Patents by Inventor Masami Kodama

Masami Kodama 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: 7521640
    Abstract: A dial-type manipulator is used to manipulate devices mounted on an automobile, such as an air-conditioner, an audio system or a navigation system. The dial-type manipulator includes a first gear formed on an outer periphery of a dial member and a second gear engaging with the first gear. A detector such as a rotary resistor is driven by the second gear to detect a rotational position of the dial member. A position holder for holding the first gear at a predetermined reference position is provided in the manipulator. A confirmation mark such as a groove or a rib mark is formed on the front surface of the second gear. The confirmation mark is visible from a front side of the manipulator at a position along an outer periphery of a dial member when the dial member is rotated and held at the reference position, if the first gear engages with the second gear at a predetermined correct position. If the gears are not correctly engaged, the confirmation mark is located at other positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masami Kodama, Satoshi Nakazono
  • Publication number: 20070251442
    Abstract: A dial-type manipulator is used to manipulate devices mounted on an automobile, such as an air-conditioner, an audio system or a navigation system. The dial-type manipulator includes a first gear formed on an outer periphery of a dial member and a second gear engaging with the first gear. A detector such as a rotary resistor is driven by the second gear to detect a rotational position of the dial member. A position holder for holding the first gear at a predetermined reference position is provided in the manipulator. A confirmation mark such as a groove or a rib mark is formed on the front surface of the second gear. The confirmation mark is visible from a front side of the manipulator at a position along an outer periphery of a dial member when the dial member is rotated and held at the reference position, if the first gear engages with the second gear at a predetermined correct position. If the gears are not correctly engaged, the confirmation mark is located at other positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Masami Kodama, Satoshi Nakazono
  • Patent number: 5049759
    Abstract: A signal processing system employs a triangular signal generator for generating an alternating polarity triangular signal having a positive and negative peak level which is variable depending upon the pulse period of a rectangular pulse signal. A direct current voltage signal is generated to have a voltage level proportional to the amplitude of the triangular signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Atsugi Motor Parts Company, Limited
    Inventor: Masami Kodama