Patents by Inventor Makito Seno

Makito Seno 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: 20090126187
    Abstract: A member supporting method for supporting a member using support pins includes: an abutting step (S1) of abutting an end of each of a plurality of support pins facing a surface to be supported of the member against the member by moving the plurality of support pins in a supporting direction which is a direction in which the support pins support the member; and a fixing step (S2) of fixing the plurality of support pins in position with the end of each of the plurality of support pins abutted against the member and located along irregularities on the surface to be supported in the abutting step (S1), and thereby restricting movement of the plurality of support pins in both directions parallel to the supporting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Masayuki Kajiyama, Makito Seno, Tadashi Tanno
  • Patent number: 7222413
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for transferring boards, and a component mounting apparatus whereby a production efficiency can be improved in accordance with types of boards to be produced. For accomplishing this object, there are arranged a shift device capable of moving a mounted board from a process-finished board transfer path to an unprocessed board transfer path, a controller for controlling this moving, and an identifying device. This arrangement enables switching of a method of transferring boards in accordance with types of boards to be produced, and controlling supply of boards to the component mounting apparatus, so that production efficiency is improved in accordance with types of boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kurayasu Hamasaki, Makito Seno, Kunio Sakurai, Hiroshi Ota, Akiko Katsui, Yoshiyuki Nagai
  • Publication number: 20050077143
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for transferring boards, and a component mounting apparatus whereby a production efficiency can be improved in accordance with types of boards to be produced. For accomplishing this object, there are arranged a shift device capable of moving a mounted board from a process-finished board transfer path to an unprocessed board transfer path, a controller for controlling this moving, and an identifying device. This arrangement enables switching of a method of transferring boards in accordance with types of boards to be produced, and controlling supply of boards to the component mounting apparatus, so that production efficiency is improved in accordance with types of boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Kurayasu Hamasaki, Makito Seno, Kunio Sakurai, Hiroshi Ota, Akiko Katsui, Yoshiyuki Nagai
  • Patent number: 6836960
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for transferring boards, and a component mounting apparatus whereby a production efficiency can be improved in accordance with types of boards to be produced. For accomplishing this object, there are arranged a shift device capable of moving a mounted board from a process-finished board transfer path to an unprocessed board transfer path, a controller for controlling this moving, and an identifying device. This arrangement enables switching of a method of transferring boards in accordance with types of boards to be produced, and controlling supply of boards to the component mounting apparatus, so that production efficiency is improved in accordance with types of boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kurayasu Hamasaki, Makito Seno, Kunio Sakurai, Hiroshi Ota, Akiko Katsui, Yoshiyuki Nagai
  • Patent number: 6725532
    Abstract: A plurality of self-propelled system heads (5) are made to independently travel along a closed-loop travel track (6) in a manner that the heads do not interfere with each other by controlling respective drive devices (4). Components (2) from a component supply device (8) are held by component holding members (3) of the heads, and thereafter, the components held by the component holding members are mounted on boards (1) positioned by board positioning devices (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Okada, Seiichi Mogi, Hiroshi Ota, Hirokazu Honkawa, Makito Seno, Kunio Sakurai, Ken Takano
  • Patent number: 6691401
    Abstract: A device for mounting components using mounting heads having a plurality of suction nozzles that provide a plurality of component pickups, positions or mounting operating positions. The mounting heads are positioned on a rotating table that is cooperatively positioned adjacent a component supply table having a plurality of component feeder members. The control unit can rotate the rotating table to position a mounting head at a component supply position and further position one of the plurality of suction nozzles to a first, second and third section operating position for picking up a component from a component feeder. The relative movement of the component supply table and the positioning of first and second suction operating positions relative to our reference point where the edge of the rotating table contacts the line of movement of the component supply table can increase the pickup speed of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Hata, Shiro Oji, Shigetoshi Negishi, Makito Seno
  • Patent number: 6427313
    Abstract: When a movable member (14) is moved from a gripping position in which a circuit board (2) was gripped by the movable member (14) and a stationary member (13), a separation mechanism (7, 12) forcibly separates the circuit board from the stationary member (13), to thereby prevent the occurrence of a state in which the circuit board (2) is stuck to the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ishitani, Makito Seno
  • Publication number: 20020053132
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for transferring boards, and a component mounting apparatus whereby a production efficiency can be improved in accordance with types of boards to be produced. For accomplishing the objective, there are arranged a shift device capable of moving a mounted board from a process-finished board transfer path to an unprocessed board transfer path, a controller for controlling the moving, and further an identifying device. The arrangement enables switching the method of transferring boards in accordance with types of boards to be produced, and controlling the supply of board to the component mounting apparatus, so that the production efficiency is improved in accordance with types of boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Kurayasu Hamasaki, Makito Seno, Kunio Sakurai, Hiroshi Ota, Akiko Katsui, Yoshiyuki Nagai
  • Patent number: 6257391
    Abstract: A component feed apparatus includes a first feed table (9, 9a) loaded with a plurality of component feed cassettes (1) thereon and moving in a manner so that the first feed table can be positioned in a right-left direction as an arrangement direction of the component feed cassettes. A second feed table (10, 10a) is located at the rear of the first feed table and is loaded and arranged with a plurality of component feed cassettes (1) in the right-left direction. Also, a component transfer unit (8) which is located at the lateral side of the first feed table and moves so that the component transfer unit can be positioned in the right-left direction, thereby receiving components from the component feed cassettes on the second feed table and sending the components forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzo Nishimori, Makito Seno, Masato Tanino
  • Publication number: 20010004795
    Abstract: When a movable member (14) is moved from a gripping position in which a circuit board (2) was gripped by the movable member (14) and a stationary member (13), a separation mechanism (7, 12) forcibly separates the circuit board from the stationary member (13), to thereby prevent the occurrence of a state in which the circuit board (2) is stuck to the stationary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ishitani, Makito Seno
  • Publication number: 20010003865
    Abstract: A method for mounting components using mounting heads for which a plurality of suction or mounting operating positions are set for suction nozzles in a state where the mounting head is at rest in a component supply position or component mounting position, it being possible to select any of these operating positions, comprising a first step of selecting a component supply position or component mounting position such that the amount of movement of component feeder holding components to be mounted, or the amount of movement of the substrate to the mounting position for the next component to be mounted becomes a minimum, and moving the component feeder or substrate accordingly; and a second step of selecting a suction nozzle position corresponding to the component suction position or component mounting position in the first step, whilst the mounting head is moving towards the component suction position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: kanji Hata, Shiro Oji, Shigetoshi Negishi, Makito Seno
  • Patent number: 6206352
    Abstract: When a movable member (14) is moved from a gripping position in which a circuit board (2) was gripped by the movable member (14) and a stationary member (13), a separation mechanism (7, 12) forcibly separates the circuit board from the stationary member (13), to thereby prevent the occurrence of a state in which the circuit board (2) is stuck to the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ishitani, Makito Seno
  • Patent number: 6195878
    Abstract: A method for mounting components using mounting heads for which a plurality of suction or mounting operating positions are set for suction nozzles in a state where the mounting head is at rest in a component supply position or component mounting position, it being possible to select any of these operating positions, comprising a first step of selecting a component supply position or component mounting position such that the amount of movement of component feeder holding components to be mounted, or the amount of movement of the substrate to the mounting position for the next component to be mounted becomes a minimum, and moving the component feeder or substrate accordingly; and a second step of selecting a suction nozzle position corresponding to the component suction position or component mounting position in the first step, whilst the mounting head is moving towards the component suction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Hata, Shiro Oji, Shigetoshi Negishi, Makito Seno
  • Patent number: 6141885
    Abstract: A positioning system for a circuit board having a reference positioning hole. The positioning system has a table on which the circuit board is placed and a positioning pin unit. The positioning pin unit has a plurality of nested positioning pins, each having a different pin diameter, and a plurality of springs each supporting at least one of the plurality of nested positioning pins. The circuit board, which is placed on the table, is positioned by inserting into the reference positioning hole that positioning pin having a diameter substantially matching the diameter of the reference positioning hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ishitani, Susumu Takaichi, Makito Seno, Kiyoshi Tomita
  • Patent number: 6118240
    Abstract: A board transfer unit for transferring a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The board transfer unit has sensors for detecting the length, width, and thickness of the board. The board weight is calculated based on the detected data from the sensors. The board transfer unit also receives information on types of components mounted on the board from a machine in the previous process. Optimal acceleration and deceleration rates are selected from previously prepared data based on the board weight and the types of components mounted in the previous process. Accordingly, the board transfer unit realizes the optimal board transfer corresponding to diversifying board weight and mounting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Yasunaga, Takao Kashiwazaki, Makito Seno, Hironori Konno
  • Patent number: 5988430
    Abstract: Provided is a plurality of component supply units (A, B, C) having a component supply table (11) mounted with a plurality of component supply cassettes (1), a rail (12) which reciprocatingly movably guides and supports the component supply table, a base (22) which fixes the rail, a driving member (14) which moves in a direction in which a component determining table moves while being able to be positioned in the base, and a coupling member (13f, 13c, 13r, 16) which can releasably couple the component determining table with the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzo Nishimori, Makito Seno, Masato Tanino, Sugio Morito
  • Patent number: 5979045
    Abstract: A component feeding device (1) comprises a first feeder table (7) provided with a plurality of component supply units (6) aligned in parallel rows thereon, and arranged for movement in a direction of the parallel alignment, a second feeder table (8) provided with a plurality of component supply units (6) aligned in parallel rows thereon, and located behind the first feeder table (7), and a transfer unit (9) for receiving and conveying supplementary components from the component supply units (6) on the second feeder table (8) to a predetermined component feeding position. When a certain group of the components on the first feeder table (7) has been exhausted, their new supplies are picked up from the second feeder table (8) by the transfer unit (9), conveyed to the component feeding position, and placed on a board (5), thereby eliminating necessity for providing waiting spaces for feeder tables (7, 8) in a flow direction of boards (5) and increasing productivity with a compact arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, Ltd
    Inventors: Yuzo Nishimori, Makito Seno, Makoto Nakashima
  • Patent number: 4999909
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus which comprises at least first and second component supply assemblies mounted on respective movable tables that are mounted on a common track for movement therealong. The apparatus also comprises at least one positioning device for positioning a printed circuit board on which components are desired to be mounted; at least one component mounting unit for receiving a component at a predetermined position of the component supply assembly and mounting the component onto the support member; and a table moving mechanism which is selectively connectable with one of the first and second movable tables for driving the movable table along the common track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Eguchi, Motoshi Shitanda, Makito Seno, Wataru Hirai
  • Patent number: 4794689
    Abstract: A component mounting method, and an apparatus therefor, which includes the steps of causing a plurality of suction nozzles, supported for intermittent movement along a predetermined path in synchronism with each other, to receive electric components at a component receiving station and then to transport them towards a component mounting station, and effecting both the rectification of the position of each component in two directions perpendicular to each other and the angle adjustment of the respective component during the successive transportation of the components towards the component mounting station. Both the rectification of the position and the angle adjustment of each component are carried out while the associated suction nozzle is held still at a certain station, and electric characteristics of each component are checked during the rectification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makito Seno, Yoshihiko Misawa, Tsutomu Inukai
  • Patent number: 4763405
    Abstract: In an electronic chip placement machine with test function, there is provided a suction nozzle for holding a chip, a chip-regulation device for regulating the attitude of the chip by clamping the chip at portions having no electrodes probes for testing electrical characteristics of the chip. The tip portion of the suction nozzle is made of an insulating material such as a ceramic or a synthetic resin in order to avoid a short-circuit between electrodes of the chip through the nozzle. Therefore, the electrical characteristics of the chip can be tested without the separation between the nozzle and the chip. Furthermore, since one cycle of the operational process according to the present invention is shorter than that of the conventional operational process, it is possible to provide chip-test and placement machines whose structure is simple. As a result, productivity and durability can also be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Morita, Susumu Takaichi, Muneyoshi Fujiwara, Makito Seno, Yoshihiko Misawa