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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Kanagawa, Japan

Akira Shimofuku

This inventor holds 21 USPTO granted patents and 4 published patent applications, primarily in Electromechanical Transducers. Top assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tohoku University. Active years: 2009-2024.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Akira Shimofuku. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/akira-shimofuku

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

USPTO Granted Patents = 21 

% Patents Active = 57.1

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.4

ph-index = 5

Forward Citations = 53(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Kanagawa-ken, JP (2014)
  • Kanagawa, JP (2009 - 2024)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal21 out of 28,940 
 
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
 patents
silverMedal1 out of 1,051 
 
Tohoku University
 patents
where one patent can have more than one assignee

Years Active: 2009-2024

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Areas of Expertise:
Electromechanical Transducer
Liquid Discharge Head
Piezoelectric Actuator
Inkjet Recording Apparatus
Thin Film Forming
Sol-Gel Solution
Droplet Ejecting
Optical Information Recording
Manufacturing Method
PZT Precursor
Liquid Ejection
Fabrication Method
21 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 12076990 - Piezoelectric actuator, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge apparatus (2024-09-03),
2. 11145803 - Piezoelectric element substrate, bonded substrate, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge unit, and liquid discharge apparatus (2021-10-12),
3. 10786988 - Electromechanical transducer element, method of producing the element, liquid discharge head incorporating the element, and liquid discharge apparatus incorporating the head (2020-09-29),
4. 9969651 - Precursor sol-gel solution, electromechanical transducer element, liquid droplet discharge head, and inkjet recording apparatus (2018-05-15),
5. 9834853 - PZT precursor solution, method for producing PZT precursor solution, method for producing PZT film, method for producing electromechanical transducer element, and method for producing liquid discharge head (2017-12-05),
6. 9634230 - Fabrication method of electromechanical transducer film, electromechanical transducer element, liquid ejection head, and inkjet recording apparatus (2017-04-25),
7. 9537085 - Fabrication method of electromechanical transducer film, fabrication method of electromechanical transducer element, electromechanical transducer element, liquid ejection head, and image forming apparatus (2017-01-03),
8. 9533502 - Electro-mechanical transducer element, liquid droplet ejecting head, image forming apparatus, and electro-mechanical transducer element manufacturing method (2017-01-03),
9. 9512521 - Manufacturing method of and manufacturing apparatus for metal oxide film (2016-12-06),
10. 9202717 - Method of making liquid discharge head, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge apparatus having liquid discharge head, and manufacturing apparatus of liquid discharge head (2015-12-01),
11. 9085145 - Method of forming electromechanical transducer film, electromechanical transducer film, electromechanical transducer element, and liquid discharge head (2015-07-21),
12. 9056454 - Actuator, method of manufacturing the actuator, and liquid droplet ejecting head, liquid droplet ejecting apparatus, and image forming apparatus having the actuator (2015-06-16),
13. 8960866 - Electromechanical transducer element, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device, and image forming apparatus (2015-02-24),
14. 8911063 - Thin film forming apparatus, thin film forming method, electro-mechanical transducer element, liquid ejecting head, and inkjet recording apparatus (2014-12-16),
15. 8770725 - Method of manufacturing electromechanical transducer element, electromechanical transducer element, discharging head, and inkjet recording device (2014-07-08),

Title: Akira Shimofuku – Innovator in Piezoelectric Technology

Introduction

Akira Shimofuku is a distinguished inventor based in Kanagawa, Japan. With an impressive portfolio of 21 patents, he has made significant contributions to the field of piezoelectric technology, particularly in liquid discharge devices. His work demonstrates a commitment to advancing innovation in engineering and technology.

Latest Patents

Shimofuku's latest patents exemplify his expertise in piezoelectric actuators and liquid discharge systems. One notable invention includes a piezoelectric actuator that features a substrate with multiple piezoelectric elements. The actuator incorporates a diaphragm, a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, a second electrode, and a metal wiring layer that connects to the piezoelectric elements. Another recent patent details a liquid discharge head and apparatus, which includes a piezoelectric element substrate with several integrated wiring patterns and bonding patterns for efficient operation.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Akira Shimofuku has worked with esteemed organizations, including Ricoh Company, Ltd., and Tohoku University. His tenure at these institutions has allowed him to apply his innovative ideas in practical settings, contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies in his field.

Collaborations

In his professional journey, Shimofuku has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Osamu Machida and Atsushi Takeuchi. These partnerships have been instrumental in fostering creativity and driving innovation across various projects, enhancing the overall impact of their work in piezoelectric technology.

Conclusion

Akira Shimofuku's contributions to the realm of piezoelectric devices highlight the importance of innovation in technology. With a solid foundation of patents and collaborative efforts, he continues to pave the way for advancements that can reshape how liquid discharge systems operate, ensuring a brighter future for technology and engineering.

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]
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