Patents by Inventor Kazuhiro Okada

Kazuhiro Okada 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: 20190068087
    Abstract: A power generating element is provided that includes first and second plate-like structures, a pedestal that supports the first plate-like structure, and first and second piezoelectric elements that generate charges on the basis of the deflections of the two plate-like structures. A base end portion of the first plate-like structure is connected to the pedestal, and a direction from the base end portion toward the tip end portion of the first plate-like structure is a Y-axis positive direction. A base end portion of the second plate-like structure is connected to the tip end portion of the first plate-like structure via a connection body, and a direction from the base end portion toward the tip end portion of the second plate-like structure is a Y-axis negative direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA
  • Patent number: 10209151
    Abstract: An inner support member, a detection deformable body, and a ring-shaped outer support member are disposed sequentially from the inside to the outside around a Z axis as a central axis. Inner surfaces in the vicinity of inner support points of the detection deformable body connect to outer surfaces of the inner support member via inner connecting members, and outer surfaces in the vicinity of outer support points of the detection deformable body connect to inner surfaces of the outer support member via outer connecting members. When a torque acts in the clockwise direction on the outer support member (130) while the inner support member is fixed, detection parts are displaced outwardly, and detection parts are displaced inwardly. These displacements are detected electrically as changes in capacitance values of four capacitor elements including opposing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignees: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, DAI-ICHI SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Okada, Satoshi Era, Nobuhiro Nagamoto, Takahito Kamiudo, Kazuto Akiba
  • Publication number: 20190041863
    Abstract: An object is to enable a state of a vehicle to be precisely estimated by a Kalman filter. A navigation system 1 includes an observation unit 21 that observes an observable concerning a variation of the vehicle, based on an output from a sensor, and an estimation unit 22 that estimates a state quantity indicating a state of the vehicle by a Kalman filter, and the estimation unit 22 calculates a prediction value of the state quantity of the vehicle, calculates an error covariance matrix of the prediction value, by the Kalman filter to which an error of the observable is inputted as an error of the state quantity which is in a relation of calculus with the observable, and calculates an estimation value of the state quantity of the vehicle and an error covariance matrix of the estimation value by the Kalman filter, based on the prediction value and the error covariance matrix of the prediction value which are calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: CLARION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro OKADA
  • Patent number: 10177689
    Abstract: The power generation efficiency is to be enhanced by converting vibration energy including various direction components into electric energy without waste. A cantilever structure is adopted, in which a first plate-like bridge portion (120) and a second plate-like bridge portion (130) extend in a shape of a letter U from a fixing-portion (110) fixed to the device housing (200) and a weight body (150) is connected to the end. On the upper surface of the cantilever structure, a common lower layer electrode (E00), a layered piezoelectric element (300) and discrete upper layer electrodes (Ex1 to Ez4) are formed. The upper layer electrodes (Ez1 to Ez4) disposed on a center line (Lx, Ly) of each plate-like bridge portion take out charge generated in the piezoelectric element (300) due to deflection caused by the Z-axis direction vibration of the weight body (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Okada, Satoshi Era, Miho Okada
  • Publication number: 20180348074
    Abstract: A torque sensor according to the present invention includes: an annular deformation body; first and second displacement electrodes which cause displacement by elastic deformation of the annular deformation body; first and second fixed electrodes arranged at positions opposite to the first and second displacement electrodes; and a detection circuit that outputs an electric signal indicating a torque based on a variation amount of capacitance values of first and second capacitive elements each of which is configured of the displacement electrode and the fixed electrode. The annular deformation body includes a high elastic portion and a low elastic portion having a spring constant smaller than a spring constant of the high elastic portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA
  • Publication number: 20180351481
    Abstract: A base end of a flexible plate-like structure body (111) having a first attribute is fixed to a pedestal (310) and a leading end thereof is connected to a connector between different attributes (112). Base end of a flexible plate-like structure body (113, 114) having a second attribute is connected to the connector between different attributes (112) and leading end thereof is given as free ends. Weight body (211, 212, 213) is connected to the lower surface of the connector between different attributes (112) and the leading-end lower surface of the plate-like structure body (113, 114) having the second attribute. When vibration energy is applied to the pedestal (310), the weight body (211, 212, 213) undergoes vibration, resulting in deformation of each of the plate-like structure bodies (111, 113, 114). The deformation energy is taken out by a charge generating element (400) such as a piezoelectric element to generate electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: WACHO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA
  • Publication number: 20180294746
    Abstract: Provided is a power generating element and a power generating device capable of using vibration energy not used for power generation in the past. The power generating element includes a displacement member, a fixed member, and an elastic deformation body. An electret material layer is formed on a surface of one of the displacement member and the fixed member. A counter electrode layer opposed to the electret material layer is formed on the other surface. When vibration energy is given to the power generating element, the displacement member is displaced with respect to the fixed member such that an inter-layer distance between the electret material layer and the counter electrode layer fluctuates according to deformation of the elastic deformation body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA
  • Publication number: 20180265620
    Abstract: A flame-retardant rigid polyurethane foam contains a flame retardant, the foam having a ratio of the maximum peak intensity ratio (P1) of the foam after moist heat treatment of the foam for one week at a temperature of 80° C. and a humidity of 85% to the maximum peak intensity ratio (P2) of the foam before this moist heat treatment of 85% or more (P1/P2×100). The P1 and P2 each refer to the ratio of the maximum peak intensity of 1390 to 1430 cm?1 to the maximum peak intensity of 1500 to 1520 cm?1 when the infrared absorption spectrum is measured at a position 5 to 10 mm from the surface of the foam, and the average intensity of 1900 to 2000 cm?1 is adjusted to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Tomonori KAJITA, Yozo TOEI
  • Publication number: 20180259404
    Abstract: A force sensor of the present invention includes: a supporting body arranged on an X-Y plane; a deformation body arranged opposite to the supporting body and having a deformation part elastically deformed by an action of a force to be detected; a fixed electrode arranged on the supporting body; a displacement electrode provided to the deformation part of the deformation body in such a manner as to face the fixed electrode with which it forms a capacitive element; and a detection circuit that outputs an electrical signal representing the acting force based on a variation amount of a capacitance value of the capacitive element, wherein the capacitive element includes a first capacitive element and a second capacitive element, and the detection circuit determines whether the force sensor is normally functioning based on a first electrical signal corresponding to a capacitance value of the first capacitive element, a second electrical signal corresponding to a capacitance value of the second capacitive element, a
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA, Nobuhisa NISHIOKI
  • Publication number: 20180262130
    Abstract: A tabular structure having flexibility extends from a root end portion to a distal end portion along a reference axis. The root end portion is fixed to a pedestal. Three sectioned parts are provided in the tabular structure. Weights are joined to the lower surfaces of the respective three sectioned parts. The three sectioned parts respectively have different thicknesses. As a result, spring constants are different. When vibration energy from the outside is applied to the pedestal, the weights vibrate and a bend occurs in the tabular structure. If a charge generating element such as a piezoelectric element is stuck to the tabular structure, an electric charge is generated by bending stress. A frequency band capable of generating electric power is expanded by providing a plurality of weights in the tabular structure in which the spring constants are different in each of the sectioned parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Tri-Force Management Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA
  • Publication number: 20180252602
    Abstract: A torque sensor of the present invention includes: a ring-shaped deformation body; first to fourth displacement electrodes deformable due to elastic deformation of the ring-shaped deformation body; first to fourth fixed electrodes arranged at positions opposite to those of the first to fourth displacement electrodes; and a detection circuit that outputs an electrical signal representing torque based on a variation amount of capacitance values of first to fourth capacitive elements formed by the first to fourth displacement electrodes and the first to fourth fixed electrodes, wherein the detection circuit outputs, as the electrical signals representing the acting torque, a first electrical signal corresponding to a difference between “a sum of a capacitance value of the first capacitive element and a capacitance value of the second capacitive element” and “a sum of a capacitance value of the third capacitive element and a capacitance value of the fourth capacitive element” and a second electrical signal corres
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Applicant: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA, Nobuhisa NISHIOKI
  • Publication number: 20180209860
    Abstract: An inner support member, a detection deformable body, and a ring-shaped outer support member are disposed sequentially from the inside to the outside around a Z axis as a central axis. Inner surfaces in the vicinity of inner support points of the detection deformable body connect to outer surfaces of the inner support member via inner connecting members, and outer surfaces in the vicinity of outer support points of the detection deformable body connect to inner surfaces of the outer support member via outer connecting members. When a torque acts in the clockwise direction on the outer support member (130) while the inner support member is fixed, detection parts are displaced outwardly, and detection parts are displaced inwardly. These displacements are detected electrically as changes in capacitance values of four capacitor elements including opposing electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicants: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, DAI-ICHI SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Okada, Satoshi Era, Nobuhiro Nagamoto, Takahito Kamiudo, Kazuto Akiba
  • Publication number: 20180172982
    Abstract: A mirror with a reflective layer formed thereon is supported within a frame-shaped support by two U-shaped arms. A plate-like arm connects fixation points (Q1, Q2), and a plate-like arm connects fixation points (Q3, Q4). A pair of piezoelectric elements (E11, E12) disposed along a longitudinal axis (L1) on an upper surface of an outside bridge of the arm, and a single piezoelectric element (E20) disposed along the longitudinal axis (L2) on the upper surface of an inside bridge. Similarly, a pair of piezoelectric elements (E31, E32) disposed on an upper surface of an outside bridge of the arm, and a single piezoelectric element (E40) disposed on the upper surface of an inside bridge. When a positive drive signal is applied to the piezoelectric elements (E11, E20, E31, E40) and a negative drive signal is applied to the piezoelectric elements (E12, E32), the mirror is displaced efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Okada, Satoshi Era, Shinya Sakamoto, Yoshifumi Ikeda, Shogo Kurogi, Kenji Ogata
  • Patent number: 9995644
    Abstract: A plate-like supporting body (200) is arranged below a plate-like force receiving body (100) and a deformation body (300) is connected between them. The deformation body (300) is provided with an elastically deformed portion (310) arranged along a connection channel (R1) which connects a first force receiving point (P1) with a second force receiving point (P2), a first base portion (320) and a second base portion (330) which support the elastically deformed portion (310) from below. The upper end of the first base portion (320) supports the vicinity of a first relay point (m1) on the connection channel (R1) so as to sway freely, and the upper end of the second base portion (330) supports the vicinity of a second relay point (m2) on the connection channel (R1) so as to sway freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: WACOH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Nishioki, Kazuhiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20180157031
    Abstract: Actuators (140), which are a pair of members, are disposed one on either side of a movable frame (120) in the X-axis direction, and oscillate the movable frame (120) about the X axis in relation to a fixed frame (110) by deformation caused by stretching and contracting of piezoelectric elements. Actuators (150), which are a pair of members, are disposed one on either side of a mirror (130) in the Y-axis direction, and oscillate the mirror (130) about the Y axis in relation to the movable frame (120) by deformation caused by stretching and contracting of the piezoelectric elements. The length of each actuator (140) extending in the Y-axis direction is longer than a distance between an inner side of the fixed frame (110) to which the actuator (140) is connected and the middle point of an outer side of the movable frame (120) in the Y-axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Kenji Ogata, Shinya Sakamoto, Yoshifumi Ikeda, Shogo Kurogi, Kazuhiro Okada, Satoshi Era
  • Publication number: 20180017452
    Abstract: The present invention provides a torque sensor that is small and highly rigid and for which high production efficiency is possible. An annular deformation body (50) is disposed between a left side support body (10) and a right side support body (20). Protruding parts (11, 12) of the left side support body (10) are joined to two upper and lower sites on the left side surface of the annular deformation body (50), and protruding parts (21, 22) of the right side support body (20) are joined to two left and right sites on the right side surface of the annular deformation body (50). The annular deformation body (50) has, at four sites, detection parts (D1 to D4) that cause elastic deformation, the right side surface of each of the detection parts (D1 to D4) moves close to or moves away from the opposing surface of the right side support body (20) when torque around the Z axis is exerted on the left side support body (10) in a state that a load is applied to the right side support body (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro OKADA, Miho OKADA
  • Publication number: 20170298170
    Abstract: The flame-retardant urethane resin composition contains a polyisocyanate compound, a polyol compound, a trimerization catalyst, a blowing agent, and an additive, wherein the additives include red phosphorus and a filler, and the filler has an aspect ratio of 5 to 50, an average particle diameter of 0.1 ?m or larger, but smaller than 15 ?m, and a melting point of 750° C. or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yousuke OKADA, Kazuhiro OKADA, Takehiko USHIMI, Yasunari KUSAKA, Toshitaka YOSHITAKE
  • Publication number: 20170299729
    Abstract: A navigation system includes a GPS reception unit receiving a GPS signal, an observation unit observing observables including a GPS vehicle position based on the received GPS signal, and an estimation unit estimating state quantities concerning the present location based on the observables and on the Kalman filter, the estimation unit calculates prediction values of the state quantities and errors of the prediction values, calculates estimation values of the state quantities and errors of the estimation values, based on the prediction values, the errors of the prediction values and errors of the observables observed, and, when calculating the estimation values and the errors of the estimation values, assigns a weight based on a period from a first timing to a second timing in which the GPS signal received in the first timing is not reflected in observation of the GPS vehicle position, to an error of the GPS vehicle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: CLARION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro OKADA
  • Publication number: 20170248482
    Abstract: A plate-like supporting body (200) is arranged below a plate-like force receiving body (100) and a deformation body (300) is connected between them. The deformation body (300) is provided with an elastically deformed portion (310) arranged along a connection channel (R1) which connects a first force receiving point (P1) with a second force receiving point (P2), a first base portion (320) and a second base portion (330) which support the elastically deformed portion (310) from below. The upper end of the first base portion (320) supports the vicinity of a first relay point (m1) on the connection channel (R1) so as to sway freely, and the upper end of the second base portion (330) supports the vicinity of a second relay point (m2) on the connection channel (R1) so as to sway freely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: WACOH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuhisa NISHIOKI, Kazuhiro OKADA
  • Patent number: 9733092
    Abstract: To acquire a direction error of a vehicle so that a more appropriate result is acquired in subsequent processing, a vehicle position detection device includes: a start/end point calculation part for acquiring a turning start point on a pre-turning link, and acquiring a turning end point on a post-turning link; a virtual link generation part for acquiring a virtual link connecting between the turning start point and the turning end point; a link direction calculation part for calculating a virtual link direction that is a direction at a predetermined position on the virtual link; and an error calculation part for using the virtual link direction to calculate a direction error of a vehicle direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Okada