Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2004-2005
Title: Toshiaki Hodozuka: Innovator in High-Purity Metal Purification
Introduction
Toshiaki Hodozuka is a notable inventor based in Akita, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of high-purity metal purification, particularly focusing on indium. His innovative methods have led to advancements in the production of ultra-pure metals, which are essential in various high-tech applications.
Latest Patents
Hodozuka holds two patents that showcase his expertise in this area. The first patent is titled "Method and apparatus for enhanced purification of high-purity metals." This invention involves charging a 99.99% pure indium feed into a crucible and heating it to 1250 °C in a vacuum atmosphere at 1×10 Torr. The process allows indium to evaporate and condense on the inner surfaces of an inner tube, where it is then recovered into a liquid reservoir. Impurity elements with a lower vapor pressure than indium remain in the crucible. The recovered indium mass is subsequently heated to 1100 °C, allowing vapors of impurity elements with a higher vapor pressure to be discharged from the system, while the indium vapor recondenses and returns to the liquid reservoir, yielding 99.9999% pure indium.
The second patent, "Apparatus for enhanced purification of high-purity metals," describes a similar process and apparatus, emphasizing the efficiency of recovering high-purity indium while preventing losses. Both patents reflect Hodozuka's commitment to improving metal purification techniques.
Career Highlights
Hodozuka is currently employed at Dowa Mining Co., Ltd., where he continues to develop innovative solutions in metal purification. His work has positioned him as a key figure in the industry, contributing to advancements that benefit various technological sectors.
Collaborations
Hodozuka collaborates with Kishio Tayama, a fellow innovator in the field. Their partnership enhances the research and development efforts at Dowa Mining Co., Ltd., leading to more effective solutions in high-purity metal production.
Conclusion
Toshiaki Hodozuka's contributions to the field of high-purity metal purification are significant and impactful. His innovative patents and ongoing work at Dowa Mining Co., Ltd. demonstrate his dedication to advancing technology in this critical area.