Patents by Inventor Kenji Shirai

Kenji Shirai 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: 9223060
    Abstract: Provided is an optical layered body having excellent antistatic property and optical properties. An optical layered body including a light-transmitting substrate and a hard coat layer on at least one surface of the light-transmitting substrate, wherein the hard coat layer contains antimony pentoxide and a urethane resin, and the antimony pentoxide is dispersed in the hard coat layer while forming a three-dimensional net structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Horio, Kenji Shirai
  • Patent number: 8939456
    Abstract: A mounting system used for connecting an automated running board (ARB) assembly to a vehicle. The mounting system includes a rocker stay, at least one rocker attach bracket connected to the rocker stay, and a bridge bracket. The bridge bracket is connected to an automated running board assembly, and the rocker stay is connected to the bridge bracket. The rocker stay is attached to a rocker molding of the vehicle, and the bridge bracket is attached to an outer door sill of the vehicle and the automated running board assembly, securing the mounting system to the vehicle, and the automated running board assembly to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: James Walter Shelswell, Sackda Samatchai, Kenji Shirai
  • Publication number: 20140071528
    Abstract: Provided is an optical layered body having excellent antistatic property and optical properties. An optical layered body including a light-transmitting substrate and a hard coat layer on at least one surface of the light-transmitting substrate, wherein the hard coat layer contains antimony pentoxide and a urethane resin, and the antimony pentoxide is dispersed in the hard coat layer while forming a three-dimensional net structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Horio, Kenji Shirai
  • Patent number: 8355203
    Abstract: An optical functional film which exhibits excellent optical characteristics without using an alignment film, and having the excellent adhesion property between layers. The optical functional film includes: a substrate having a property as an optically negative C-plate, and an optical functional layer formed on the substrate and having a rodlike compound. The optical functional layer is formed directly on the substrate, and the rodlike compound forms a random homogeneous alignment in the optical functional layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Kashima, Kenji Shirai, Takashi Kuroda, Takeshi Haritani
  • Patent number: 8124198
    Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable biaxial retardation film without the problems of peeling off of the retardation layer from the base material or the like generated in the case of forming the retardation layer, capable of enlarging the range of the thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values to be obtained, easily obtaining optional thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values even for a small amount, a method for producing the same, an optical functional film using the retardation layer, a polarizing film and a display device. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an optically biaxial retardation film, comprising a polymer film containing a material having refractive index anisotropy, wherein the material having refractive index anisotropy has a concentration gradient in a thickness direction of the polymer film, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Kashima, Takeshi Haritani, Kenji Shirai
  • Patent number: 8064136
    Abstract: An optical functional film which exhibits excellent optical characteristics without using an alignment film, and having the excellent adhesion property between layers. The optical functional film includes: a substrate having a property as an optically negative C-plate, and an optical functional layer formed on the substrate and having a rodlike compound. The optical functional layer is formed directly on the substrate, and the rodlike compound forms a random homogeneous alignment in the optical functional layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Kashima, Kenji Shirai, Takashi Kuroda, Takeshi Haritani
  • Publication number: 20110253932
    Abstract: An optical functional film which exhibits excellent optical characteristics without using an alignment film, and having the excellent adhesion property between layers. The optical functional film includes: a substrate having a property as an optically negative C-plate, and an optical functional layer formed on the substrate and having a rodlike compound. The optical functional layer is formed directly on the substrate, and the rodlike compound forms a random homogeneous alignment in the optical functional layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji KASHIMA, Kenji SHIRAI, Takashi KURODA, Takeshi HARITANI
  • Publication number: 20100159158
    Abstract: An optical functional film exhibiting optical biaxiality which has a high degree of freedom in optical characteristics design. The optical functional film which exhibits optical biaxiality and includes: a substrate; and an optical functional layer formed on the substrate and having a rodlike compound. The rodlike compound forms irregular-random homogeneous alignment in the optical functional layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Takayuki Shibata, Keiji Kashima, Shoji Takeshige, Kenji Shirai, Takeshi Haritani, Yusuke Hiruma, Runa Nakamura, Hiroki Nakagawa, Masanori Fukuda, Takashi Kuroda, Yuya Inomata
  • Publication number: 20100149638
    Abstract: An optical functional film which exhibits excellent optical characteristics without using an alignment film, and having the excellent adhesion property between layers. The optical functional film includes: a substrate having a property as an optically negative C-plate, and an optical functional layer formed on the substrate and having a rodlike compound. The optical functional layer is formed directly on the substrate, and the rodlike compound forms a random homogeneous alignment in the optical functional layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Keiji Kashima, Kenji Shirai, Takashi Kuroda, Takeshi Haritani
  • Publication number: 20070128430
    Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a retardation layer forming coating solution capable of forming a retardation layer showing the property as the optically negative C plate on an optional substrate. To achieve the object, the invention provides a retardation layer forming coating solution used for forming a retardation layer showing the property as the optically negative C plate, comprising a resin having the optical isotropy, a rodlike compound having the refractive index anisotropy, and a solvent for dissolving the resin and the rodlike compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Kenji Shirai, Keiji Kashima
  • Publication number: 20070042189
    Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable retardation film without the problems of peeling off of the retardation layer from the base material or the like generated in the case of forming the retardation layer, capable of easily obtaining an optional retardation value even for a small amount, and capable of improving the adhering property with a hydrophilic film such as a polarizing layer. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a retardation film, comprising a polymer film containing a material having refractive index anisotropy, wherein the material having refractive index anisotropy has a concentration gradient in a thickness direction of the polymer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Kenji Shirai, Keiji Kashima, Takashi Kuroda, Takeshi Haritani
  • Publication number: 20070036918
    Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable biaxial retardation film without the problems of peeling off of the retardation layer from the base material or the like generated in the case of forming the retardation layer, capable of enlarging the range of the thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values to be obtained, easily obtaining optional thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values even for a small amount, a method for producing the same, an optical functional film using the retardation layer, a polarizing film and a display device. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an optically biaxial retardation film, comprising a polymer film containing a material having refractive index anisotropy, wherein the material having refractive index anisotropy has a concentration gradient in a thickness direction of the polymer film, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Keiji Kashima, Takeshi Haritani, Kenji Shirai
  • Patent number: 7137958
    Abstract: According to a human spinal column measuring and displaying system of the invention, a probe is pinched between the second finger and the third finger of a measuring person, front ends of the fingers are moved from the first thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra of the spinal column of a measured subject, detaching amounts from reference positions in X, Y and Z directions are detected by three-dimensionally moving the front ends of the fingers. Based on measured data, positions of displaying the vertebrae in correspondence with positions of coordinates in X direction, Y direction and Z direction of the respective vertebrae are moved and a three-dimensional image of the spinal column of the measured subject is generated and the image of the spinal column is displayed on a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nihon University
    Inventors: Masaru Wada, Sadao Omata, Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Kenji Shirai
  • Publication number: 20060105115
    Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable biaxial retardation film without the problems of peeling off of the retardation layer from the base material or the like generated in the case of forming the retardation layer, capable of enlarging the range of the thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values to be obtained, easily obtaining optional thickness direction and in-plane direction retardation values even for a small amount, a method for producing the same, an optical functional film using the retardation layer, a polarizing film and a display device. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an optically biaxial retardation film, comprising a polymer film containing a material having refractive index anisotropy, wherein the material having refractive index anisotropy has a concentration gradient in a thickness direction of the polymer film, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Keiji Kashima, Takeshi Haritani, Kenji Shirai
  • Publication number: 20060073326
    Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a retardation film capable of easily obtaining an optional retardation value even for a small amount without problems, of peeling off of the retardation layer from the base material or the like, generated in a case of forming the retardation layer. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a retardation film, wherein a material having refractive index anisotropy is contained in a polymer film, and the material having refractive index anisotropy has a concentration gradient in a thickness direction of the polymer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Kenji Shirai, Takashi Kuroda, Keiji Kashima
  • Publication number: 20060073340
    Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable retardation film without the problems of peeling off of the retardation layer from the base material or the like generated in the case of forming the retardation layer, capable of easily obtaining an optional retardation value even for a small amount, and capable of improving the adhering property with a hydrophilic film such as a polarizing layer. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a retardation film, comprising a polymer film containing a material having refractive index anisotropy, wherein the material having refractive index anisotropy has a concentration gradient in a thickness direction of the polymer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Kenji Shirai, Keiji Kashima, Takashi Kuroda, Takeshi Haritani
  • Publication number: 20050020942
    Abstract: According to a human spinal column measuring and displaying system 1 of the invention, a probe 3 is pinched between the second finger and the third finger of a measuring person, front ends of the fingers are moved from the first thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra of the spinal column of a measured subject, detaching amounts from reference positions in X, Y and Z directions are detected by three-dimensionally moving the front ends of the fingers, converted data storing means stores the detaching amounts detected by the probe as respective values of measured data in X-axis direction, Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction, gender and height of the measured subject is inputted by an input apparatus, when from a basic diagram data 15 stored with an average size and a basic shape of each of the vertebrae constituting the spinal column of the human body by the gender and the height of the measured subject, in accordance with the gender and the height of the measured subject inputted by the input apparatu
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Masaru Wada, Sadao Omata, Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Kenji Shirai
  • Patent number: 6457320
    Abstract: An air conditioner which can be installed easily at a corner of a room is presented. This is an air conditioner which can be installed at a corner between a first wall and a second wall of a room. It has a frame body having an upper part, a lower part, and side parts, a blower for circulating air, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the air, an air diffuser for blowing out the air into the room, a space positioned at an edge of the corner, and a piping connected to the heat exchanger. The connection port of the piping is placed at least at one of (a) a position projecting into the space and (b) a place near the space. This is an installation tool for installing an air conditioner main body having a first side surface and a second side surface at a corner of a first wall and a second wall of a room. The tool includes a first installation board having a first base part and a first stopping part, and a second installation board having a second base part and a second stopping part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishikawa, Hirozumi Ito, Hiroharu Kurisutani, Yasuhiro Nakamura, Kenji Shirai
  • Patent number: 6425643
    Abstract: An electrically operated braking system of a motor vehicle, including a brake having a friction member movable to be forced onto a rotor rotating with a vehicle wheel and thereby braking the wheel. The friction member is forced onto the rotor by an electric motor operated by an electric power supplied from an electric power source. A controller determines an amount of the electric power to be supplied to the motor, depending upon an operating amount of the brake operating member, and a relationship estimated by a relationship estimating and utilizing device. The relationship estimating and utilizing device obtains an actual value of the electric power supplied to the motor during operation of the brake while the vehicle is running, and an actual value of a braking torque applied from the brake to the wheel during the brake operation, and estimate a relationship between the electric power to be supplied to the wheel on the basis of the actual values obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Shirai, Yasunori Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6412297
    Abstract: An air conditioner which can be installed easily at a corner of a room is presented. This is an air conditioner which can be installed at a corner between a first wall and a second wall of a room. It has a frame body having an upper part, a lower part, and side parts, a blower for circulating air, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the air, an air diffuser for blowing out the air into the room, a space positioned at an edge of the corner, and a piping connected to the heat exchanger. The connection port of the piping is placed at least at one of (a) a position projecting into the space and (b) a place near the space. This is an installation tool for installing an air conditioner main body having a first side surface and a second side surface at a corner of a first wall and a second wall of a room. The tool includes a first installation board having a first base part and a first stopping part, and a second installation board having a second base part and a second stopping part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishikawa, Hirozumi Ito, Hiroharu Kurisutani, Yasuhiro Nakamura, Kenji Shirai