Patents by Inventor Akira Sasaki

Akira Sasaki 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: 10005688
    Abstract: This desalinization system, which obtains industrial-use water and drinking water from seawater and wastewater, is provided with: a purification device that purifies wastewater by removing activated sludge therefrom; a first RO membrane that removes salt from the output of the purification device by transferring said salt to first concentrated water, thereby producing industrial-use water; a UF membrane that seawater passes through and that removes particulates from said seawater; a second RO membrane that removes salt from the treated output of the UF membrane by transferring said salt to second concentrated water, producing drinking water; an agitation device to which the second concentrated water from the second RO membrane and the first concentrated water from the first RO membrane are sent to be agitated; and a third RO membrane removing salt from the liquid mixture agitated by the agitation device by transferring said salt to third concentrated water, producing industrial-use water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori Sekine, Kazuhiko Noto, Akira Sasaki, Kotaro Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20180175492
    Abstract: A vehicle antenna system including a mobile phone antenna provided in a front header of a vehicle, a dedicated short range communication antenna provided in a windshield of the vehicle, and a global positioning system antenna provided in the inside of a front instrument panel of the vehicle. For example, the front header includes a front surface to which the windshield of the vehicle is attached, and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and the mobile phone antenna is arranged on the rear surface side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akira SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20180156373
    Abstract: A heating device for being attached to and heating a heated object that requires to be heated and has an uneven exterior shape. The heating device including: a conductive member having thermal conductivity and being configured to be attached to a recess of the heated object; and a heater configured to cover and heat the heated object and the conductive member in a state where the conductive member is attached to the recess of the heated object. The heater has a portion to be in contact with a bulge portion of the heated object in a state where the conductive member is attached to the recess of the heated object and where the heated object and the conductive member are covered with the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: NICHIAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira SASAKI, Toshiyuki ANJI, Kenji IIDA, Daisaku SEKI
  • Patent number: 9988293
    Abstract: This desalinization system, which obtains industrial-use water and drinking water from seawater and wastewater, is provided with: a purification device that purifies wastewater by removing activated sludge therefrom; a first RO membrane that removes salt from the output of the purification device by transferring said salt to first concentrated water, thereby producing industrial-use water; a UF membrane that seawater passes through and that removes particulates from said seawater; a second RO membrane that removes salt from the treated output of the UF membrane by transferring said salt to second concentrated water, producing drinking water; an agitation device to which the second concentrated water from the second RO membrane and the first concentrated water from the first RO membrane are sent to be agitated; and a third RO membrane removing salt from the liquid mixture agitated by the agitation device by transferring said salt to third concentrated water, producing industrial-use water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori Sekine, Kazuhiko Noto, Akira Sasaki, Kotaro Kitamura
  • Patent number: 9988294
    Abstract: This desalinization system, which obtains industrial-use water and drinking water from seawater and wastewater, is provided with: a purification device that purifies wastewater by removing activated sludge therefrom; a first RO membrane that removes salt from the output of the purification device by transferring said salt to first concentrated water, thereby producing industrial-use water; a UF membrane that seawater passes through and that removes particulates from said seawater; a second RO membrane that removes salt from the treated output of the UF membrane by transferring said salt to second concentrated water, producing drinking water; an agitation device to which the second concentrated water from the second RO membrane and the first concentrated water from the first RO membrane are sent to be agitated; and a third RO membrane removing salt from the liquid mixture agitated by the agitation device by transferring said salt to third concentrated water, producing industrial-use water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori Sekine, Kazuhiko Noto, Akira Sasaki, Kotaro Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20180128044
    Abstract: A system for reducing sunlight shining into a vehicle includes a window having an array of liquid crystals switchable between a transparent state and a shaded state. The system also includes an eye position sensor for detecting a location of eyes of a driver and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for detecting a current heading of the vehicle. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that may determine a current location of the sun relative to the vehicle based on the current heading of the vehicle and a current time of day. The ECU may also select an area of the window to be shaded in order to reduce an amount of sunlight reaching the eyes of the driver and control liquid crystals within the selected area of the window to switch from the transparent state to the shaded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20180124227
    Abstract: Provided is a system in which a vehicle-mounted device and a mobile device are connected using a communication protocol. The vehicle-mounted device includes: a storage unit that stores information indicating whether or not an e-mail transmitting function specified in the communication protocol is incorporated; a control unit that determines, according to an instruction for transmitting an e-mail to the mobile device, whether or not the mobile device is equipped with the e-mail transmitting function, on the basis of the information in the storage unit; and a processing unit that transmits text, for e-mail, generated by the vehicle-mounted device, to the mobile device, and instructs the mobile device to generate an electronic mail according to the text for e-mail and transmit the electronic mail to an external network when the e-mail transmitting function is incorporated, and that instructs the mobile device to generate text for e-mail when the e-mail transmitting function is not incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akira SASAKI
  • Patent number: 9935305
    Abstract: There is provided a secondary battery including a battery device that has a thickness of 3 to 20 mm, and a battery discharge capacity of 3 to 50 Ah, and an exterior material that packages the battery device. The battery device includes a positive electrode that has a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode that has a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer, a separator that is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode that are alternately laminated, a positive electrode tab that is electrically connected to a positive electrode current collector exposed portion and is led-out to the outside of the exterior material, and a negative electrode tab that is electrically connected to a negative electrode current collector exposed portion and is led-out to the outside of the exterior material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Makino, Hiroshi Takabayashi, Tomoyuki Nakamura, Kunihiko Hayashi, Yosuke Konishi, Akira Sasaki, Akira Saito
  • Patent number: 9925875
    Abstract: In order to provide a technology enabling efficient visual recognition of notification information by a user, provided is an information presentation device, including: a display adjustment unit configured to display, using processing information for displaying information based on a start condition, the information on a plurality of display areas; and a storage unit configured to store condition information associating a predetermined start condition with notification information being the information to be displayed when the predetermined start condition occurs, in which the display adjustment unit is configured to, when satisfaction of the predetermined start condition is detected: identify the display area for displaying the notification information that is associated with the predetermined start condition in the storage unit; cause display of the notification information on the display area; and restrict display on other display areas other than the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Sasaki, Naokazu Uchida, Takashi Matsubara
  • Patent number: 9918038
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for multimedia capture. The system includes one or more storage devices connected through a network to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a memory for buffering video. The vehicle includes multiple cameras coupled to one or more video processors. The one or more video processors are configured to capture a first video of an interior view of the vehicle for a period of time, capture a second video of an exterior view of surroundings of the vehicle for the period of time, and synchronize the first video and the second video. The vehicle includes one or more microphones coupled to one or more audio processors for capturing audio and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit includes a multimedia processor. The electronic control unit is configured to buffer the synchronized video, detect a triggering event, and store the synchronized video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170315824
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for training a plurality of users of a vehicle to use gestures as a short-cut for controlling vehicle functions. The methods monitor a plurality of tasks related to controlling vehicle functions completed by a unique user. For each task, the method may determine whether the task has been completed by the unique user either using a predefined gesture associated with the task, or manually, without using the predefined gesture associated with the task. For each task, the method designates the predefined gesture as being either a learned gesture or an un-learned gesture. After a predetermined time period, the method may include determining that a gesture usage history associated with the unique user includes at least one un-learned gesture. User-customized instructions that at least one un-learned gesture is available for use as a short-cut for controlling a vehicle function may be presented to the unique user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9778654
    Abstract: A system includes a first sensor for detecting vehicle data and a second sensor for detecting driver data. The system also includes a memory for storing preferred stops and a GPS unit for detecting a location. The system also includes an electrical control unit (ECU) that can determine a tired value of the driver based on the vehicle performance data and the driver condition data. The ECU can also determine that the driver is getting tired when the tired value is equal to or greater than a first tired threshold. The ECU can also determine a desired destination of the driver based on the preferred stops that the vehicle can reach before the tired value reaches or exceeds a second tired threshold. The system also includes an output device for outputting navigation instructions providing directions to the desired destination from the current location of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170255667
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for information access and response for an occupant in a vehicle. The system includes a communication device connected to a network and coupled to the vehicle. The vehicle includes an internal database for storing multiple contacts in a contact list. The internal database is coupled to an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the communication device and configured to obtain a new contact attribute from a communication, and determine that the new contact attribute belongs to a new contact. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain one or more other contact attributes for the new contact, and generate the new contact. The electronic control unit is configured to store the new contact in the contact list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170246930
    Abstract: A system includes an external temperature sensor, an internal temperature sensor and an internal moisture sensor, along with an HVAC for blowing air into the vehicle. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the sensors and the HVAC. The ECU determines a difference between the inside air temperature and the ambient air temperature and sets a condensation indicator when the ambient air temperature is less than a first temperature threshold, the difference between the inside air temperature and the ambient air temperature is greater than a second temperature threshold, and the inside moisture level is greater than a moisture threshold. The ECU determines a condensation temperature at which additional condensation will accumulate on the window, determines the desired temperature for the air blown by the HVAC and controls the HVAC to blow air at the desired temperature when the condensation indicator is set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170251163
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for multimedia capture. The system includes one or more storage devices connected through a network to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a memory for buffering video. The vehicle includes multiple cameras coupled to one or more video processors. The one or more video processors are configured to capture a first video of an interior view of the vehicle for a period of time, capture a second video of an exterior view of surroundings of the vehicle for the period of time, and synchronize the first video and the second video. The vehicle includes one or more microphones coupled to one or more audio processors for capturing audio and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit includes a multimedia processor. The electronic control unit is configured to buffer the synchronized video, detect a triggering event, and store the synchronized video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170242433
    Abstract: A system includes a first sensor for detecting vehicle data and a second sensor for detecting driver data. The system also includes a memory for storing preferred stops and a GPS unit for detecting a location. The system also includes an electrical control unit (ECU) that can determine a tired value of the driver based on the vehicle performance data and the driver condition data. The ECU can also determine that the driver is getting tired when the tired value is equal to or greater than a first tired threshold. The ECU can also determine a desired destination of the driver based on the preferred stops that the vehicle can reach before the tired value reaches or exceeds a second tired threshold. The system also includes an output device for outputting navigation instructions providing directions to the desired destination from the current location of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9707913
    Abstract: Described herein is a system for setting a component of a vehicle for a driver or passenger, such as a vehicle seat or mirror, to increase driver and/or passenger safety. The system includes a vehicle component having at least one user-adjustable setting, such as a recline angle for a seat back. The system also includes a sensor, such as a camera or force sensor, configured to detect body measurement data corresponding to a physical attribute of a user. For example, the body measurement data may include a height, a weight or the like. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the vehicle component and the sensor. The ECU is designed to determine an optimal setting for the vehicle component based on the body measurement data. The ECU can also control the vehicle component to have the optimal setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Enegineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9702183
    Abstract: A system for reducing sunlight shining into a vehicle includes a window having an array of liquid crystals switchable between a transparent state and a shaded state. The system also includes an eye position sensor for detecting a location of eyes of a driver and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for detecting a current heading of the vehicle. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that may determine a current location of the sun relative to the vehicle based on the current heading of the vehicle and a current time of day. The ECU may also select an area of the window to be shaded in order to reduce an amount of sunlight reaching the eyes of the driver and control liquid crystals within the selected area of the window to switch from the transparent state to the shaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ochiai, Katsumi Nagata, Akira Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9662866
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cover tape which comprises at least a base layer (A), an intermediate layer (B), a peeling layer (C), the primary component of which is a thermoplastic resin, and a heat seal layer (D), the primary component of which is a thermoplastic resin that can be heat sealed to a carrier tape. The tensile storage modulus (c) of the thermoplastic resin that constitutes the peeling layer (C) is within the range of 1×106 Pa to 1×108 Pa. The tensile storage modulus (d) of the thermoplastic resin that constitutes the heat seal layer (D) is within the range of 1×108 Pa to 1×1010 Pa. The ratio of (c) and (d) satisfies 1×104?(d)/(c)?1×10. This kind of cover tape has the appropriate peel strength and sufficiently low fluctuation in peel strength when heat sealed to a thermoplastic resin carrier tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: DENKA COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Akira Sasaki, Hisatsugu Tokunaga, Tetsuo Fujimura
  • Publication number: 20170121203
    Abstract: This desalinization system, which obtains industrial-use water and drinking water from seawater and wastewater, is provided with; a purification device that purifies wastewater by removing activated sludge therefrom; a first RO membrane that removes salt from the output of the purification device by transferring said salt to first concentrated water, thereby producing industrial-use water; a UF membrane that seawater passes through and that removes particulates from said seawater; a second RO membrane that removes salt from the treated output of the UF membrane by transferring said salt to second concentrated water, producing drinking water; an agitation device to which the second concentrated water from the second RO membrane and the first concentrated water from the first RO membrane are sent to be agitated; and a third RO membrane removing salt from the liquid mixture agitated by the agitation device by transferring said salt to third concentrated water, producing industrial-use water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori SEKINE, Kazuhiko NOTO, Akira SASAKI, Kotaro KITAMURA