Patents by Inventor Hiroko Murakami

Hiroko Murakami 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: 11377991
    Abstract: A lightweight and compact muffler device that can be installed in a limited space in an inside of a generator. A top cover and an undercover (end cover) provided on a top and a bottom of a vertically disposed casing are each formed in substantially trapezoidal shape. Thereby, an inner capacity of the casing can be secured to be large, as a result of which, a size of the muffler device can be made compact, and no extra component is required, so that reduction in manufacturing cost and reduction in weight can be achieved. Since the casing is disposed vertically, it is possible to install the casing even when an installation space is small in an inside of a housing of a generator, and it is possible to make the generator compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Tadafumi Hirose
  • Publication number: 20210199034
    Abstract: A lightweight and compact muffler device that can be installed in a limited space in an inside of a generator. A top cover and an undercover (end cover) provided on a top and a bottom of a vertically disposed casing are each formed in substantially trapezoidal shape. Thereby, an inner capacity of the casing can be secured to be large, as a result of which, a size of the muffler device can be made compact, and no extra component is required, so that reduction in manufacturing cost and reduction in weight can be achieved. Since the casing is disposed vertically, it is possible to install the casing even when an installation space is small in an inside of a housing of a generator, and it is possible to make the generator compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Tadafumi Hirose
  • Patent number: 10513244
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a first transmitter that transmits a predetermined first signal over a predetermined area, a first receiver and a second receiver that receive second and third signals, a detector that detects the field intensities of the received signals, a second transmitter that transmits a signal through an RF-band radio wave, and an electronic control unit that operates an in-vehicle device based on the third signal received by the first receiver and restrains or prohibits the in-vehicle device from being operated based on the third signal when the field intensity of the third signal is lower than the field intensity of the second signal by a value greater than a predetermined standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Tomoyuki Funayama
  • Patent number: 10139481
    Abstract: A radio communication system, in which radio communication is carried out between an in-vehicle communication device, mounted in a vehicle, and a radio communication terminal to detect a relative distance therebetween, includes an output control unit that controls a radio wave intensity of a measuring signal, which is sent from one of the in-vehicle communication device and the radio communication terminal, at a pre-set predetermined value; and a measuring unit that performs distance measuring on a vehicle side based on the radio wave intensity of the measuring signal controlled at the predetermined value or on a signal to which a value of the radio wave intensity of the measuring signal is added as information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroko Murakami
  • Publication number: 20180118163
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a first transmitter that transmits a predetermined first signal over a predetermined area, a first receiver and a second receiver that receive second and third signals, a detector that detects the field intensities of the received signals, a second transmitter that transmits a signal through an RF-band radio wave, and an electronic control unit that operates an in-vehicle device based on the third signal received by the first receiver and restrains or prohibits the in-vehicle device from being operated based on the third signal when the field intensity of the third signal is lower than the field intensity of the second signal by a value greater than a predetermined standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroko MURAKAMI, Tomoyuki FUNAYAMA
  • Patent number: 9564933
    Abstract: A wireless communication method is provided. This method includes: selecting one of a plurality of predetermined frequency bands each time a switch operation is manually performed in a transmitter, and then using the selected frequency band to transmit a radio signal corresponding to the switch operation for a predetermined specified transmission time; in a receiver apparatus, receiving the transmitted wireless signal, and then recognizing the content of a command that has already been assigned in accordance with the switch operation; and defining an intermittent reception standby period, which is repeated at a predetermined cycle for each of the frequency bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDSOHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Hiroki Okada, Arinobu Kimura, Kazuhiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9425544
    Abstract: An electric power takeout device includes a protruding wall protruding in such a manner as to surround an electric power takeout section, and a cover covering the protruding wall and the power takeout section. The cover includes a cover wall covering the power takeout section with its outer peripheral edge opposed to the distal end edge of the protruding wall, and a peripheral wall protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the cover wall along the protruding wall, the peripheral wall being spaced a given distance from the body to thereby define a water introduction port above the protruding wall. The cover wall has a water discharge port communicating with the water introduction port and opening beneath the protruding wall, and a water guide section extending from the lower edge of the water discharge port to beneath the protruding wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Takayuki Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20160231421
    Abstract: A radio communication system, in which radio communication is carried out between an in-vehicle communication device, mounted in a vehicle, and a radio communication terminal to detect a relative distance therebetween, includes an output control unit that controls a radio wave intensity of a measuring signal, which is sent from one of the in-vehicle communication device and the radio communication terminal, at a pre-set predetermined value; and a measuring unit that performs distance measuring on a vehicle side based on the radio wave intensity of the measuring signal controlled at the predetermined value or on a signal to which a value of the radio wave intensity of the measuring signal is added as information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroko MURAKAMI
  • Patent number: 9373252
    Abstract: A remote control system includes a mobile device and a receiver connected to a control target. The mobile device includes an input unit accepting user's input operation; an operation signal transmission unit wirelessly transmitting an operation signal corresponding to the input operation during the input operation; a frequency switching determination unit determining whether to switch the transmission frequency band from a first frequency band to a second frequency band based on at least any one of a manner of the input operation and a state of wireless communication; and a transmission frequency switching unit switching the transmission frequency band when the frequency switching determination unit determines to switch the transmission frequency band. The receiver includes an operation signal reception unit receiving the operation signal; and a control unit controlling the control target on the basis of the received operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Hiroki Okada, Arinobu Kimura, Kazuhiro Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20160141794
    Abstract: An electric power takeout device includes a protruding wall protruding in such a manner as to surround an electric power takeout section, and a cover covering the protruding wall and the power takeout section. The cover includes a cover wall covering the power takeout section with its outer peripheral edge opposed to the distal end edge of the protruding wall, and a peripheral wall protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the cover wall along the protruding wall, the peripheral wall being spaced a given distance from the body to thereby define a water introduction port above the protruding wall. The cover wall has a water discharge port communicating with the water introduction port and opening beneath the protruding wall, and a water guide section extending from the lower edge of the water discharge port to beneath the protruding wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Takayuki Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20160063784
    Abstract: A portable device for smart entry for locking and unlocking a door includes an electronic circuit, battery, and a controller. The electronic circuit is configured to perform wireless communication for locking and unlocking the door. The battery is configured to supply electric power to the electronic circuit. The controller configured to control the wireless communication. The controller is configured to shut off conduction of electric current between the battery and the electronic circuit when the controller determines that a remaining capacity of the battery is equal to or lower than a reference value. The controller is configured to resume conduction of electric current between the battery and the electronic circuit when a particular operation on the portable device is detected after the conduction is shut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroko MURAKAMI, Akira OGINO, Tetsuya KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20150379793
    Abstract: A communication system includes an in-vehicle device including an in-vehicle device communication unit that performs wireless communication using a short-range wireless communication method, and an in-vehicle device control unit that executes control for transmitting a request signal; a mobile terminal including a mobile terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication using a short-range wireless communication method; and a mobile device including a mobile device communication unit that performs wireless communication using a short-range wireless communication method, a mobile device control unit that executes control for transmitting a response signal to a request signal from the in-vehicle device, and a mobile device transmission unit that transmits a response signal to the in-vehicle device according to the control by the mobile device control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroko MURAKAMI
  • Patent number: 9199610
    Abstract: In an in-vehicle device control system, an in-vehicle device is controlled based on a checkup result of checkup operation, in which a checkup about a portable device is performed by mutual communication of transmitting a request signal from a vehicle-side unit mounted on a vehicle and transmitting in return a response signal from the portable device in response to the request signal. If the checkup is unsuccessful, the mutual communication is performed again by switching the communication frequency to perform the checkup again. When a user operates a door lock sensor, the vehicle-side unit performs an exterior checkup first. If the checkup is successful, a communication frequency, by which the checkup was performed successfully, is stored in a memory. The vehicle-side unit sets the communication frequency stored in the memory as a communication frequency, which is to be designated to the portable device, for performing an interior checkup next time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakashima, Hiroko Murakami, Hiroki Okada, Arinobu Kimura
  • Patent number: 8983561
    Abstract: A frequency switching terminal is provided to input a signal for switching frequencies of a reception circuit. A smart ECU is connected to the frequency switching terminal via a connection cable. When the signal for switching the frequencies is inputted into an external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a first electric wave transmitted from a portable terminal for smart entry. In contrast, when the signal for switching the frequencies is not inputted into the external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a second electric wave transmitted from a tire sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriaki Okada, Arinobu Kimura, Hiroki Okada, Hiroko Murakami
  • Patent number: 8960160
    Abstract: An engine working machine that has an electronically controlled fuel injection system and a fuel tank disposed in an upper portion. The capacity of the fuel tank is effectively used and a complex structure is prevented while reducing the length of the fuel piping. An engine is disposed in a lower portion, and a fuel tank is disposed above the engine. A fuel pump is mounted on a bottom outside surface of the fuel tank, and disposed projecting on a side portion of the crankcase. An extended box is provided on a bottom surface of the fuel tank, and the fuel pump is mounted with a filter and a fuel intake port located inside the extended box. The fuel pump is housed in a pump case that is fixed to a bottom surface of the extended box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizuguchi, Hiroko Murakami, Hayato Matsuda, Takeshi Fukawa
  • Patent number: 8950547
    Abstract: An engine muffler includes a cylindrical muffler body whose interior is partitioned by at least one partition plate in a longitudinal direction of the muffler body into a plurality of expansion chambers. The muffler body is constructed of a plurality of divided muffler body members divided from each other in the longitudinal direction at the position of the partition plate, and a gap is provided between opposed end portions of the divided muffler body members. The partition plate has an annular section held in fitting engagement with the inner peripheral surface of at least one of the opposed end portions, and it is positioned in such a manner as to close the gap. The opposed end portions are welded, from a radially outward direction, to the outer peripheral surface of the annular section along their respective entire perimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Hiroshi Mizuguchi, Shohei Kono, Yoshinobu Kondo
  • Publication number: 20150015198
    Abstract: A wireless charging device (40) arranged in a vehicle including an in-vehicle device (20). The in-vehicle device transmits a wake signal in intervals until receiving a response from an electronic key (10) and communicates with the electronic key when receiving the response to determine whether the electronic key is authentic. The wireless charging device includes a primary coil (L1) that transmits power to a charged device (50) when supplied with alternating current. A detection unit (43) uses the wake signal to detect when communication starts between the in-vehicle device and the electronic key. A power supplying suppression unit (43) reduces the alternating current supplied to the primary coil over a certain time from when the communication starts. The power supplying suppression time includes the time required for a series of communication to be performed between the in-vehicle device and the electronic key for the verification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Okada, Hiroko Murakami, Naoki Watanabe, Hidenobu Hanaki
  • Patent number: 8891505
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a transmitting unit that, each time an ON operation of a switch in a first mode is performed, transmits a wireless signal corresponding to the first mode ON operation by changing a frequency band among three or more frequency bands and that, when an ON operation of the switch in a second mode is performed, transmits a wireless signal, corresponding to the second mode ON operation, in the frequency band selected at that time. The transmitting unit includes a frequency band computing unit that selects one of the three or more frequency bands through a computation for changing a communication environment when the second mode ON operation of the switch is repeatedly performed. A receiver of the in-vehicle device receives a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitting unit and recognizes command information allocated in advance in correspondence with each ON operation mode of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Hiroki Okada, Arinobu Kimura, Kazuhiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8860550
    Abstract: An in-vehicle device controller includes: an in-vehicle unit for controlling an in-vehicle device; and a portable device. The in-vehicle unit includes a request signal transmitter for transmitting a request signal including random information to the portable device. The portable device transmits a response signal in response to the request signal at multiple frequencies according to a switching pattern corresponding to a part of the random information. The in-vehicle unit further includes: a frequency specifying device for specifying the switching pattern based on the part of the random information; and a reception determination device for executing a reception determination process of the response signal based on a specified switching pattern. The in-vehicle device identifies the portable device according to the reception determination process, and controls the in-vehicle device according to an identification of the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakashima, Arinobu Kimura, Hiroki Okada, Hiroko Murakami
  • Patent number: 8847744
    Abstract: A vehicle receiver system includes: a receiver provided in a vehicle cabin, wherein an operating mode of the receiver includes a first mode for receiving a first wireless signal transmitted from a portable key, and a second mode for receiving a second wireless signal relating to a tire air pressure, transmitted from a transmitter provided on a tire; and a key verification device that performs key verification on the portable key in the vehicle cabin on the basis of the first wireless signal. In a predetermined situation, the receiver is configured such that the operating mode of the receiver is switched between the first mode and the second mode, and proportion of a second mode operation time in which the receiver operates in the second mode is set to be greater when a vehicle speed is relatively high than when the vehicle speed is relatively low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Arinobu Kimura, Hiroki Okada, Hiroko Murakami, Noriaki Okada, Kazuhiro Nakashima