Patents by Inventor Shigeo Hirose
Shigeo Hirose 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).
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Publication number: 20190023334Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and components for an omnidirectional traction module for use in a robot, such as a crawler robot used in in situ gap inspection in a machine, such as a generator, an electric motor, or a turbomachine. The traction module may include an outer frame and a rotating frame rotatably mounted within the outer frame. At least one drive system may be mounted within the rotating frame. The at least one dive system may have a fixed orientation within the rotating frame. An actuator may be operatively connected to the rotating frame to controllably rotate the rotating frame to a desired orientation for robot travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Selim Akin, Thomas James Batzinger, Selami Haydar Icli, JR., Christopher Paul Markman, Paulo Cesar Debenest, Michele Guarnieri, Giorgio Valsecchi, Giacomo Cimarelli, Shigeo Hirose
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Publication number: 20180275102Abstract: The present apparatus is configured to carry an instrument or probe and optionally deploy it against a surface, such as a metal pipeline or storage tank. The apparatus can include a sensor probe for inspecting the integrity of the surface and a first linkage that is operatively coupled to the sensor probe and configured to move the sensor probe according to a first path (in a first direction/first degree of freedom). An actuator can be operatively connected to the first linkage for moving the first linkage so as to move the sensor probe along the first path. A second linkage is operatively connected to the sensor probe and configured to passively move the sensor probe according to a second degree of freedom to cause the sensor probe to become normal to the surface when at least a portion of the apparatus contacts the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Fadl Abdellatif, Sahejad Patel, Shigeo Hirose, Michele Guarnieri, Paulo Debenest
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Publication number: 20180203908Abstract: A database system is formed by connecting node devices in parent-child relations. Each of the node devices includes a data storing unit, a saving rule storing unit, a storage processing unit, and an inquiry processing unit. The saving rule storing unit stores a saving rule used for saving data stored in the data storing unit to a parent node device in a case in which its own node device is not a parent of a highest rank and deleting the data in a case in which its own node device is the parent of the highest rank. The storage processing unit writes data and saves data to be saved from the data storing unit into a parent node in an order represented by order information associated with the data or deletes data to be deleted by referring to the saving rule.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Taiga Katayama, Mototaka Kanematsu, Shigeo Hirose
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Patent number: 10012618Abstract: The present apparatus is configured to carry an instrument or probe and optionally deploy it against a surface, such as a metal pipeline or storage tank. The apparatus can include a sensor probe for inspecting the integrity of the surface and a first linkage that is operatively coupled to the sensor probe and configured to move the sensor probe according to a first path (in a first direction/first degree of freedom). An actuator can be operatively connected to the first linkage for moving the first linkage so as to move the sensor probe along the first path. A second linkage is operatively connected to the sensor probe and configured to passively move the sensor probe according to a second degree of freedom to cause the sensor probe to become normal to the surface when at least a portion of the apparatus contacts the surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignees: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY, HIBOT CORPORATIONInventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Fadl Abdellatif, Sahejad Patel, Shigeo Hirose, Michele Guarnieri, Paulo Debenest
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Patent number: 9996152Abstract: In an interface apparatus for presenting a force sense at a remote place or in a virtual space to a user, the number of motors for exerting force upon fingers of the user is decreased. The interface apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm for being attached to the thumb and a finger other than the thumb, respectively. A motor includes a motor main body supported for rotation, and a rotary shaft that relatively rotates with respect to the motor main body. The rotary shaft is connected to the second arm. The motor main body is connected to the first arm so as to impart rotation thereof to the first arm.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignees: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.Inventors: Shigeo Hirose, Hiroaki Ishida, Takeshi Yamagishi, Tomokazu Kake, Keiji Togawa
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Publication number: 20170334241Abstract: A multidirectional wheel for traversing a surface is provided that includes a magnet and a plurality of rollers disposed around an outer periphery of each of the hubs of the wheels. The rollers are mounted for rotation in a second axial direction that is perpendicular to a first axial direction of the wheel. The rollers are supported by a plurality of magnetically-inducible brackets attached to the hub. The brackets are optimally sized and shaped to reduce the space between the magnetized materials of the wheel and the surface upon which the wheel travels.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2016Publication date: November 23, 2017Applicants: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, HiBot CorporationInventors: Pablo Eduardo Carrasco Zanini Gonzalez, Fadl Abdel Latif, Sahejad Patel, Shigeo Hirose, Michele Guarnieri, Paulo Debenest
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Patent number: 9791090Abstract: An in-pipe moving apparatus for passing through a pipe bent in any direction without control of the attitude of the apparatus is provided. The in-pipe moving apparatus may include at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units arranged in series in a traveling direction and at least two sets of joint sections that pivotably link the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units to each other. Each of the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units includes a tire-integrated wheel, a drive section, a first frame fixed to the drive section, and at least one second frame pivotably attached to the drive section. A bending generator is provided between one of the first frames and one of the second frames in the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units and imparts tension for causing the first frames and the second frames to have a V-like bent shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: HiBot Corp.Inventors: Shigeo Hirose, Michele Guarnieri, Paulo Debenest
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Publication number: 20160238565Abstract: The present apparatus is configured to carry an instrument or probe and optionally deploy it against a surface, such as a metal pipeline or storage tank. The apparatus can include a sensor probe for inspecting the integrity of the surface and a first linkage that is operatively coupled to the sensor probe and configured to move the sensor probe according to a first path (in a first direction/first degree of freedom). An actuator can be operatively connected to the first linkage for moving the first linkage so as to move the sensor probe along the first path. A second linkage is operatively connected to the sensor probe and configured to passively move the sensor probe according to a second degree of freedom to cause the sensor probe to become normal to the surface when at least a portion of the apparatus contacts the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2015Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Pablo Eduardo Carrasco Zanini Gonzalez, Fadl Abdel Latif, Sahejad Patel, Shigeo Hirose, Michele Guarnieri, Paulo Debenest
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Patent number: 9383055Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an in-pipe traveling apparatus and a traveling module is provided, having a simple structure but capable of operating with a short overall traveling path and setting a large drive force for forward and backward traveling operation. The In one embodiment, the in-pipe traveling apparatus includes at least three traveling modules capable of passing through a pipe. Each of the traveling modules includes a traveling module body, a pair of traveling wheels provided in the traveling module body on one side thereof in a traveling direction, a drive member that drives the pair of traveling wheels in such a way that the traveling wheels rotate, a connection member that connects the traveling module to another traveling module in a bendable manner in a pitching direction, and a swing member that causes the adjacent traveling module to swing in a yawing direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: HiBot Corp.Inventors: Shigeo Hirose, Paulo Debenest, Michele Guarnieri
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Publication number: 20160162021Abstract: In an interface apparatus for presenting a force sense at a remote place or in a virtual space to a user, the number of motors for exerting force upon fingers of the user is decreased. The interface apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm for being attached to the thumb and a finger other than the thumb, respectively. A motor includes a motor main body supported for rotation, and a rotary shaft that relatively rotates with respect to the motor main body. The rotary shaft is connected to the second arm. The motor main body is connected to the first arm so as to impart rotation thereof to the first arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: Shigeo HIROSE, Hiroaki ISHIDA, Takeshi YAMAGISHI, Tomokazu KAKE, Keiji TOGAWA
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Publication number: 20160123517Abstract: An in-pipe moving apparatus for passing through a pipe bent in any direction without control of the attitude of the apparatus is provided. The in-pipe moving apparatus may include at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units arranged in series in a traveling direction and at least two sets of joint sections that pivotably link the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units to each other. Each of the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units includes a tire-integrated wheel, a drive section, a first frame fixed to the drive section, and at least one second frame pivotably attached to the drive section. A bending generator is provided between one of the first frames and one of the second frames in the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units and imparts tension for causing the first frames and the second frames to have a V-like bent shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2014Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Shigeo HIROSE, Michele GUARNIERI, Paulo DEBENEST
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Publication number: 20150107485Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an in-pipe traveling apparatus and a traveling module is provided, having a simple structure but capable of operating with a short overall traveling path and setting a large drive force for forward and backward traveling operation. The In one embodiment, the in-pipe traveling apparatus includes at least three traveling modules capable of passing through a pipe. Each of the traveling modules includes a traveling module body, a pair of traveling wheels provided in the traveling module body on one side thereof in a traveling direction, a drive member that drives the pair of traveling wheels in such a way that the traveling wheels rotate, a connection member that connects the traveling module to another traveling module in a bendable manner in a pitching direction, and a swing member that causes the adjacent traveling module to swing in a yawing direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Shigeo Hirose, Paulo Debenest, Michele Guarnieri
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Patent number: 8658073Abstract: Theme To provide a crawler unit having a light-weight and high-strength crawler belt. Means to Solve A crawler belt 20 comprises an endless steel belt 21 (high-tensile-strength belt) and a belt main body 22 made of rubber and attached around an outer periphery of the steel belt 21. The steel belt 21 has engagement holes 21a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The belt main body 22 has escape recesses 23a formed therein. A wheel 10 has projections 12a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The projections 12a are adapted to be engaged with the engagement holes 21a of the steel belt 21 and at the same time to enter the escape recesses 23a of the belt main body 22.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignees: Tokyo Institute of Technology, Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
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Patent number: 8162410Abstract: A crawler belt 20 includes first regions and second regions alternately arranged in a circumferential direction thereof. The first region has at least one first tread lug 25 and the second region has at least one second tread lug 26. The first tread lug 25 has high flexural rigidity and is not easily bent and the second tread lug 26 has low flexural rigidity and is easily bent. The first tread lug 25 catches on an upper end of a high step or bump S with the second tread lug 26 in a bent condition, thus allowing the crawler unit to move over the step or bump.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignees: Tokyo Institute of Technology, Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
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Publication number: 20090256280Abstract: Theme To provide a crawler unit having a light-weight and high-strength crawler belt. Means to Solve A crawler belt 20 comprises an endless steel belt 21 (high-tensile-strength belt) and a belt main body 22 made of rubber and attached around an outer periphery of the steel belt 21. The steel belt 21 has engagement holes 21a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The belt main body 22 has escape recesses 23a formed therein. A wheel 10 has projections 12a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The projections 12a are adapted to be engaged with the engagement holes 21a of the steel belt 21 and at the same time to enter the escape recesses 23a of the belt main body 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicants: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TOPY KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
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Patent number: 7578565Abstract: A crawler belt is disclosed herein having an endless steel belt (high-tensile-strength belt) and a belt main body made of rubber and attached around an outer periphery of the steel belt. The steel belt has engagement holes arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The belt main body has escape recesses formed therein. A wheel has projections arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The projections are adapted to be engaged with the engagement holes of the steel belt and at the same time to enter the escape recesses of the belt main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignees: Tokyo Institute of Technology, Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
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Publication number: 20080284244Abstract: THEME To provide a crawler unit that can move over a high step or bump. MEANS TO SOLVE A crawler belt 20 includes first regions and second regions alternately arranged in a circumferential direction thereof. The first region has at least one first tread lug 25 and the second region has at least one second tread lug 26. The first tread lug 25 has high flexural rigidity and is not easily bent and the second tread lug 26 has low flexural rigidity and is easily bent. The first tread lug 25 catches on an upper end of a high step or bump S with the second tread lug 26 in a bent condition, thus allowing the crawler unit to move over the step or bump.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2005Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicants: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TOPY KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
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Publication number: 20080272647Abstract: Means to Solve A crawler belt 20 comprises an endless steel belt 21 (high-tensile-strength belt) and a belt main body 22 made of rubber and attached around an outer periphery of the steel belt 21. The steel belt 21 has engagement holes 21a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The belt main body 22 has escape recesses 23a formed therein. A wheel 10 has projections 12a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The projections 12a are adapted to be engaged with the engagement holes 21a of the steel belt 21 and at the same time to enter the escape recesses 23a of the belt main body 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2004Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicants: The Circle for the Promotion of Science and Engineering, Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
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Publication number: 20070145820Abstract: Means to Solve A crawler belt 20 comprises an endless steel belt 21 (high-tensile-strength belt) and a belt main body 22 made of rubber and attached around an outer periphery of the steel belt 21. The steel belt 21 has engagement holes 21a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The belt main body 22 has escape recesses 23a formed therein. A wheel 10 has projections 12a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The projections 12a are adapted to be engaged with the engagement holes 21a of the steel belt 21 and at the same time to enter the escape recesses 23a of the belt main body 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2004Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicants: The Circle for the Promotion of Science and Engineering, Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
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Publication number: 20050014919Abstract: Provided is a polyurethane which is inexpensive and excellent in physical properties and which contains a lignin sulfonic acid component incorporated into the molecular chain of the polyurethane. The polyurethane is obtainable by polycondensation of a polyol solution containing dissolved therein lignin sulfonic acid or a partially neutralized salt thereof with a polyisocyanate, wherein the content of said lignin sulfonic acid is 1-40% based on a total weight of said polyurethane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: January 20, 2005Inventors: Hyoe Hatakeyama, Shigeo Hirose