Patents by Inventor Akira Kato

Akira Kato 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).

  • Publication number: 20240210865
    Abstract: In an image heating device having a plurality of heating blocks which are controllable independently in a longitudinal direction of a heater, an increase of the size of the heater can be suppressed, and temperatures of a plurality of heating block can be detected. The heater has a first temperature sensor corresponding to a first heating block, a second temperature sensor corresponding to a second heating block, a first electric conductor electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor, a second electric conductor electrically coupled to the second temperature sensor, and a common electric conductor electrically coupled to the first and second temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shimura, Akira Kato, Atsushi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 11996219
    Abstract: A magnetic material according to the present disclosure includes a main phase having an R2T14B type crystal structure (R is a rare earth element and T is a transition metal element). The main phase has a composition represented by ((Nd, Pr)(1-x-y)LaxR1y))2((Fe(1-z-w)(Co, Ni)zMw))14B (where, R1 is a rare earth element other than Nd, Pr, and La, M is an element other than Fe, Co, Ni, and a rare earth element, and the like, and 0.25?x?1.00, 0?y?0.10, 0.15?z?0.40, and 0?w?0.1 are satisfied). A manufacturing method of the magnetic material according to the present disclosure includes melting a raw material containing the elements constituting the main phase and solidifying the melted raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noritsugu Sakuma, Tetsuya Shoji, Akihito Kinoshita, Akira Kato
  • Publication number: 20240166323
    Abstract: Trim angle control apparatus configured to control a trim angle of an outboard motor including a prime mover, including: a detector configured to detect a rotational speed of the prime mover; an actuator configured to adjust the trim angle of the outboard motor; an operation member configured to be operated by a ship operator to input a change command for changing the trim angle; and an electronic control unit including a processor and memory. The memory stores a target value of the trim angle for each rotational speed range of the prime mover in advance. The processor is configured to perform: setting a target value of the trim angle based on the rotational speed; and controlling the actuator so that the trim angle becomes the target value. The setting includes changing the target value in accordance with the change command when the change command is input through the operation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Naoki Aikawa, Kazumi Miyashita, Akifumi Fujima, Yoshiyuki Misumi, Tokio Unno
  • Publication number: 20240153680
    Abstract: Provided is a rare-earth anisotropic magnet powder capable of achieving high magnetic properties while reducing the usage of Nd and Pr. The present invention provides a rare-earth anisotropic magnet powder comprising magnetic particles that contain rare-earth elements, boron, and a transition metal element. The rare-earth elements include a first rare-earth element that comprises Ce and/or La and a second rare-earth element that comprises Nd and/or Pr. The rare-earth elements have a first ratio (R1/Rt) of 5% to 57%. The first ratio (R1/Rt) is a ratio of an amount (R1) of the first rare-earth element to a total amount (Rt) of the rare-earth elements in terms of the number of atoms. The first rare-earth element has a La ratio (La/R1) of 0% to 35%. The La ratio (La/R1) is a ratio of an amount of La to the amount (R1) of the first rare-earth element in terms of the number of atoms. The magnetic particles have a Ga content of 0.35 at % or less with respect to 100 at % as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicants: AICHI STEEL CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryo SHIMBO, Masao YAMAZAKI, Noritsugu SAKUMA, Akihito KINOSHITA, Akira KATO, Tetsuya SHOJI
  • Patent number: 11953851
    Abstract: In an image heating device having a plurality of heating blocks which are controllable independently in a longitudinal direction of a heater, an increase of the size of the heater can be suppressed, and temperatures of a plurality of heating block can be detected. The heater has a first temperature sensor corresponding to a first heating block, a second temperature sensor corresponding to a second heating block, a first electric conductor electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor, a second electric conductor electrically coupled to the second temperature sensor, and a common electric conductor electrically coupled to the first and second temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shimura, Akira Kato, Atsushi Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20240071678
    Abstract: A transformer device according to the disclosure includes a transformer and a cooling device that cools the transformer. The transformer includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, and a first core and a second core, into which the primary and secondary coils are respectively inserted. The first and second cores are disposed to face each other. The first core includes a first core part and a second core part, each of the first and second core parts formed by dividing the first core in a predetermined division plane. The first and second core parts of the first core are disposed to face each other through a gap, and in which the first core and the cooling device are disposed to face each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2021
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Akira KATO, Takehiko YAMAKAWA
  • Patent number: 11913129
    Abstract: It is determined whether an imaginary component at a predetermined frequency of an alternating current impedance is equal to or more than a preliminarily set film-formable value or not. The metallic coating is formed in a state where the substrate is pressed by the solid electrolyte membrane when the imaginary component is equal to or more than the film-formable value in the determining. The metallic coating is formed in a state where the pressing of the substrate by the solid electrolyte membrane is released to separate the solid electrolyte membrane from the substrate, the solid electrolyte membrane is re-tensioned with a constant tensile force, and subsequently, the substrate is pressed by the re-tensioned solid electrolyte membrane when the imaginary component is smaller than the film-formable value in the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruki Kondoh, Akira Kato, Kazuaki Okamoto, Keiji Kuroda
  • Patent number: 11903141
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wiring board in which the adhesion between an underlayer and a seed layer is improved. A diffusion layer in which an element forming the underlayer and an element forming a coating layer are mutually diffused is formed between the underlayer and a wiring portion of the coating layer by irradiating the wiring portion with a laser beam. A seed layer is formed by removing a portion excluding the wiring portion of the coating layer from the underlayer. A metal layer is formed by disposing a solid electrolyte membrane between an anode and the seed layer and applying voltage between the anode and the underlayer. An exposed portion without the seed layer of the underlayer is removed from an insulating substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keiji Kuroda, Rentaro Mori, Hiroshi Yanagimoto, Haruki Kondoh, Kazuaki Okamoto, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 11869690
    Abstract: A rare earth magnet in which the amount used of a heavy rare earth element is more reduced while maintaining enhancement of the coercive force, and a producing method thereof are provided. The rare earth magnet of the present disclosure has a main phase 10 and a grain boundary phase 20. The main phase 10 has a composition represented by R12T14B. The main phase 10 has a core part 12 and a shell part 14. Denoting the abundances of R2 and Ce (R2 is heavy rare earth element) occupying 4f site of the shell part 14 as R24f and Ce4f, respectively, and denoting the abundances of R2 and Ce occupying 4g site of the shell part 14 as R24g and Ce4g, respectively, the rare earth magnet satisfies 0.44?R24g/(R24f+R24g)?0.70 and 0.04?(Ce4f+Ce4g)/(R24f+R24g). The rare earth magnet-producing method of the present disclosure uses a modifier containing at least R2 and Ce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noritsugu Sakuma, Tetsuya Shoji, Akihito Kinoshita, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 11839231
    Abstract: Two genes, A622 and NBB1, can be influenced to achieve a decrease of nicotinic alkaloid levels in plants. In particular, suppression of one or both of A622 and NBB1 may be used to decrease nicotine in tobacco plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: 22nd Century Limited, LLC
    Inventors: Takashi Hashimoto, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 11840770
    Abstract: A film formation apparatus for forming a metal film includes an anode, a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and a substrate that serves as a cathode, a power supply device that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode, a solution container that contains a solution between the anode and the solid electrolyte membrane, the solution containing metal ions, and a pressure device that pressurizes the solid electrolyte membrane to the cathode side with a fluid pressure of the solution. The film formation apparatus includes an auxiliary cathode disposed in a peripheral area of the film formation region when the surface of the substrate is viewed in plain view, the auxiliary cathode having an electric potential lower than an electric potential of the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Haruki Kondoh, Soma Higashikozono
  • Publication number: 20230370432
    Abstract: An information output device includes: a first output unit that outputs acquired information acquired by a sensor; and a second output unit that converts personal information included in the acquired information into attribute information from which identification of an individual is impossible, and outputs the attribute information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akira KATO
  • Publication number: 20230370433
    Abstract: An information output device includes: a first output unit that outputs acquired information acquired by a sensor; and a second output unit that converts personal information included in the acquired information into attribute information from which identification of an individual is impossible, and outputs the attribute information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akira KATO
  • Publication number: 20230362134
    Abstract: An information output device includes: a first output unit that outputs acquired information acquired by a sensor; and a second output unit that converts personal information included in the acquired information into attribute information from which identification of an individual is impossible, and outputs the attribute information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akira KATO
  • Publication number: 20230362135
    Abstract: An information output device includes: a first output unit that outputs acquired information acquired by a sensor; and a second output unit that converts personal information included in the acquired information into attribute information from which identification of an individual is impossible, and outputs the attribute information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akira KATO
  • Publication number: 20230340510
    Abstract: MPO1 and MPO2 can be regulated for either decreasing or increasing alkaloid levels in plants, in particular in Nicotiana plants. In particular, suppressing or overexpressing one or more of MPO1 and MPO2 may be used to decrease or increase nicotine and nicotinic alkaloid levels in tobacco plants. Suppression or overexpression of one or more of MPO1 and MPO2 may be used in combination with modification of expression of other genes encoding enzymes on the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway such as A622, NBB1, PMT, and QPT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: 22nd Century Limited, LLC
    Inventors: Takashi Hashimoto, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 11785721
    Abstract: First, a patterned substrate including an insulating substrate, a conductive seed layer, and an insulating layer is prepared. The seed layer is disposed on the insulating substrate, and consists of a first part having a predetermined pattern corresponding to the wiring pattern and a second part as a part other than the first part. The insulating layer is disposed on the second part of the seed layer. Subsequently, a metal layer having a thickness larger than a thickness of the insulating layer is formed on the first part of the seed layer. Here, a voltage is applied between an anode and the seed layer while a resin film containing a metal ion-containing solution is disposed between the patterned substrate and the anode and the resin film and the seed layer are brought into pressure contact. Subsequently, the insulating layer and the second part of the seed layer are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruki Kondoh, Rentaro Mori, Keiji Kuroda, Kazuaki Okamoto, Akira Kato, Jyunya Murai, Hiroshi Yanagimoto, Kenji Nakamura, Tomoya Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20230244166
    Abstract: In an image heating device having a plurality of heating blocks which are controllable independently in a longitudinal direction of a heater, an increase of the size of the heater can be suppressed, and temperatures of a plurality of heating block can be detected. The heater has a first temperature sensor corresponding to a first heating block, a second temperature sensor corresponding to a second heating block, a first electric conductor electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor, a second electric conductor electrically coupled to the second temperature sensor, and a common electric conductor electrically coupled to the first and second temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shimura, Akira Kato, Atsushi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 11705260
    Abstract: A magnetic device includes a winding, and insulators by which the winding is surrounded. Each of the insulators is in contact with the winding. A gap exists between each two adjacent of the insulators in a winding direction of the winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTEI LECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitake Nakagawa, Takehiko Yamakawa, Motohiko Fujimura, Akira Kato, Kazuyuki Sakiyama
  • Publication number: 20230207243
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact, a moving contact, an electromagnet device, and a second coil. The moving contact moves from a closed position where the moving contact is in contact with the fixed contact to an open position where the moving contact is out of contact with the fixed contact, and vice versa. The electromagnet device includes a first coil and a mover. The mover is actuated on receiving a magnetic flux generated when a current flows through the first coil to move the moving contact from one of the closed position or the open position to the other position. The second coil gives, when a current flows through the second coil, at least a magnetic flux, of which a direction is opposite from a direction of the magnetic flux generated by the first coil, to the mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Takehiko Yamakawa, Kazuyuki Sakiyama, Akira Kato