Paul C Kikuchi

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Paul C Kikuchi in Exhaust Gas Sensor Technologies

Introduction

Paul C Kikuchi, an accomplished inventor based in Flint, MI, has significantly contributed to the field of electrochemical-type exhaust gas sensors. With a portfolio of three patents, Kikuchi's innovations primarily focus on enhancing the performance and reliability of exhaust gas oxygen sensors, which are critical for optimizing engine efficiency and reducing emissions.

Latest Patents

Kikuchi's latest inventive efforts include two notable patents:

1. **Exhaust Electrode Process for Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor**

This patent outlines a method for sputtering a palladium or palladium-platinum exhaust gas electrode onto a vitrified zirconia thimble. This process enables the deposition of porous high surface area films that exhibit consistent properties. Critical parameters outlined in the patent detail a sputtering target distance of 3.0-4.5 cm from the thimble and over 6 cm from the sputtering anode, utilizing pressures of about 10-20 millitorr and a DC power of 13-22 watts/cm².

2. **Aging Treatment for Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor**

This invention describes a method to manufacture a solid electrolyte electrochemical-type exhaust gas oxygen sensor. Here, a platinum exhaust electrode is sputtered onto a zirconia body, which is then subjected to aging treatment by heating in nitrogen at 700-900°C for a minimum of 30 minutes. This process aims to reduce the rich-to-lean switching time response, enhancing sensor performance.

Career Highlights

Kikuchi is currently associated with GM Global Technology Operations LLC, where he applies his expertise to advance automotive technologies. His work greatly impacts the development of efficient and reliable emissions control systems, reflecting his commitment to innovation in automotive engineering.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Paul C Kikuchi has collaborated with notable professionals, including Frederick L Kennard and Terry J Gold. These collaborations have likely contributed to shared knowledge and expertise in their projects, leading to successful innovations in the field.

Conclusion

Paul C Kikuchi's contributions to exhaust gas sensor technology demonstrate his ingenuity and dedication as an inventor. With his advanced methods for improving gas sensor performance, Kikuchi continues to play a vital role in promoting cleaner and more efficient automotive technologies. His work not only showcases the possibilities of innovation but also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving significant advancements in engineering.