Patents by Inventor Akiko Kumano
Akiko Kumano 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: 8657920Abstract: An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Norihiko Nakamura, Hidekazu Arikawa, Hirofumi Fujiwara, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Akiko Kumano, Shohei Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8475722Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen generation device using a photocatalyst to generate hydrogen from liquid water or water vapor and a method of using the same. The hydrogen generation device of the present invention has a water channel through which liquid water or water vapor flows, and which has an outer circumferential wall made at least in part of a transparent material; a hydrogen channel through which hydrogen flows and which is located at the inner circumference side of the water channel; a hydrogen separating membrane forming at least part of a wall between the water channel and hydrogen channel, separating hydrogen from the liquid water or water vapor in the water channel, and providing the hydrogen to the hydrogen channel; and a photocatalyst layer arranged on least at part of the water channel-side surface of the hydrogen separating membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Norihiko Nakamura, Hidekazu Arikawa, Hirofumi Fujiwara, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Akiko Kumano, Shohei Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20110300065Abstract: An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Haruyuki NAKANISHI, Norihiko NAKAMURA, Hidekazu ARIKAWA, Hirofumi FUJIWARA, Hidehito KUBO, Keiji TOH, Akiko KUMANO, Shohei MATSUMOTO
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Publication number: 20110297531Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen generation device using a photocatalyst to generate hydrogen from liquid water or water vapor and a method of using the same. The hydrogen generation device of the present invention has a water channel through which liquid water or water vapor flows, and which has an outer circumferential wall made at least in part of a transparent material; a hydrogen channel through which hydrogen flows and which is located at the inner circumference side of the water channel; a hydrogen separating membrane forming at least part of a wall between the water channel and hydrogen channel, separating hydrogen from the liquid water or water vapor in the water channel, and providing the hydrogen to the hydrogen channel; and a photocatalyst layer arranged on least at part of the water channel-side surface of the hydrogen separating membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Haruyuki NAKANISHI, Norihiko NAKAMURA, Hidekazu ARIKAWA, Hirofumi FUJIWARA, Hidehito KUBO, Keiji TOH, Akiko Kumano, Shohei Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7946446Abstract: A gas storage tank for storing a gas, the tank has an opening formed on at least one of two ends; a filling unit that is housed in the tank; and a support member that is arranged between the tank and the filling unit and holds the filling unit in the tank to connect a whole gap formed between the tank and the filling unit with the opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Takehiro Nito, Hidehito Kubo, Akiko Kumano, Makoto Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Isogai
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Patent number: 7813135Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a circuit board. The circuit board has an insulating substrate, a metal circuit fixed on a first side of the insulating substrate, and a metal plate fixed on a second side of the insulating substrate. The semiconductor device further has a semiconductor element mounted on the metal circuit, a stress reducing member fixed on the metal plate, and a heat sink fixed on the stress reducing member. The stress reducing member is plate-shaped and has round-shaped corners.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Shogo Mori, Akiko Kumano
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Publication number: 20090218386Abstract: An object-to-be-soldered (92) is accommodated in a sealable chamber (17). An internal pressure (P) of the chamber (17) is raised to a normal pressure (Po) or higher by feeding a reducing gas to the chamber (17). A soldering of a semiconductor element (12) with respect to a circuit board (11) is carried out in the pressurized state. The pressurized state indicating a set pressure (P1) (for example, 0.13 MPa) is maintained in a solder melting period (t3 to t7) until the molten solder (33) is solidified (t7) after the solder (33) starts melting (t3). Accordingly, voids are inhibited from being generated in the solder after being solidified.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Akiko Kumano, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Masao Shiraki, Shigekazu Higashimoto
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Publication number: 20080291636Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a circuit board. The circuit board has an insulating substrate, a metal circuit fixed on a first side of the insulating substrate, and a metal plate fixed on a second side of the insulating substrate. The semiconductor device further has a semiconductor element mounted on the metal circuit, a stress reducing member fixed on the metal plate, and a heat sink fixed on the stress reducing member. The stress reducing member is plate-shaped and has round-shaped corners.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Shogo Mori, Akiko Kumano
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Patent number: 7418782Abstract: The technique of the invention manufactures a gas storage tank, which includes a gas absorbent/adsorbent and is capable of storing a high-pressure gas. The manufacturing process of a hydrogen storage tank first assembles a heat exchanger unit and packs the particles of hydrogen storage alloy into the heat exchanger unit. The manufacturing process then blocks hydrogen storage alloy filling holes used for packing the hydrogen storage alloy in the heat exchanger unit and attaches a detachable cover member to a hydrogen inlet. The manufacturing process subsequently locates the heat exchange unit filled with the hydrogen storage alloy in a cylindrical tank and narrows both ends of the tank to form joint openings. The manufacturing process then heat-treating the tank under water cooling and detaches the cover member. The manufacturing process attaches joint assemblies to the joint openings and forms a reinforcement layer around the outer circumference of the tank to complete the hydrogen storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Takehiro Nito, Hidehito Kubo, Akiko Kumano, Makoto Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Isogai
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Publication number: 20080203101Abstract: The technique of the invention manufactures a gas storage tank, which includes a gas absorbent/adsorbent and is capable of storing a high-pressure gas. The manufacturing process of a hydrogen storage tank first assembles a heat exchanger unit and packs the particles of hydrogen storage alloy into the heat exchanger unit. The manufacturing process then blocks hydrogen storage alloy filling holes used for packing the hydrogen storage alloy in the heat exchanger unit and attaches a detachable cover member to a hydrogen inlet. The manufacturing process subsequently locates the heat exchange unit filled with the hydrogen storage alloy in a cylindrical tank and narrows both ends of the tank to form joint openings. The manufacturing process then heat-treating the tank under water cooling and detaches the cover member. The manufacturing process attaches joint assemblies to the joint openings and forms a reinforcement layer around the outer circumference of the tank to complete the hydrogen storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Takehiro Nito, Hidehito Kubo, Akiko Kumano, Makoto Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Isogai
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Publication number: 20080066887Abstract: A pressure tank includes a liner separated into a cap and a main body. A shell covers the outer surface of the liner. The shell is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic. A heat exchanger is arranged in the liner. A header is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported on the liner by fastening the header to the cap or the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Keiji Toh, Hidehito Kubo, Katsuyoshi Fujita, Akiko Kumano, Masahiko Kimbara, Yoshihiro Isogai, Daigoro Mori
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Patent number: 7322398Abstract: A pressure tank includes a liner separated into a cap and a main body. A shell covers the outer surface of the liner. The shell is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic. A heat exchanger is arranged in the liner. A header is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported on the liner by fastening the header to the cap or the main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Keiji Toh, Hidehito Kubo, Katsuyoshi Fujita, Akiko Kumano, Masahiko Kimbara, Yoshihiro Isogai, Daigoro Mori
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Publication number: 20070062672Abstract: A pressure tank includes a liner separated into a cap and a main body. A shell covers the outer surface of the liner. The shell is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic. A heat exchanger is arranged in the liner. A header is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported on the liner by fastening the header to the cap or the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2006Publication date: March 22, 2007Inventors: Keiji Toh, Hidehito Kubo, Katsuyoshi Fujita, Akiko Kumano, Masahiko Kimbara, Yoshihiro Isogai, Daigoro Mori
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Patent number: 7169214Abstract: A high pressure tank has a cylindrical liner and a fiber reinforced plastic layer which covers the outer surface of the liner. At least one end of the liner is separable. The liner includes a cylindrical liner body and a lid. An O-ring is located between the contact surfaces of the liner body and the lid in the circumferential direction. Each contact surface has a seal surface which contacts the O-ring. One of the liner body and the lid has a deformable portion which deforms toward the seal surfaces. The structure can securely seal the separated portions of the liner when the high pressure tank is in a high pressure state.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidehito Kubo, Makoto Tsuzuki, Keiji Toh, Akiko Kumano, Daigoro Mori, Masahiko Kimbara
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Patent number: 7152665Abstract: A pressure tank includes a liner separated into a cap and a main body. A shell covers the outer surface of the liner. The shell is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic. A heat exchanger is arranged in the liner. A header is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported on the liner by fastening the header to the cap or the main body.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Keiji Toh, Hidehito Kubo, Katsuyoshi Fujita, Akiko Kumano, Masahiko Kimbara, Yoshihiro Isogai, Daigoro Mori
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Patent number: 7115159Abstract: In a hydrogen storing tank (solid filling tank) in which a hydrogen absorbing alloy (solid) is filled, a heat exchanger for executing heat exchange with the hydrogen absorbing alloy is constructed by laminating alternately first heat-transferring fins formed in corrugated plate shape and second heat-transferring fins formed in flat plate shape. Partitioned portions that are partitioned by the first heat-transferring fins and the second heat-transferring fins restrict movement of hydrogen absorbing alloy powders (MH powders) in a subsiding direction. Therefore, movement of the MH powders can surely be prevented by not using members that has no concern with the heat exchange and reduces an amount of filled MH powders and a volume in which the heat exchanger is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Katsuyoshi Fujita, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Akiko Kumano, Daigoro Mori
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Publication number: 20050087537Abstract: A high pressure tank 10 comprises a metal liner 20 having a desired tank shape; and a composite material shell 30 formed on the periphery of the metal liner 20. The metal liner 20 comprises a cylindrical barrel portion 21, a mouthpiece 22 located at each of two end portions, and a cap portion 23 connecting barrel portion 21 with mouthpiece 22. Extensible portions 211 of bellows configuration are formed along the entire length of the metal liner 20 in the axial (lengthwise) direction. The extensible portions 211 impart elastic action through opening and closing (deformation) of their basal portions 211b, thereby preventing slippage from occurring between the metal barrel portion 21 and the composite material shell 30 when the high pressure tank 10 expands and contracts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2004Publication date: April 28, 2005Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Makoto Tsuzuki, Akiko Kumano
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Publication number: 20050051294Abstract: In a hydrogen storing tank (solid filling tank) in which a hydrogen absorbing alloy (solid) is filled, a heat exchanger for executing heat exchange with the hydrogen absorbing alloy is constructed by laminating alternately a first heat-transferring fins formed in corrugated plate shape and a second heat-transferring fins formed in flat plate shape. Partitioned portions that are partitioned by the first heat-transferring fins and the second heat-transferring fins restrict movement of hydrogen absorbing alloy powders (MH powders) in a subsiding direction. Therefore, movement of the MH powders can surely be prevented by not using members that has no concern with the heat exchange and reduces an amount of filled MH powders and a volume in which the heat exchanger is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2003Publication date: March 10, 2005Inventors: Katsuyoshi Fujita, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Akiko Kumano, Daigoro Mori
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Publication number: 20050000970Abstract: The technique of the invention manufactures a gas storage tank, which includes a gas absorbent/adsorbent and is capable of storing a high-pressure gas. The manufacturing process of a hydrogen storage tank first assembles a heat exchanger unit and packs the particles of hydrogen storage alloy into the heat exchanger unit. The manufacturing process then blocks hydrogen storage alloy filling holes used for packing the hydrogen storage alloy in the heat exchanger unit and attaches a detachable cover member to a hydrogen inlet. The manufacturing process subsequently locates the heat exchange unit filled with the hydrogen storage alloy in a cylindrical tank and narrows both ends of the tank to form joint openings. The manufacturing process then heat-treating the tank under water cooling and detaches the cover member. The manufacturing process attaches joint assemblies to the joint openings and forms a reinforcement layer around the outer circumference of the tank to complete the hydrogen storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2004Publication date: January 6, 2005Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Takehiro Nito, Hidehito Kubo, Akiko Kumano, Makoto Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Isogai
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Publication number: 20040251007Abstract: A pressure tank includes a liner separated into a cap and a main body. A shell covers the outer surface of the liner. The shell is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic. A heat exchanger is arranged in the liner. A header is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported on the liner by fastening the header to the cap or the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Keiji Toh, Hidehito Kubo, Katsuyoshi Fujita, Akiko Kumano, Masahiko Kimbara, Yoshihiro Isogai, Daigoro Mori