Patents by Inventor Minoru Kitahara
Minoru Kitahara 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: 20240138026Abstract: A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device includes: a power supply; a positive electrode-side connector and a negative electrode-side connector to which a load configured to generate aerosol from an aerosol source by consuming electric power supplied from the power supply, or a coil configured to transmit electric power to the load by electromagnetic induction is connected; a first conductive pattern connecting the power supply and the positive electrode-side connector; a second conductive pattern branched from the first conductive pattern; a circuit substrate on which the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are formed; and a first protection component having one end connected to the second conductive pattern and configured to protect an electronic component mounted on the circuit substrate from noise entering through the positive electrode-side connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2024Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA, Yasuhiro ONO
-
Patent number: 11764675Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply; a first DC/DC converter; a second DC/DC converter; and a circuit board. As viewed from a first direction perpendicular to a surface of the circuit board on which the first DC/DC converter and the second DC/DC converter are mounted, at least a portion of the circuit board includes: a connection portion; a first portion extending from the connection portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second portion extending from the connection portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first DC/DC converter is mounted on the first portion, and the second DC/DC converter is mounted on the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20230045242Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a step-up system configured to function by a stepped-up voltage supplied from the power supply; a step-down system configured to function by a stepped-down voltage supplied from the power supply; and a direct-coupling system configured to function by a voltage supplied from the power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA
-
Patent number: 11563334Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a step-up system configured to function by a stepped-up voltage supplied from the power supply; a step-down system configured to function by a stepped-down voltage supplied from the power supply; and a direct-coupling system configured to function by a voltage supplied from the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20220400770Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the power supply; a controller; and a circuit board. The circuit board includes: a first surface; a second surface; a power supply layer in which a power supply path is formed; and a ground layer. The power supply layer and the ground layer are provided between the first surface and the second surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface, and at least one of the power supply path and the ground path is not formed in a region which overlaps the temperature sensor as viewed from a first direction, the first direction being a direction in which the first surface and the second surface are opposed to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA
-
Publication number: 20220400766Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a receptacle configured to receive power for charging the power supply from a plug connected to an external power supply; a charger configured to control charging of the power supply by power received by the receptacle; and a controller. The receptacle and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and the charger is configured to supply power from the receptacle and the power supply to the controller via the charger.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA
-
Publication number: 20220385183Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply; a first DC/DC converter; a second DC/DC converter; and a circuit board. As viewed from a first direction perpendicular to a surface of the circuit board on which the first DC/DC converter and the second DC/DC converter are mounted, at least a portion of the circuit board includes: a connection portion; a first portion extending from the connection portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second portion extending from the connection portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first DC/DC converter is mounted on the first portion, and the second DC/DC converter is mounted on the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA
-
Patent number: 11515718Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a step-up system configured to function by a stepped-up voltage supplied from the power supply; a step-down system configured to function by a stepped-down voltage supplied from the power supply; and a direct-coupling system configured to function by a voltage supplied from the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 11478020Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a connector to which a heater configured to heat an aerosol source is connected; a power supply; a boost converter connected between the power supply and the connector; and a switch connected between the boost converter and the connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 11472069Abstract: An ultraviolet irradiation device includes a light-emitting element, a temperature control element, and a control circuit. The light-emitting element is configured to emit an ultraviolet light. The temperature control element is configured to control a temperature of the light-emitting element. The control circuit is configured to control the temperature control element based on a voltage of the light-emitting element so as to control a peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATIONInventors: Naohide Miyasaka, Yoshitaka Tanaka, Minoru Kitahara
-
Patent number: 11452314Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a receptacle configured to receive power for charging the power supply from a plug connected to an external power supply; a charger configured to control charging of the power supply by power received by the receptacle; and a controller. The receptacle and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and the charger is configured to supply power from the receptacle and the power supply to the controller via the charger.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 11451144Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply; a first DC/DC converter; a second DC/DC converter; and a circuit board. As viewed from a first direction perpendicular to a surface of the circuit board on which the first DC/DC converter and the second DC/DC converter are mounted, at least a portion of the circuit board includes: a connection portion; a first portion extending from the connection portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second portion extending from the connection portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first DC/DC converter is mounted on the first portion, and the second DC/DC converter is mounted on the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 11445762Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the power supply; a controller; and a circuit board. The circuit board includes: a first surface; a second surface; a power supply layer in which a power supply path is formed; and a ground layer. The power supply layer and the ground layer are provided between the first surface and the second surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface, and at least one of the power supply path and the ground path is not formed in a region which overlaps the temperature sensor as viewed from a first direction, the first direction being a direction in which the first surface and the second surface are opposed to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 11337460Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source; a temperature sensor configured to acquire a temperature of the power supply; a controller; and a circuit board on which a plurality of elements including the temperature sensor and the controller are mounted. The circuit board includes a first surface and a second surface which is a reverse surface from the first surface or is located on a side opposite from the first surface. The plurality of elements are mounted on each of the first surface and the second surface. The second surface faces the power supply, and/or the second surface is arranged closer to the power supply than the first surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20220125120Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a first connector connected to a first load configured to function by power supplied from the power supply; a second connector configured to function by power supplied from the power supply and connected to a second load separate from the first load; a Zener diode connected between the first connector and the power supply; and a variable resistor connected between the second connector and the power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA
-
Publication number: 20220079244Abstract: A method for operating an electric power source unit for an inhaler is provided. The method includes making a sensor detect a puff action performed by a user; measuring detected-time that is a puff action period during that the detected puff action is continued; correcting the measured detected-time, by using a time correction model that is based on a characteristic parameter associated with the puff action; calculating accumulated detected-time by accumulating the corrected detected-time; and estimating a remaining quantity level of an inhaled component source, based on the accumulated detected-time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Manabu YAMADA, Takeshi AKAO, Yasuhiro ONO, Shujiro TANAKA, Minoru KITAHARA
-
Patent number: 11246351Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a first connector connected to a first load configured to function by power supplied from the power supply; a second connector configured to function by power supplied from the power supply and connected to a second load separate from the first load; a Zener diode connected between the first connector and the power supply; and a variable resistor connected between the second connector and the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ono, Minoru Kitahara, Shujiro Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20220007718Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a receptacle configured to allow insertion of a plug including a plurality of pins and configured to receive power for charging the power supply from the inserted plug; and a charger configured to control charging of the power supply by power received by the receptacle. The receptacle includes pins connectable to only some of pins among the plurality of pins.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA
-
Publication number: 20220014097Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply; a first DC/DC converter; a second DC/DC converter; and a circuit board. As viewed from a first direction perpendicular to a surface of the circuit board on which the first DC/DC converter and the second DC/DC converter are mounted, at least a portion of the circuit board includes: a connection portion; a first portion extending from the connection portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second portion extending from the connection portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first DC/DC converter is mounted on the first portion, and the second DC/DC converter is mounted on the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA
-
Publication number: 20220007734Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the power supply; a controller; and a circuit board. The circuit board includes: a first surface; a second surface; a power supply layer in which a power supply path is formed; and a ground layer. The power supply layer and the ground layer are provided between the first surface and the second surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface, and at least one of the power supply path and the ground path is not formed in a region which overlaps the temperature sensor as viewed from a first direction, the first direction being a direction in which the first surface and the second surface are opposed to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO, Minoru KITAHARA, Shujiro TANAKA