This inventor holds 32 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Power Transmission Systems. Top assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha. Active years: 1976-1990.
Location History:
- Toyota, JA (1976)
- Toyoto, JP (1980)
- Toyota, JP (1980 - 1990)
Company Filing History:
17 out of 1,838Â 
15 out of 38,837Â 
Years Active: 1976-1990
Areas of Expertise:
Title: **Nobuaki Katayama: Innovator in Power Transfer Devices**
Introduction
Nobuaki Katayama is a prominent inventor based in Toyota, Japan, with an impressive portfolio that includes 32 patents. His contributions to the field of automotive engineering, particularly in the design and functionality of power transfer devices, have made significant impacts on four-wheel drive technology.
Latest Patents
Among his latest innovations is a noteworthy patent regarding a **power transfer device for four-wheel drive**. This device features a differential that efficiently splits the driving torque into two separate paths for front and rear-wheel drive axles. The first output shaft assembly is designed to deliver torque to front or rear axles, while the second is strategically set for the alternate operation. A crucial component of this design is a shift mechanism, which includes a clutch sleeve mounted on one split shaft, allowing for manual adjustments between engaged and disengaged positions.
Another significant invention is the **output shaft assembly in the power transfer device**, which is integrated with an automotive power transmission system. This device comprises a transfer casing that connects directly to the power transmission casing, with a ring gear that receives driving power. The output shaft assembly is adeptly designed to convert this power from the ring gear to the propeller shaft via an axially-slidable slide shaft, enhancing the efficiency of the power transfer process.
Career Highlights
Nobuaki Katayama's professional journey is marked by his time at Toyota Motor Corporation, where he has been instrumental in advancing automotive technologies. His multi-faceted experience within the company has positioned him as an innovator in creating cutting-edge solutions that enhance vehicle performance and safety.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Katayama has collaborated with notable peers such as Kan Sasaki and Kazuhito Ikemoto. These collaborations have fostered a productive environment for innovation, allowing for the pooling of diverse expertise and ideas, which are crucial for the ever-evolving automotive industry.
Conclusion
Nobuaki Katayama stands out as a forward-thinking inventor in the automotive sector. With a remarkable number of patents under his name and significant contributions to power transfer technology, he continues to influence the design and functionality of modern vehicles. His work not only reflects his inventiveness but also contributes to the advancement of automotive engineering as a whole.