Patents by Inventor Toru Hirata

Toru 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: 11960225
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes, an image forming portion configured to form a toner image on a sheet using printing toner and apply powder adhesive on the sheet, a fixing portion configured to heat the toner image formed on the sheet and the powder adhesive applied on the sheet by the image forming portion and fix the toner image and the powder adhesive to the sheet, and a bonding portion configured to bond the sheet with the powder adhesive by reheating the sheet having been heated by the fixing portion. The bonding portion is arranged above the image forming portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Yamaguchi, Kohei Matsuda, Hiroki Ogino, Yasushi Katsuta, Kaori Noguchi, Junko Hirata, Akira Kuroda, Yuki Nishizawa, Tsutomu Shimano, Toru Oguma
  • Patent number: 11955365
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a holder for holding a substrate horizontally, a rotator for rotating the holder, a liquid supplier for supplying liquid to the substrate, and a controller for controlling the holder, the rotator, and the liquid supplier. The holder includes a turntable configured to be rotated by the rotator, at least one first clamper configured to be rotated together with the turntable and moved between a clamping position and a releasing position, and at least one second clamper configured to be rotated with the turntable and moved between the clamping and releasing positions independently of the at least one first clamper. The controller controls the at least one first clamper and the at least one second clamper to alternately clamp the peripheral edge of the substrate while the holder is being rotated by the rotator and the liquid is being supplied to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ikeda, Toru Hirata
  • Publication number: 20230311170
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit that holds a substrate horizontally, a processing liquid supply unit that supplies a processing liquid to the substrate, a first processing cup that is provided annularly around the substrate holding unit, a second processing cup that is provided annularly around the substrate holding unit and on an inner side of the first processing cup, a drain port that is formed on a storage unit, a first exhaust port that is provided to exhaust a gas between the first processing cup and the second processing cup, a second exhaust port that is provided on an inner side of the first exhaust port to exhaust a gas on an inner side of the second processing cup, and a suction port that is provided between the drain port and the first exhaust port in a height direction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Toru HIRATA, Yoshinori IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20230173922
    Abstract: A failure sign determining device includes an acquirer to acquire pieces of sensor data based on respective values measured by multiple sensors, an FFT processor to execute fast Fourier transform on each of the pieces of sensor data and thereby generate a piece of frequency spectrum data, and a determiner to determine the existence of a failure sign on the basis of comparison between the piece of frequency spectrum data and a spectrum range defined for the sensor. The determiner, only when determining that a failure sign exists, transmits at least either of the piece of frequency spectrum data and the piece of sensor data to an analysis apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Toru HIRATA
  • Publication number: 20220037189
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a holder for holding a substrate horizontally, a rotator for rotating the holder, a liquid supplier for supplying liquid to the substrate, and a controller for controlling the holder, the rotator, and the liquid supplier. The holder includes a turntable configured to be rotated by the rotator, at least one first damper configured to be rotated together with the turntable and moved between a clamping position and a releasing position, and at least one second damper configured to be rotated with the turntable and moved between the clamping and releasing positions independently of the at least one first damper. The controller controls the at least one first damper and the at least one second damper to alternately clamp the peripheral edge of the substrate while the holder is being rotated by the rotator and the liquid is being supplied to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Yoshinori IKEDA, Toru HIRATA
  • Publication number: 20210343576
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a gripping mechanism and a base plate. The gripping mechanism grips a peripheral edge of a substrate. The base plate is located below the substrate gripped by the gripping mechanism and supports the gripping mechanism. Furthermore, the base plate includes a liquid drain hole that discharges a processing liquid flowing from the substrate to an upper surface of the base plate through the gripping mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yoshinori IKEDA, Toru HIRATA
  • Patent number: 7938642
    Abstract: A resin molding apparatus capable of enhancing transfer accuracy, reducing the cost of a molding apparatus, and shortening a molding cycle. The resin molding apparatus includes a first mold; a second mold disposed in opposition to the first mold; a transfer plate (34) attached to one of the first and second molds and comprising a transfer surface bearing a pattern of pits and projections and oriented toward a cavity (C1, C2); and a thermal insulation layer (40) disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds and formed through growth from the transfer plate (34) side or from the one of the first and second mold sides. Being disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds, the thermal insulation layer (40) can restrain dissipation of thermal energy of a molding material toward the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Hirata
  • Patent number: 7919035
    Abstract: Disclosed is a resin molding apparatus capable of enhancing transfer accuracy, reducing the cost of a molding apparatus, and shortening a molding cycle. The resin molding apparatus includes a first mold; a second mold disposed in opposition to the first mold; a transfer plate (34) attached to one of the first and second molds and comprising a transfer surface bearing a pattern of pits and projections and oriented toward a cavity (C1, C2); and a thermal insulation layer (40) disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds and formed through growth from the transfer plate (34) side or from the one of the first and second mold sides. Being disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds, the thermal insulation layer (40) can restrain dissipation of thermal energy of a molding material toward the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Hirata
  • Publication number: 20100055225
    Abstract: An object is to shorten molding cycle and improve durability of a heat-insulating layer (25). A heat-insulating mold comprises a mold plate and a transfer member attached to the mold plate and comprising a transfer surface on a surface which faces a cavity (C1, C2), the transfer surface comprising fine projections and depressions formed in a predetermined pattern. A heat-insulating layer (25) whose surface is densified is formed on a surface of the mold plate which surface comes into contact with the transfer member. Since the heat-insulating layer (25) is formed on a surface of the mold plate which surface comes into contact with the transfer member, the temperature of a molding material charged into the cavity (C1, C2) is temporarily maintained by the heat-insulating layer (25). As a result, formation and growth of a surface-hardened layer can be delayed, and transfer of the pattern of the transfer surface can be completed before the formation and growth of the surface-hardened layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Hirata
  • Publication number: 20090285930
    Abstract: A resin molding apparatus capable of enhancing transfer accuracy, reducing the cost of a molding apparatus, and shortening a molding cycle. The resin molding apparatus includes a first mold; a second mold disposed in opposition to the first mold; a transfer plate (34) attached to one of the first and second molds and comprising a transfer surface bearing a pattern of pits and projections and oriented toward a cavity (C1, C2); and a thermal insulation layer (40) disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds and formed through growth from the transfer plate (34) side or from the one of the first and second mold sides. Being disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds, the thermal insulation layer (40) can restrain dissipation of thermal energy of a molding material toward the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Toru HIRATA
  • Publication number: 20090166920
    Abstract: A molding apparatus includes: a heat insulting member; a heat conducting member disposed in a partial surface area of the heat insulating member, the heat conducting member being made of material having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the heat insulating member and including a design surface formed with a molding pattern on a surface on an opposite side to the heat insulating member; a heater for heating a surface layer of the heat conducting member on the design surface side, from the inside of the heat conducting member; and a flow pass disposed between the heat insulating member and design plate and flowing a thermal medium for thermal exchange with the heat conducting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Ryuichi Tokunou, Toru Hirata
  • Patent number: 7502127
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a sensor device which is capable of detecting a state of a movable stage using an easily manufacturable reference grating and capable of improving the accuracy of detection. The sensor device comprises a reference grating which has a configuration that is varied periodically in a two-dimensional direction. A light source emits light to the reference grating. A spectral unit has a plurality of openings to convert the light emitted by the light source into a plurality of light beams through the plurality of openings. A detector unit has a photodetector to receive collectively reflected light beams reflected by the reference grating. The detector unit is provided to detect a state of a movable body relative to the reference grating based on a change of the reflected light beams received by the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Tohoku Technoarch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Gao, Satoshi Kiyono, Yoshiyuki Tomita, Toru Hirata, Yoji Watanabe, Kennichi Makino
  • Publication number: 20090057955
    Abstract: Disclosed is a resin molding apparatus capable of enhancing transfer accuracy, reducing the cost of a molding apparatus, and shortening a molding cycle. The resin molding apparatus includes a first mold; a second mold disposed in opposition to the first mold; a transfer plate (34) attached to one of the first and second molds and comprising a transfer surface bearing a pattern of pits and projections and oriented toward a cavity (C1, C2); and a thermal insulation layer (40) disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds and formed through growth from the transfer plate (34) side or from the one of the first and second mold sides. Being disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds, the thermal insulation layer (40) can restrain dissipation of thermal energy of a molding material toward the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Toru Hirata
  • Publication number: 20070041024
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a sensor device which is capable of detecting a state of a movable stage using an easily manufacturable reference grating and capable of improving the accuracy of detection. The sensor device comprises a reference grating which has a configuration that is varied periodically in a two-dimensional direction. A light source emits light to the reference grating. A spectral unit has a plurality of openings to convert the light emitted by the light source into a plurality of light beams through the plurality of openings. A detector unit has a photodetector to receive collectively reflected light beams reflected by the reference grating. The detector unit is provided to detect a state of a movable body relative to the reference grating based on a change of the reflected light beams received by the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Wei Gao, Satoshi Kiyono, Yoshiyuki Tomita, Toru Hirata, Yoji Watanabe, Kennichi Makino
  • Patent number: 5404443
    Abstract: A display system for a vehicle is provided. This system is operable to selectively provide information such as vehicle condition, television broadcasts, or so forth in the form of images in a plurality of modes. The system includes a touch switch which is responsive to contact of a user's finger with a screen of the display to provide a signal. When the user touches the screen after interrupting the image on the display, the system displays the image in the mode selected before the display interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Toru Hirata
  • Patent number: 5301368
    Abstract: An operation control system includes a GPS receiver unit and a radio telephone unit. The GPS receiver unit includes a GPS antenna and a GPS signal receiver circuit connected thereto. The radio telephone unit includes a telephone antenna and a transmitter circuit connected thereto. The transmitter circuit transmits a call channel signal through the telephone antenna during the radio telephone unit being in an ON-CALL MODE and a control channel signal during an OFF-CALL MODE. The system is designed to set the transmitter circuit operative and the GPS signal receiver circuit inoperative during the ON-CALL MODE. On the other hand, the system allows alternate operations of the transmitter circuit and the GPS signal receiver circuit during the OFF-CALL MODE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Hirata
  • Patent number: 5107340
    Abstract: A noise-reduction apparatus is disclosed which reduces noise contained in a digital video signal. A two-frame difference detecting unit receives the digital video signal and detects a two-frame difference signal. A high-frequency component extracting unit extracts a high-frequency component of the digital video signal or a high-frequency component of the two-frame difference signal. A first elimination signal generating unit generates a first elimination signal corresponding to the two-frame difference signal. A frame difference detecting unit received the digital video signal and detects a frame difference signal. A low-frequency component extracting unit extracts a low-frequency component of the digital video signal or a low-frequency component of the frame difference signal. A second elimination signal generating unit generates a second elimination signal corresponding to the frame difference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toru Hirata, Masahiro Yamada, Seijiro Yasuki, Kiyoyuki Kawai