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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Miyagi, Japan

Junichi Kuratani

This inventor holds 12 USPTO granted patents. Top assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.. Active years: 1983-2003.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Junichi Kuratani. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/junichi-kuratani

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

USPTO Granted Patents = 12

% Patents Active = 83.3

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.1

ph-index = 5

Forward Citations = 59(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Miyagi, JP (1983 - 1991)
  • Miyagi-ken, JP (1999 - 2003)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal12 out of 4,048 
 
Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
 patents

Years Active: 1983-2003

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12 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 6514087 - Rotary electric part (2003-02-04),
2. 6392178 - Membrane switch having layers containing rigid resin in contact parts (2002-05-21),
3. 6310535 - Rotary electric part superior in click feeling (2001-10-30),
4. 5909804 - Depression activated switch (1999-06-08),
5. 5068499 - Control lever type input device (1991-11-26),
6. 4904979 - Component assembly for electrical part (1990-02-27),
7. 4903003 - Variable resistor with a switch (1990-02-20),
8. 4887006 - Dimmer control circuit (1989-12-12),
9. 4739300 - Rotary type electronic part (1988-04-19),
10. 4719324 - Rotary variable resistor with shaft retaining spring member (1988-01-12),
11. 4573106 - Illuminated slide rheostat (1986-02-25),
12. 4410873 - Rotary variable resistor (1983-10-18),

Title: Junichi Kuratani: Innovator in Rotary Electric Parts and Membrane Switches

Introduction

Junichi Kuratani is a prominent inventor based in Miyagi, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrical components, holding a total of 12 patents. His innovative designs focus on enhancing the functionality and cost-effectiveness of various electrical devices.

Latest Patents

One of Kuratani's latest inventions is a rotary electric part that allows for the standardization of components while remaining inexpensive. This design features a shaft member and a rotary member that are formed as separate entities, enabling them to be fabricated independently and then combined. This approach not only facilitates standardization but also reduces production costs.

Another notable patent is for a membrane switch that incorporates layers containing rigid resin at the contact points. This invention addresses the issue of stress relaxation at contacts, ensuring that the switch maintains its actuating force even in high-temperature environments. The design includes a first flexible insulating substrate with a contact pattern and a second substrate with a corresponding pattern, which are aligned via a spacer member. The wiring patterns are conductive layers made from a mixture of conductive powder and binder resin, enhancing the switch's reliability.

Career Highlights

Kuratani is associated with Alps Electric Co., Ltd., a company known for its innovative electronic components. His work has significantly impacted the development of reliable and cost-effective electrical devices.

Collaborations

Kuratani has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Keizi Takezawa and Akira Oyama, contributing to various projects that enhance the functionality of electrical components.

Conclusion

Junichi Kuratani's contributions to the field of electrical engineering through his patents and innovative designs have established him as a key figure in the industry. His work continues to influence the development of efficient and affordable electrical components.

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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