Patents by Inventor Koichi Kawaguchi

Koichi Kawaguchi 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: 9580582
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition for the inner liner of pneumatic tires, which has low air permeability and a small percent change in air permeability from fatigue. A thermoplastic resin composition obtained by dispersing a modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group into a polyamide resin and an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, the thermoplastic resin composition being characterized in that the ratio of the polyamide resin to the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is between 47/53 and 61/39. The percent change in air permeability of the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention when subjected 1 million times to 20% elongation strain at room temperature is 1.30 times or more. Additionally, a pneumatic tire using a film comprising the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention as an inner liner has a percent change in air leakage of 1.30 times or less at room temperature after going 70,000 km.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 9512313
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a polyamide resin and a modified rubber, in which low temperature resistance is improved. The thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the polyamide resin and the modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group is characterized in that the modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group is modified with a secondary amine. The secondary amine is preferably a compound having a structural formula: R1—NH—R2, in which R1 is a linear alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and R2 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and having a hydroxyl group, a sulfonyl group, a carbonyl group or an ether bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Yuichi Hara
  • Patent number: 9127147
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing thermoplastic resin compositions, the method comprising the step of melt-blending (A) a thermoplastic elastomer composition, obtained by dispersing (ii) an acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber in (i) an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, with (B-1) a resin composition comprising at least one resin selected from (i) unmodified polyamide resins and modified polyamide resins or (B-2) a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by dispersing (ii) an acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber in (i) at least one resin selected from unmodified polyamide resins and modified polyamide resins. Said thermoplastic elastomer composition has excellent gas barrier properties and the decrease in gas barrier properties associated with fatigue has been reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Yuichi Hara
  • Patent number: 9120927
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition having a matrix phase comprising a polyamide and an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer and a disperse phase comprising a rubber composition, by which gelation by a reaction between a polyamide and an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer can be inhibited and the dispersion of the rubber composition can be good. In the process, the polyamide resin and the rubber composition are melt-blended to the extent necessary for the rubber composition to form a disperse phase, and then the ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer is added and further melt-blended together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun Sato, Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8940835
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic elastomer composition that can be suitably used for the inner liners of pneumatic tires and exhibits high air barrier properties and high fatigue durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a thermoplastic resin composition and a rubber composition dispersed in the thermoplastic resin composition, wherein the thermoplastic resin composition comprises a polyamide and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or a poly(vinyl alcohol), the rubber composition comprises a halogenated isoolefin-p-alkylstyrene copolymer and is cross inked. The thermoplastic resin composition preferably comprises 1 to 25% by weight of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or the poly(vinyl alcohol). The thermoplastic elastomer composition preferably comprises 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin composition and 80 to 200 parts by weight of the halogenated isoolefin-p-alkylstyrene copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusaku Tomoi, Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8536271
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which a modified rubber is dispersed and filled in an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, to reduce the extrusion load during extrusion molding thereof into a film without deteriorating the low-temperature durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) and a modified rubber (B) dispersed in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A), wherein the modified rubber (B) has an acid anhydride group or epoxy group and is dynamically cross-linked by a compound (C) having at least two amino groups. This thermoplastic elastomer composition can be suitably used in the production of an inner liner of a pneumatic tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Naoyuki Morooka
  • Publication number: 20130156982
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic resin composition, comprising the steps of: (I) melt-kneading (A) acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber with (B) ethylene-vinylalcohol copolymer resin to prepare a first resin composition in which (A) acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber is dispersed in (B) ethylene-vinylalcohol copolymer resin, (II) crosslinking (C) crosslinkable elastomer while melt-kneading the crosslinkable elastomer with (D) polyamide resin to prepare a second resin composition in which crosslinked elastomer particles are dispersed in (D) polyamide resin, and (III) melt-mixing together the first resin composition with the second resin composition. The thermoplastic resin composition has excellent gas barrier properties, low-temperature durability, and fatigue resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Yuichi Hara
  • Publication number: 20130146194
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition for the inner liner of pneumatic tires, which has low air permeability and a small percent change in air permeability from fatigue. A thermoplastic resin composition obtained by dispersing a modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group into a polyamide resin and an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, the thermoplastic resin composition being characterized in that the ratio of the polyamide resin to the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is between 47/53 and 61/39. The percent change in air permeability of the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention when subjected 1 million times to 20% elongation strain at room temperature is 1.30 times or more. Additionally, a pneumatic tire using a film comprising the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention as an inner liner has a percent change in air leakage of 1.30 times or less at room temperature after going 70,000 km.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20130144010
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing thermoplastic resin compositions, the method comprising the step of melt-blending (A) a thermoplastic elastomer composition, obtained by dispersing (ii) an acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber in (i) an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, with (B-1) a resin composition comprising at least one resin selected from (i) unmodified polyamide resins and modified polyamide resins or (B-2) a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by dispersing (ii) an acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber in (i) at least one resin selected from unmodified polyamide resins and modified polyamide resins. Said thermoplastic elastomer composition has excellent gas barrier properties and the decrease in gas barrier properties associated with fatigue has been reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Yuichi Hara
  • Patent number: 8378035
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which a modified rubber is filled and dispersed in a polyamide resin matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability of the polyamide resin, to reduce the extrusion load during extrusion molding thereof into a film without deteriorating the low-temperature durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition (E) comprising a modified polyamide resin (C) and a modified rubber (D) dispersed in the modified polyamide resin (C), the modified polyamide resin (C) being a resin obtained by melt-blending an polyamide resin (A) and a compound (B) capable of reacting with a terminal amino group of a polyamide resin, wherein the modified rubber (D) has an acid anhydride group or epoxy group and is dynamically cross-linked by a compound (F) having at least one disulfide bond and at least two amino groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Naoyuki Morooka
  • Publication number: 20130025757
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic elastomer composition that can be suitably used for the inner liners of pneumatic tires and exhibits high air barrier properties and high fatigue durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a thermoplastic resin composition and a rubber composition dispersed in the thermoplastic resin composition, wherein the thermoplastic resin composition comprises a polyamide and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or a poly(vinyl alcohol), the rubber composition comprises a halogenated isoolefin-p-alkylstyrene copolymer and is cross inked. The thermoplastic resin composition preferably comprises 1 to 25% by weight of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or the poly(vinyl alcohol). The thermoplastic elastomer composition preferably comprises 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin composition and 80 to 200 parts by weight of the halogenated isoolefin-p-alkylstyrene copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusaku Tomoi, Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120301652
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a polyamide resin and a modified rubber, in which low temperature resistance is improved. The thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the polyamide resin and the modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group is characterized in that the modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group is modified with a secondary amine. The secondary amine is preferably a compound having a structural formula: R1—NH—R2, in which R1 is a linear alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and R2 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and having a hydroxyl group, a sulfonyl group, a carbonyl group or an ether bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Yuichi Hara
  • Publication number: 20120214943
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition having a matrix phase comprising a polyamide and an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer and a disperse phase comprising a rubber composition, by which gelation by a reaction between a polyamide and an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer can be inhibited and the dispersion of the rubber composition can be good. In the process, the polyamide resin and the rubber composition are melt-blended to the extent necessary for the rubber composition to form a disperse phase, and then the ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer is added and further melt-blended together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun Sato, Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20110028651
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which a modified rubber is filled and dispersed in a polyamide resin matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability of the polyamide resin, to reduce the extrusion load during extrusion molding thereof into a film without deteriorating the low-temperature durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition (E) comprising a modified polyamide resin (C) and a modified rubber (D) dispersed in the modified polyamide resin (C), the modified polyamide resin (C) being a resin obtained by melt-blending an polyamide resin (A) and a compound (B) capable of reacting with a terminal amino group of a polyamide resin, wherein the modified rubber (D) has an acid anhydride group or epoxy group and is dynamically cross-linked by a compound (F) having at least one disulfide bond and at least two amino groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kawaguchi, Naoyuki Morooka
  • Publication number: 20110028648
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which a modified rubber is dispersed and filled in an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, to reduce the extrusion load during extrusion molding thereof into a film without deteriorating the low-temperature durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) and a modified rubber (B) dispersed in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A), wherein the modified rubber (B) has an acid anhydride group or epoxy group and is dynamically cross-linked by a compound (C) having at least two amino groups. This thermoplastic elastomer composition can be suitably used in the production of an inner liner of a pneumatic tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi KAWAGUCHI, Naoyuki MOROOKA
  • Patent number: 7413397
    Abstract: A work vehicle with a front loader is disclosed. The work vehicle includes a traveling control section having an operator's seat, a hood provided forwardly of the traveling control section, a pair of masts provided on right and left sides of the hood, a pair of booms projecting forwardly from upper ends of the masts and an implement detachably connected to the booms. An upper face of the hood is inclined downwardly from its rear upper portion to its front upper portion. The inclined upper face is located adjacent a downward line of sight from an operator's space in the traveling control section to a connecting portion between each boom and the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Muramoto, Arinobu Ishida, Masataka Takagi, Masayuki Nakano, Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 7300241
    Abstract: An attachment construction for attaching a front loader having booms to a front of a tractor vehicle body is disclosed. The construction includes a pair of support tables projecting from the front portion of the tractor body to the right and left outer sides thereof, an engine constituting the vehicle body being disposed forwardly of the support tables, a front axle frame being secured to right and left sides of the engine, a pair of main frames disposed erect on the respective support tables for supporting the booms, and a pair of attaching brackets secured to right/left inner ends of the respective support tables for attaching the support tables to the vehicle body. Each attaching bracket includes a front attaching portion secured to the front axle frame and a rear attaching portion projecting rearwardly of the support table associated therewith and secured to a fore-and-aft intermediate portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Fukudome, Koichi Kawaguchi, Kiyokazu Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20060073003
    Abstract: An attachment construction for attaching a front loader having booms to a front of a tractor vehicle body is disclosed. The construction includes a pair of support tables projecting from the front portion of the tractor body to the right and left outer sides thereof, an engine constituting the vehicle body being disposed forwardly of the support tables, a front axle frame being secured to right and left sides of the engine, a pair of main frames disposed erect on the respective support tables for supporting the booms, and a pair of attaching brackets secured to right/left inner ends of the respective support tables for attaching the support tables to the vehicle body. Each attaching bracket includes a front attaching portion secured to the front axle frame and a rear attaching portion projecting rearwardly of the support table associated therewith and secured to a fore-and-aft intermediate portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Fukudome, Koichi Kawaguchi, Kiyokazu Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20060045716
    Abstract: A work vehicle with a front loader is disclosed. The work vehicle includes a traveling control section having an operator's seat, a hood provided forwardly of the traveling control section, a pair of masts provided on right and left sides of the hood, a pair of booms projecting forwardly from upper ends of the masts and an implement detachably connected to the booms. An upper face of the hood is inclined downwardly from its rear upper portion to its front upper portion. The inclined upper face is located adjacent a downward line of sight from an operator's space in the traveling control section to a connecting portion between each boom and the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya Muramoto, Arinobu Ishida, Masataka Takagi, Masayuki Nakano, Koichi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6530741
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle with a loader comprises a vehicle body extending in a fore and aft direction of the vehicle; support bases extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the vehicle body; main frames erected on the support bases, respectively, each main frame being in form of a box opening forward and upward and including right and left side walls and a rear wall, the box containing an engageable element; side frames each mounted in the box, each side frame having an engaging element disposed in a lower region thereof for rotatably fitting from above on the engageable element; booms pivotably connected to upper end regions of the side frames, respectively; boom cylinders for swinging the booms relative to the side frames, respectively; and reinforcing members each disposed between the right and left side walls of one of the main frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Kourogi, Masami Hirooka, Koichi Kawaguchi