Patents by Inventor Ari Alastalo
Ari Alastalo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9476975Abstract: Described herein is a passive wireless resonating non-linear sensor that is typically based on a ferroelectric varactor. The sensor replies its data at an intermodulation frequency when a reader device illuminates it at two closely-located frequencies. Furthermore, described herein is a general intermodulation read-out principle for passive wireless sensors. A sensor utilizes a mixing element, such as a varactor and it can be equipped with a capacitive, inductive, or resistive sensor element. When the sensor is illuminated with signals with two frequencies it replies the sensor data at an intermodulation frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTTInventors: Ville Viikari, Heikki Seppä, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Timo Varpula
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Patent number: 8916089Abstract: This publication discloses a method and apparatus for functionalizing nanoparticle systems. The method comprises treating a nanoparticle-containing layer so as to produce a pattern of structurally transformed zones, the treatment comprising applying an electric field through the nanoparticle layer. According to the invention an AC-field capacitively coupled to the nanoparticle-containing layer is used as said electric field. The treatment preferably results in at least partly sintered structures, which can be used as conductors, for example. The document discloses several realizations for utilization of the disclosed functionalization in mass-fabrication lines.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Mark Allen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Heikki Seppä
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Publication number: 20130112755Abstract: The present publication discloses an electronic code, comprising a substrate (105, 10) of essentially electrically non-conducting material,several electrically conducting code elements (108) formed on the substrate. In accordance with the invention at least one code element (101, 108) comprises an editable area (109), the conductance of which can be altered electrically.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTTInventors: Mark Allen, Ari Alastalo, Mikko Aronniemi, Jaakko Leppäniemi, Tomi Mattila, Heikki Seppä
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Publication number: 20120235847Abstract: Described herein is a passive wireless resonating non-linear sensor that is typically based on a ferroelectric varactor. The sensor replies its data at an intermodulation frequency when a reader device illuminates it at two closely-located frequencies. Furthermore, described herein is a general intermodulation read-out principle for passive wireless sensors. A sensor utilizes a mixing element, such as a varactor and it can be equipped with a capacitive, inductive, or resistive sensor element. When the sensor is illuminated with signals with two frequencies it replies the sensor data at an intermodulation frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTTInventors: Ville Viikari, Heikki Seppä, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Timo Varpula
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Patent number: 8136403Abstract: The present invention relates to a micromechanical sensor for analyzing liquid samples and an array of such sensors. The invention also concerns a method for sensing liquid samples and the use of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves for analyzing liquid phase samples micromechanically. The sensor comprises a body and a planar wave guide portion spaced from the body. At least one electro-mechanical transducer element are used for excitation of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves to the wave guide portion in response to electrical actuation and for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals. The wave guide portion is provided with a sample-receiving zone onto which the sample can be introduced. By means of the invention, the sensitivity of micromechanical liquid sensors can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Heikki Seppa, Kirsi Tappura, Jussi Tuppurainen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Hannu Helle, Aarne Oja
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Patent number: 8029722Abstract: This publication discloses a method for creating nanoscale formations. According to the method, a filler matrix and first nanoparticles embedded in the filler matrix, and two conductive electrodes are superimposed on the insulating material layer. According to the invention, a voltage is applied between the conductive electrodes, a filler matrix is used and first nanoparticles have substantially different electrical properties in order to induce self-organized localized contact creation when said voltage is applied. Potential applications of the invention include e.g. parallel-plate capacitor structures based on metal-oxide nanoparticles, such as memory cells, and high-permittivity/tunable capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppä
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Patent number: 7915097Abstract: This publication concerns electronics modules comprising at least one first material zone formed of first material which can be structurally transformed by means of electric interaction in order to increase its conductivity at least locally, the first material having a first transformation threshold, and at least one second material zone in the vicinity of the first material zone. According to the invention, the second material zone is formed from second material, which can also be structurally transformed in order to increase its conductivity, the second material having a second transformation threshold, which is lower than the transformation threshold of the first material zone. With the aid of the invention, post-processing electrical programmability and non-volatility of printable memories can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppä
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Patent number: 7759160Abstract: This publication discloses a method for forming electrically conducting structures on a substrate. According to the method nanoparticles containing conducting or semiconducting material are applied on the substrate in a dense formation and a voltage is applied over the nanoparticles so as to at least locally increase the conductivity of the formation. According to the invention, the voltage is high enough to cause melting of the nanoparticles in a breakthrough-like manner. With the aid of the invention, small-linewidth structures can be created without high-precision lithography.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppä
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Publication number: 20090277271Abstract: The present invention relates to a micromechanical sensor for analyzing liquid samples and an array of such sensors. The invention also concerns a method for sensing liquid samples and the use of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves for analyzing liquid phase samples micromechanically. The sensor comprises a body and a planar wave guide portion spaced from the body. At least one electro-mechanical transducer element are used for excitation of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves to the wave guide portion in response to electrical actuation and for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals. The wave guide portion is provided with a sample-receiving zone onto which the sample can be introduced. By means of the invention, the sensitivity of micromechanical liquid sensors can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2006Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUSInventors: Heikki Seppa, Kirsi Tappura, Jussi Tuppurainen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Hannu Helle, Aarne Oja
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Publication number: 20090081431Abstract: This publication discloses a method for creating nanoscale formations. According to the method, a filler matrix and first nanoparticles embedded in the filler matrix, and two conductive electrodes are superimposed on the insulating material layer. According to the invention, a voltage is applied between the conductive electrodes, a filler matrix is used and first nanoparticles have substantially different electrical properties in order to induce self-organized localized contact creation when said voltage is applied. Potential applications of the invention include e.g. parallel-plate capacitor structures based on metal-oxide nanoparticles, such as memory cells, and high-permittivity/tunable capacitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppa
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Publication number: 20090014821Abstract: This publication discloses a method for forming electrically conducting structures on a substrate. According to the method nanoparticles containing conducting or semiconducting material are applied on the substrate in a dense formation and a voltage is applied over the nanoparticles so as to at least locally increase the conductivity of the formation. According to the invention, the voltage is high enough to cause melting of the nanoparticles in a breakthrough-like manner. With the aid of the invention, small-linewidth structures can be created without high-precision lithography.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppa
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Publication number: 20090016924Abstract: This publication discloses a method and apparatus for functionalizing nanoparticle systems. The method comprises treating a nanoparticle-containing layer so as to produce a pattern of structurally transformed zones, the treatment comprising applying an electric field through the nanoparticle layer. According to the invention an AC-field capacitively coupled to the nanoparticle-containing layer is used as said electric field. The treatment preferably results in at least partly sintered structures, which can be used as conductors, for example. The document discloses several realizations for utilization of the disclosed functionalization in mass-fabrication lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Mark Allen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Heikki Seppa
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Publication number: 20080303583Abstract: This publication concerns electronics modules comprising at least one first material zone formed of first material which can be structurally transformed by means of electric interaction in order to increase its conductivity at least locally, the first material having a first transformation threshold, and at least one second material zone in the vicinity of the first material zone. According to the invention, the second material zone is formed from second material, which can also be structurally transformed in order to increase its conductivity, the second material having a second transformation threshold, which is lower than the transformation threshold of the first material zone. With the aid of the invention, post-processing electrical programmability and non-volatility of printable memories can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Valtion Teknilinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppa
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Patent number: 7215658Abstract: Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating use of an antenna assembly forming a portion of a communication station, such as a node of a wireless mesh network. Antenna information is determined and stored at a routing table of the node. The antenna information is combined with an IP address or other identifier of another node to which a data packet is to be communicated. The antenna information is utilized to define characteristics to be exhibited by the antenna assembly to best facilitate communication of the data packet between the nodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Ari Alastalo, Mika Kasslin, Pekka Soininen
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Patent number: 7006529Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging communication between terminals and an access point in a communication system applying data transmission frames. The data frames (FR) comprise timeslots for uplink and downlink communications between the terminals and the access points. The terminals can be allocated one or more timeslots in frames. The spatial signature of at least two terminals is determined, and in at least part of the frames, at least partly simultaneous timeslots are allocated to at least two terminals. Measurements are taken of a signal transmitted by the terminal and used to estimate the timing and frequency offsets and the properties of the communication channel. The simultaneous time slot allocation for terminals is done based on measurement results.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd.Inventors: Ari Alastalo, Kari Leppänen, Mika Kasslin
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Publication number: 20050083852Abstract: Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating use of an antenna assembly forming a portion of a communication station, such as a node of a wireless mesh network. Antenna information is determined and stored at a routing table of the node. The antenna information is combined with an IP address or other identifier of another node to which a data packet is to be communicated. The antenna information is utilized to define characteristics to be exhibited by the antenna assembly to best facilitate communication of the data packet between the nodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2004Publication date: April 21, 2005Inventors: Ari Alastalo, Mika Kasslin, Pekka Soininen
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Patent number: 6721302Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating SDMA (Space-Division, Multiple-Access) operation of a packet communication system in which packet data sizes are variable. Determinations are made of at least the relative sizes of data to be communicated pursuant to the separate communication sessions and responsive to such determinations selection is made as to the amounts of data to be communicated within a selected time period, and the time period is selected during which the data is to be communicated.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Ari Alastalo
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Publication number: 20040066762Abstract: A data communication system and a method for use in a data communication system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of nodes (1-7) provided with means for wireless data communication. At least one directed wireless communication link (DCHB) can be formed between a node and another node for data communication. In the method control information is generated, said information associating with at least one node of the plurality of nodes. Said control information includes at least a capacity parameter that associates with the capacity of said at least one node. Data communications between the nodes are scheduled based on said control information and data is communicated between the nodes via said at least one directed link based on said scheduling.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Ari Alastalo
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Patent number: 6496140Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a smart-antenna array of a wireless access system using TDD, which antenna array comprises antenna elements with a transmit and a receive branch each. In order to enable a time stable calibration, it is proposed that at least some of the antenna elements are selected in turns to be employed for transmitting broadcast messages. This provides time periods in which only one of said elements is transmitting. Each transmit branch is connected to at least one of the receive branches of another element, signals transmitted via these connections being evaluated for calibration. If receive branches are connected to transmit branches of several elements, it is ensured with the proposed selection that during the broadcast periods these receive branches receive at the most a signal from one element, thus avoiding the need for switches. The invention equally relates to a corresponding radio transceiver unit and a corresponding calibration system.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Nokia Networks OyInventor: Ari Alastalo
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Publication number: 20020097700Abstract: Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating use of an antenna assembly forming a portion of a communication station, such as a node of a wireless mesh network. Antenna information is determined and stored at a routing table of the node. The antenna information is combined with an IP address or other identifier of another node to which a data packet is to be communicated. The antenna information is utilized to define characteristics to be exhibited by the antenna assembly to best facilitate communication of the data packet between the nodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Ari Alastalo, Mika Kasslin, Pekka Soininen