Inventors with similar research interests:
Location History:
- Kokubunji, JP (1995 - 1997)
- Higashimurayama, JP (2004 - 2010)
- Hiratsuka, JP (2015)
- Tokyo, JP (1995 - 2016)
- Osaka, JP (2002 - 2017)
- Mishima-gun, JP (2018 - 2019)
Company Filing History:
25 out of 42,508 
9 out of 2,333 
9 out of 365 
Years Active: 1995-2019
Areas of Expertise:
Title: Innovations by Atsushi Kikugawa: Pioneering Rare Earth Element Recovery
Introduction: Atsushi Kikugawa, based in Tokyo, Japan, is a prominent inventor with an impressive portfolio of 53 patents. His work primarily focuses on developing methods for recovering rare earth elements, which are critical in various advanced technologies. Kikugawa's innovative approaches aim to provide efficient and cost-effective recycling solutions for these valuable resources.
Latest Patents: Among his latest inventions, Kikugawa has developed two noteworthy methods for recovering heavy rare earth elements. The first patent outlines a procedure for separating a heavy rare earth element from a workpiece containing both heavy rare earth elements and iron group elements. This method involves an oxidation treatment followed by heat treatment at temperatures exceeding 1000°C, effectively extracting the heavy rare earth element in oxide form, thereby creating a low-cost, practical recycling system.
Similarly, his second patent focuses on recovering rare earth elements from workpieces that contain rare earth and iron group elements. This process also begins with an oxidation treatment, subsequently placing the workpiece in an environment rich in carbon black. The oxidation-treated material undergoes a heat treatment in an inert gas atmosphere or vacuum, promoting the separation of rare earth elements as oxides.
Career Highlights: Kikugawa has had a significant impact on the field through his roles at reputable corporations such as Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi Metals, Ltd. His contributions have not only advanced recycling technologies but have also helped address the challenges associated with rare earth element availability.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Kikugawa has worked alongside esteemed colleagues, including Yukio Honda and Kiwamu Tanahashi. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and knowledge-sharing, further enhancing the quality and impact of their research and inventions.
Conclusion: Atsushi Kikugawa's extensive patent portfolio and innovative methods for recovering rare earth elements mark him as a valuable contributor to sustainable technology solutions. His work exemplifies how dedicated inventors can address pressing environmental challenges while advancing industry practices, reinforcing the importance of continued innovation in this critical field.