Patents by Inventor Minoru Hirata

Minoru Hirata 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: 6865342
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an operation lever apparatus which comprises a retaining member having a reference axis, a first operation lever having a reference axis and mounted on the retaining member, the first operation lever being movable with respect to the retaining member to assume two different operation positions including a first position in which the reference axis of the first operation lever is held in coaxial relationship with the reference axis of the retaining member, and a second position in which the reference axis of the first operation lever is tilted with respect to the reference axis of the retaining member, first detecting means for detecting a tilt direction of the reference axis of the first operation lever with respect to the reference axis of the retaining member, a second operation lever having a reference axis and mounted on the first operation lever, the second operation lever being movable with respect to the first operation lever to assume two different operation positions including a f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Hirata, Kazuko Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6823929
    Abstract: A pattern carrier for a flask molding machine including a mount on which a pattern plate is mounted and a flask-shaped, molding flask-removing frame adapted to make contact with a lower end of a molding flask of a flask molding machine and moveable up and down around said pattern plate for removing a finished mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20040206472
    Abstract: A monitor system for monitoring a molding machine that includes a vertically-movable supporting frame, a pattern carrier on which a pattern is placed, a flask placed on a leveling frame, a sand hopper provided with an optional an air-jet chamber, sand-charging nozzles disposed around a plurality of squeeze feet that is disposed at a lower end of the sand hopper, and a filling frame connected to filling-frame cylinders and surrounding the squeeze feet and the sand-charging nozzles from their outside, the filling frame to be placed on the flask when lowered, comprising at least one sensor connected to the molding machine, for detecting an attribute of the molding sand as required and data analyzing monitor means connected to the sensor, for receiving data that correspond to the attribute detected by the sensor and analyzing the attribute and displaying the results of the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano, Tsuyoshi Sakai, Kenji Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20040131935
    Abstract: A cell comprising: a lead; a power generating element which comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator; and a core, wherein said lead for taking current from said power generating element is fixed on said core, and said lead is connected to said positive electrode or said negative electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Munenaga, Isao Suzuki, Minoru Hirata, Seiji Nemoto, Takehito Matsubara
  • Patent number: 6752196
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing molding sand into a mold space defined by a pattern plate (1) having a pattern, a flask (2) placed on the pattern plate (1) for surrounding the pattern, and a filling frame (3) placed on the flask (2) and for compacting the molding sand in the mold space. The apparatus includes a sand hopper (10) having an inlet pipe (7) for introducing a first airflow at a low pressure (0.05 to 0.18 MPa) and compressed air thereinto from an upper part thereof, and a plurality of separated nozzles (17) at a lower portion thereof for blowing and introducing the molding sand held in the sand hopper into the mold space by the first airflow. First and second chambers (11 and 12) supply a second airflow under a low pressure (0.05 to 0.18 MPa) and compressed air to the molding sand in the sand hopper (10) to fluidize the molding sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Patent number: 6749003
    Abstract: A method for introducing and compacting molding sand S in a mold space defined by a pattern plate (10a), a lower auxiliary frame (16b), a flask (18), a filling frame (20), and multi-segmented squeeze feet (36a). First, the molding sand S is introduced into the mold space. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a first squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein at least the lower frame (16a) cannot be lowered. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a second squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein the lower frame (16a), the flask (18), and the filling frame (20) can be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20040058387
    Abstract: When insoluble magnetic carrier particles are used in immunoassay, a method is provided which is suitable for saving labor and for treating a large number of samples within a short time while avoiding problems including difficulties in the stability of sensitized insoluble magnetic particles and in their preparation. In assaying an antigenic substance in test samples, no use is made of insoluble magnetic particles carrying an antibody specific to the said antigenic substance but insoluble magnetic carrier particles are provided in a state free from adsorbing said antibody, etc. Then the antigenic substance per se to be assayed is adsorbed on the insoluble magnetic carrier particles followed by reaction with a labeled antibody specific to the said adsorbed antigenic substance. Thus, the antigenic substance in the test sample can be efficiently assayed in a mode suitable for automation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Masaaki Sakurai, Naoki Takanashi, Masanori Oka, Minoru Hirata
  • Patent number: 6684933
    Abstract: A method for compacting molding sand in a mold space defined by a pattern plate, which is fixed in a horizontal position when the molding sand is compacted, a leveling frame disposed for vertical sliding movement around the outer periphery of the pattern plate, a frame member disposed for vertical movement above the leveling frame, and a filling frame disposed for vertical movement above the frame member. The method comprises the steps of feeding molding sand into the mold space, primarily compacting the molding sand in the mold space from above by compacting means while at least the leveling frame is being set so that it cannot be lowered, and secondarily compacting the molding sand in the mold space from above by the compacting means while the leveling frame, the frame member, and the filling frame are set so that these elements can be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sintokogio Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano, Tsuyoshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 6662855
    Abstract: A sand hopper (28) is provided at its lower position (40) with a plurality of nozzles (42) and a plurality of squeeze feet (46), the pressure of which is controlled, and which are located adjacent to a side of each squeeze foot. The sand hopper (28) is supported by supporting means (22, 26) such that it can move vertically. A mold space is defined by a pattern plate having a pattern (74a), a flask (4), a filling frame (52), and a sand hopper (28) having a plurality of squeeze feet (46) disposed above the filling frame (52). By discharging molding sand from the nozzles (42), it is introduced into the mold space. The mold sand (S2) in the mold space is compacted by the squeeze feet by lowering the sand hopper toward the mold space. Since the molding machine is so arranged, both introducing molding sand into a mold space and compacting the introduced molding sand are performed at one station (a molding-sand introducing and compacting station).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Patent number: 6661764
    Abstract: A disc reproducing device has a lock pin for positioning a small-diameter disc inserted into the device in a reproducing position by being loaded by a spring with a force that rotates it about a horizontal shaft, a lock plate for locking the lock pin in a protruding state in the normal state, and a disc detecting lever, locked by being pressed by the outer periphery of a large-diameter disc inserted, for moving the lock plate horizontally with its front end so as to lock and unlock the lock pin. The lock pin in its unlocked state is rotated by being pressed by the large-diameter disc, and, after the largest dimensioned portion of the large-diameter disc passes over the disc detecting lever, the lock plate returns to its original position to lock the lock pin in its falling-down state. With this construction, either an 8-cm-diameter disc or a 12-cm-diameter disc can be reproduced simply by inserting the disc into the device without using an adopter dedicated to an 8-cm-diameter disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Hino, Hiroki Kobayashi, Masakazu Hijikata, Minoru Hirata
  • Patent number: 6657220
    Abstract: For reducing the number of components used and thereby attaining the reduction of cost and size while ensuring the same disk detecting performance as in the prior art, both light emitting function and light receiving function inherent in an optical pickup are utilized to constitute a disk detecting switch. Only the light emitting function of the optical pickup may be combined with a light receiving element, or only the light receiving function of the optical pickup may be combined with a light emitting element, to constitute a disk detecting switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hino, Masakazu Hijikata
  • Publication number: 20030098137
    Abstract: In the molding machine of this invention, foundry sand thrown into a molding space defined by a pattern plate and flask members is compressed in two steps. Namely, in the first step a lower subsidiary flask is stationary while in the second step the flask is movable. The pattern carrier molding machine of this invention comprises a molding base, flask-setting cylinders, a lift-support frame, and a segment-squeeze sand hopper. The auxiliary flask 62 of the compact pattern-plate carrier with an auxiliary flask of this invention is installed movably up and down through a plurality of upward oil cylinders 63,63 that are expanded/contracted via special oil cylinders 64,65 operated by outside cylinders 68,69.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20030055438
    Abstract: By operating a lever 29, a slide rod 11 and an inter locking rod 12 operatively associated therewith in an actuator body 2 are moved, by which a bobbin 21 is fitted in a movable member 9 projecting out of a guide tube 6 and connected to the slide rod 11. And a ligature 60 is wound on a spool formed in the movable member 9. The movable member 9 is moved backward to disengage therefrom the bobbin 21 to form a loop of the ligature 60 to form a knot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Hirata Precisions Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Hirata
  • Publication number: 20030010468
    Abstract: A method for introducing and compacting molding sand S in a mold space defined by a pattern plate (10a), a lower auxiliary frame (16b), a flask (18), a filling frame (20), and multi-segmented squeeze feet (36a). First, the molding sand S is introduced into the mold space. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a first squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein at least the lower frame (16a) cannot be lowered. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a second squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein the lower frame (16a), the flask (18), and the filling frame (20) can be lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20030007798
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an operation lever apparatus which comprises a retaining member having a reference axis, a first operation lever having a reference axis and mounted on the retaining member, the first operation lever being movable with respect to the retaining member to assume two different operation positions including a first position in which the reference axis of the first operation lever is held in coaxial relationship with the reference axis of the retaining member, and a second position in which the reference axis of the first operation lever is tilted with respect to the reference axis of the retaining member, first detecting means for detecting a tilt direction of the reference axis of the first operation lever with respect to the reference axis of the retaining member, a second operation lever having a reference axis and mounted on the first operation lever, the second operation lever being movable with respect to the first operation lever to assume two different operation positions including a f
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Minoru Hirata, Kazuko Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6474400
    Abstract: A molding system to make a sand mold with a frame is provided to receive the lateral loads generated when molding frames are fed out and in by nearby apparatuses and to prevent vibrations generated during a molding operation from being transmitted to nearby apparatuses, so that the area around a factory is prevented from being degraded and so that apparatuses can be easily affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20020157805
    Abstract: A molding system to make a sand mold with a frame is provided to receive the lateral loads generated when molding frames are fed out and in by nearby apparatuses and to prevent vibrations generated during a molding operation from being transmitted to nearby apparatuses, so that the area around a factory is prevented from being degraded and so that apparatuses can be easily affixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20020157800
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing molding sand into a mold space defined by a pattern plate (1) having a pattern, a flask (2) placed on the pattern plate (1) for surrounding the pattern, and a filling frame (3) placed on the flask (2) and for compacting the molding sand in the mold space. The apparatus includes a sand hopper (10) having an inlet pipe (7) for introducing a first airflow at a low pressure (0.05 to 0.18 MPa) and compressed air thereinto from an upper part thereof, and a plurality of separated nozzles (17) at a lower portion thereof for blowing and introducing the molding sand held in the sand hopper into the mold space by the first airflow. First and second chambers (11 and 12) supply a second airflow under a low pressure (0.05 to 0.18 MPa) and compressed air to the molding sand in the sand hopper (10) to fluidize the molding sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Patent number: 6470953
    Abstract: A method and system using a molding apparatus with frames by which the amount of molding sand that overflows the molding apparatus and that must be taken out of a mold that is prepared by a molding operation is minimized, and by which the density of the mold within a frame is substantially uniform. The molding sand filling cavity is defined by a pattern plate, a molding frame that can be put on the pattern plate, a filling frame that can be put on the molding frame, and a covering apparatus having a plurality of squeezing feet. The squeezing feet can enter the filling frame and can be temporarily held at certain positions where certain distances are kept between the lower ends of the squeezing feet and surfaces of the patterns on the pattern plate that are opposed to the lower ends. Molding sand is supplied to the molding sand filling cavity. Then, the molding sand is compressed by the squeezing feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Singtokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20020129917
    Abstract: A method for compacting molding sand in a mold space defined by a pattern plate, which is fixed in a horizontal position when the molding sand is compacted, a leveling frame disposed for vertical sliding movement around the outer periphery of the pattern plate, a frame member disposed for vertical movement above the leveling frame, and a filling frame disposed for vertical movement above the frame member. The method comprises the steps of feeding molding sand into the mold space, primarily compacting the molding sand in the mold space from above by compacting means while at least the leveling frame is being set so that it cannot be lowered, and secondarily compacting the molding sand in the mold space from above by the compacting means while the leveling frame, the frame member, and the filling frame are set so that these elements can be lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano, Tsuyoshi Sakai