morooka, Jun Sekiya, Teppei Yawada, Masataka Kuribayashi, Takafumi Koide, Katsuyuki Kitajima, Shota Oshima
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Publication number: 20200220204Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to devices, systems and methods of producing high energy density batteries having a semi-solid cathode that is thicker than the anode. An electrochemical cell can include a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector and an ion-permeable membrane disposed between the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a first distance from the positive electrode current collector and at least partially defines a positive electroactive zone. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a second distance from the negative electrode current collector and at least partially defines a negative electroactive zone. The second distance is less than the first distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: 24M Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Taison TAN, Yet-Ming CHIANG, Naoki OTA, Throop WILDER, Mihai DUDUTA
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Patent number: 10670998Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image holding member; a charging unit that charges a surface of the image holding member; an electrostatic image forming unit that forms an electrostatic image on the charged surface of the image holding member; a developing unit that houses an electrostatic image developer including a toner containing an external additive and develops the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the image holding member with the electrostatic image developer to thereby form a toner image; a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member onto a surface of a recording medium directly or through an intermediate transfer body; and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred onto the surface of the recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Ota, Teppei Yawada
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Patent number: 10656567Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a charging unit that charges a surface of the image holding member, an electrostatic charge image forming unit that forms an electrostatic charge image on the charged surface of the image holding member, a developing unit that includes an electrostatic charge image developing toner and that develops the electrostatic charge image on the surface of the image holding member with the electrostatic chare image developing toner to form a toner image, an intermediate transfer body that has a circumferential surface having a plurality of grooves and an average in-plane roughness ranging from 10 nm to 30 nm, a first transfer unit that first transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member to a surface of the intermediate transfer body, and a second transfer unit that second transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium, wherein the electrostatic charge image developingType: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuhiro Igarashi, Naoki Ota, Teppei Yawada
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Publication number: 20200106094Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells having pre-lithiated semi-solid electrodes, and particularly to semi-solid electrodes that are pre-lithiated during the mixing of the semi-solid electrode slurry such that a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed in the semi-solid electrode before the electrochemical cell formation. In some embodiments, a semi-solid electrode includes about 20% to about 90% by volume of an active material, about 0% to about 25% by volume of a conductive material, about 10% to about 70% by volume of a liquid electrolyte, and lithium (as lithium metal, a lithium-containing material, and/or a lithium metal equivalent) in an amount sufficient to substantially pre-lithiate the active material. The lithium metal is configured to form a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on a surface of the active material before an initial charging cycle of an electrochemical cell that includes the semi-solid electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Naoki OTA, Mihai DUDUTA, Takaaki FUKUSHIMA, Hiuling Zoe YU, Taison TAN, Hiromitsu MISHIMA