Patents by Inventor Soichiro Okubo

Soichiro Okubo 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: 9493354
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure according to the present invention includes a preparation step of preparing a base body, an oxidization step and a step of growing a carbon nanostructure. In the step of preparing a base body, a base body with at least a part of a contact portion or an integral portion of a catalyst member and a separation member having been oxidized is prepared. In the step of growing a carbon nanostructure, a carbon nanostructure is grown in a separation interface region between the catalyst member and the separation member. The step of growing a carbon nanostructure includes at least one of a step of locally supplying a source gas to a portion of the catalyst member facing the separation interface region where the carbon nanostructure is being grown, and a step of locally heating the separation interface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hikata, Soichiro Okubo, Risa Utsunomiya, Yugo Higashi, Jun-ichi Fujita, Katsuhisa Murakami
  • Patent number: 9305711
    Abstract: A carbon nanostructure's geometry and electrical characteristics can be controlled. A method for processing a carbon nanostructure according to the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a carbon nanostructure (e.g., a carbon nanotube) (a CNT preparation step); and exposing the carbon nanotube to an energy beam (e.g., an electron beam) while vibrating the carbon nanotube (an exposure step). This facilitates modifying the carbon nanotube in length and electrical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA
    Inventors: Jun-ichi Fujita, Takeshi Hikata, Soichiro Okubo, Risa Utsunomiya, Teruaki Matsuba
  • Publication number: 20160002041
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure according to the present invention includes a preparation step of preparing a base body, an oxidization step and a step of growing a carbon nanostructure. In the step of preparing a base body, a base body with at least a part of a contact portion or an integral portion of a catalyst member and a separation member having been oxidized is prepared. In the step of growing a carbon nanostructure, a carbon nanostructure is grown in a separation interface region between the catalyst member and the separation member. The step of growing a carbon nanostructure includes at least one of a step of locally supplying a source gas to a portion of the catalyst member facing the separation interface region where the carbon nanostructure is being grown, and a step of locally heating the separation interface region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi HIKATA, Soichiro OKUBO, Risa UTSUNOMIYA, Yugo HIGASHI, Jun-ichi FUJITA, Katsuhisa MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20150375210
    Abstract: A porous member includes a base member and carbon nanostructures. The base member includes a porous body having a porosity of more than or equal to 80%. The carbon nanostructures are formed on a surface of the base member, and have a width of less than or equal to 100 nm. A catalyst member includes a catalyst arranged on surfaces of the carbon nano structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Soichiro OKUBO, Takeshi HIKATA, Risa UTSUNOMIYA, Teruaki MATSUBA, Hitoshi MATSUMOTO, Yugo HIGASHI
  • Patent number: 9162891
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure and a method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure that can achieve an increase in length and shape stabilization of the carbon nanostructure can be obtained. A manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanostructure includes a catalyst member on which a carbon nanostructure is grown, a source gas supply unit and a source gas supply pipe, a coil, and a heater. The source gas supply unit and the source gas supply pipe supply the catalyst member with carbon for forming the carbon nanotube. The coil applies a gradient magnetic field (e.g., a cusped magnetic field indicated by magnetic flux line whose magnetic field strength gradually increases from one surface of the catalyst member to the other surface opposite to the one surface. The heater heats the catalyst member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hikata, Soichiro Okubo
  • Patent number: 9096434
    Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure with reduced occurrence of a bend and the like. The method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure according to the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a base body formed of a catalyst member including a catalyst and a separation member that are in contact with or integral with each other (preparation step); oxidizing at least a part of a contact portion or integral portion of the catalyst member and the separation member (oxidation step); bringing a carbon-containing source gas into contact with the catalyst member and/or the separation member (CNT growth step); and growing a carbon nanostructure (CNT growth step). In the CNT growth step, the carbon nanostructure is grown in a separation interface region between the catalyst member and the separation member, by heating the base body while separating the separation member from the catalyst member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Nissin Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hikata, Soichiro Okubo, Risa Utsunomiya, Yugo Higashi
  • Publication number: 20130342965
    Abstract: A carbon nanostructure's geometry and electrical characteristics can be controlled. A method for processing a carbon nanostructure according to the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a carbon nanostructure (e.g., a carbon nanotube) (a CNT preparation step); and exposing the carbon nanotube to an energy beam (e.g., an electron beam) while vibrating the carbon nanotube (an exposure step). This facilitates modifying the carbon nanotube in length and electrical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Jun-ichi Fujita, Takeshi Hikata, Soichiro Okubo, Risa Utsunomiya, Teruaki Matsuba
  • Publication number: 20130078177
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure and a method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure that can achieve an increase in length and shape stabilization of the carbon nanostructure can be obtained. A manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanostructure includes a catalyst member on which a carbon nanostructure is grown, a source gas supply unit and a source gas supply pipe, a coil, and a heater. The source gas supply unit and the source gas supply pipe supply the catalyst member with carbon for forming the carbon nanotube. The coil applies a gradient magnetic field (e.g., a cusped magnetic field indicated by magnetic flux line whose magnetic field strength gradually increases from one surface of the catalyst member to the other surface opposite to the one surface. The heater heats the catalyst member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hikata, Soichiro Okubo
  • Patent number: 7573638
    Abstract: Practical diffractive optical elements are made available efficiently and at low-cost. A refractive-index-modulated diffractive optical element includes a transparent DLC (diamond-like carbon) film (2) formed on a transparent substrate (1), with the DLC film (2) containing a diffraction grating having local regions (2a) of a relatively high refractive index and local regions (2) of a relatively low refractive index. The DLC film (2) can readily be deposited by plasma CVD onto the substrate (1), and the high refractive-index regions (2a) within the DLC film can readily be formed by irradiating it with an energy beam (4) such as an ion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7511784
    Abstract: A hologram color filter diffraction-separates an incident lightwave using a hologram to project thus separated lightwaves having different-wavelengths at intended positions with a specified spatial period. The hologram color filter comprises a light-transmitting substrate (21) and a light-transmitting diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film (22) formed on the substrate. In the DLC film, a relatively-low-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n1, 22a) and a relatively-high-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n2, 22b) are placed alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Kazuhiko Oda, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20080165399
    Abstract: A hologram color filter diffraction-separates an incident lightwave using a hologram to project thus separated lightwaves having different-wavelengths at intended positions with a specified spatial period. The hologram color filter comprises a light-transmitting substrate (21) and a light-transmitting diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film (22) formed on the substrate. In the DLC film, a relatively-low-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n1, 22a) and a relatively-high-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n2, 22b) are placed alternately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Kazuhiko Oda, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7342254
    Abstract: Affords efficiently and at low cost practical, tiny light-emitting devices having an optically diffractive film on their light-output face. A light-emitting device (LD) includes a diffractive film (DF) formed on its light-output face; the diffractive film includes a transparent DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer; and the DLC layer includes a modulated-refractive-index diffraction grating containing local regions of relatively high refractive index and local regions of relatively low refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20070182931
    Abstract: A polarization integrator comprises a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) for splitting light from a light source 1 into P-polarized light and S-polarized light, a first micro-lens 52, a ½ wavelength plate 53, and a second micro-lens 54; the first micro-lens is arranged to focus onto mutually differing positions the P-polarized light and S-polarized light split by the PBS; the ½ wavelength plate is arranged in the position in which the P-polarized light is focused, and operates to convert the P-polarized light into S-polarized light; the second micro-lens operates to integrate the S-polarized light after it has passed through the ½-wave plate and been polarization-converted, with S-polarized light which has not passed through the ½-wave plate; and at least any one of the PBS, the first micro-lens, the ½-wave plate, or the second micro-lens is formed using a DLC film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7218447
    Abstract: A diamond-like carbon (DLC) film having refractive indices distributed in a pattern oriented within the plane of the film or on a bias with respect to the thickness of the film. Such films may be useful in low-cast Faraday rotators, in polarizers (analyzers), and in magnetic substances, and in Faraday rotators and optical isolators that can handle a plurality of wavelengths. The refractive index structure may be imparted to the DLC film, for example, by irradiating at least one region of the film with either a particle or energy beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20070103783
    Abstract: A diamond-like carbon (DLC) film having refractive indices distributed in a pattern oriented within the plane of the film or on a bias with respect to the thickness of the film. Such films may be useful in low-cost Faraday rotators, in polarizers (analyzers), and in magnetic substances, and in Faraday rotators and optical isolators that can handle a plurality of wavelengths. The refractive index structure may be imparted to the DLC film, for example, by irradiating at least one region of the film with either a particle or energy beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20070091453
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and low-cost flat microlens that can be used in various optical fields in a mechanically and thermally stable manner. A microlens is formed using a transparent DLC film (41). The DLC film (41) includes regions (Rmn) with graded indices of refraction. When a light beam passes through a region with graded indices of refraction, the light is focused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Kazuhiko Oda, Takashi Matsuura, Soichiro Okubo
  • Patent number: 7181106
    Abstract: Affords efficiently and at low cost optical fibers capped at the end with a working, tiny optically diffractive film. An optical fiber includes a diffractive film formed onto an endface thereof, or onto the endface of a collimator joined to the endface of the fiber; the diffractive film includes a transparent DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer; and the DLC layer includes a modulated-refractive-index diffraction grating containing local regions of relatively high refractive index and local regions of relatively low refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20060146408
    Abstract: Practical diffractive optical elements are made available efficiently and at low-cost. A refractive-index-modulated diffractive optical element includes a transparent DLC (diamond-like carbon) film (2) formed on a transparent substrate (1), with the DLC film (2) containing a diffraction grating having local regions (2a) of a relatively high refractive index and local regions (2) of a relatively low refractive index. The DLC film (2) can readily be deposited by plasma CVD onto the substrate (1), and the high refractive-index regions (2a) within the DLC film can readily be formed by irradiating it with an energy beam (4) such as an ion beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20050254751
    Abstract: Affords efficiently and at low cost optical fibers capped at the end with a working, tiny optically diffractive film. An optical fiber (F) includes a diffractive film (DF) formed onto an endface thereof, or onto the endface of a collimator (C) joined to the endface of the fiber; the diffractive film includes a transparent DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer; and the DLC layer includes a modulated-refractive-index diffraction grating containing local regions of relatively high refractive index and local regions of relatively low refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20050230687
    Abstract: Affords efficiently and at low cost practical, tiny light-emitting devices having an optically diffractive film on their light-output face. A light-emitting device (LD) includes a diffractive film (DF) formed on its light-output face; the diffractive film includes a transparent DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer; and the DLC layer includes a modulated-refractive-index diffraction grating containing local regions of relatively high refractive index and local regions of relatively low refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ushiro, Soichiro Okubo, Takashi Matsuura