Patents by Inventor Kenji Muratani

Kenji Muratani 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).

  • Rotational operation mechanism and music playback apparatus using the mechanism
    Patent number: 6864879
    Abstract: A rotational operation mechanism for a DJ apparatus enables smooth rotation to be achieved using a simple configuration. A rotational operation mechanism has a base, a display window member fixed onto the base, a ring member positioned on the display window member and holding a plurality of rotatable balls, and a rotation operation portion positioned on the ring member and operated by an operator. Mutually facing surfaces of the display window member and the rotation operation portion are provided with grooves that have substantially the same diameter as the ring member. The ring member is sandwiched between the display window member and the rotation operation portion such that the plurality of balls are received in the groove of the display window member and the groove of the rotation operation portion, and the ring member is rotatable in a peripheral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Nojima, Kenji Muratani
  • Rotational operation mechanism and music playback apparatus using the mechanism
    Publication number: 20020171626
    Abstract: A rotational operation mechanism for a DJ apparatus enables smooth rotation to be achieved using a simple configuration. A rotational operation mechanism has a base, a display window member fixed onto the base, a ring member positioned on the display window member and holding a plurality of rotatable balls, and a rotation operation portion positioned on the ring member and operated by an operator. Mutually facing surfaces of the display window member and the rotation operation portion are provided with grooves that have substantially the same diameter as the ring member. The ring member is sandwiched between the display window member and the rotation operation portion such that the plurality of balls are received in the groove of the display window member and the groove of the rotation operation portion, and the ring member is rotatable in a peripheral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Nojima, Kenji Muratani
  • Structure for supporting disc stockers in a disc changer with a manually operable release lever
    Patent number: 5608714
    Abstract: A supporting device is provided for supporting disc stockers in a case of a disc changer. Each of the disc stockers stores a plurality of discs. A lock device is mounted on each of side walls of the disc stocker. The lock device comprises a lock lever slidably mounted on the side wall and having a locking hook, and a manually operated release lever. The locking hook is provided to engage with a pin provided on the case so as to lock the disc stocker. The release lever is arranged to release the lock lever from the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Shiba, Minoru Goto, Takao Yamada, Norihisa Kato, Jun Takahashi, Kenji Okuda, Kenji Muratani