Patents by Inventor Hirokazu Nakamura

Hirokazu Nakamura 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: 20240140026
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a 3-dimensional model object by a powder bed fusion method using a resin granular material, in which the resin granular material comprises a resin powder (A) and a flow aid (B), a sphericity of the resin powder (A) is 80 or more and 100 or less, the resin powder (A) has a D80 particle size of 60 ?m or less and a D20 particle size of 1 ?m or more, the flow aid (B) is contained at an amount of more than 0.01 part by mass and less than 5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the resin powder (A), and steps (a) to (c) are performed in this order repeatedly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Tomohiko Nakamura, Hirokazu Iwata, Yota Okuno, Itaru Asano
  • Publication number: 20240132666
    Abstract: A polymer powder includes a polyamide, wherein a melting point determined in differential scanning calorimetry is 190° C. or higher, a difference between the melting point and a melting onset temperature, which is defined in differential scanning calorimetry as a lowest temperature among temperatures at each of which a first temperature differential value of Heat Flow (W/g) observed between a peak top temperature of an endothermic peak, observed when 10 mg of powder is heated at a rate of 20° C./min from 30° C. in a nitrogen atmosphere, and a temperature point of ?50° C. from the peak top, becomes ?0.2 (W/g.° C.), is less than 30° C., and a D50 particle size is 1 ?m or more and 100 ?m or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Hirokazu Iwata, Tomohiko Nakamura, Yota Okuno, Kei Watanabe, Mikiya Nishida, Itaru Asano
  • Publication number: 20240106322
    Abstract: In a power conversion system, a control circuit has, as its operation modes: a first control mode in which control circuit controls a DC-DC converter at a first drive frequency; a second control mode in which control circuit controls DC-DC converter at a second drive frequency higher than first drive frequency; and a third control mode in which control circuit controls DC-DC converter at a third drive frequency higher than first drive frequency. Control circuit is configured to change operation mode from first control mode into second control mode when detector circuit detects a predetermined change in output voltage while control circuit is operating in first control mode. Control circuit controls DC-DC converter in third control mode in a process of changing, in response to detection of predetermined change, operation mode from first control mode into second control mode before starting to control DC-DC converter in second control mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Kohei TSUKAMOTO, Kenichi ASANUMA, Ryoji MATSUI
  • Patent number: 11608612
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit includes a hydraulic circuit fluidly connected to a hydraulic actuator, and a control device to control the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic oil tank, a hydraulic pump that supplies the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator from the hydraulic oil tank, a discharge flow path fluidly connecting a discharge side of the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic actuator, a valve that blocks a flow of the hydraulic oil in the discharge flow path, and a pressure sensor that detects a pressure of the hydraulic oil the discharge flow path. In a pressure holding state, when a rotational frequency of the hydraulic pump exceeds a predetermined first determination rotational frequency or when a discharge flow rate of the hydraulic pump exceeds a predetermined first determination discharge flow rate, the control device determines that the hydraulic circuit is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Atsuhiro Kanbayashi, Hitoshi Segawa
  • Publication number: 20220333349
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit includes a hydraulic circuit fluidly connected to a hydraulic actuator, and a control device to control the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic oil tank, a hydraulic pump that supplies the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator from the hydraulic oil tank, a discharge flow path fluidly connecting a discharge side of the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic actuator, a valve that blocks a flow of the hydraulic oil in the discharge flow path, and a pressure sensor that detects a pressure of the hydraulic oil the discharge flow path. In a pressure holding state, when a rotational frequency of the hydraulic pump exceeds a predetermined first determination rotational frequency or when a discharge flow rate of the hydraulic pump exceeds a predetermined first determination discharge flow rate, the control device determines that the hydraulic circuit is abnormal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Atsuhiro KANBAYASHI, Hitoshi SEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20220228983
    Abstract: A liquid sensor includes a light receiver configured to receive light. The light receiver is attachable to an outside of an accommodation unit into which a liquid is introduced and which has translucency. The light receiver receives light that has passed through the liquid in the accommodation unit or light reflected by the liquid, and outputs a signal related to a physical quantity of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Hikaru SEIKE, Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Mineo INOUE, Kenji AYADO
  • Publication number: 20220146412
    Abstract: A liquid deterioration determination device includes a light receiver and a determination unit. The light receiver receives detection light transmitted through a liquid or detection light reflected by the liquid. The determination unit determines a degree of deterioration of the liquid. The light receiver outputs first and second detection values. The first detection value represents an amount of a light component of a first color included in the detection light transmitted through the liquid or the detection light reflected by the liquid. The second detection value represents an amount of a light component of a second color included in the detection light transmitted through the liquid or the detection light reflected by the liquid. The second color is different from the first color. The determination unit determines the degree of deterioration of the liquid based on a ratio of the second detection value to the first detection value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Hikaru SEIKE, Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Mineo INOUE, Kenji AYADO
  • Patent number: 10509363
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Kimihide Tsukamoto, Masaki Amemiya
  • Publication number: 20190212696
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Kimihide TSUKAMOTO, Masaki AMEMIYA
  • Patent number: 10268159
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Kimihide Tsukamoto, Masaki Amemiya
  • Publication number: 20180164742
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Kimihide TSUKAMOTO, Masaki AMEMIYA
  • Patent number: 9910408
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Kimihide Tsukamoto, Masaki Amemiya
  • Publication number: 20170075302
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Kimihide TSUKAMOTO, Masaki AMEMIYA
  • Patent number: 9519267
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Kimihide Tsukamoto, Masaki Amemiya
  • Publication number: 20160179054
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Hirokazu NAKAMURA, Kimihide TSUKAMOTO, Masaki AMEMIYA
  • Patent number: 9326680
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes: a main unit including a unit for observing or photographing an examinee's eye; a movable part in which the main unit is mounted; a vertical movement mechanism provided with a drive part to move the movable part up and down; an operating member to be operated by an examiner to move the movable part up and down; a sensing part to detect an operation signal of the operating member; and a driving control part to convert the operation signal detected by the sensing part to a drive signal to move the movable part up and down, and drive the drive part based on the drive signal, wherein the drive part includes a motor having a hollow portion about a rotation axis thereof, the motor being controlled by the driving control part to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Makino, Hirokazu Nakamura, Daisuke Baba, Toshiya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9317010
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a printing paper transport path in which printing paper is transported; a secondary transfer unit and a fixing section both disposed on the printing paper transport path; an open/close cover that, when opened, exposes the printing paper transport path in a main body of the apparatus; a pressure roller, disposed in the fixing section, that presses the printing paper on a side thereof facing the open/close cover against the printing paper transport path; and cooling fans that cool down the pressure roller, wherein the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans are attached to the open/close cover and disposed at such positions that the secondary transfer unit and the cooling fans move following overlapping paths when the open/close cover is opened/closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Kimihide Tsukamoto, Masaki Amemiya
  • Patent number: 9207592
    Abstract: A fixing device in accordance with the present invention comprises: a rotary member for transporting printing paper; a pressure member for press-contacting the rotary member to apply pressure onto the printing paper; and a cleaning member capable of freely moving into contact with, or away from, a peripheral surface of the rotary member and/or a peripheral surface of the pressure member. A toner image formed on the printing paper is fixed while the printing paper is being held between the rotary member and the pressure member. The fixing device further comprises a contact and separation unit for moving the pressure member into contact with, or away from, the rotary member. The cleaning member moves into contact with, or away from, the peripheral surface of the rotary member and/or the peripheral surface of the pressure member in conjunction with the contact and separation unit moving the pressure member into contact with, or away from, the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Kousuke Namisaki, Motoki Ohta
  • Patent number: 9164434
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus of the present invention includes a fixing rotation member, a rotation drive portion that rotates the fixing rotation member, a cleaning web sheet that cleans a circumferential surface of the fixing rotation member, a cleaning web sheet roller that takes up or feeds out the cleaning web sheet, a swing cam rotationally driven by the rotation drive portion, a rotation transmission portion that transmits a rotation drive force to the cleaning web sheet roller, a one way clutch provided on an input shaft of the rotation transmission portion, and a swing lever connected to the one way clutch and biased so as to be brought into slide contact with the swing cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Masatsugu Ohishi, Noriko Inoue, Masaki Amemiya, Masaya Asakawa, Takashi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9152100
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a pre-fixing sheet guide and a toner collection device. The pre-fixing sheet guide is to let a sheet conveyed along it, the sheet with a toner image transferred thereon at a transfer portion to an end part of the sheet. The sheet guide has a width shorter than a maximum printable sheet width. The toner collection device includes an adsorption member (pressure roller) that is disposed in the vicinity of the pre-fixing sheet guide and having a surface exhibiting conductivity, and a potential difference formation mechanism (earth mechanism) configured to form a potential difference between the surface of the adsorption member and the toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Kousuke Namisaki, Motoki Ohta