Patents by Inventor Katsumi Fujimoto

Katsumi Fujimoto 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: 10268039
    Abstract: A vibration device includes a support body that includes first and second principal surfaces and a through hole penetrating through the support body to open at the first and second principal surfaces, a first vibration element on the side of the first principal surface of the support body, and a second vibration element on the side of the second principal surface of the support body. The first vibration element includes a first vibration body that is translucent. The second vibration element includes a second vibration body and a second piezoelectric vibrator provided on the second vibration body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishiyama, Katsumi Fujimoto, Masanobu Nomura, Shinsuke Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20190033685
    Abstract: A vibration device includes a vibration body including a light-transmitting portion including first and second main surfaces opposing each other and a vibration portion that is continuous with the light-transmitting portion and vibrates with a main vibration together with the light-transmitting portion, and a piezoelectric vibrator fixed to the vibration portion. Localized vibration portions which generate a localized vibration different from the main vibration are provided at a position not overlapping with a center or approximate center of the light-transmitting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Katsumi FUJIMOTO, Kenji NISHIYAMA, Masanobu NOMURA
  • Patent number: 10156719
    Abstract: A vibration device that is used in a camera body including a lens includes a cylindrical vibrating body including a piezoelectric vibrator, a cylindrical mode converting connected member connected to one end of the cylindrical vibrating body, and a light transmitting body attached to the mode converting connected member. The light transmitting body includes a light transmitting portion disposed on a front side of the lens. The mode converting connected member includes a thin portion having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the cylindrical vibrating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Shinsuke Ikeuchi, Kenji Nishiyama, Masanobu Nomura
  • Publication number: 20180292646
    Abstract: A vibration device includes a cylindrical vibration body portion including a cylindrical member and a piezoelectric vibrator fixed to the cylindrical member, and a light-transparent body portion that includes an outer peripheral portion connected to an end surface of the cylindrical member and a light-transparent portion positioned in front of a lens. The light-transparent body portion vibrates in a bending mode by vibration of the cylindrical vibration body portion. The bending mode includes a first bending mode in which a center-maximum-displacement portion of the light-transparent body portion and the outer peripheral portion of the light-transparent body portion connected to the end surface are displaced in the same direction and a second bending mode in which the center-maximum-displacement portion of the light-transparent body portion and the outer peripheral portion of the light-transparent body portion are displaced in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Katsumi FUJIMOTO, Shinsuke IKEUCHI, Kenji NISHIYAMA, Masanobu NOMURA
  • Publication number: 20180239218
    Abstract: A vibrating device includes a tubular vibrating body and a lens cover coupled to a first surface of the tubular vibrating body. The tubular vibrating body includes a tubular member and piezoelectric vibrators. The lens cover includes a mode changing coupler and a light transmitting body unit disposed in front of a lens of a camera. The mode changing coupler includes a thin portion having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Shinsuke IKEUCHI, Katsumi FUJIMOTO, Masanobu NOMURA, Kenji NISHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180210194
    Abstract: A vibration device includes a support body that includes first and second principal surfaces and a through hole penetrating through the support body to open at the first and second principal surfaces, a first vibration element on the side of the first principal surface of the support body, and a second vibration element on the side of the second principal surface of the support body. The first vibration element includes a first vibration body that is translucent. The second vibration element includes a second vibration body and a second piezoelectric vibrator provided on the second vibration body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Kenji NISHIYAMA, Katsumi FUJIMOTO, Masanobu NOMURA, Shinsuke IKEUCHI
  • Patent number: 9970802
    Abstract: A thermal-type flow-rate sensor includes a substrate and a detection unit that is supported by the substrate and at least an upper surface of which is exposed to a flow of a fluid. The detection unit includes: an insulating layer, a heating element arranged on an upper surface of the insulating layer, an upstream temperature measurement element that is arranged on the upper surface of the insulating layer upstream of the heating element in the flow direction that includes a pyroelectric layer, and a downstream temperature measurement element arranged on the upper surface of the insulating layer so as to be positioned downstream of the heating element in the flow direction and that includes a pyroelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taro Nishino, Kansho Yamamoto, Katsumi Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20180095272
    Abstract: A vibration device that is used in a camera body including a lens includes a cylindrical vibrating body including a piezoelectric vibrator, a cylindrical mode converting connected member connected to one end of the cylindrical vibrating body, and a light transmitting body attached to the mode converting connected member. The light transmitting body includes a light transmitting portion disposed on a front side of the lens. The mode converting connected member includes a thin portion having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the cylindrical vibrating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Shinsuke Ikeuchi, Kenji Nishiyama, Masanobu Nomura
  • Patent number: 9851373
    Abstract: A vibrator in a vibrating gyroscope includes a circular annular portion, a rectangular annular portion, and joining portions. The rectangular annular portion is disposed adjacent to an outer side of the circular annular portion. The joining portions join the circular annular portion and the rectangular annular portion. The rectangular annular portion includes linear beam portions. The joining portions join the circular annular portion and the center portions of the beam portions to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Toshimaro Yoneda, Takuo Hada, Hideya Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 9753057
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a fixation member, a weight member including a plate with two opposing sides parallel or substantially parallel to an X-direction and two opposing sides parallel to a Y-axis direction in a plan view, the weight member including a cutout extending in a direction about 45° relative to the X and Y axis directions, a vibrating beam linearly extending in the direction about 45° relative to the X and Y axis directions in the plan view, and one end portion is connected to the fixation member and the other end portion is connected to the weight member, the vibrating beam is partly arranged within the cutout and supporting the weight member to be displaceable in a Z-axis direction, a driver disposed on the vibrating beam and vibrating the vibrating beam, and a detector disposed on the vibrating beam and outputting a detection signal that is changed depending on deformation of the vibrating beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuo Hada, Katsumi Fujimoto, Hideya Horiuchi, Toshimaro Yoneda
  • Patent number: 9753056
    Abstract: A weight member includes two sides opposite to each other in an X-axis direction when looked at in a plan view. A vibrating beam includes one end portion connected at one location to a fixation member and the other end portion connected at one location to one of the two sides of the weight member in the X-axis direction when looked at in a plan view. The vibrating beam supports the weight member to be displaceable in the X-axis direction. A holding beam includes one end portion connected at one location to the fixation member and the other end portion connected at one location to the other of the two sides of the weight member opposing to each other in the X-axis direction when looked at in a plan view. The holding beam supports the weight member to be displaceable in the X-axis direction. A driver is disposed on the vibrating beam and vibrates the vibrating beam. A detector is disposed on the vibrating beam and configured to output a detection signal changes according to deformation of the vibrating beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuo Hada, Katsumi Fujimoto, Hideya Horiuchi, Toshimaro Yoneda
  • Publication number: 20160252382
    Abstract: A thermal-type flow-rate sensor includes a substrate and a detection unit that is supported by the substrate and at least an upper surface of which is exposed to a flow of a fluid. The detection unit includes: an insulating layer, a heating element arranged on an upper surface of the insulating layer, an upstream temperature measurement element that is arranged on the upper surface of the insulating layer upstream of the heating element in the flow direction that includes a pyroelectric layer, and a downstream temperature measurement element arranged on the upper surface of the insulating layer so as to be positioned downstream of the heating element in the flow direction and that includes a pyroelectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Taro Nishino, Kansho Yamamoto, Katsumi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9383205
    Abstract: A vibrator includes first and second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portions, a base end-side weight portion, and a base end-side weight portion joining portion. The end portions of the first and second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portions in an X-axis positive direction face each other across a distance in a Y-axis direction, and the end portions thereof in an X-axis negative direction are joined to each other. The base end-side weight portion is disposed between the first and second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portions. The base end-side weight portion joining portion extends from a joining portion between the first circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portion and the second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portion in the X-axis positive direction, and joined to the base end-side weight portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Toshimaro Yoneda, Takuo Hada, Hideya Horiuchi
  • Publication number: 20160161435
    Abstract: A temperature and humidity sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode provided on the substrate, a linear second electrode at least part of which is so provided as to extend along the first electrode, and a moisture sensitive film provided between the part of the second electrode extending along the first electrode and the first electrode. The second electrode has a section that is formed in a spiral shape when viewed from above so as to form an inductor. With this, a precise oscillation circuit can be configured so that a temperature-humidity sensor small in size and capable of being easily manufactured can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Hiroshi Shiraki, Keisuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9350273
    Abstract: A piezoelectric power generating device that includes a piezoelectric element having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a stopper, and a lever. The stopper has a first contact surface that is in contact with the first surface. The lever includes a contact portion, which includes a second contact surface that is in contact with the second surface, and a displacement portion. The lever is arranged in such a manner as to be rotatable relative to the stopper around a rotation axis such that the second contact surface presses the second surface when the displacement portion rotates relative to the stopper around the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eitaro Kameda, Katsumi Fujimoto, Toshiki Nishiwaki, Makoto Kitamura, Yuji Fujino
  • Patent number: 9130483
    Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator that includes a first elastic body, which deforms along a first direction x upon receiving a stress, and a piezoelectric power-generating element. A second elastic body is arranged on a y1 side of the first elastic body and a piezoelectric element is fixed to a y1-side surface of the second elastic body. When the first elastic body bends into a shape that is concave toward the y1 side, the second elastic body receives a stress from the first elastic body. When the first elastic body bends into a shape that is convex toward the y1 side, the second elastic body does not receive a stress from the first elastic body. The piezoelectric power generator further includes a vibration suppressing member that is arranged between the first elastic body and the second elastic body and suppresses bending mode vibration of the second elastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eitaro Kameda, Chikahiro Horiguchi, Katsumi Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20150013456
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a fixation member, a weight member including a plate with two opposing sides parallel or substantially parallel to an X-direction and two opposing sides parallel to a Y-axis direction in a plan view, the weight member including a cutout extending in a direction about 45° relative to the X and Y axis directions, a vibrating beam linearly extending in the direction about 45° relative to the X and Y axis directions in the plan view, and one end portion is connected to the fixation member and the other end portion is connected to the weight member, the vibrating beam is partly arranged within the cutout and supporting the weight member to be displaceable in a Z-axis direction, a driver disposed on the vibrating beam and vibrating the vibrating beam, and a detector disposed on the vibrating beam and outputting a detection signal that is changed depending on deformation of the vibrating beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Takuo HADA, Katsumi FUJIMOTO, Hideya HORIUCHI, Toshimaro YONEDA
  • Publication number: 20150013457
    Abstract: A weight member includes two sides opposite to each other in an X-axis direction when looked at in a plan view. A vibrating beam includes one end portion connected at one location to a fixation member and the other end portion connected at one location to one of the two sides of the weight member in the X-axis direction when looked at in a plan view. The vibrating beam supports the weight member to be displaceable in the X-axis direction. A holding beam includes one end portion connected at one location to the fixation member and the other end portion connected at one location to the other of the two sides of the weight member opposing to each other in the X-axis direction when looked at in a plan view. The holding beam supports the weight member to be displaceable in the X-axis direction. A driver is disposed on the vibrating beam and vibrates the vibrating beam. A detector is disposed on the vibrating beam and configured to output a detection signal changes according to deformation of the vibrating beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Takuo HADA, Katsumi FUJIMOTO, Hideya HORIUCHI, Toshimaro YONEDA
  • Publication number: 20140252918
    Abstract: A piezoelectric power generating device that includes a piezoelectric element having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a stopper, and a lever. The stopper has a first contact surface that is in contact with the first surface. The lever includes a contact portion, which includes a second contact surface that is in contact with the second surface, and a displacement portion. The lever is arranged in such a manner as to be rotatable relative to the stopper around a rotation axis such that the second contact surface presses the second surface when the displacement portion rotates relative to the stopper around the rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: Eitaro Kameda, Katsumi Fujimoto, Toshiki Nishiwaki, Makoto Kitamura, Yuji Fujino
  • Publication number: 20140230209
    Abstract: A piezoelectric power generating device is provided which is capable of extracting a large amount of power without an increase in device size, even when applied with vibration of low frequency or weak external force, and which is easy to manufacture. The piezoelectric power generating device includes a piezoelectric power generating plate including a piezoelectric plate having a polarized regions that are different in polarization direction, and a support member attached to the piezoelectric power generating plate. Further, the piezoelectric power generating plate includes a fixed portion fixed to the support member, a free end displaced relative to the fixed portion when an external forced, such as a vibration forced, is applied, and a cutout located between the fixed portion and the free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsumi Fujimoto