Seiichi Kodama

Title: Seiichi Kodama: Compact Machining Center Innovations

Introduction

Seiichi Kodama is an inventor associated with Aichi, Japan. His patent work includes two inventions focused on machining-center design and methods for positioning workpieces while reducing machine width. His listed company affiliations include Yamazaki Mazak Co., Ltd. and Aisin AW Co., Ltd.

Latest Patents

Kodama’s two listed machining-center patents describe approaches that position a workpiece beneath a tool while limiting the width of the machine’s main unit along the X-axis.

One design combines rotation of a turntable in the C-axis direction, movement of the turntable along the Y-axis, and movement of the spindle along the Z-axis. This arrangement allows a selected workpiece position to be placed beneath the tool without relying on X-axis movement of the turntable. The patent also describes a layout with the turntable at the front of the main unit, the automatic tool changer (ATC) at the rear, and a separate control panel behind the ATC.

The other design positions the workpiece through C-axis rotation of the turntable and spindle movement across the Y-Z plane. Like the first, it aims to reduce the main unit’s X-axis width compared with a configuration that moves the turntable along the X-axis. It also describes placing the turntable at the front, the ATC at the rear, and an independent control panel behind the ATC.

Career Highlights

Kodama’s listed affiliations with Yamazaki Mazak Co., Ltd. and Aisin AW Co., Ltd. connect his work with companies in the manufacturing and automotive sectors. The machining-center inventions emphasize compact equipment layouts and alternative ways to position workpieces relative to tools.

Collaborations

Kodama’s listed coworkers include Takao Taniguchi and Shigeto Noma.

Conclusion

Seiichi Kodama’s two listed patents address machining-center layouts that combine workpiece positioning and equipment placement to reduce machine width.