Patents by Inventor Shigetaka Uehara

Shigetaka Uehara 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: 20220399550
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a separator excellent in corrosion resistance and a sealing property for a fuel gas. [Means for Resolution] Provided is a separator (4) for fuel cells. The separator (4) includes a conductive substrate (41), and a protective layer (42) that covers at least a part of a surface of the substrate (41). The protective layer (42) contains a self-restoring material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Tong Bu, Shigetaka Uehara, Shogo Takamuku
  • Patent number: 11046028
    Abstract: A molding method is performed for molding a composite material in which resin is injected in a state in which a fiber base material is disposed in a cavity formed in a metal mold and the resin is cured to form the composite material. The molding method includes enhancing wettability of a portion of the fiber base material, and disposing the portion of the fiber base material in a narrow portion in which a gap constituting the cavity is smaller than other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigetaka Uehara
  • Patent number: 11045980
    Abstract: A molding method is provided for molding composite materials. The molding method molds a stack of composite materials formed by impregnating a base material with resin. The molding method includes providing a first resin with a photocuring property and providing a second resin with a thermosetting property. The first resin contained in a first composite material is cured by irradiating the first composite material with light, then the second resin is cured by heating the second resin contained in a second composite material. The curing of the first resin contained in the first composite material is completed before starting the curing of the second resin contained the second composite material that is adjacent to the first composite material of a surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigetaka Uehara
  • Publication number: 20200376782
    Abstract: A molding method is performed for molding a composite material in which resin is injected in a state in which a fiber base material is disposed in a cavity formed in a metal mold and the resin is cured to form the composite material. The molding method includes enhancing wettability of a portion of the fiber base material, and disposing the portion of the fiber base material in a narrow portion in which a gap constituting the cavity is smaller than other locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventor: Shigetaka UEHARA
  • Publication number: 20200009766
    Abstract: A molding method is provided for molding composite materials. The molding method molds a stack of composite materials formed by impregnating a base material with resin. The molding method includes providing a first resin with a photocuring property and providing a second resin with a thermosetting property. The first resin contained in a first composite material is cured by irradiating the first composite material with light, then the second resin is cured by heating the second resin contained in a second composite material. The curing of the first resin contained in the first composite material is completed before starting the curing of the second resin contained the second composite material that is adjacent to the first composite material of a surface layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Shigetaka UEHARA
  • Patent number: 10415753
    Abstract: A high-pressure gas container (100) includes an inner layer (11) configured such that high-pressure gas is filled inside, a boss part (13-1, 13-2) provided at least at one position of the inner layer and configured to cause the gas to flow in and out, and an outer layer (12) configured to cover an outer periphery of the inner layer to reinforce the inner layer and having a higher gas barrier property than the inner layer. A gas discharge port (15-1, 15-2) is provided between the boss part and the outer layer, and a gas ventilation part (14) is formed between the inner layer and the outer layer such that the gas having permeated through the inner layer is discharged into atmosphere through the gas discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Uehara, Shinichiro Takemoto, Hiroshi Uchida
  • Publication number: 20190202142
    Abstract: A molding method is provided for manufacturing a composite material having a base layer formed of at least one first prepreg sheet and a second prepreg sheet stacked on at least a portion of the first prepreg sheet. The first prepreg sheet and the second prepreg sheet are stacked, and then heated and cured. The second prepreg sheet constitutes a front surface layer that is integrally formed on the surface of the base layer. Here, the amount of second resin in the second prepreg sheet is larger than the amount of first resin in the first prepreg sheet on a per unit volume basis in an interface between the first prepreg sheet and the second prepreg sheet when the second prepreg sheet is stacked on the first prepreg sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventor: Shigetaka UEHARA
  • Patent number: 10256486
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell (A1) in which a frame body (20) provided with a membrane electrode assembly (30) is sandwiched between a pair of separators (40, 41), and multiple projections (21) are arranged at given intervals on each of two surface sides of the frame body (20). Thus, a gas flow path (S1) for a hydrogen-containing gas is defined and formed on one surface side of the frame body (20) and a gas flow path (S2) for an oxygen-containing gas is defined and formed on the other surface side of the frame body (20). The projections (21) on the one surface side of the frame body (20) and the projections (21) on the other surface side of the frame body (20) are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the frame body (20) in a stacking direction (?) of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takanori Oku, Shigetaka Uehara, Mitsutaka Abe
  • Patent number: 10090537
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes at least two cell modules adjacent to each other, the at least two cell modules each being formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells into an integrated unit and a seal plate interposed in a cooling flow channel defined between separators of the at least two cell modules, the cooling flow channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. The seal plate includes a manifold portion in which a plurality of manifold holes are formed to allow two power-generation gases to flow separately through the plurality of manifold holes and through the plurality of fuel cells and a seal member provided along a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of manifold holes to provide sealing for a corresponding one of the two power-generation gases flowing through the manifold hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Numao, Kazuhiro Kageyama, Shigetaka Uehara
  • Patent number: 10033058
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell capable of maintaining an interface pressure in good condition between a membrane electrode assembly and separators, and preventing an increase in contact resistance. A fuel cell is disclosed including: a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame at a periphery thereof; two separators holding both the frame and the membrane electrode assembly therebetween; and a gas seal provided between an edge portion of the frame and an edge portion of each separator to have a configuration in which a reactant gas passes through the frame and the membrane electrode assembly and the separators, wherein the frame and the separators are not in contact with and separated from each other in a region between the membrane electrode assembly and the gas seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigetaka Uehara
  • Publication number: 20180172207
    Abstract: A high-pressure gas container (100) includes an inner layer (11) configured such that high-pressure gas is filled inside, a boss part (13-1, 13-2) provided at least at one position of the inner layer and configured to cause the gas to flow in and out, and an outer layer (12) configured to cover an outer periphery of the inner layer to reinforce the inner layer and having a higher gas barrier property than the inner layer. A gas discharge port (15-1, 15-2) is provided between the boss part and the outer layer, and a gas ventilation part (14) is formed between the inner layer and the outer layer such that the gas having permeated through the inner layer is discharged into atmosphere through the gas discharge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigetaka UEHARA, Shinichiro TAKEMOTO, Hiroshi UCHIDA
  • Patent number: 9673461
    Abstract: To prevent inflow of liquid water into a power generating portion even if the liquid water remains in a manifold, and to enable size reduction by making constant the contact or surface pressure. According to the present invention, in a fuel cell comprising a power generating section including an electrolyte membrane joined between an anode and a cathode, and a manifold to cause inflow and outflow of an hydrogen containing gas and an oxygen containing gas separately from each other to the anode and cathode; the manifold is formed with an inflow preventing portion to prevent inflow of a liquid water remaining in the manifold, into the power generating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Uehara, Hidetaka Nishimura, Kazuhiro Kageyama
  • Patent number: 9496568
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell including: a membrane electrode assembly (30) formed by joining an anode (32) to one surface of an electrolyte membrane (31) and joining a cathode (33) to another surface of the electrolyte membrane (31); a frame body (20) formed integrally with the membrane electrode assembly (30); and a pair of separators (40, 41) holding the membrane electrode assembly (30) and the frame body (20) therebetween. At least one pair of holding pieces (42, 43) holding the membrane electrode assembly (30) therebetween is formed in the pair of separators (40, 41). Positions of holding end portions (42a, 43a) of the pair of holding pieces (42, 43) are shifted from each other in a stacking direction of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takanori Oku, Manabu Sugino, Shigetaka Uehara, Mitsutaka Abe
  • Publication number: 20160111746
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell capable of maintaining an interface pressure in good condition between a membrane electrode assembly and separators, and preventing an increase in contact resistance. A fuel cell is disclosed including: a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame at a periphery thereof; two separators holding both the frame and the membrane electrode assembly therebetween; and a gas seal provided between an edge portion of the frame and an edge portion of each separator to have a configuration in which a reactant gas passes through the frame and the membrane electrode assembly and the separators, wherein the frame and the separators are not in contact with and separated from each other in a region between the membrane electrode assembly and the gas seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigetaka UEHARA
  • Patent number: 9190692
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell capable of maintaining an interface pressure in good condition between a membrane electrode assembly and separators, and preventing an increase in contact resistance. A fuel cell is disclosed including: a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame at a periphery thereof; two separators holding both the frame and the membrane electrode assembly therebetween; and a gas seal provided between an edge portion of the frame and an edge portion of each separator to have a configuration in which a reactant gas passes through the frame and the membrane electrode assembly and the separators, wherein the frame and the separators are not in contact with and separated from each other in a region between the membrane electrode assembly and the gas seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigetaka Uehara
  • Patent number: 9093697
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided in which a plurality of single cells each including a membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electrical insulation members each connected to an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of the membrane electrode assemblies. The fuel cell stack further includes a first displacement absorbing member disposed between each insulation member and an adjacent insulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Uehara, Yasuhiro Numao
  • Publication number: 20150171456
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided in which a plurality of single cells each including a membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electrical insulation members each connected to an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of the membrane electrode assemblies. The fuel cell stack further includes a first displacement absorbing member disposed between each insulation member and an adjacent insulation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Shigetaka UEHARA, Yasuhiro Numao
  • Patent number: 9005838
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided in which a plurality of single cells each including a membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electrical insulation members each connected to an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of the membrane electrode assemblies. The fuel cell stack further includes a first displacement absorbing member disposed between each insulation member and an adjacent insulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Uehara, Yasuhiro Numao
  • Patent number: 8974980
    Abstract: A fuel cell is provided with a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame, both of which are sandwiched between two separators. The fuel cell is configured such that reactive gas is circulated between the frame and the separators. The frame and both separators each have manifold holes, the rims of the manifold holes of frame extend into the manifold holes in the separators, and protrusions cover the inner peripheral surfaces of the manifold holes in at least one of the separators. This structure makes possible the easy and accurate position and integration of the separators and the frame, and fuel cell miniaturization can be achieved because space to position the protrusions is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Oku, Mitsutaka Abe, Shigetaka Uehara, Yasuhiro Numao
  • Publication number: 20150064590
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes at least two cell modules adjacent to each other, the at least two cell modules each being formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells into an integrated unit and a seal plate interposed in a cooling flow channel defined between separators of the at least two cell modules, the cooling flow channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. The seal plate includes a manifold portion in which a plurality of manifold holes are formed to allow two power-generation gases to flow separately through the plurality of manifold holes and through the plurality of fuel cells and a seal member provided along a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of manifold holes to provide sealing for a corresponding one of the two power-generation gases flowing through the manifold hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Numao, Kazuhiro Kageyama, Shigetaka Uehara