Osaka, Japan

Koichi Niihara

This inventor holds 34 USPTO granted patents and 1 EPO patent, primarily in Ceramic Composites. Top assignees: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Limited, The Research Institute for Iron, Steel and Other Metals of the Tohoku. Active years: 1978-2008.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Koichi Niihara. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/koichi-niihara

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


% Patents Active = 97.1


Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.5

ph-index = 12

Forward Citations = 315(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Sendai, JP (1978 - 1982)
  • Yokosuka, JP (1988 - 1992)
  • Yokosuka, Kanagawa Pref., JP (1992)
  • Kourigaoka, Hirakata, Osaka, JP (1994)
  • Hirakata-Shi, Osaka, JP (1994 - 1997)
  • Hirakata, JP (1995 - 1997)
  • Suita, JP (1998 - 1999)
  • Suita-shi- Osaka JP (2003)
  • Suita-shi, Osaka, JP (1998 - 2004)
  • Osaka, JP (1996 - 2008)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal6 out of 1,623 
 
Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
 patents
silverMedal6 out of 10,641 
 
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Limited
 patents
bronzeMedal6 out of 20 
 
The Research Institute for Iron, Steel and Other Metals of the Tohoku
 patents
4. 3 out of 1,555 
 
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
 patents
5. 3 out of 5,075 
 
Ngk Insulators, Inc.
 patents
6. 2 out of 8 
 
Fine Ceramics Research Association
 patents
7. 1 out of 1,430 
 
Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
 patents
8. 1 out of 20,407 
 
Denso Corporation
 patents
9. 1 out of 90 
 
Japan as Represented by Director General of Agency of Industrial Science
 patents
10. 1 out of 220 
 
Kabushiki Kaisha Riken
 patents
11. 1 out of 1 
 
Koichi Niihara
 patent
12. 1 out of 2,304 
 
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
 patents
13. 1 out of 65 
 
Mitsubishi Mining and Cement Co. Ltd.
 patents
14. 1 out of 204 
 
Noritake Co., Ltd.
 patents
15. 1 out of 1 
 
Tadachika Nakayama
 patent
16. 13 out of 834,513 
Other
 patents
where one patent can have more than one assignee

Years Active: 1978-2008

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Areas of Expertise:
Catalyst Assembly
Ceramic Composite Material
Zirconia Based Ceramic
Composite Fiber
Sintered Ceramic
Alumina-Zirconia-Silicon Carbide
Silicon Nitride
Carbon Fiber Reinforced
Porous Bodies
Manufacturing Method
Super Hard Materials
34 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Innovator Spotlight: Koichi Niihara - Pioneering Catalyst Technologies

Introduction: Koichi Niihara, a renowned inventor based in Osaka, Japan, is at the forefront of catalytic innovation with an impressive portfolio of 34 patents to his name. His groundbreaking work in catalyst assembly design has revolutionized the efficiency and effectiveness of catalytic processes worldwide.

Latest Patents: One of Niihara's latest patents introduces a novel catalyst assembly that includes nanofilaments and particles with nanometer-scale diameters. This innovative design not only enhances catalytic performance but also improves the distribution of reactive gases within the assembly. By combining nanofilaments and particles, Niihara has successfully achieved catalyst dispersion at a distance of less than 100 nanometers, setting new standards in the field.

Career Highlights: Throughout his illustrious career, Niihara has made significant contributions to companies such as Other and Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. His expertise in catalytic technologies has been instrumental in driving advancements in various industries, leading to enhanced sustainability and productivity. Niihara's dedication to innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him a reputation as a visionary in the realm of catalyst development.

Collaborations: Niihara has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Atsushi Nakahira and Toshio Hirai, who have played pivotal roles in realizing his pioneering concepts. Together, they have explored new frontiers in catalysis, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the realm of materials science and engineering. Their synergistic efforts have undoubtedly shaped the landscape of modern catalytic research.

Conclusion: Koichi Niihara's exceptional inventions and unwavering commitment to advancing catalytic technologies have solidified his position as a trailblazer in the field. His visionary approach to catalyst design continues to inspire future generations of innovators, setting a high standard for excellence in the pursuit of scientific discovery. Niihara's legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of innovation and the profound impact it can have on society as a whole.

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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