Yoshiaki Kohono 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).
Abstract: When an actuator is driven, a stationary element continuously generates a pressing force for spreading in a radial direction such that the stationary element is relatively retracted into movable elements positioned at both ends of the stationary element. As a result, a distance between the movable elements adjacent to each other is reduced, and a contracting operation is performed. When the actuator is not driven, only a relatively low frictional force is generated between the moving elements and the stationary element. Hence, the movable elements and the stationary element can change relative position by small external force.
Abstract: When an actuator is driven, a stationary element continuously generates a pressing force for spreading in a radial direction such that the stationary element is relatively retracted into movable elements positioned at both ends of the stationary element. As a result, a distance between the movable elements adjacent to each other is reduced, and a contracting operation is performed. When the actuator is not driven, only a relatively low frictional force is generated between the moving elements and the stationary element. Hence, the movable elements and the stationary element can change relative position by small external force.