Patents by Inventor Miki Funahashi

Miki Funahashi 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: 9683296
    Abstract: Galvanic anodes and barrier corrosion control for metal pipelines, tanks, and equipment under thermal insulation includes the use of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys in fresh water at high temperatures to protect steel elements in hot water without sufficient chlorides. Sacrificial aluminum and sacrificial zinc-aluminum powders in a mixed primer provide long-term, effective corrosion control of steel under thermal insulation can be achieved in all water temperature ranges regardless of the presence of sufficient chlorides. At temperatures below 75° C., the zinc particles in the primer act to protect the substrate steel. At temperatures above 75° C., the aluminum particles in the primer, and galvanic aluminum tape protect the substrate steel in chloride free neutral pH water and also reduce the consumption of zinc particles in the primer. When the electrolyte water for CUI is sufficiently contaminated with chlorides, the aluminum particles in the primer and the galvanic aluminum become active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20140251792
    Abstract: Galvanic anodes and barrier corrosion control for metal pipelines, tanks, and equipment under thermal insulation includes the use of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys in fresh water at high temperatures to protect steel elements in hot water without sufficient chlorides. Sacrificial aluminum and sacrificial zinc-aluminum powders in a mixed primer provide long-term, effective corrosion control of steel under thermal insulation can be achieved in all water temperature ranges regardless of the presence of sufficient chlorides. At temperatures below 75° C., the zinc particles in the primer act to protect the substrate steel. At temperatures above 75° C., the aluminum particles in the primer, and galvanic aluminum tape protect the substrate steel in chloride free neutral pH water and also reduce the consumption of zinc particles in the primer. When the electrolyte water for CUI is sufficiently contaminated with chlorides, the aluminum particles in the primer and the galvanic aluminum become active.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: MUI CO.
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20140251793
    Abstract: Mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated precious-metal tape is installed directly on concrete surfaces using an electrically non-conductive adhesive with semi-conductive coating or overlay, thereby obviating the need for slots or holes to the concrete structures which are not subject to direct moisture. The tape anodes may be installed on the concrete surfaces exposing metals without developing an electrical short circuit between the anode and the metals due to the non-conductive adhesive. The semi-conductive layer over the metal tape can distribute the CP current uniformly to the entire concrete surface without developing electrical short circuit. Overall the invention provides for quick and low cost installation on many concrete structures. Interconnections between the tape anodes and bare metal distribution elements may be made with conductive adhesive or spot welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicants: SAE INC., MUI CO.
    Inventors: Miki Funahashi, B. Todd Sirola
  • Patent number: 8790690
    Abstract: A patch containing a support and an adhesive layer formed on at least one surface of the support, wherein the adhesive layer contains an elastomer obtained by crosslinking a polymer having a butadiene skeleton in the presence of organic peroxide, wherein the patch has good adhesion property and maintain this quality for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Miki Funahashi, Atsushi Hamada, Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Jun Ishikura
  • Publication number: 20140124360
    Abstract: This invention resides in corrosion control of electrical cables associated with cathodic protection systems. In the preferred embodiment the cable is in the form of passive metals chosen for electrolysis-corrosion-resistance, including titanium, tantalum, niobium, zirconium, nickel, or alloys thereof. Small diameters may be used to make the cable flexible. The wires may be bare or enclosed insulator materials for easy handling. The invention which is applicable to the “impressed current” and “sacrificial anode” methods, is particularly advantageous in situations where the cable/structure is embedded deep in soil or concrete, and cannot be easily repaired or replaced if any damage occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20130037420
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of water on or in pipelines, tanks, equipment and other structures, including insulated structures which may be subject to corrosion under insulation, or CUI. Two dissimilar, spaced-apart metals are coupled at least indirectly to a structure to be monitored, and apparatus for detecting a potential difference between the two dissimilar metals, thereby indicating that water is present as an electrolyte. In CUI applications, at least one of the dissimilar metals is attached to, or embedded within, a water-absorbing insulator or other material coupled to or surrounding the structure. The water-absorbing material may be provided in the form of a tape attached to the surface of a metal component fanning the structure. In some embodiments, the structure to be monitored may itself incorporate a ferrous metal component which is used as one of the dissimilar metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Patent number: 7964067
    Abstract: A corrosion control system for an above-ground storage tank having a steel bottom plate comprises a sacrificial anode disposed under and spaced apart from the steel bottom plate in a backfill material, and wherein the backfill material has a pH high enough to cause a substantial passivation of the surface of the steel plate facing the sacrificial anode while substantially preventing the passivation of the sacrificial anode. In the preferred embodiment the backfill material has a pH of 10 or greater and the sacrificial anode is in the form of a plate or mesh composed of aluminum or an alloy thereof. Alternatively the sacrificial anode may be composed of zinc or an alloy thereof. The backfill material further includes soda ash, trisodium phosphate or other high alkaline chemicals to raise the pH. The backfill material also preferably includes a moisture retention material such as zeolite to maintain a minimum of moisture content of 10 percent or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Patent number: 7905993
    Abstract: Mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated precious-metal tape is installed directly on concrete surfaces using an electrically conductive adhesive, thereby obviating the need for slots, holes, cementitious grout or additional concrete. The electrically conductive adhesive is preferably formed by disposing mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated precious-metal particles in an adhesive layer. The tape anodes may be installed on the concrete surfaces including a shallow concrete cover or congested reinforcing steel without developing an electrical short circuit between the anode and the reinforcing steel. Overall the invention provides for quick and low cost installation on many concrete structures. Interconnections between the tape anodes and bare metal distribution elements may be made with conductive adhesive or spot welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Patent number: 7897683
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical adhesive and a medical adhesive tape or sheet superior in the fixing performance, particularly perspiration-resistant fixing, which shows low skin irritation and suitable adhesive strength. The present invention provides a medical adhesive containing a water-dispersed copolymer obtained by copolymerizing 100 parts by weight of a monomer mixture containing (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester and 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Hamada, Tomonari Naito, Namiko Murayama, Miki Funahashi, Jun Ishikura
  • Patent number: 7879204
    Abstract: An anode configured for the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures and underground metallic structures against corrosion comprises a hollow, mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated form, the form having a wall with intentional gaps therethrough. A humectant is disposed in the hollow form, and a conduit between the hollow form and an ambient environment enables gasses produced by the form to escape to the environment while allowing the humectant to be periodically moistened with water or a high pH buffer solution. The form may be composed of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, niobium or alloys thereof, and the MMO coatings may be composed of titanium, tantalum, iridium, ruthenium, palladium, cobalt or mixtures thereof. The form may be a coiled wire or strip, a perforated tube, or other structure having gaps between the interior of the form and the surrounding concrete or soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20100044218
    Abstract: An anode configured for the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures and underground metallic structures against corrosion comprises a hollow, mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated form, the form having a wall with intentional gaps therethrough. A humectant is disposed in the hollow form, and a conduit between the hollow form and an ambient environment enables gasses produced by the form to escape to the environment while allowing the humectant to be periodically moistened with water or a high pH buffer solution. The form may be composed of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, niobium or alloys thereof, and the MMO coatings may be composed of titanium, tantalum, iridium, ruthenium, palladium, cobalt or mixtures thereof. The form may be a coiled wire or strip, a perforated tube, or other structure having gaps between the interior of the form and the surrounding concrete or soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20100015209
    Abstract: Provided is a patch having good adhesion property, which stably maintains the quality for a long time. A patch containing a support and an adhesive layer formed on at least one surface of the support, wherein the adhesive layer contains an elastomer having a structure of the formula I: wherein P1 and P2 are each independently hydrogen, a hydroxy group or an organic group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Miki Funahashi, Atsushi Hamada, Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Jun Ishikura
  • Publication number: 20100015210
    Abstract: Provided is a patch having good adhesion property, which stably maintains the quality for a long time. A patch containing a support and an adhesive layer formed on at least one surface of the support, wherein the adhesive layer contains an elastomer obtained by crosslinking a polymer having a butadiene skeleton in the presence of organic peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Miki Funahashi, Atsushi Hamada, Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Jun Ishikura
  • Publication number: 20090205951
    Abstract: A corrosion control system for an above-ground storage tank having a steel bottom plate comprises a sacrificial anode disposed under and spaced apart from the steel bottom plate in a backfill material, and wherein the backfill material has a pH high enough to cause a substantial passivation of the surface of the steel plate facing the sacrificial anode while substantially preventing the passivation of the sacrificial anode. In the preferred embodiment the backfill material has a pH of 10 or greater and the sacrificial anode is in the form of a plate or mesh composed of aluminum or an alloy thereof. Alternatively the sacrificial anode may be composed of zinc or an alloy thereof. The backfill material further includes soda ash, trisodium phosphate or other high alkaline chemicals to raise the pH. The backfill material also preferably includes a moisture retention material such as zeolite to maintain a minimum of moisture content of 10 percent or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20090127132
    Abstract: Mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated precious-metal tape is installed directly on concrete surfaces using an electrically conductive adhesive, thereby obviating the need for slots, holes, cementitious grout or additional concrete. The electrically conductive adhesive is preferably formed by disposing mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated precious-metal particles in an adhesive layer. The tape anodes may be installed on the concrete surfaces including a shallow concrete cover or congested reinforcing steel without developing an electrical short circuit between the anode and the reinforcing steel. Overall the invention provides for quick and low cost installation on many concrete structures. Interconnections between the tape anodes and bare metal distribution elements may be made with conductive adhesive or spot welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20090028928
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a patch and a patch preparation that do not require an acrylic polymer, and are capable of maintaining a large amount of an organic liquid component in an adhesive layer. The present invention provides a patch containing a support and an adhesive layer provided on at least one surface of the support, wherein the adhesive layer contains a synthetic rubber component other than polyisobutylene and solid at 25° C., a liquid rubber component having a crosslinkable functional group in a molecule, and an organic liquid component, the adhesive layer is crosslinked, and the liquid rubber component is contained in a proportion of less than 30 wt % relative to the total weight of the synthetic rubber component solid at 25° C. and the liquid rubber component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi Hamada, Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Jun Ishikura, Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20090010995
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a patch and a patch preparation that do not require an acrylic polymer, and are capable of maintaining a large amount of an organic liquid component in an adhesive layer. The present invention provides a patch containing a support and an adhesive layer provided on at least one surface of the support, wherein the adhesive layer contains polyisobutylene, a liquid rubber component having a crosslinkable functional group in a molecule, and an organic liquid component, the adhesive layer is crosslinked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi Hamada, Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Jun Ishikura, Miki Funahashi, Hirofumi Ebe, Eiichi Imoto, Takashi Habu
  • Publication number: 20080311178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for a medical material or a hygiene material, which contains a large amount of an organic liquid component, has sufficient flexibility and can retain shape. The present invention provides a gel composition for a medical material or a hygiene material, which contains a liquid rubber component having a functional group capable of crosslinking reaction in a molecule and 90 parts by weight or above and 1250 parts by weight or below of an organic liquid component relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber component, which gel composition is crosslinked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jun Ishikura, Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Atsushi Hamada, Miki Funahashi
  • Publication number: 20070275239
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical adhesive and a medical adhesive tape or sheet superior in the fixing performance, particularly perspiration-resistant fixing, which shows low skin irritation and suitable adhesive strength. The present invention provides a medical adhesive containing a water-dispersed copolymer obtained by copolymerizing 100 parts by weight of a monomer mixture containing (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester and 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Atsushi Hamada, Tomonari Naito, Namiko Murayama, Miki Funahashi, Jun Ishikura
  • Publication number: 20060263322
    Abstract: A cosmetic sheet which comprises a support and, provided on one surface of the support, a skin-attaching layer comprising a wet pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing a water-soluble polymer and a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, wherein the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester has oozed out on the surface of the skin-attaching layer. The cosmetic sheet does not impart pain at the skin and can sufficiently remove keratotic plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Eriko Konno, Tsuyoshi Kasahara, Hiroshi Hatanaka, Miki Funahashi