Patents by Inventor Hirokazu Wakabayashi

Hirokazu Wakabayashi 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: 11495816
    Abstract: A method for producing a liquid composition containing a fluoropolymer having sulfonic acid groups, trivalent cerium ions and water, by (1) irradiating a solution containing at least one cerium compound selected from cerium carbonate, cerium hydroxide and cerium oxide, the fluoropolymer and the water, with light at least partially in a wavelength region from 300 to 400 nm so that the ultraviolet irradiance on the surface of the solution is at least 0.1 mW/cm2 or (2) adding a reducing agent to a solution containing at least one cerium compound selected from cerium carbonate, cerium hydroxide and cerium oxide, the fluoropolymer and the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Satoru Hommura, Atsuyoshi Takenaka
  • Patent number: 10461336
    Abstract: A process for producing a liquid composition, which includes holding a fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups at from 110 to 130° C. for at least 45 minutes, cooling it to less than 110° C., converting the —SO2F groups in the fluorinated polymer to ion exchange groups to obtain a fluorinated polymer having ion exchange groups, and mixing the fluorinated polymer having ion exchange groups and a liquid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Watabe, Hirokazu Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 10457760
    Abstract: A process for producing a liquid composition, which includes holding a fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups at from 140 to 160° C. for at least 45 minutes, cooling it to less than 110° C. at a rate of at least 50° C./min, converting the —SO2F groups in the fluorinated polymer to ion exchange groups to obtain a fluorinated polymer having ion exchange groups, and mixing the fluorinated polymer having ion exchange groups and a liquid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Watabe, Hirokazu Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 10443659
    Abstract: A clutch disc assembly includes a hub flange, an output hub, an intermediate hub, a plurality of first elastic members, and a plurality of second elastic members. Power from an engine is input into the hub flange. The output hub can be coupled to an input shaft of the transmission. The intermediate hub is arranged between the hub flange and the output hub in a diameter direction such that relative rotation with the hub flange by an angle greater than or equal to a first angular range is prevented, and such that relative rotation with the output hub by an angle greater than or equal to a second angular range is prevented. The plurality of first elastic members couple the hub flange and the intermediate hub elastically in a rotation direction. The plurality of second elastic members couple the intermediate hub and the output hub elastically in the rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Yoshitaka Kubota, Kazuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10218023
    Abstract: To provide a process for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane having good durability and few wrinkles, a polymer electrolyte membrane capable of forming a catalyst layer, or a catalyst layer; a process for producing a fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid, or a paste for forming a catalyst layer, which can be used for such a forming process; and a process for producing a membrane/electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having good durability and power generation properties. A fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid obtained by subjecting a powder or pellets of a fluorinated ion exchange resin having cation exchange groups to hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by mixing with a solvent, is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Satoru Hommura, Takashi Saeki, Tetsuji Shimohira
  • Publication number: 20180259001
    Abstract: A clutch disc assembly includes a hub flange, an output hub, an intermediate hub, a plurality of first elastic members, and a plurality of second elastic members. Power from an engine is input into the hub flange. The output hub can be coupled to an input shaft of the transmission. The intermediate hub is arranged between the hub flange and the output hub in a diameter direction such that relative rotation with the hub flange by an angle greater than or equal to a first angular range is prevented, and such that relative rotation with the output hub by an angle greater than or equal to a second angular range is prevented. The plurality of first elastic members couple the hub flange and the intermediate hub elastically in a rotation direction. The plurality of second elastic members couple the intermediate hub and the output hub elastically in the rotation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Hirokazu WAKABAYASHI, Yoshitaka KUBOTA, Kazuki HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180190994
    Abstract: To provide a process for producing a liquid composition capable of forming a polymer electrolyte membrane of which breakage at the time of drying is suppressed; a process for producing a catalyst layer-forming coating liquid capable of forming a catalyst layer of which breakage at the time of drying is suppressed; and a method for producing a membrane/electrode assembly by which a catalyst layer or a polymer electrolyte membrane of which breakage at the time of drying is suppressed, can be formed. A process for producing a liquid composition, which comprises holding a fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups at from 110 to 130° C. for at least 45 minutes; cooling the fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups held at from 110 to 130° C. to less than 110° C.; converting the —SO2F groups in the fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups cooled to less than 110° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Watabe, Hirokazu Wakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20180186913
    Abstract: To provide a process for producing a liquid composition in which formation of a fluorinated polymer having ion exchange groups with a relatively large particle size is suppressed; a process for producing a catalyst layer-forming coating liquid capable of forming a catalyst layer in which inclusion of foreign matters is suppressed; and a method for producing a membrane/electrode assembly by which a catalyst layer or a polymer electrolyte membrane in which inclusion of foreign matters is suppressed, can be formed. A process for producing a liquid composition, which comprises holding a fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups at from 140 to 160° C. for at least 45 minutes; cooling the fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups held at from 140 to 160° C. to less than 110° C. at a rate of at least 50° C./min; converting the —SO2F groups in the fluorinated polymer having —SO2F groups cooled to less than 110° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki WATABE, Hirokazu WAKABAYASHI
  • Patent number: 9878525
    Abstract: To provide a manufacturing method of a composite film for laminated glass, the method enabling the high-yield manufacture of the composite film that causes less appearance failure in the obtained laminated glass, while ensuring smooth workability. A manufacturing method of a composite film composed of a resin intermediate film and a plastic film for laminated glass, including: feeding the resin intermediate film with 0.04 to 0.4 N/cm tension and the plastic film, between a two rolls whose surface temperatures are 25 to 50° C., and pressing these to obtain a laminate; and feeding the laminate between a third roll whose surface temperature is 60° C. or higher and lower than Tg of a resin in the plastic film and a fourth roll whose surface temperature is lower than this by 15 to 30° C., so as to bring the plastic film into contact with the third roll, and pressing the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Hiroshi Shimoda
  • Publication number: 20180013159
    Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a liquid composition which is capable of eliminating clouding of a liquid with cerium (IV) hydroxide particles in a relatively short time, and methods for producing a polymer electrolyte membrane, a catalyst layer and a membrane/electrode assembly, each having excellent durability, in a relatively short time. A method for producing a liquid composition containing a fluoropolymer having sulfonic acid groups, trivalent cerium ions and water, which comprises (1) irradiating a solution containing at least one cerium compound selected from the group consisting of cerium carbonate, cerium hydroxide and cerium oxide, the fluoropolymer and the water, with light at least partially in a wavelength region from 300 to 400 nm so that the ultraviolet irradiance on the surface of the solution is at least 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Satoru Hommura, Atsuyoshi Takenaka
  • Publication number: 20170040631
    Abstract: To provide a process for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane having good durability and few wrinkles, a polymer electrolyte membrane capable of forming a catalyst layer, or a catalyst layer; a process for producing a fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid, or a paste for forming a catalyst layer, which can be used for such a forming process; and a process for producing a membrane/electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having good durability and power generation properties. A fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid obtained by subjecting a powder or pellets of a fluorinated ion exchange resin having cation exchange groups to hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by mixing with a solvent, is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hirokazu WAKABAYASHI, Satoru HOMMURA, Takashi SAEKI, Tetsuji SHIMOHIRA
  • Patent number: 9531026
    Abstract: To provide a process for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane having good durability and few wrinkles, a polymer electrolyte membrane capable of forming a catalyst layer, or a catalyst layer; a process for producing a fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid, or a paste for forming a catalyst layer, which can be used for such a forming process; and a process for producing a membrane/electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having good durability and power generation properties. A fluorinated ion exchange resin fluid obtained by subjecting a powder or pellets of a fluorinated ion exchange resin having cation exchange groups to hydrogen peroxide treatment, followed by mixing with a solvent, is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Satoru Hommura, Takashi Saeki, Tetsuji Shimohira
  • Patent number: 9453539
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is provided whereby accurate wear compensation can be executed. The present clutch cover assembly includes a clutch cover, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an wear-amount detecting mechanism and an wear tracking mechanism. The wear-amount detecting mechanism includes a detection member for detecting the wear-amount of a friction member and a moving member configured to be movable in accordance with the wear-amount of the friction member. The detection member is engaged with the fulcrum rings and detects the wear-amount through the fulcrum rings, while being engaged with the moving member and being configured to be disengaged from the moving member at a predetermined wear-amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20160214361
    Abstract: To provide a manufacturing method of a composite film for laminated glass, the method enabling the high-yield manufacture of the composite film that causes less appearance failure in the obtained laminated glass, while ensuring smooth workability. A manufacturing method of a composite film composed of a resin intermediate film and a plastic film for laminated glass, including: feeding the resin intermediate film with 0.04 to 0.4 N/cm tension and the plastic film, between a two rolls whose surface temperatures are 25 to 50° C., and pressing these to obtain a laminate; and feeding the laminate between a third roll whose surface temperature is 60° C. or higher and lower than Tg of a resin in the plastic film and a fourth roll whose surface temperature is lower than this by 15 to 30° C., so as to bring the plastic film into contact with the third roll, and pressing the laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hirokazu WAKABAYASHI, Hiroshi SHIMODA
  • Patent number: 9115767
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is equipped with a clutch cover that is fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an wear-amount detecting mechanism, and a wear tracking mechanism. The wear-amount detecting mechanism has a contact member, an opposing member, and a wedge member. The contact member is attached to the pressure plate and is in contact with the flywheel. The opposing member is attached to the contact member and opposes the pressure plate. The wedge member fits between the opposing member and the pressure plate and moves in a circumferential direction in accordance with the wear-amount of a friction member. The wear tracking mechanism moves the pressing member to an initial posture side in accordance with the amount of movement of the wedge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8999434
    Abstract: A process is provided whereby a membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells whereby a high output voltage is obtainable within a wide range of current densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Asahi Glass Company, Limited, Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimoda, Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Shinji Kinoshita, Toshihiro Tanuma, Hideki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8967354
    Abstract: In a clutch cover assembly, accurate abrasion compensation is constantly enabled by stabilizing the actuation of an abrasion amount detecting mechanism. The present clutch cover assembly includes a clutch cover fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an abrasion amount detecting mechanism and an abrasion tracking mechanism. The abrasion amount detecting mechanism is a mechanism having a plurality of meshing positions and includes a mobile detecting member configured to release meshing in a first meshing position and move to a second meshing position when the abrasion amount of a friction member reaches a predetermined amount. The abrasion tracking mechanism moves the diaphragm spring to an initial posture side thereof in accordance with the displacement of the mobile detecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20130168200
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is provided whereby accurate wear compensation can be executed. The present clutch cover assembly includes a clutch cover, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an wear-amount detecting mechanism and an wear tracking mechanism. The wear-amount detecting mechanism includes a detection member for detecting the wear-amount of a friction member and a moving member configured to be movable in accordance with the wear-amount of the friction member. The detection member is engaged with the fulcrum rings and detects the wear-amount through the fulcrum rings, while being engaged with the moving member and being configured to be disengaged from the moving member at a predetermined wear-amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20130140125
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is equipped with a clutch cover that is fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate, a fulcrum ring, and a ring movement regulating mechanism. The pressure plate is for pressing a friction member against the flywheel and is coupled to the clutch cover in such a way as to be relatively non-rotatable with respect to the clutch cover. The fulcrum ring is placed on the pressure plate and moves in a direction away from the pressure plate in accordance with the wear-amount of the friction member. The ring movement regulating mechanism regulates the movement of the fulcrum ring in the direction away from the pressure plate when the rotational speed of the pressure plate has exceeded a predetermined rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20130140126
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is equipped with a clutch cover that is fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an wear-amount detecting mechanism, and a wear tracking mechanism. The wear-amount detecting mechanism has a contact member, an opposing member, and a wedge member. The contact member is attached to the pressure plate and is in contact with the flywheel. The opposing member is attached to the contact member and opposes the pressure plate. The wedge member fits between the opposing member and the pressure plate and moves in a circumferential direction in accordance with the wear-amount of a friction member. The wear tracking mechanism moves the pressing member to an initial posture side in accordance with the amount of movement of the wedge member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto