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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Saitama, Japan

Masaharu Kanai

This inventor holds 9 USPTO granted patents and 1 EPO patent. Top assignee: Fuji Photo Film Company, Limited. Active years: 1985-2002.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Masaharu Kanai. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/masaharu-kanai

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

USPTO Granted Patents = 9

% Patents Active = 100.0


Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.2

ph-index = 5

Forward Citations = 58(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Asaka, JP (1995)
  • Tokyo, JP (1985 - 1997)
  • Saitama, JP (1995 - 2002)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal9 out of 16,458 
 
Fuji Photo Film Company, Limited
 patents

Years Active: 1985-2002

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9 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 6349173 - Camera with motor-driven lens barrel (2002-02-19),
2. 6208809 - Camera with motor-driven lens barrel (2001-03-27),
3. 5664235 - Portrait photography camera and method (1997-09-02),
4. 5477292 - Mechanism for driving a diffusion plate of strobe-lights (1995-12-19),
5. 5457511 - Single-lens reflex camera (1995-10-10),
6. 5218391 - Instant camera with reversable rollers for cleaning (1993-06-08),
7. 4996551 - Exposure control apparatus (1991-02-26),
8. 4825233 - Data recording camera (1989-04-25),
9. 4530585 - Automatic strobe apparatus (1985-07-23),

Title: Masaharu Kanai: Innovator in Camera Technology

Introduction

Masaharu Kanai is a prominent inventor based in Saitama, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of camera technology, holding a total of 9 patents. His innovative designs have enhanced the functionality and usability of cameras, making them more efficient and user-friendly.

Latest Patents

One of Kanai's latest patents is for a camera with a motor-driven lens barrel. This innovative camera design features a movable lens barrel that is stowed within the camera body when inactive. The lens barrel can be extended to either a near range or far range focusing position by rotating a drive ring. The design incorporates a cam mechanism that connects the drive ring to the movable barrel, allowing it to return to the stowed position with further rotation of the drive ring. The rotation of the drive ring is powered by a motor, which transmits rotational power through a clutch mechanism. This mechanism is designed to switch according to the motor's rotational direction, enabling the transmission of power to other mechanisms as needed. A controller manages the motor's operation based on signals from manually operated members, such as a power switch, shutter button, and zone selector, while also referencing detection signals from a barrel position detector.

Career Highlights

Masaharu Kanai is currently employed at Fuji Photo Film Company, Limited, where he continues to innovate and develop new technologies in the camera industry. His work has significantly impacted the way cameras are designed and operated, contributing to advancements in photography.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kanai has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Ko Aosaki and Hiroshi Soma. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that has led to the development of groundbreaking camera technologies.

Conclusion

Masaharu Kanai's contributions to camera technology through his innovative patents and collaborations have made a lasting impact on the industry. His work continues to inspire future advancements in photography and camera design.

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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