Akio Tanaka

This inventor holds 20 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Digital Television Tuning. Top assignee: Zenith Radio Corporation. Active years: 1976-1982.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Akio Tanaka. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/akio-tanaka-kiy5mkr8

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank

USPTO Granted Patents = 20

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.1

ph-index = 7

Forward Citations = 122(Granted Patents)

Location History:

Evanston, IL (US) (1976)
Chicago, IL (US) (1977 - 1980)
San Francisco, CA (US) (1981 - 1982)

Company Filing History:

20 out of 476

Zenith Radio Corporation

patents

Years Active: 1976-1982

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Areas of Expertise:

Digital Tuner

Frequency Control

Channel Tuning

Memory-Saving

Signal Seeking

Varactor Detection

All-Channel Receiver

Tuning Method

Slope Factor

Automatic Display

Band Decoder

Television Receiver

20 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 4319275 - Vertical synchronization detection system and method (1982-03-09),

2. 4302778 - AFT-wide automatic frequency control system and method (1981-11-24),

3. 4241449 - Memory saving all-channel digital television receiver (1980-12-23),

4. 4187469 - Limited channel television receiver with organized memory (1980-02-05),

5. 4184121 - Wide window tuning system (1980-01-15),

6. 4161699 - Second derivative memory-saving all channel digital tuning system (1979-07-17),

7. 4152654 - Memory-saving all channel digital tuning system (1979-05-01),

8. 4144498 - Television tuning method and apparatus for tuning employing slope factor (1979-03-13),

9. 4142157 - Tuning system equalized with the slope factor of the tuning curve (1979-02-27),

10. 4063178 - Memory tuning system with different speeds in program and operate modes (1977-12-13),

11. 4060768 - Memory tuning system with dual speed programming (1977-11-29),

12. 4023107 - Sequential channel tuning system with a memory (1977-05-10),

13. 4005368 - Memory tuning system with automatic two speed display (1977-01-25),

14. 3980958 - Signal seeking tuning system with illegal channel detection means (1976-09-14),

15. 3973205 - Television tuning system indicator (1976-08-03),

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Akio Tanaka in the Field of Electronics

Introduction

Akio Tanaka is a prominent inventor based in Chicago, IL, known for his significant contributions to the field of electronics. With an impressive portfolio of 20 patents, Tanaka has focused on enhancing the functionality and reliability of television and tuning systems. His innovative work has had a substantial impact on technology.

Latest Patents

Among Akio Tanaka's most recent patents are two noteworthy inventions:

1. **Vertical Synchronization Detection System and Method**: This invention involves a microcomputer-controlled system designed to detect a vertical synchronization pulse extracted from a composite synchronization signal provided to television receivers. The system analyzes sync pulse voltage level, period, and duty cycle, applying predetermined vertical sync criteria to ensure valid vertical synchronization.

2. **AFT-wide Automatic Frequency Control System and Method**: This invention is an indirect frequency synthesis, microcomputer-controlled tuning system. It utilizes a frequency-stepping process to tune to a selected channel frequency. The system provides AFC discriminator information relating to a predetermined frequency range for the selected channel and directs the microcomputer in frequency-stepping the tuner toward the nominal frequency.

Career Highlights

Akio Tanaka has made a mark in the electronics industry while working with Zenith Radio Corporation. His role as an inventor within the company has allowed him to pioneer technologies that improve device performance and user experience. His patents reflect his commitment to innovation and efficiency in electronic systems.

Collaborations

Tanaka works alongside his coworker, John Y Ma. Their collaboration within Zenith Radio Corporation exemplifies teamwork in driving forward technological advancements in the field.

Conclusion

Akio Tanaka's contributions to innovation through his patents in vertical synchronization and frequency control systems significantly enhance electronic technology. His work continues to influence the industry, showcasing the importance of inventive minds in shaping the future of electronics.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.

Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]