Nobuo Hirano

Title: Nobuo Hirano: Vacuum-Chamber Surface Treatment Innovations

Introduction

Nobuo Hirano is an inventor associated with Ibaraki, Japan, and Hitachi, Ltd. His work focuses on methods and equipment for treating the inner surfaces of vacuum chambers. Hirano is credited with 2 patents.

Latest Patents

One patent describes an apparatus that removes contaminated layers from the inner surface of a vacuum chamber. A broach with multiple cutting edges moves axially through the chamber, with the edges arranged to progressively cut the surface. The apparatus can also supply inert gas, nitrogen mixtures, or lower alcohol to the area being treated.

Another patent covers a process and apparatus for treating a chamber’s inner surface using a rod-driven broach. Staged cutting and finishing edges remove the contaminated layer and form a new surface, while inert gas, nitrogen, or a mixture of the two is supplied during cutting. The finishing edges help achieve the desired chamber diameter and a precise surface, supporting reduced gas desorption in vacuum vessels used in synchrotron-radiation environments.

Career Highlights

Hirano’s patent work addresses the practical challenge of removing contaminated and decomposed material from vacuum-chamber interiors. The inventions combine mechanical surface treatment with controlled gas or solvent supply to help produce clean, accurately finished surfaces.

Collaborations

Hirano is associated with Hitachi, Ltd. His listed coworkers include Toshiaki Kobari and Shiro Matsuzaki.

Conclusion

Nobuo Hirano’s patents demonstrate a focused contribution to vacuum-chamber surface treatment, combining broaching techniques and process controls to support precise, low-desorption vacuum vessels.