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).

  • Patent number: 9476975
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT
    Inventors: Ville Viikari, Heikki Seppä, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Timo Varpula
  • Patent number: 8916089
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Mark Allen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Heikki Seppä
  • Publication number: 20130112755
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Mark Allen, Ari Alastalo, Mikko Aronniemi, Jaakko Leppäniemi, Tomi Mattila, Heikki Seppä
  • Publication number: 20120235847
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT
    Inventors: Ville Viikari, Heikki Seppä, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Timo Varpula
  • Patent number: 8136403
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Kirsi Tappura, Jussi Tuppurainen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Hannu Helle, Aarne Oja
  • Patent number: 8029722
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppä
  • Patent number: 7915097
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppä
  • Patent number: 7759160
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppä
  • Publication number: 20090277271
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Kirsi Tappura, Jussi Tuppurainen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Hannu Helle, Aarne Oja
  • Publication number: 20090081431
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppa
  • Publication number: 20090014821
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppa
  • Publication number: 20090016924
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Mark Allen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Heikki Seppa
  • Publication number: 20080303583
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Valtion Teknilinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Mark Allen, Heikki Seppa
  • Patent number: 7215658
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Alastalo, Mika Kasslin, Pekka Soininen
  • Patent number: 7006529
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ari Alastalo, Kari Leppänen, Mika Kasslin
  • Publication number: 20050083852
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventors: Ari Alastalo, Mika Kasslin, Pekka Soininen
  • Patent number: 6721302
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Ari Alastalo
  • Publication number: 20040066762
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ari Alastalo
  • Patent number: 6496140
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Nokia Networks Oy
    Inventor: Ari Alastalo
  • Publication number: 20020097700
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Ari Alastalo, Mika Kasslin, Pekka Soininen