Toshihiko Okada

Title: Innovations of Toshihiko Okada

Introduction

Toshihiko Okada is a notable inventor based in Kyoto, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of textile machinery, holding a total of 3 patents. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of fabric production processes.

Latest Patents

One of his latest inventions is a circular knitting machine. This machine comprises a knitting assembly for forming a tubular knitted fabric, fabric transport rollers for delivering the fabric from the assembly, a take-up spool for rolling up the delivered fabric, and a pair of opposed frames that are stoppably rotatable about a vertical axis in synchronism with the knitting assembly. The rollers and the spool are supported by the frames. A constant torque is transmitted from a drive transmission for the frames to the transport rollers by a constant-torque transmission utilizing a magnetic force. Meanwhile, the spool is driven with power transmitted from the drive transmission through a belt transmission, ensuring that the fabric knitted at high speed can be rolled up properly. The spool consists of a pair of divided spool members, making it easily withdrawable from the rolled-up fabric.

Another significant patent is a fabric inspecting method and apparatus for detecting flaws. This inspection method searches a fabric in strip form to find lump type and void type flaws on both faces of the fabric. Strobes and image pickup elements are arranged on opposite sides of the fabric during transportation. The strobes on one side of the fabric emit light, while the image pickup elements on the same side detect light reflected by the fabric. Simultaneously, the image pickup elements on the opposite side detect light passing through the fabric.

Career Highlights

Toshihiko Okada is associated with Gunze Limited, a company known for its innovative textile solutions. His work has significantly impacted the textile industry, particularly in improving fabric production techniques.

Collaborations

He has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Toshifumi Yagi and Satoshi Suzuki, contributing to various projects that enhance textile technology.

Conclusion

Toshihiko Okada's innovations in textile machinery demonstrate his commitment to advancing the industry. His patents reflect a deep understanding of fabric production processes and a drive for efficiency.