Patents by Inventor Tsuneaki Kondoh
Tsuneaki Kondoh 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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Patent number: 11646677Abstract: An element includes a pair of electrodes, an intermediate layer between the pair of electrodes, and at least one insulator layer between the pair of electrodes. The intermediate layer contains a silicon compound including unpaired electrons as a material. The intermediate layer is deformable.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tomoaki Sugawara, Junichiro Natori, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Yuko Arizumi
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Publication number: 20230028286Abstract: (Object) To reduce the power consumption. (Means of Achieving the object) A sensor element according to an aspect of the present invention is used in a sensor system, the sensor system including at least one of a detector and a calculator, and a power source, the sensor element including a charge generation element configured to generate a charge in response to an external stimulus; and a signal converter configured to convert the charge into a predetermined output signal, wherein the signal converter is formed of one or more passive elements only, and an initial driving power for the signal converter is supplied from the power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2021Publication date: January 26, 2023Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Masami TAKAI, Kazuhito KISHI, Mizuki OTAGIRI, Atsushi OHSHIMA, Takahiro IMAI, Junichiro NATORI, Tsuneaki KONDOH, Tomoaki SUGAWARA
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Patent number: 11534929Abstract: Emergency stop pressure sensors 17 are installed on both side surfaces of a movable link 11 of a robot arm 14 of an assembly robot. When a worker S unintentionally walks in a swing range Ra of the robot arm 14 and contacts the emergency stop pressure sensor 17, a detection signal is transmitted to a control unit 19, and the control unit 19 shuts power transmission to a driving source swinging the robot arm. The emergency stop pressure sensor 17 has a first electrode and a second electrode constituting a pair of electrodes and an intermediate layer formed of rubber or a rubber composition, which is disposed between the pair of electrodes, the intermediate layer generating power upon deformation caused by contact with a contacted body (the worker). A side of the intermediate layer in a laminate direction undergoes surface modification treatment and/or inactivation treatment.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Junichiro Natori, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Tomoaki Sugawara, Mayuka Araumi, Takahiro Imai, Hideyuki Miyazawa, Mizuki Otagiri
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Publication number: 20220310899Abstract: An element includes an upper electrode, a flexible intermediate layer, and a lower electrode. The upper electrode having an uneven structure. The lower electrode is closely attached to the intermediate layer. The element is configured to generate an electrical signal due to contact and separation between the upper electrode and the intermediate layer. The lower electrode is configured to take a shape fittable to the uneven structure when the upper electrode and the intermediate layer come into contact with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Hideyuki MIYAZAWA, Tsuneaki KONDOH, Yuko ARIZUMI, Junichiro NATORI, Tomoaki SUGAWARA, Makito NAKASHIMA, Takeshi ENDOH, Mizuki OTAGIRI, Yuki HOSHIKAWA
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Patent number: 11189778Abstract: An element 1 includes a pair of electrodes 2 and 3, and an intermediate layer 4 having deformability, arranged between the pair of electrodes 2 and 3, and containing, as a material, a silicon compound including an unpaired electron. The intermediate layer 4 may contain a particle including the unpaired electron. The intermediate layer 4 may have rubber elasticity. The intermediate layer 4 may have at least one peak at a g value between 2.070 and 2.001 when being measured at an environment temperature of ?150° C. by using an electron spin resonance (ESR) device. The intermediate layer 4 may have at least one peak at a g value between 2.070 and 2.001 when being measured at an environment temperature of ?150° C. by using the electron spin resonance (ESR) device.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tomoaki Sugawara, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Yuko Arizumi, Junichiro Natori, Mizuki Otagiri, Mayuka Araumi, Megumi Kitamura, Takahiro Imai, Makito Nakashima, Hideyuki Miyazawa
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Patent number: 11018602Abstract: A power generating element is provided. The power generating element includes a pair of electrodes, an intermediate layer being insulating, and a substrate being flexible. The intermediate layer is disposed between the electrodes. The substrate is configured to support the electrodes and the intermediate layer. When the substrate undergoes a deformation, the intermediate layer is separated from or pressed against one of the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Mizuki Otagiri, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Tomoaki Sugawara, Yuko Arizumi, Junichiro Natori, Mayuka Araumi, Takahiro Imai, Hideyuki Miyazawa, Makito Nakashima, Megumi Kitamura
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Patent number: 11010004Abstract: An input element includes: a first electrode and a second electrode that face each other; and an intermediate layer disposed between the first and the second electrodes and made of rubber or a rubber composition, the rubber or rubber composition containing siloxane. The intermediate layer is made of rubber or a rubber composition, the rubber or rubber composition containing siloxane that has a silicon atom bound to three to four oxygen atoms. The intermediate layer has concentration profiles such that, while oxygen increases from one side to the other side of a thickness direction thereof and has a maximal value, carbon decreases from the one side to the other side thereof and has a minimal value.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Mayuka Araumi, Yuko Arizumi, Makito Nakashima, Megumi Kitamura, Tomoaki Sugawara, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Takahiro Imai, Junichiro Natori, Hideyuki Miyazawa, Mizuki Otagiri
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Publication number: 20210111644Abstract: An element includes a pair of electrodes, an intermediate layer between the pair of electrodes, and at least one insulator layer between the pair of electrodes. The intermediate layer contains a silicon compound including unpaired electrons as a material. The intermediate layer is deformable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Tomoaki SUGAWARA, Junichiro NATORI, Tsuneaki KONDOH, Yuko ARIZUMI
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Publication number: 20200388748Abstract: An element, including a first electrode, an intermediate layer, and a second electrode, the first electrode, the intermediate layer, and the second electrode being laminated in this order, wherein the intermediate layer has flexibility, and wherein a deformation amount on a side of the first electrode of the intermediate layer is different from a deformation amount on a side of the second electrode of the intermediate layer when a pressure is applied to the intermediate layer in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the intermediate layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tsuneaki KONDOH, Junichiro NATORI, Tomoaki SUGAWARA, Yuko ARIZUMI
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Patent number: 10777731Abstract: An element, including a first electrode, an intermediate layer, and a second electrode, the first electrode, the intermediate layer, and the second electrode being laminated in this order, wherein the intermediate layer has flexibility, and wherein a deformation amount on a side of the first electrode of the intermediate layer is different from a deformation amount on a side of the second electrode of the intermediate layer when a pressure is applied to the intermediate layer in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the intermediate layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tsuneaki Kondoh, Junichiro Natori, Tomoaki Sugawara, Yuko Arizumi
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Patent number: 10714676Abstract: A sensor includes a plurality of elements and an insulating layer. The plurality of elements is deformable to generate power. The insulating layer is interposed between the plurality of elements. Each of the plurality of elements includes a pair of electrodes and an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is disposed between the pair of electrodes and formed of one of a rubber and a rubber composition.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Mizuki Otagiri, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Yuko Arizumi, Tomoaki Sugawara, Junichiro Natori, Mayuka Araumi, Hideyuki Miyazawa, Makito Nakashima, Kimio Aoki, Takahiro Imai, Megumi Kitamura, Yuki Hoshikawa
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Patent number: 10651363Abstract: A power generating device is provided. The power generating device includes an element having flexibility and a support to support at least one portion of the element. The element is capable of undergoing a deformation when receiving a vibration and capable of generating power when undergoing the deformation. The deformation includes at least one of a bending deformation, a torsional deformation, and a bending-torsional complex deformation.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Imai, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Tomoaki Sugawara, Yuko Arizumi, Junichiro Natori, Mayuka Araumi, Mizuki Otagiri, Megumi Kitamura
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Patent number: 10636958Abstract: An element including: a first electrode; an intermediate layer made of a silicone rubber composition containing a silicone rubber; and a second electrode, where the first electrode, the intermediate layer, and the second electrode are disposed in this order, wherein a peak intensity ratio (1095±5 cm?1/1025±5 cm?1) of an infrared absorption spectrum of the intermediate layer varies along a vertical direction relative to a surface of the first electrode, and to a surface of the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuko Arizumi, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Mizuki Otagiri, Junichiro Natori, Tomoaki Sugawara, Takahiro Imai
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Patent number: 10541628Abstract: A power generating device including an element and a moving member. The element is deformable and generates power when deforming. The moving member moves when receiving a vibration, and contacts the element when moving. When the moving member contacts the element, the element deforms into another state or returns to a previous state.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuko Arizumi, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Takahiro Imai, Mizuki Otagiri, Mayuka Araumi, Tomoaki Sugawara, Junichiro Natori, Megumi Kitamura
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Patent number: 10476405Abstract: An element including: a first electrode; an intermediate layer; and a second electrode, the first electrode, the intermediate layer, and the second electrode being disposed in this order, the intermediate layer including an organic polymer material, where a molecular structure of the organic polymer material includes a structure represented by the following formula (1) where R1 is a carbonyl group, an ether group, a thioether group, or organopolysiloxane, and R1 may form a cyclic structure (an imide group) with R2; and R2 to R6 are organic groups that may be identical or different, where each of the organic groups may have a valency of 2 or more and may form another structure:Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Junichiro Natori, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Tomoaki Sugawara, Yuko Arizumi, Takahiro Imai, Mizuki Otagiri
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Patent number: 10458816Abstract: A sensor includes an electrode, an insulator, a pressure receiver, and a pressure imparting unit. The insulator is disposed at a position facing the electrode and away from the electrode. The pressure receiver is disposed on a surface of the insulator on a side opposite to the electrode. The pressure imparting unit presses a part of the insulator toward the electrode at a position different from the pressure receiver to contact the insulator with the electrode. The insulator generates power by contact charging or separation charging with respect to the electrode, to output the power as a signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Miyazawa, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Tomoaki Sugawara, Yuko Arizumi, Junichiro Natori, Mayuka Araumi, Takahiro Imai, Makito Nakashima, Kimio Aoki, Mizuki Otagiri, Megumi Kitamura, Yuki Hoshikawa
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Patent number: 10442091Abstract: A gripping device 18 is provided at the front end of an arm of an assembly robot 2. The gripping device 18 includes a pair of grippers 20 and 22 capable of opening and closing. The side configured to come into contact with a part 4, of each gripper 20, 22 includes a pressure-sensitive sensor 24. The pressure-sensitive sensor 24 includes a first electrode and a second electrode serving as a pair of electrodes and an intermediate layer formed of rubber or a rubber composition between the pair of electrodes. The intermediate layer is configured to generate electricity when deformed by contact with an object (part 4). The side configured to come into contact with the object, of the intermediate layer is subjected to a surface modification treatment and has a higher hardness than the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tsuneaki Kondoh, Tomoaki Sugawara, Yuko Arizumi, Mayuka Araumi, Mizuki Otagiri, Junichiro Natori, Megumi Kitamura, Takahiro Imai, Hideyuki Miyazawa, Makito Nakashima
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Patent number: 10305020Abstract: An element including: electrodes; and intermediate layers, each being sandwiched between any pair of the electrodes, wherein the intermediate layers comprise at least two selected from the group consisting of: intermediate layer that can be elongated and deformed in direction that is not parallel to direction in which external force is applied, when the external force is applied to the intermediate layer; intermediate layer that can be compressed and deformed in direction that is parallel to direction in which external force is applied, when the external force is applied to the intermediate layer; and intermediate layer that can be elongated and deformed in direction that is not parallel to direction in which external force is applied, and can be compressed and deformed in direction that is parallel to the direction in which the external force is applied, when the external force is applied to the intermediate layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yuko Arizumi, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Mizuki Otagiri, Takahiro Imai, Tomoaki Sugawara, Junichiro Natori
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Patent number: 10298150Abstract: A power generating element is provided. The power generating element includes an electrode pair and an intermediate layer. The electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The intermediate layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The intermediate layer is insulating and has a first side facing the first electrode and a second side facing the second electrode. The first electrode and the intermediate layer together operate as a contact/separation mechanism configured to perform a contact/separation operation, when an external force is applied to the power generating element to generate power. In the contact/separation operation, the contact/separation mechanism transitions between a contact or close state in which the first electrode and the first side are brought into contact with each other or close to each other, and a separation state in which the first electrode and the first side are separated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Mizuki Otagiri, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Yuko Arizumi, Tomoaki Sugawara, Junichiro Natori, Mayuka Araumi, Takahiro Imai, Megumi Kitamura
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Patent number: 10270369Abstract: To provide an electric generating element including a first electrode; an intermediate layer; and a second electrode, the first electrode, the intermediate layer, and the second electrode being disposed in this order, the intermediate layer being in contact with at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the intermediate layer microscopically moves in a horizontal direction relative to a surface of the first electrode and a surface of the second electrode, when the intermediate layer is pressed in a vertical direction relative to the surface of the first electrode and the surface of the second electrode in a state that the intermediate layer is not secured with at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tomoaki Sugawara, Junichiro Natori, Tsuneaki Kondoh, Yuko Arizumi, Mizuki Otagiri, Takahiro Imai