Patents by Inventor Katsutomo Tsukahara

Katsutomo Tsukahara 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: 10112399
    Abstract: A liquid jet apparatus comprises a liquid jet head, a carriage carrying the liquid jet head in a side-to-side direction, a liquid flow channel, and a liquid container in fluid communication with the liquid jet head through the liquid flow channel. The liquid container includes a liquid containing chamber arranged along a front/back direction orthogonal to the side-to-side direction; a liquid outlet port, from which the liquid contained in the liquid containing chamber flows to the liquid flow channel; and a liquid inlet port, through which the liquid is injected into the liquid containing chamber. The liquid inlet port has an end surface that does not face in a vertical direction relative to a normal posture of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shoma Kudo, Takashi Koase, Toshiya Okada, Yasunori Koike, Tetsuya Takamoto, Nobutaka Suzuki, Satoshi Tamai, Toru Nakazawa, Katsutomo Tsukahara, Masayuki Kanazawa, Naofumi Mimura, Keigo Iizawa, Yutaka Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20180277736
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device (an actuator unit) includes the following: a first substrate (a pressure chamber forming substrate, a diaphragm) having a piezoelectric layer and a first wiring conductor (a top electrode layer) that is at least partially stacked on the piezoelectric layer; and a second substrate (a sealing substrate) having a second wiring conductor (a bottom wiring conductor) that faces and is separated from the first wiring conductor (a top electrode layer) and to which an electrical signal different from an electrical signal that is applied to the first wiring conductor (a top electrode layer) is applied. At least one of the first wiring conductor (a top electrode layer) and the second wiring conductor (a bottom wiring conductor) is at least partially covered with an electrically insulating protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Katsutomo TSUKAHARA, Eiju HIRAI, Motoki TAKABE, Daisuke YAMADA, Yasuyuki MATSUMOTO, Shuichi TANAKA
  • Patent number: 10029459
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes a plurality of piezoelectric element rows having a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include a common electrodes common to the plurality of the piezoelectric elements. The actuator substrate includes a plurality of first common wirings connected to each of the common electrodes of the plurality of the piezoelectric element rows. The wiring substrate includes a plurality of second common wirings connected to each of the first common wirings of the plurality of piezoelectric element rows, and a plurality of auxiliary wirings buried in a groove portion formed in the wiring substrate. The auxiliary wirings are connected to each of the second common wirings, and the plurality of auxiliary wirings are not connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiju Hirai, Motoki Takabe, Katsutomo Tsukahara, Yoichi Naganuma, Munehide Saimen
  • Publication number: 20180186152
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a substrate that includes a piezoelectric element formed by stacking a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode and a second electrode such that the piezoelectric layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a wiring substrate that includes a driving element providing a signal for driving the piezoelectric element to the substrate. The substrate has an inspection region where a piezoelectric element for inspection which is a portion of the piezoelectric element is disposed. The wiring substrate has an electrode inspection region including an electrode to be inspected that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element for inspection and is disposed on a surface side opposite to the substrate, and a flexible substrate mounting region which is disposed on the surface side opposite to the substrate, and is connected to a flexible substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Katsutomo TSUKAHARA, Motoki TAKABE, Eiju HIRAI, Yoshihiro HOKARI
  • Patent number: 9994030
    Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus and a liquid container that allow a liquid outlet portion and a liquid inlet portion to be readily connected to each other are provided. An ink supply apparatus for supplying ink to an inkjet printer includes: an ink container that has an ink bag, and an ink outlet portion in communication with the ink bag; a right recess portion and a left recess portion that support the ink container; an ink inlet needle that can be connected to the ink outlet portion; and a connection tube that connects the ink inlet needle and the inkjet printer. The ink container is detachably supported by the right recess portion and the left recess portion such that the ink outlet portion is positioned on the upper side in the gravity direction of the ink bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutomo Tsukahara, Takashi Mano
  • Patent number: 9937717
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a substrate that includes a piezoelectric element formed by stacking a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode and a second electrode such that the piezoelectric layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a wiring substrate that includes a driving element providing a signal for driving the piezoelectric element to the substrate. The substrate has an inspection region where a piezoelectric element for inspection which is a portion of the piezoelectric element is disposed. The wiring substrate has an electrode inspection region including an electrode to be inspected that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element for inspection and is disposed on a surface side opposite to the substrate, and a flexible substrate mounting region which is disposed on the surface side opposite to the substrate, and is connected to a flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutomo Tsukahara, Motoki Takabe, Eiju Hirai, Yoshihiro Hokari
  • Patent number: 9931852
    Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus is configured to have detachably installed therein a liquid container 51 including an ink bag 82 that is flexible at least in part and a flow channel member 91 that is in communication with the ink bag 82, and to supply a liquid held in the ink bag 82 to a liquid jet apparatus. The liquid supply apparatus includes an ink inlet portion 143 configured to be connected to the flow channel member 91 and to introduce liquid from the flow channel member 91 in a state where the flow channel member 91 is connected, and a first supporting portion 151 configured to support at least the flow channel member 91 of the ink container 51. The first supporting portion 151 is moveable between at least a connected position and a disconnected position of the flow channel member 91 and the ink inlet portion 143.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutomo Tsukahara, Hiroyuki Kawate, Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Tokujiro Okuno
  • Patent number: 9919523
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes a plurality of piezoelectric element rows having a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include a plurality of individual electrodes disposed for each of the piezoelectric elements, and a common electrodes common to the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The wiring substrate includes a core portion disposed on a surface on the actuator substrate side, an individual wiring portion that partially covers the core portion, a common wiring portion that partially covers the core portion, and an auxiliary wiring disposed in a groove portion disposed on a first principal surface on the side opposite to the actuator substrate or on a second principal surface on the actuator substrate side. The auxiliary wiring is electrically connected to the common wiring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiju Hirai, Motoki Takabe, Katsutomo Tsukahara, Yoichi Naganuma, Munehide Saimen
  • Patent number: 9914301
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes two rows of piezoelectric element rows piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include individual electrodes disposed for each of the piezoelectric elements, and a common electrode common to the piezoelectric elements. The wiring substrate includes a core portion disposed on a surface on the actuator substrate side, an individual wiring portion disposed for each of the piezoelectric element rows that partially covers the core portion, and a common wiring portion disposed for each of the piezoelectric element rows that partially covers the core portion. The two rows of piezoelectric element rows are respectively disposed so as to interpose the core portion. The individual wiring portion and the common wiring portion are respectively electrically connected to the individual electrode and the common electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiju Hirai, Motoki Takabe, Katsutomo Tsukahara, Yoichi Naganuma, Munehide Saimen
  • Publication number: 20180065365
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes a plurality of piezoelectric element rows having a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include a common electrodes common to the plurality of the piezoelectric elements. The actuator substrate includes a plurality of first common wirings connected to each of the common electrodes of the plurality of the piezoelectric element rows. The wiring substrate includes a plurality of second common wirings connected to each of the first common wirings of the plurality of piezoelectric element rows, and a plurality of auxiliary wirings buried in a groove portion formed in the wiring substrate. The auxiliary wirings are connected to each of the second common wirings, and the plurality of auxiliary wirings are not connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Eiju HIRAI, Motoki TAKABE, Katsutomo TSUKAHARA, Yoichi NAGANUMA, Munehide SAIMEN
  • Patent number: 9908331
    Abstract: A MEMS device includes a plurality of movable regions, wiring lines extending along a first direction from the movable regions, and electrodes connected to the wiring lines. The electrodes include connection regions for connecting other electrode terminals to the connection regions. A plurality of the connection regions are disposed along a second direction intersecting the first direction. A distance between centers of connection regions that are adjacent in the second direction is longer than a distance between centers of movable regions that are adjacent in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiju Hirai, Motoki Takabe, Katsutomo Tsukahara, Yoichi Naganuma, Munehide Saimen
  • Patent number: 9862199
    Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus and a liquid container that allow a liquid outlet portion and a liquid inlet portion to be readily connected to each other are provided. An ink supply apparatus for supplying ink to an inkjet printer includes: an ink container that has an ink bag, and an ink outlet portion in communication with the ink bag; a right recess portion and a left recess portion that support the ink container; an ink inlet needle that can be connected to the ink outlet portion; and a connection tube that connects the ink inlet needle and the inkjet printer. The ink container is detachably supported by the right recess portion and the left recess portion such that the ink outlet portion is positioned on the upper side in the gravity direction of the ink bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutomo Tsukahara, Takashi Mano
  • Patent number: 9862198
    Abstract: A unit that is used in a liquid jet recording apparatus and is used for connection of a liquid container, the liquid container including: a liquid container part that is capable of storing a liquid; and a liquid supply part that is in communication with an inside of the liquid container part and is capable of supplying the liquid to an liquid jet part of the liquid jet recording apparatus, the unit including: a medium positioning part that is capable of positioning a recording medium to which the liquid is ejected by the liquid jet part; and a flow channel connection part that is connectable to the liquid supply part and supplies the liquid from the liquid supply part to the liquid jet part, wherein the unit is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a main body of the liquid jet recording apparatus, the main body being provided with the liquid jet part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsutomo Tsukahara
  • Patent number: 9849685
    Abstract: A liquid supply device configured to supply a liquid to a liquid consuming apparatus comprises a liquid container configured to include a liquid supply portion and to contain the liquid therein; and a liquid supply connection structure supported on an outer wall of the liquid consuming apparatus and connected with the liquid supply portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutomo Tsukahara, Tokujiro Okuno
  • Patent number: 9844939
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes a plurality of piezoelectric element rows having a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include a common electrodes common to the plurality of the piezoelectric elements. The actuator substrate includes a plurality of first common wirings connected to each of the common electrodes of the plurality of the piezoelectric element rows. The wiring substrate includes a plurality of second common wirings connected to each of the first common wirings of the plurality of piezoelectric element rows, and a plurality of auxiliary wirings buried in a groove portion formed in the wiring substrate. The auxiliary wirings are connected to each of the second common wirings, and the plurality of auxiliary wirings are not connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiju Hirai, Motoki Takabe, Katsutomo Tsukahara, Yoichi Naganuma, Munehide Saimen
  • Patent number: 9770907
    Abstract: A MEMS device includes a drive region having a stacked structural body in which a first electrode layer, a first dielectric layer, and a second electrode layer are stacked in that order. The stacked structural body extends from the drive region to a non-drive region that is outer than the drive region and, in an extending direction of the stacked structural body, the first electrode layer and the first dielectric layer extend farther outward than the second electrode layer. A second dielectric layer covering an end of the second electrode layer in the extending direction is stacked on the second electrode layer in the non-drive region and the first dielectric layer that is formed outer in the extending direction than the second electrode layer. A third electrode layer electrically connected to the second electrode layer is stacked on the second dielectric layer and on the second electrode layer in a region outside the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutomo Tsukahara, Motoki Takabe, Eiju Hirai, Masao Nakayama, Munehide Saimen
  • Publication number: 20170266972
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes a plurality of piezoelectric element rows having a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include a plurality of individual electrodes disposed for each of the piezoelectric elements, and a common electrodes common to the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The wiring substrate includes a core portion disposed on a surface on the actuator substrate side, an individual wiring portion that partially covers the core portion, a common wiring portion that partially covers the core portion, and an auxiliary wiring disposed in a groove portion disposed on a first principal surface on the side opposite to the actuator substrate or on a second principal surface on the actuator substrate side. The auxiliary wiring is electrically connected to the common wiring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Eiju HIRAI, Motoki TAKABE, Katsutomo TSUKAHARA, Yoichi NAGANUMA, Munehide SAIMEN
  • Publication number: 20170266971
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes two rows of piezoelectric element rows piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include individual electrodes disposed for each of the piezoelectric elements, and a common electrode common to the piezoelectric elements. The wiring substrate includes a core portion disposed on a surface on the actuator substrate side, an individual wiring portion disposed for each of the piezoelectric element rows that partially covers the core portion, and a common wiring portion disposed for each of the piezoelectric element rows that partially covers the core portion. The two rows of piezoelectric element rows are respectively disposed so as to interpose the core portion. The individual wiring portion and the common wiring portion are respectively electrically connected to the individual electrode and the common electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Eiju HIRAI, Motoki TAKABE, Katsutomo TSUKAHARA, Yoichi NAGANUMA, Munehide SAIMEN
  • Publication number: 20170225464
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes a plurality of piezoelectric element rows having a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include a common electrodes common to the plurality of the piezoelectric elements. The actuator substrate includes a plurality of first common wirings connected to each of the common electrodes of the plurality of the piezoelectric element rows. The wiring substrate includes a plurality of second common wirings connected to each of the first common wirings of the plurality of piezoelectric element rows, and a plurality of auxiliary wirings buried in a groove portion formed in the wiring substrate. The auxiliary wirings are connected to each of the second common wirings, and the plurality of auxiliary wirings are not connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Eiju HIRAI, Motoki TAKABE, Katsutomo TSUKAHARA, Yoichi NAGANUMA, Munehide SAIMEN
  • Publication number: 20170217175
    Abstract: A MEMS device includes a plurality of movable regions, wiring lines extending along a first direction from the movable regions, and electrodes connected to the wiring lines. The electrodes include connection regions for connecting other electrode terminals to the connection regions. A plurality of the connection regions are disposed along a second direction intersecting the first direction. A distance between centers of connection regions that are adjacent in the second direction is longer than a distance between centers of movable regions that are adjacent in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Eiju HIRAI, Motoki TAKABE, Katsutomo TSUKAHARA, Yoichi NAGANUMA, Munehide SAIMEN