Patents by Inventor Hirotaka Mizuhata

Hirotaka Mizuhata 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: 20200266423
    Abstract: In a battery casing a metal negative electrode that contains metal serving as a negative electrode active material and an air electrode are arranged so as to face each other in a state where at least a part of the metal negative electrode and the air electrode is immersed in an electrolytic solution inside a casing. The metal negative electrode is housed in a negative electrode housing in the casing. A separator separating the metal negative electrode and the air electrode is arranged at a side surface of the negative electrode housing. An opening through which inside of the negative electrode housing and outside of the negative electrode housing communicate with each other is provided on an upper surface of the negative electrode housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: TOMO KITAGAWA, SHINOBU TAKENAKA, HIROTAKA MIZUHATA, MASAKI KAGA, TOYOKA AIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20200243937
    Abstract: A metal-air cell comprises a negative electrode, a negative electrode case housing the negative electrode, sealed while a lead of the negative electrode extends from the negative electrode case, including a separator that forms at least part of the negative electrode case, an air electrode facing the negative electrode across the separator, and a cell case housing the negative electrode case and the air electrode and sealed while the lead of the negative electrode expands from the cell case and a lead of the air electrode expands from the cell case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: MASAKI KAGA, HIROTAKA MIZUHATA, SHINOBU TAKENAKA
  • Publication number: 20200006829
    Abstract: A method for producing an air electrode includes a kneading step of kneading an oxygen reduction catalyst, a conductive auxiliary agent, and a water-repellent resin (binder) in a water solvent; and a rolling step of rolling with a roller the kneaded product produced in the kneading step. The rolling step includes rolling the kneaded product with the roller several times in many directions (at least two or more different rolling directions). In the formed air electrode, the water-repellent resin is fiberized in the air electrode, and the fibers thereof are oriented in many directions to form a netlike shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: TOMO KITAGAWA, HIROTAKA MIZUHATA, KEIGO MITAMURA, SHINOBU TAKENAKA, SHUNSUKE SATA
  • Publication number: 20190356031
    Abstract: A metal-air battery includes a metal negative electrode (12), an oxygen-generating electrode placed on a surface of the metal negative electrode, and an air electrode placed on another surface of the metal negative electrode. The metal negative electrode includes at least a negative electrode active material layer facing the oxygen-generating electrode. A first separator placed in contact with the negative electrode active material layer is placed between the negative electrode active material layer and the oxygen-generating electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: SHINOBU TAKENAKA, HIROTAKA MIZUHATA, SHUNSUKE SATA, TOMO KITAGAWA
  • Patent number: 10263254
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel materials of the formula: AuM1vM2wM3x02±? wherein A is one or more alkali metals; M1 comprises one or more redox active metals with an oxidation state in the range +2 to +4; M2 comprises tin, optionally in combination with one or more transition metals; M3 comprises one or more transition metals either alone or in combination with one or more non-transition elements selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, other metals, metalloids and non-metals, with an oxidation state in the range +1 to +5; wherein the oxidation state of M1, M2, and M3 are chosen to maintain charge neutrality and further wherein ? is in the range 0???0.4; U is in the range 0.3<U<2; V is in the range 0.1?V<0.75; W is in the range 0<W<0.75; X is in the range 0?X<0.5; and (U+V+W+X)<4.0. Such materials are useful, for example as electrode materials, in rechargeable battery applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: Faradion Limited, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Emma Kendrick, Robert Gruar, Motoaki Nishijima, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Takuya Otani, Isao Asako, Yuichi Kamimura
  • Patent number: 10181624
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal-air battery, wherein a failure in a wiring portion can be repaired easily. The present invention provides a metal electrode cartridge including a first operation portion and a first insertion portion extended from the first operation portion, wherein the first insertion portion includes a first fuel electrode containing a metal serving as an electrode active material, the first operation portion includes a first fuel electrode terminal electrically connected to the first fuel electrode and a first air electrode connection portion, and the first air electrode connection portion includes a first internal connection terminal and a first external connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Kaga, Akihito Yoshida, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Shinobu Takenaka, Masashi Muraoka, Shunsuke Sata, Tomoharu Arai
  • Patent number: 9893397
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal-air cell that allows pieces of an electrode active material that have fallen off to contribute to a discharge reaction and thus has high power generation efficiency. The metal-air cell according to the present invention includes an electrolyte cell containing an electrolyte, a metal electrode disposed in the electrolyte cell and serving as an anode, and an air electrode serving as a cathode. The metal electrode includes a current collector and an electrode active material part disposed on the current collector and made of an electrode active material. The current collector includes a supporting part supporting the electrode active material part and a receiving part disposed between a bottom of the electrolyte cell and the electrode active material part. The receiving part includes a projection projecting in the electrolyte cell beyond a side surface of the electrode active material part toward a sidewall of the electrolyte cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Masaki Kaga, Tomoharu Arai, Hirotaka Mizuhata
  • Patent number: 9742048
    Abstract: The invention provides a metal-air battery in which a metallic electrode can be smoothly inserted into a metal-air battery main body. The metal-air battery of the invention includes at least one cell. The cell includes an electrolytic tank that stores an electrolytic solution, a metallic electrode that is provided in the electrolytic tank and serves as an anode, at least one air electrode that serves as a cathode, an electrode insertion opening through which the metallic electrode is inserted into the electrolytic tank, and a position adjustment section. The position adjustment section is provided to adjust a position of the metallic electrode through contact between the metallic electrode and the position adjustment section during insertion of the metallic electrode into the electrolytic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Masaki Kaga, Tomoharu Arai
  • Patent number: 9705164
    Abstract: The present invention has been achieved to provide a metal-air battery that allows removal of a metallic compound without suspending power supply. The metal-air battery of the present invention includes: first and second electrolytic tanks for storing an electrolytic solution; a metallic electrode to serve as an anode provided in the first electrolytic tank; and an air electrode to serve as a cathode, wherein the metallic electrode is formed of a metal which becomes a metallic ion or composes a metallic compound in the electrolytic solution with progress of a battery reaction, the first and second electrolytic tanks are communicated with each other for allowing the electrolytic solution in the first electrolytic tank to move into the second electrolytic tank, and the metallic ion or the metallic compound in the electrolytic solution is precipitated as a metallic compound precipitate in the second electrolytic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Tomohisa Yoshie, Masaki Kaga, Shinobu Takenaka, Tomoharu Arai
  • Publication number: 20170092947
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel materials of the formula: AuM1vM2wM3x02±? wherein A is one or more alkali metals; M1 comprises one or more redox active metals with an oxidation state in the range +2 to +4; M2 comprises tin, optionally in combination with one or more transition metals; M3 comprises one or more transition metals either alone or in combination with one or more non-transition elements selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, other metals, metalloids and non-metals, with an oxidation state in the range +1 to +5; wherein the oxidation state of M1, M2, and M3 are chosen to maintain charge neutrality and further wherein ? is in the range 0???0.4; U is in the range 0.3<U<2; V is in the range 0.1?V<0.75; W is in the range 0<W<0.75; X is in the range 0?X<0.5; and (U+V+W+X)<4.0. Such materials are useful, for example as electrode materials, in rechargeable battery applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Emma KENDRICK, Robert GRUAR, Motoaki NISHIJIMA, Hirotaka MIZUHATA, Takuya OTANI, Isao ASAKO, Yuichi KAMIMURA
  • Patent number: 9590283
    Abstract: Provided is a tape-shaped electrode that can effectively perform discharging and recharging even if the size thereof is increased. The tape-shaped electrode includes a plurality of conductive plates, and insulating coupling members that separably couple the plurality of conductive plates arranged in one direction in an insulating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Ootani, Naoto Nishimura, Akihito Yoshida, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Shougo Esaki, Shumpei Nishinaka, Satoshi Arima
  • Publication number: 20160172728
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal-air battery, wherein a failure in a wiring portion can be repaired easily. The present invention provides a metal electrode cartridge including a first operation portion and a first insertion portion extended from the first operation portion, wherein the first insertion portion includes a first fuel electrode containing a metal serving as an electrode active material, the first operation portion includes a first fuel electrode terminal electrically connected to the first fuel electrode and a first air electrode connection portion, and the first air electrode connection portion includes a first internal connection terminal and a first external connection terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Masaki KAGA, Akihito YOSHIDA, Hirotaka MIZUHATA, Shinobu TAKENAKA, Masashi MURAOKA, Shunsuke SATA, Tomoharu ARAI
  • Publication number: 20160049674
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell stack, comprising: a first fuel cell including a first membrane electrode assembly, and a first fuel supply portion having a first in-cell fuel flow channel; a second fuel cell arranged on a main surface of the first fuel cell, and including a second membrane electrode assembly and a second fuel supply portion having a second in-cell fuel flow channel; and a fuel distribution portion including a liquid fuel inlet, a main flow channel connected thereto, and first and second branched flow channels connecting an end of the main flow channel with the first and second in-cell fuel flow channels, respectively, wherein a total length of the first branched flow channel and the first in-cell fuel flow channel is substantially identical to that of the second branched flow channel and the second in-cell fuel flow channel. Also provided is a fuel cell system using the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohisa YOSHIE, Masashi MURAOKA, Takenori ONISHI, Hirotaka MIZUHATA, Mutsuko KOMODA, Shinobu TAKENAKA
  • Publication number: 20160020498
    Abstract: The invention provides a metal-air battery in which a metallic electrode can be smoothly inserted into a metal-air battery main body. The metal-air battery of the invention includes at least one cell. The cell includes an electrolytic tank that stores an electrolytic solution, a metallic electrode that is provided in the electrolytic tank and serves as an anode, at least one air electrode that serves as a cathode, an electrode insertion opening through which the metallic electrode is inserted into the electrolytic tank, and a position adjustment section. The position adjustment section is provided to adjust a position of the metallic electrode through contact between the metallic electrode and the position adjustment section during insertion of the metallic electrode into the electrolytic tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Akihito YOSHIDA, Hirotaka MIZUHATA, Masaki KAGA, Tomoharu ARAI
  • Patent number: 9190678
    Abstract: Provided is an alkaline fuel cell, including: a membrane electrode assembly including an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode stacked on a first surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode stacked on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane; a first separator stacked on the anode electrode, at least including a fuel receiving portion for receiving a fuel; a second separator stacked on the cathode electrode, at least including an oxidant receiving portion for receiving an oxidant; and an alkaline aqueous solution supply portion for bringing an alkaline aqueous solution into contact with only the anion conductive electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotaka Mizuhata, Shunsuke Sata
  • Publication number: 20150214591
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal-air cell that allows pieces of an electrode active material that have fallen off to contribute to a discharge reaction and thus has high power generation efficiency. The metal-air cell according to the present invention includes an electrolyte cell containing an electrolyte, a metal electrode disposed in the electrolyte cell and serving as an anode, and an air electrode serving as a cathode. The metal electrode includes a current collector and an electrode active material part disposed on the current collector and made of an electrode active material. The current collector includes a supporting part supporting the electrode active material part and a receiving part disposed between a bottom of the electrolyte cell and the electrode active material part. The receiving part includes a projection projecting in the electrolyte cell beyond a side surface of the electrode active material part toward a sidewall of the electrolyte cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Masaki Kaga, Tomoharu Arai, Hirotaka Mizuhata
  • Publication number: 20150162653
    Abstract: Provided is a tape-shaped electrode that can effectively perform discharging and recharging even if the size thereof is increased. The tape-shaped electrode includes a plurality of conductive plates, and insulating coupling members that separably couple the plurality of conductive plates arranged in one direction in an insulating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Takuya Ootani, Naoto Nishimura, Akihito Yoshida, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Shougo Esaki, Shumpei Nishinaka, Satoshi Arima
  • Patent number: 9040208
    Abstract: A catalyst layer for a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes a plurality of agglomerates, adjacent ones of the plurality of agglomerates contacting with each other with pores provided between said adjacent ones of the plurality of agglomerates, each of the plurality of agglomerates being formed by packing a plurality of catalysts each consisting of noble metal fine particles supported on a fiber-like support material, adjacent ones of the plurality of catalysts contacting with each other with pores provided between said adjacent ones of the plurality of catalysts, and each of the plurality of catalysts contacting with a plurality of catalysts other than said each catalyst at a plurality of contact points. This allows providing a catalyst layer, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell, each of which has compact size and excellent power generation performance, and a method for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: OneD Material LLC, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Muraoka, Kohtaroh Saitoh, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Takenori Onishi, Yimin Zhu, Ionel C. Stefan, Baixin Qian, Jay Goldman
  • Patent number: 9006133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical catalyst particles, including nanoparticles, which can be used membrane electrode assemblies and in fuel cells. In exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides electrochemical catalysts supported by various materials. Suitably the catalysts have an atomic ratio of oxygen to a metal in the nanoparticle of about 3 to about 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: OneD Material LLC, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yimin Zhu, Jay L. Goldman, Baixin Qian, Ionel C. Stefan, Mutsuko Komoda, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Takenori Onishi
  • Patent number: 8968966
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel battery including: a fuel battery cell assembly having at least two fuel battery cells coplanarly disposed, the fuel battery cell including a membrane electrode assembly having an anode, an electrolytic membrane, and a cathode stacked on one another in this order, and a flow channel plate provided on an anode side and having on an anode-side surface thereof an in-cell fuel flow channel through which liquid fuel flows; and a fuel distributor having an out-cell fuel flow channel connected to each of the in-cell fuel flow channels to distribute the liquid fuel to the fuel battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takenori Onishi, Tomohisa Yoshie, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Mutsuko Komoda, Shinobu Takenaka, Masashi Muraoka