Patents by Inventor Kensuke Niwa

Kensuke Niwa 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: 11781511
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a flange unit and a pump unit. The flange unit includes a flange main body for closing an opening formed in an upper wall of a fuel tank. The pump unit includes a joint member that is connected to the flange main body so that both components may be movable relative to each other in the vertical direction. The interval in the vertical direction between the flange main body and the joint member is restricted from going below a minimum vertical interval. The minimum interval occurs when a stand-off portion provided as part of the flange main body and a connecting plate portion provided as part of the joint member come into mutual contact with each other and abut each other in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignees: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensuke Niwa, Koji Yoshida, Akira Iida, Shinya Higashi, Morihiro Takemura, Hiroyasu Kariya, Tatsuki Fukui, Takuhito Fujiwara, Takeaki Morizono, Takehiro Yamauchi, Ryosuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11624344
    Abstract: A fuel supply device is insertable into a fuel tank through an opening formed in an upper wall of the fuel tank in an insertion direction. The fuel supply device includes a flange unit and a pump unit coupled to the flange unit. The pump unit includes a guide member extending in the insertion direction. The guide member is configured to abut on an opening periphery so as to guide the pump unit when the pump unit is inserted into the fuel tank. A guide surface of the guide member includes a concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Syuhei Noguchi, Koji Yoshida, Satoshi Ito, Kensuke Niwa
  • Patent number: 11619199
    Abstract: A cover for a fuel tank includes a flange unit configured to close an opening of the fuel tank and a joint member movably coupled to the flange unit. The joint member is configured to move in an upward/downward direction relative to the flange unit. Two side tubular portions extend from the flange unit in the upward/downward direction and are positioned side-by-side. Column portions extend in the upward/downward direction from the joint member. The column portions are moveably disposed in the side tubular portions. The column portions are configured to move in the upward/downward direction relative to the side tubular portions. The side tubular portions are connected to each other via a rear side wall and a front side wall of a center tubular portion disposed between the side tubular portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Ito, Koji Yoshida, Takashi Kanie, Kensuke Niwa
  • Patent number: 11511621
    Abstract: A fuel tank unit includes a lid member configured to close an opening formed on a fuel tank. The fuel tank also includes an upper unit attached to the lid member and including a combination valve device configured to be introduced into the fuel tank via the opening formed on the fuel tank and configured to function as an evaporated fuel control valve and a full limit valve. The lid member includes a cylindrical protective case configured to protect the combination valve device of the upper unit when the combination valve device is introduced into the fuel tank via the opening. The protective case is configured to entirely enclose an outer circumferential surface of the combination valve device with a space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Noba, Kensuke Niwa, Tetsumasa Kawakami
  • Patent number: 11174824
    Abstract: A fuel tank cover (150) is provided with a flange unit (22) closing an opening of a fuel tank, and a joint member (24) configured to be connected to the flange unit (22) movably in the upward/downward direction. The flange unit (22) includes a side tubular portion (43) extending in the upward/downward direction. The joint member (24) includes a columnar portion (160) extending in the upward/downward direction. The columnar portion (160) is inserted into the side tubular portion (43) movably in the upward/downward direction. A metal retainer (162) is provided to cover an outer circumferential surface of the columnar portion (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Ito, Koji Yoshida, Kensuke Niwa, Shuhei Noguchi
  • Patent number: 11168655
    Abstract: A fuel filter device includes a bag-shaped filter member filtering fuel that is drawn into a fuel pump, an inner frame member retaining the filter member in an expanded state, and a mounting member connected to the inner frame member and serving to communicate an internal space of the filter member with an outside. A valve chamber is defined by the inner frame member and the mounting member, and a check valve serving to prevent backflow of fuel is disposed in the valve chamber. The check valve includes a flat-plate shaped valve body having elasticity. The check valve opens against its weight when the fuel pump is operated, and the check valve closes due to its weight when the operation of the fuel pump is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensuke Niwa, Koji Yoshida, Tatsuki Fukui, Hiroyasu Kariya
  • Patent number: 11118549
    Abstract: A cover for a fuel tank includes a flange unit configured to close an opening of the fuel tank and a joint member connected to the flange unit. The joint member is movable in an upward/downward direction. The flange unit includes a side tubular portion extending in the upward/downward direction. The joint member includes a support column portion extending in the upward/downward direction. The support column portion is movably disposed in the side tubular portion so as to be movable in the upward/downward direction. The support column portion is connected to the side tubular portion by a snap-fit so as to be movable and suspendable in the upward/downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Ito, Koji Yoshida, Kensuke Niwa, Masashi Go, Takashi Kanie
  • Patent number: 11098684
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a fuel pump, a pump case, a cap, an O-ring, and a connection assembly. The pump case includes a case main body configured to receive the fuel pump and a discharge port connector. The cap includes a suction port connector. The O-ring is interposed between a fuel discharge port of the fuel pump and discharge port connector. The connection assembly includes a plurality of engagement projections and a plurality of engagement pieces configured to mate and engage with the engagement projections. The fuel discharge port of the fuel pump is configured to reach the O-ring coupled to the discharge port connector of the pump case simultaneous with the engagement between the engagement projections and the engagement pieces when the fuel suction port of the fuel pump and the suction port connector of the cap are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Morihiro Takemura, Koji Yoshida, Kensuke Niwa, Satoshi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20210115885
    Abstract: A fuel supply device is insertable into a fuel tank through an opening formed in an upper wall of the fuel tank in an insertion direction. The fuel supply device includes a flange unit and a pump unit coupled to the flange unit. The pump unit includes a guide member extending in the insertion direction. The guide member is configured to abut on an opening periphery so as to guide the pump unit when the pump unit is inserted into the fuel tank. A guide surface of the guide member includes a concave surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Syuhei NOGUCHI, Koji YOSHIDA, Satoshi ITO, Kensuke NIWA
  • Publication number: 20210061090
    Abstract: A fuel tank unit includes a lid member configured to close an opening formed on a fuel tank. The fuel tank also includes an upper unit attached to the lid member and including a combination valve device configured to be introduced into the fuel tank via the opening formed on the fuel tank and configured to function as an evaporated fuel control valve and a full limit valve. The lid member includes a cylindrical protective case configured to protect the combination valve device of the upper unit when the combination valve device is introduced into the fuel tank via the opening. The protective case is configured to entirely enclose an outer circumferential surface of the combination valve device with a space therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi NOBA, Kensuke NIWA, Tetsumasa KAWAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20210033051
    Abstract: A cover for a fuel tank includes a flange unit configured to close an opening of the fuel tank and a joint member movably coupled to the flange unit. The joint member is configured to move in an upward/downward direction relative to the flange unit. Two side tubular portions extend from the flange unit in the upward/downward direction and are positioned side-by-side. Column portions extend in the upward/downward direction from the joint member. The column portions are moveably disposed in the side tubular portions. The column portions are configured to move in the upward/downward direction relative to the side tubular portions. The side tubular portions are connected to each other via a rear side wall and a front side wall of a center tubular portion disposed between the side tubular portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi ITO, Koji YOSHIDA, Takashi KANIE, Kensuke NIWA
  • Patent number: 10907593
    Abstract: When a fuel tank is inclined at a negative slope and tilted to the right side, it may be tilted such that a position of a mesh member is relatively higher than a position of a vapor outlet of a vapor outlet passage. In this case, air may enter into a leak passage from an outlet port such that interfacial tension is generated in the mesh member. The interface between fuel and air is present at the mesh member, and the interfacial tension generated at the interface serves to prevent air from entering into a discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Higashi, Koji Yoshida, Kensuke Niwa, Hiroyasu Kariya, Morihiro Takemura, Tatsuki Fukui, Akira Iida, Takuhito Fujiwara, Takeaki Morizono, Takehiro Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20210025360
    Abstract: A cover for a fuel tank includes a flange unit configured to close an opening of the fuel tank and a joint member connected to the flange unit . The joint member is movable in an upward/downward direction. The flange unit includes a side tubular portion extending in the upward/downward direction . The joint member includes a support column portion extending in the upward/downward direction . The support column portion is movably disposed in the side tubular portion so as to be movable in the upward/downward direction. The support column portion is connected to the side tubular portion by a snap-fit so as to be movable and suspendable in the upward/downward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi ITO, Koji YOSHIDA, Kensuke NIWA, Masashi GO, Takashi KANIE
  • Publication number: 20210025361
    Abstract: A fuel tank cover (150) is provided with a flange unit (22) closing an opening of a fuel tank, and a joint member (24) configured to be connected to the flange unit (22) movably in the upward/downward direction. The flange unit (22) includes a side tubular portion (43) extending in the upward/downward direction. The joint member (24) includes a columnar portion (160) extending in the upward/downward direction. The columnar portion (160) is inserted into the side tubular portion (43) movably in the upward/downward direction. A metal retainer (162) is provided to cover an outer circumferential surface of the columnar portion (160).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi ITO, Koji YOSHIDA, Kensuke NIWA, Shuhei NOGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20210025362
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a fuel pump, a pump case, a cap, an O-ring, and a connection assembly. The pump case includes a case main body configured to receive the fuel pump and a discharge port connector. The cap includes a suction port connector. The O-ring is interposed between a fuel discharge port of the fuel pump and discharge port connector. The connection assembly includes a plurality of engagement projections and a plurality of engagement pieces configured to mate and engage with the engagement projections. The fuel discharge port of the fuel pump is configured to reach the O-ring coupled to the discharge port connector of the pump case simultaneous with the engagement between the engagement projections and the engagement pieces when the fuel suction port of the fuel pump and the suction port connector of the cap are connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Morihiro TAKEMURA, Koji YOSHIDA, Kensuke NIWA, Satoshi NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 10850606
    Abstract: A flange main body as a cover member for a fuel tank includes a cover plate for closing an opening of the fuel tank, an accommodating tubular portion formed as part of the cover plate so as to extend through the plate in a plate thickness direction, and a rib formed at the cover plate. The accommodating tubular portion and the rib are formed to be non-contiguous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kensuke Niwa, Koji Yoshida, Akira Iida, Shinya Higashi, Morihiro Takemura, Hiroyasu Kariya, Tatsuki Fukui, Takuhito Fujiwara, Takeaki Morizono, Takehiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 10788137
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve includes a casing, a holder, a fixed valve, a movable valve, a spring member, a diaphragm, and a filter. The filter is configured to filter fluid flowing from a flow inlet of the casing into a pressure chamber. The filter includes a filtering part for filtering fluid and a holding part including a frame part for holding an outer periphery of the filtering part. An alignment structure configured to align the holding part at a predetermined position is provided between the holding part of the filter and the holder, or between the holding part of the filter and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Higashi, Koji Yoshida, Toshiaki Akamatsu, Yuji Yamashita, Satoshi Nakamura, Kensuke Niwa
  • Patent number: 10711748
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a fuel pump for delivering fuel within the fuel tank to the outside and a sub-tank having a temporary storage region capable of temporarily storing the fuel. The sub-tank includes an inflow opening to allow the fuel to flow into the sub-tank under its own weight. The temporary storage region includes a top part positioned above the inflow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kensuke Niwa, Koji Yoshida, Tatsuki Fukui, Hiroyasu Kariya
  • Patent number: 10648435
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a pump unit with a fuel pump that has a rotary body rotating about a rotary shaft and a load receiving portion, configured to receive the load of the pump unit. A connecting portion is provided for connecting the pump unit to the load receiving portion such that the pump unit is suspended by the load receiving portion. The connecting portion is disposed so as to extend across a virtual plane which is perpendicular to the rotary shaft for the rotary body of the fuel pump and passes through the center of gravity of the pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensuke Niwa, Koji Yoshida, Takayuki Usui, Yuichi Murakoshi, Yoshiki Kamio
  • Patent number: 10544762
    Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a flange unit configured to be attached to an upper wall of a fuel tank to close an opening of the fuel tank, a pump unit configured to be disposed within the fuel tank, and a coupling mechanism moveably coupling the pump unit to the flange unit in a vertically slidable manner. The coupling mechanism includes a fixed-side rail member having a rail portion extending vertically from the flange unit, and a movable-side rail member having a channel-groove shaped rail groove extending from the pump unit. The channel-groove shaped rail groove is slidably engaged with the rail portion of the fixed-side rail member. A recess having a semi-circular cross section is formed at a corner of the rail groove of the movable-side rail member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuki Fukui, Koji Yoshida, Akira Iida, Shinya Higashi, Morihiro Takemura, Hiroyasu Kariya, Takeaki Morizono, Takuhito Fujiwara, Kensuke Niwa, Takehiro Yamauchi