Patents by Inventor Yoshio Watanuki

Yoshio Watanuki 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: 20230356343
    Abstract: A filter unit is connected between a tray and a discharging duct of a spiral conveyor. The filter unit includes a first filter (perforated metal) that is fixed at a position close to the outer periphery of a conveying spiral, and a second filter (mesh filter) that rotates on the outside of the conveying spiral and the first filter. A washing nozzle sprays a washing liquid on the second filter. The chips captured by the first filter are scraped by the rotating conveying spiral and delivered back to the conveying path and the chips passing through the first filter but captured by the second filter are removed by the washing nozzle and delivered back to the conveying path. The washing liquid is sprayed at a predetermined angle from the washing nozzle and collides with vanes arranged on the outer periphery of the second filter and provides rotational force on the second filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Takaaki MAEDA, Yoshio WATANUKI
  • Patent number: 9555770
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering lock device that can prevent improper access to a cylinder lock due to the deformation of a mounting hole formed in a cut-out shape. The steering lock device comprises: a frame (4) that is provided with a cylindrical section (1) open at one end, and that houses a lock body (3) which moves in and out of a steering column as a result of the manipulation of a cylinder lock (2) secured in the cylindrical section (1); and a mounted member (6) that is mounted in a mounting hole (5), one end of which opens to the open end of the cylindrical section (1) and is formed in a cut-out shape. At both side ends of the mounting hole (5), to-be-locked sections (9) are provided that regulate the widthwise deformation of the mounting hole (5) by locking circumferentially with locking sections (8) of an inserted member (7) which is inserted into the cylindrical section (1) within the frame (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Kiso, Takashi Yoshizawa, Yoshio Watanuki
  • Publication number: 20160052489
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering lock device that can prevent improper access to a cylinder lock due to the deformation of a mounting hole formed in a cut-out shape. The steering lock device comprises: a frame (4) that is provided with a cylindrical section (1) open at one end, and that houses a lock body (3) which moves in and out of a steering column as a result of the manipulation of a cylinder lock (2) secured in the cylindrical section (1); and a mounted member (6) that is mounted in a mounting hole (5), one end of which opens to the open end of the cylindrical section (1) and is formed in a cut-out shape. At both side ends of the mounting hole (5), to-be-locked sections (9) are provided that regulate the widthwise deformation of the mounting hole (5) by locking circumferentially with locking sections (8) of an inserted member (7) which is inserted into the cylindrical section (1) within the frame (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Toshikazu KISO, Takashi YOSHIZAWA, Yoshio WATANUKI
  • Patent number: 8474291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for the locking and/or unlocking of a component essential for the function of a vehicle with a casing, which more preferably serves for the fastening of the locking device to the component essential for the function and a moveable locking member, which can assume at least two positions, namely a locking position, in which the locking member protrudes from the casing through an opening and is actively connected with the component essentially for the function and an unlocking position, in which the locking member is not actively connected with the component essential for the function and an arresting part which in an arresting position arrests the locking member in the locking position in the event that the locking device is opened without authorization. To this end it is provided according to the invention that the arresting part is positively held in the arresting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH Co. KG, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Werner Trischberger, Kenjirou Hayashi, Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 7975516
    Abstract: An electric steering lock apparatus includes a cam plate rotated in an unlocking direction and a locking direction by driving a motor unit, and a lock shaft shifting between a lock position at which the rotation of the steering shaft is prevented and an unlock position at which the rotation of the steering shaft is permitted, following to the sliding surface of the cam plate, wherein, at the position of the cam plate at which the lock shaft is located at the unlock position, the center of rotation of the cam plate is set at an eccentric position with respect to the position of the center of gravity of the cam plate so that the rotation torque resulting from the own weight of the cam plate acts in the unlocking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Okada, Tetsuyuki Tsukano, Ryuichi Yoshida, Yoshio Watanuki
  • Publication number: 20090064739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for the locking and/or unlocking of a component essential for the function of a vehicle with a casing, which more preferably serves for the fastening of the locking device to the component essential for the function and a moveable locking member, which can assume at least two positions, namely a locking position, in which the locking member protrudes from the casing through an opening and is actively connected with the component essentially for the function and an unlocking position, in which the locking member is not actively connected with the component essential for the function and an arresting part which in an arresting position arrests the locking member in the locking position in the event that the locking device is opened without authorization. To this end it is provided according to the invention that the arresting part is positively held in the arresting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicants: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Werner TRISCHBERGER, Kenjirou HAYASHI, Yoshio WATANUKI
  • Patent number: 7024895
    Abstract: An electrical steering lock device and a related method are disclosed wherein a plate cam 17 has a contoured profile determined such that a lock shaft 15 moves inside a lock groove 13 at a travel speed (first speed) lower than a travel speed (second speed) at which the lock shaft 15 moves outside the lock groove 13, enabling the lock shaft 15 to disengage from the lock groove 13 with increased torque. This results in a capability of reliably disengaging the lock shaft 15 from the lock groove 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., LTD
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Ryuichi Yoshida, Katsuji Konii
  • Publication number: 20050268677
    Abstract: An electric steering lock apparatus includes a cam plate rotated in an unlocking direction and a locking direction by driving a motor unit, and a lock shaft shifting between a lock position at which the rotation of the steering shaft is prevented and an unlock position at which the rotation of the steering shaft is permitted, following to the sliding surface of the cam plate, wherein, at the position of the cam plate at which the lock shaft is located at the unlock position, the center of rotation of the cam plate is set at an eccentric position with respect to the position of the center of gravity of the cam plate so that the rotation torque resulting from the own weight of the cam plate acts in the unlocking direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Takahiro Okada, Tetsuyuki Tsukano, Ryuichi Yoshida, Yoshio Watanuki
  • Publication number: 20040250577
    Abstract: An electrical steering lock device and a related method are disclosed wherein a plate cam 17 has a contoured profile determined such that a lock shaft 15 moves inside a lock groove 13 at a travel speed (first speed) lower than a travel speed (second speed) at which the lock shaft 15 moves outside the lock groove 13, enabling the lock shaft 15 to disengage from the lock groove 13 with increased torque. This results in a capability of reliably disengaging the lock shaft 15 from the lock groove 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Ryuichi Yoshida, Katsuji Konii
  • Patent number: 6460386
    Abstract: A mechanical key (17) is housed in a mechanical key storing part (15) offset to one side within a key body (1), a bulge (18a) of a key head (18) being housed in an extension part (16a) of an aperture (16), a bridging part (19) that forms a holder linking hole (20) being formed so as to protrude at just the center of the rear end surface of the key body (1) thereby establishing left-to-right symmetry and avoiding an unbalanced appearance. Because the key head (18) of the mechanical key (17) can be formed so that the lever length from the key center axis line is large, it is possible to lighten the key rotational force when the mechanical key is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Satoshi Ogata, Tetsuyuki Tsukano
  • Patent number: 6442985
    Abstract: A lock apparatus which can be locked or unlocked by an electronic key or mechanical key, includes a cylinder casing, a sleeve disposed rotatably inside the cylinder casing, a key cylinder disposed rotatably inside the sleeve and in which a mechanical key can be inserted, a tumbler disposed on the key cylinder and which the mechanical key can engage, a key cylinder lock actuator for locking or unlocking a rotation of the sleeve with respect to the cylinder casing and a control unit disposed on the key cylinder side for carrying out transmission and reception of electronic signal for verifying IDs. When, as a result of the ID verification, the ID of the control unit and the ID of the electronic key coincide with each other, the rotation of the sleeve with respects to the cylinder casing is released. Also, when the tumbler engages the sleeve, the key cylinder is rotatable with the sleeve by operating a key cylinder operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Masaki Tamura, Tetsuyuki Tsukano, Shigeo Chiba
  • Patent number: 6389856
    Abstract: A lock apparatus includes: a control unit carrying out transmission and reception of an electronic signal between the electronic key and the control unfit so as to perform ID verification; a rotating member disposed rotatably inside a casing; a lock actuator receiving a lock release signal from the control unit so as to release a lock on the rotating member to the casing; a key insertion hole disposed to the rotating member; a slider hole going through the rotating member; a slider inserted into the slider hole and disposed such that its inner end is protruded into the key insertion hole; and a check lever supported rotatably and in which one end thereof is an operating portion activating the transmission and reception of the control unit and the other end makes contact with the outer end face of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Tetsuyuki Tsukano, Satoshi Ogata
  • Patent number: 6382003
    Abstract: A lock apparatus of the invention capable of being locked/unlocked by an electronic key, comprises: an electronic key having a circuit chip generating an electronic signal, and an insertion portion provided at an end thereof and comprised of a pair of opposing flat portions and slope portions on both sides so as to be formed in a tapered flat shape; and a rotating member having an insertion hole opening at an end face thereof and in which the insertion portion of the electronic key is to be inserted, an opening portion of the key insertion hole having a rectangular sectional shape corresponding to a cross section of the insertion portion and being larger than an end of the insertion portion, and an interior of the key insertion hole being formed in a tapered flat shape corresponding to the tapered flat shape of the insertion portion and having a slant wall as a side face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Tetsuyuki Tsukano, Satashi Ogata
  • Patent number: 5829799
    Abstract: An automotive lid lock device comprises a lock proper which includes a latch plate and a locking plate. The locking plate is pivotal between a locking position to lock the latch plate and an unlocking position to release the latch plate. The lid lock device further comprises a power unlocking mechanism for pivoting the locking plate to the unlocking position with an aid of an electric power. The power unlocking mechanism includes an electric motor; a worm connected to an output shaft of the motor to rotate therewith; a worm wheel operatively engaged with the worm and a release lever extending between the locking plate and the worm wheel to pivot the locking plate from the locking position to the unlocking position when the worm wheel is turned in a given direction. The release lever, the locking plate and the worm wheel are so arranged that when the worm wheel is turned in the given direction, the worm wheel pushes the release lever toward the locking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignees: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Yamagishi, Yasuyuki Fukushima, Shigenori Taga, Yoshio Watanuki, Takeharu Iwata
  • Patent number: 5819564
    Abstract: A key plate structure for an automobile includes a key plate and a key head. The key plate is composed of a head part and a key part while the key head is composed of a casing part made of hard synthetic resin and an outer cover made of soft synthetic resin. The casing part encloses the head part and a part of the key part of the key plate. The outer cover operates to cover the casing part entirely, provided with an opening through which a part of the key part projects outwardly. The casing part has an electronic part installed on one side thereof and adjacent to the key plate. The outer cover has flanges formed on a periphery of the opening while the casing part has projecting rims formed on one edge thereof. In operation, the flanges of the outer cover are urged and fixed on the surfaces of said key plate, respectively, by the projecting rims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 5768925
    Abstract: An electronic-component-integrated key has a head and a key plate. The head has an inside case portion, an outer sheath portion to be fixed to the inside case portion from outside, and a recessed portion that is formed in the inside case portion and arranged on the side of serrations of a key plate, not on the side of a head portion 1a of the key plate, so as to be substantially in parallel with the key plate. An electronic component is held within the recessed portion by a holder, and an abutment portion of the inside case portion is partially exposed to the outer surface of an opening formed in the outer sheath portion. During the process of manufacturing the electronic-component-integrated key, the following steps are taken when the key plate is arranged within a cavity of a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takurou Ozawa, Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 5671621
    Abstract: The portion where the antenna wire is wound to the circular groove on the outer periphery of the bobbin of the core of the antenna coil is covered with an amplifier case base material and is molded integrally with the one side portion of the amplifier case attached to the key cylinder in such a state that the one side end portion of the core is exposed, and the exposed end portion of the core is fixed so as to make its end face roughly matched with the end face of the key cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Harumi Okazaki
  • Patent number: 5233879
    Abstract: An actuator includes a worm provided with a shaft-engaging hole, a motor provided with a shaft having a worm-engaging part for detachably engaging the shaft-engaging hole of the worm and an end cover having a worm-supporting hole for rotatably supporting at least one end of the worm whereby it is possible to provide a compact actuator which is easy to assemble. The motor and worm are supported between upper and lower complementary casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Company Ltd., Jidosha Denki K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Haruo Mochida, Masaru Inoue, Kazuya Suzuki, Masaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5211042
    Abstract: A vehicle steering locking system with a tiltable steering mechanism includes a column disposing a tiltable steering shaft therein, an ignition key cylinder in which an ignition switch is arranged having a key hole exposed to a passenger compartment at a preselected position, an operating rod arranged in the ignition key cylinder for activating the ignition switch in response to ignition key operation, a locking rod responsive to operation of the operating rod to selectively engage with and disengage from the steering shaft for locking and unlocking steering shaft operation, a locking rod housing, disposing the locking rod therein for connecting between the column and the ignition key cylinder. When the column is tilted together with the steering shaft, the locking rod housing rotates relative to the column to allow the ignition key cylinder to pivot with respect to the end portion of the ignition key cylinder having the key hole to maintain the key hole at the preselected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 5118146
    Abstract: The lock device for locking a striker pin is shown, which comprises a base plate to which a latch plate is pivotally connected. The latch plate is formed with a latching notch. The latch plate can assume a full-latch position wherein the latching notch fully latches the striker pin, a half-latch position wherein the latching notch incompletely latches the striker pin and a release position wherein the latching notch fully releases the striker pin. A first spring is used for biasing the latch plate to pivot toward the release position. A locking plate is pivotally connected to the base plate and has a pawl portion which is engageable with the latch plate to provide the latch plate with the full-latch and half-latch positions. A second spring is used for biasing the locking plate to pivot in a direction to achieve the engagement between the pawl portion and the latch plate. A full open lever is pivotally connected to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Watanuki