Patents by Inventor Masamichi Ando

Masamichi Ando 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: 11946172
    Abstract: An antibacterial twisted yarn including a first fiber and a second fiber having a shorter length than the first fiber and twisted together with the first fiber, wherein at least one of the first fiber and the second fiber includes a piezoelectric fiber that generates a charge by application of external energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Kanematsu, Masayuki Tsuji, Kenichiro Takumi, Masamichi Ando
  • Publication number: 20240063793
    Abstract: A detection device includes a panel having opposed main surfaces including an operation surface and a rear surface. A support structure is located on at least one of the main surfaces and prevents warping of the panel while permitting the operation surface to be deformed in response to a pressing operation applied to the operation surface. A sensor for sensing the pressing operation applied to the operation surface is provided on one of the main surfaces at a location where at least a portion of the sensor does not overlap the support structure in plan view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Kenichi MORI, Masamichi ANDO
  • Patent number: 11877516
    Abstract: A displacement sensor having a rectangular shaped elastic member. A piezoelectric element is attached to a first main face of the elastic member. The piezoelectric element has a rectangular-shaped piezoelectric sheet and electrodes on both main faces of the piezoelectric sheet. The piezoelectric sheet is made of poly-L-lactic acid and is at least uniaxially-stretched. The piezoelectric element is attached so that the uniaxial-stretching direction of the piezoelectric sheet is 45° relative to a long-side direction of the elastic member. When the elastic member is bent along the long-side direction, the piezoelectric sheet is stretched along the long-side direction, and the piezoelectric element generates voltage of predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Hideki Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20240001269
    Abstract: An antibacterial mask that includes a filter portion having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer includes a plurality of first piezoelectric yarns that generate at least a first charge by stretching, and the second layer is formed of an ordinary cloth and positioned on a user side of the antibacterial mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Takafumi INOUE, Kenichiro TAKUMI, Daiji TAMAKURA, Masamichi ANDO
  • Patent number: 11847289
    Abstract: A pressing sensor is provided that generates an output voltage of a first polarity by deforming with an operation plate when a part of a user's body touches the operation plate, and generates the output voltage of a second polarity by deforming with the operation plate when the part of the user's body is moved away from the operation plate. Moreover, a calculation unit calculates an electrical parameter integral value by time-integrating an electrical parameter that changes with the output voltage generated by the pressing sensor. The electrical parameter has a third polarity when the output voltage has the first polarity and has a fourth polarity when the output voltage has the second polarity. The calculation unit calculates a subtraction electrical parameter integral value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value having the third polarity per unit time from the electrical parameter integral value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Takashi Kihara, Hidekazu Kano, Yuuki Tachibana
  • Patent number: 11831308
    Abstract: A detection device includes a panel having opposed main surfaces including an operation surface and a rear surface. A support structure is located on at least one of the main surfaces and prevents warping of the panel while permitting the operation surface to be deformed in response to a pressing operation applied to the operation surface. A sensor for sensing the pressing operation applied to the operation surface is provided on one of the main surfaces at a location where at least a portion of the sensor does not overlap the support structure in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Mori, Masamichi Ando
  • Patent number: 11747222
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a deformation detection sensor that includes: preparing a plurality of thermoplastic resin layers, at least one of which has a main surface on which a conductive member is formed; laminating the plurality of thermoplastic resin layers; after lamination, integrally forming the plurality of thermoplastic resin layers by hot pressing to obtain a laminated body configured so that a transmission line is formed from a first portion of the conductive member and the laminated body; and attaching a piezoelectric film to the laminated body so that a piezoelectric element is formed from a second portion of the conductive member, the laminated body, and the piezoelectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kihara, Jun Endo, Masamichi Ando
  • Patent number: 11739446
    Abstract: A piezoelectric thread that includes a core thread; and a piezoelectric film wound around the core thread. The piezoelectric thread is constructed to generate a charge by energy imparted from outside of the piezoelectric thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Satoshi Ishino
  • Patent number: 11723279
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a piezoelectric substrate which includes a first piezoelectric body having an elongated shape and helically wound in one direction, and which does not include a core material, in which the first piezoelectric body includes a helical chiral polymer (A) having an optical activity; in which the length direction of the first piezoelectric body is substantially parallel to the main direction of orientation of the helical chiral polymer (A) included in the first piezoelectric body; and in which the first piezoelectric body has a degree of orientation F, as measured by X-ray diffraction according to the following Equation (a), within the range of 0.5 or more but less than 1.0: degree of orientation F=(180°??)/180°??(a) (in which ? represents the half-value width of the peak derived from the orientation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC., MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsunobu Yoshida, Kazuhiro Tanimoto, Katsuki Onishi, Shigeo Nishikawa, Masamichi Ando
  • Patent number: 11709176
    Abstract: A rotation operation detection mechanism that includes a housing, an operation surface disposed on a first main surface of the housing, operation units formed integrally with the housing and protruding on the operation surface side, and a sensor that detects a stress generated in the housing when the operation units are rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Mori, Masamichi Ando, Hiroo Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20230128599
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a deformation detection sensor that includes: preparing a plurality of thermoplastic resin layers, at least one of which has a main surface on which a conductive member is formed; laminating the plurality of thermoplastic resin layers; after lamination, integrally forming the plurality of thermoplastic resin layers by hot pressing to obtain a laminated body configured so that a transmission line is formed from a first portion of the conductive member and the laminated body; and attaching a piezoelectric film to the laminated body so that a piezoelectric element is formed from a second portion of the conductive member, the laminated body, and the piezoelectric film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Takashi KIHARA, Jun ENDO, Masamichi ANDO
  • Patent number: 11566953
    Abstract: A deformation detection sensor that includes a conductive member, a plurality of thermoplastic resin layers, and a piezoelectric film. At least one of the thermoplastic resin layers has a main surface, and the conductive member is formed on the main surface thereof. The plurality of thermoplastic resin layers are laminated and integrally formed by hot pressing into a laminated body. A transmission line is formed form a first portion of the conductive member and the thermoplastic resin in the laminated body. The piezoelectric film is attached to the laminated body to form a piezoelectric element made of a second portion of the conductive member, the thermoplastic resin in the laminated body, and the piezoelectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kihara, Jun Endo, Masamichi Ando
  • Publication number: 20220393097
    Abstract: A displacement sensor having a rectangular shaped elastic member. A piezoelectric element is attached to a first main face of the elastic member. The piezoelectric element has a rectangular-shaped piezoelectric sheet and electrodes on both main faces of the piezoelectric sheet. The piezoelectric sheet is made of poly-L-lactic acid and is at least uniaxially-stretched. The piezoelectric element is attached so that the uniaxial-stretching direction of the piezoelectric sheet is 45° relative to a long-side direction of the elastic member. When the elastic member is bent along the long-side direction, the piezoelectric sheet is stretched along the long-side direction, and the piezoelectric element generates voltage of predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Masamichi ANDO, Hideki KAWAMURA
  • Publication number: 20220373327
    Abstract: An input includes a first electrode and a first deformation portion. An output includes a second electrode and a second deformation portion. A transmission portion enables transmission of an elastic wave from the first deformation portion to the transmission portion and transmission of an elastic wave from the transmission portion to the second deformation portion. In operation, an input signal is input to the first electrode that deforms the first deformation portion to generate an elastic wave. The transmission portion transmits the elastic wave from the first deformation portion to the second deformation portion that is deformed by the elastic wave to generate an output signal to the second electrode. The detection unit detects a deformation amount from the reference state of the transmission portion based on the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Masamichi ANDO, Kenichi MORI
  • Publication number: 20220365630
    Abstract: A pressing sensor is provided that generates an output voltage of a first polarity by deforming with an operation plate when a part of a user's body touches the operation plate, and generates the output voltage of a second polarity by deforming with the operation plate when the part of the user's body is moved away from the operation plate. Moreover, a calculation unit calculates an electrical parameter integral value by time-integrating an electrical parameter that changes with the output voltage generated by the pressing sensor. The electrical parameter has a third polarity when the output voltage has the first polarity and has a fourth polarity when the output voltage has the second polarity. The calculation unit calculates a subtraction electrical parameter integral value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value having the third polarity per unit time from the electrical parameter integral value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Masamichi ANDO, Takashi KIHARA, Hidekazu KANO, Yuuki TACHIBANA
  • Patent number: 11469364
    Abstract: A displacement sensor having a rectangular shaped elastic member. A piezoelectric element is attached to a first main face of the elastic member. The piezoelectric element has a rectangular-shaped piezoelectric sheet and electrodes on both main faces of the piezoelectric sheet. The piezoelectric sheet is made of poly-L-lactic acid and is at least uniaxially-stretched. The piezoelectric element is attached so that the uniaxial-stretching direction of the piezoelectric sheet is 45° relative to a long-side direction of the elastic member. When the elastic member is bent along the long-side direction, the piezoelectric sheet is stretched along the long-side direction, and the piezoelectric element generates voltage of predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Hideki Kawamura
  • Patent number: 11464884
    Abstract: An antibacterial device that includes a substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, a second electrode on the substrate, and a protective layer covering the first electrode and the second electrode and having a first surface opposing of the substrate and a second surface opposite the first surface. Further, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged such that the protective layer has an electric field strength on the second surface thereof of 150 kV/m or more when a voltage is applied to the first electrode or the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Kenichiro Takumi, Daiji Tamakura, Kenichi Mori
  • Patent number: 11421350
    Abstract: An antibacterial electric charge generation yarn meets requirements (a) to (e) mentioned below simultaneously and suppresses proliferation of bacteria by electric charge generated upon deformation of the yarn: (a) a main component of the yarn is polylactic acid; (b) the yarn is twisted; (c) the yarn has a double torque of 50 T/50 cm or less; (d) the yarn has a single fiber fineness of 0.05 to 5 dtex; and (e) the number of filaments in the yarn is 10 to 400.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: TEIJIN FRONTIER CO., LTD., MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Kanematsu, Ryo Todo, Yuhei Ono, Tomoyoshi Yamamoto, Masamichi Ando, Satoshi Ishino
  • Patent number: 11163410
    Abstract: An operation detection device includes an operation target that accepts contact operation, an operation detection unit that detects contact operation on the operation target as a voltage, a detection unit that detects a frequency of a change in the voltage; and a determination unit that determines a mode of operation of a living body performed on the operation target based on the frequency detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Hiroaki Kitada
  • Publication number: 20210269948
    Abstract: A piezoelectric thread that includes a core thread; and a piezoelectric film wound around the core thread. The piezoelectric thread is constructed to generate a charge by energy imparted from outside of the piezoelectric thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Satoshi Ishino