Location History:
- Akashi, JP (1993)
- Hyogo, JP (2010)
- Kobe, JP (1996 - 2011)
Company Filing History:
9 out of 1,100 
4 out of 1,883 
2 out of 1,232 
Years Active: 1993-2011
Title: The Innovations of Nobuhiko Ibaraki: A Pioneer in High-Strength Steel Wire Technology
Introduction
Nobuhiko Ibaraki is an esteemed inventor based in Kobe, Japan, recognized for his significant contributions to materials engineering, particularly in the field of high-strength steel wire. With a remarkable portfolio of 16 patents, Ibaraki has made strides in improving the workability and durability of steel products, which are essential in various industrial applications.
Latest Patents
Among his latest inventions, Nobuhiko Ibaraki has developed a steel wire specifically designed for high-strength springs that excels in both workability and strength. His patent outlines a steel wire composed of tempered martensite with specific mass percentages of carbon (C: 0.53 to 0.68%), silicon (Si: 1.2 to 2.5%), manganese (Mn: 0.2 to 1.5%), chromium (Cr: 1.4 to 2.5%), and aluminum (Al: 0.05% or less), alongside selective components such as nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, or niobium. This intricate composition results in a steel wire that can achieve a grain size number of 11.0 or larger, ensuring superior proof stress ratio, contributing to exceptional workability and fatigue resistance.
Another noteworthy patent introduced by Ibaraki pertains to a hard-drawn steel spring that demonstrates remarkable fatigue strength and sag resistance, comparable to those made from oil-tempered wire. This innovation utilizes a composition of 0.5 to 0.7 mass % of carbon, 1.0 to 1.95 mass % of silicon, 0.5 to 1.5 mass % of manganese, and 0.5 to 1.5 mass % of chromium, with the remaining mass being primarily iron and unavoidable impurities. The meticulous attention to the number of carbides ensures optimal material performance in demanding applications.
Career Highlights
Nobuhiko Ibaraki's career has been profoundly influential in the realm of steel production. He has worked with prestigious companies such as Kobe Seiko Sho and Kobe Steel, Ltd., where his expertise in metallurgical engineering has not only advanced company technologies but has also been pivotal in establishing industry standards for high-strength materials.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Ibaraki has had the privilege of collaborating with talented individuals such as Kenji Ochiai and Takaaki Minamida. These partnerships have facilitated innovative developments and have contributed to the successful implementation of his groundbreaking inventions in the steel industry.
Conclusion
Nobuhiko Ibaraki stands out as a vital figure in the field of materials science, particularly for his innovations in high-strength steel wire technology. With a solid foundation of patents that emphasize improved performance and durability, his work not only shapes contemporary engineering practices but also paves the way for future advancements in the industry.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.