Kobe, Japan

Kenji Yamamoto

This inventor holds 150 USPTO granted patents and 15 published patent applications and 44 EPO patents, primarily in Solar Cell Technology (CPC class C23C14-325). Top assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., Kaneka Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.. Active years: 1987-2021.

USPTO Granted Patents = 150 

% Patents Active = 52.7

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.2

ph-index = 17

Forward Citations = 929(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 810(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Neyagawa, JP (1999 - 2004)
  • Takatsuki, JP (2005)
  • Katano, JP (2007)
  • Settu, JP (2017)
  • Hyogo, JP (2010 - 2019)
  • Settsu, JP (2013 - 2020)
  • Kobe, JP (1987 - 2021)
  • Osaka, JP (1993 - 2021)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal64 out of 1,921 
 
Kobe Steel, Ltd.
 patents
silverMedal43 out of 1,772 
 
Kaneka Corporation
 patents
bronzeMedal10 out of 27,375 
 
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
 patents
4. 7 out of 130 
 
Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
 patents
5. 6 out of 449 
 
Fujikin Inc.
 patents
6. 5 out of 1,101 
 
Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
 patents
7. 4 out of 698 
 
Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
 patents
8. 3 out of 109 
 
Kanegafuchi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
 patents
9. 2 out of 542 
 
Iscar, Ltd.
 patents
10. 2 out of 13 
 
Nippon Koshuha Steel Co., Ltd.
 patents
11. 1 out of 4,741 
 
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited
 patents
12. 1 out of 1 
 
Mmc Kobelco Tool Co., Ltd.
 patent
13. 1 out of 1,102 
 
Nippon Steel Sumitomo Metal Corporation
 patents
14. 1 out of 13,420 
 
Nissan Motor Company Limited
 patents
15. 1 out of 16,454 
 
Panasonic Corporation
 patents
16. 1 out of 13,338 
 
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
 patents
17. 4 out of 834,453 
Other
 patents
where one patent can have more than one assignee

Years Active: 1987-2021

Loading Chart...
Loading Chart...
Areas of Expertise:
Solar Cell
Photovoltaic Device
Transparent Electrode
Multi-Junction
Arc Evaporation
I-V Measurement
Thin-Film
Hard Coating
Substrate
Conductive Film
Laminated Coating
150 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Kenji Yamamoto: Innovating the Future of Solar Cell Manufacturing

Introduction:

In the world of solar energy, Japanese inventor Kenji Yamamoto has left an indelible mark with his groundbreaking contributions in solar cell manufacturing. Hailing from Kobe, Japan, Yamamoto boasts an incredible portfolio of 139 patents, showcasing his profound expertise and relentless pursuit of innovation. This article delves into his latest patents, his noteworthy career highlights, and notable collaborations.

Latest Patents:

Yamamoto's recent patent, titled "Method for Manufacturing Solar Cell," demonstrates his expertise in developing an advanced manufacturing process. This innovative technique involves forming a first semiconductor layer of a specific conductivity type on a semiconductor substrate's surface. Additionally, a lift-off layer containing a silicon-based material is formed on the first semiconductor layer. Through selective removal of the lift-off layer and first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer of a different conductivity type is then created. The patent highlights the importance of matching the linear expansion coefficients of the semiconductor substrate and the lift-off layer, while also emphasizing the significance of temperature control during the formation and removal process.

Another groundbreaking patent by Yamamoto is the "Photovoltaic Device," which showcases his prowess in optical systems. The invention incorporates a condensing optical system with chromatic aberration, along with a first and second photoelectric converter. The first photoelectric converter is positioned closer to the optical axis, while the second photoelectric converter, with a lower bandgap, surrounds it. This unique arrangement maximizes the absorption of longest-wavelength light, increasing the device's overall efficiency.

Career Highlights:

Throughout his illustrious career, Kenji Yamamoto has been associated with renowned companies in the renewable energy sector. Notably, he has contributed his expertise to Kobe Steel, Ltd., a prominent steel manufacturer in Japan. His association with Kobe Steel has further strengthened the company's commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy solutions.

Yamamoto has also made remarkable contributions through his involvement with Kaneka Corporation, an innovative Japanese company that focuses on developing chemical and material-based solutions. While working at Kaneka Corporation, Yamamoto has been instrumental in advancing solar cell technologies, ensuring the company's continued success in the renewable energy market.

Collaborations:

Collaboration plays a vital role in driving innovation, and Kenji Yamamoto has worked alongside esteemed colleagues who share his passion for advancing renewable energy technologies. Notably, he has collaborated with Masashi Yoshimi, whose expertise complements Yamamoto's own research and development endeavors. Additionally, Yamamoto has worked closely with Takashi Kuchiyama, combining their knowledge and experience to push the boundaries of solar cell manufacturing.

Conclusion:

Kenji Yamamoto's relentless pursuit of innovation and his remarkable contributions to solar cell manufacturing have firmly established him as a prominent figure in the renewable energy field. With his 139 patents, including his latest advancements in solar cell manufacturing techniques and photovoltaic device design, Yamamoto continues to shape the future of renewable energy. Through his collaborations and career highlights, Yamamoto serves as an inspiration for aspiring inventors and a driving force in the pursuit of sustainable technologies.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Please report any incorrect information to [email protected]
Loading…