Patents by Inventor Heikki Korva

Heikki Korva 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: 10194220
    Abstract: Antenna apparatus that utilizes a utility line in order to improve performance of the antenna apparatus. In one embodiment, a smart meter that utilizes the aforementioned antenna apparatus is disclosed. The smart meter includes a utility meter housing configured to house a smart metering module, the utility meter housing enclosing: a wireless reporting portion comprising a helical coil radiator, the helical coil radiator being coupled to an RF transmission path, the RF transmission path configured to couple the helical coil radiator to an RF transceiver integrated circuit; an enclosure configured to house the RF transceiver integrated circuit, the enclosure further comprising a distribution portion comprising one or more meter sensing electronics; and a utility line port, the utility line port configured to position a utility line adjacent and parallel with the helical coil radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Pulse Finland OY
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Kimmo Koskiniemi
  • Publication number: 20180192166
    Abstract: Antenna apparatus that utilizes a utility line in order to improve performance of the antenna apparatus. In one embodiment, a smart meter that utilizes the aforementioned antenna apparatus is disclosed. The smart meter includes a utility meter housing configured to house a smart metering module, the utility meter housing enclosing: a wireless reporting portion comprising a helical coil radiator, the helical coil radiator being coupled to an RF transmission path, the RF transmission path configured to couple the helical coil radiator to an RF transceiver integrated circuit; an enclosure configured to house the RF transceiver integrated circuit, the enclosure further comprising a distribution portion comprising one or more meter sensing electronics; and a utility line port, the utility line port configured to position a utility line adjacent and parallel with the helical coil radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Kimmo Koskiniemi
  • Patent number: 9991590
    Abstract: Antenna apparatus and methods of use and tuning. In one exemplary embodiment, the solution of the present disclosure is particularly adapted for small form-factor, metal-encased applications such as smartphones or tablets (and “phablets”) utilizing near field communication (NFC) interfaces. The solution increases the effective size of the antenna without requiring any significant additional space or other structural modifications to the host device (such as changes to the device's metal case or size), while still maintaining a high degree of electrical performance (including a high Q factor).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: PULSE FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Tuomas Jaasko
  • Patent number: 9973228
    Abstract: Wireless wide area network (WWAN) antenna with integrated sensor and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, an antenna subsystem and proximity sensing subsystem share a grounded antenna component/parasitic element. The parasitic element can be used to broaden the operating band of the antenna feeding component and provide an input (via a capacitance change) to a proximity sensor. The parasitic element is, in one embodiment, coupled in parallel to the proximity sensor allowing for a reduction in noise due to increased isolation between the antenna subsystem and the sensing subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Pulse Finland Oy
    Inventors: Ilkka Heikura, Heikki Korva
  • Patent number: 9948002
    Abstract: Wireless wide area network (WWAN) antenna with integrated sensor and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, an antenna subsystem and proximity sensing subsystem share a grounded antenna component/parasitic element. The parasitic element can be used to broaden the operating band of the antenna feeding component and provide an input (via a capacitance change) to a proximity sensor. The parasitic element is, in one embodiment, coupled in parallel to the proximity sensor allowing for a reduction in noise due to increased isolation between the antenna subsystem and the sensing subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PULSE FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Ilkka Heikura, Heikki Korva
  • Patent number: 9917375
    Abstract: In-building dual-polarized antenna apparatus components, assemblies, and methods for manufacturing and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the dual-polarized ceiling mount antenna apparatus comprises a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) device and is constructed to meet one or more aesthetically-related design goals such as e.g., being visually appealing. Specifically, only the horizontally polarized antenna element of the exemplary MIMO apparatus is visible as the remainder of the MIMO antenna apparatus is hidden from view above a ceiling tile. Moreover, the radome of the horizontally polarized antenna element is manufactured from a substantially translucent polymer cover and includes a “thin” radiating mesh. Resident above the ceiling tile, and normally obscured from view, is a vertically polarized antenna element along with an optional reflector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Pulse Finland OY
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Kimmo Koskiniemi
  • Publication number: 20170170573
    Abstract: In-building dual-polarized antenna apparatus components, assemblies, and methods for manufacturing and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the dual-polarized ceiling mount antenna apparatus comprises a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) device and is constructed to meet one or more aesthetically-related design goals such as e.g., being visually appealing. Specifically, only the horizontally polarized antenna element of the exemplary MIMO apparatus is visible as the remainder of the MIMO antenna apparatus is hidden from view above a ceiling tile. Moreover, the radome of the horizontally polarized antenna element is manufactured from a substantially translucent polymer cover and includes a “thin” radiating mesh. Resident above the ceiling tile, and normally obscured from view, is a vertically polarized antenna element along with an optional reflector element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Kimmo Koskiniemi
  • Patent number: 9484619
    Abstract: An active diversity antenna apparatus and methods of tuning and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the active diversity antenna is used within a handheld mobile device (e.g., cellular telephone or smartphone), and enables device operation in several low frequency bands (LBs). The exemplary implementation of the active LB diversity antenna comprises a directly fed radiator portion and a grounded (coupled fed) radiator portion. The directly fed portion is fed via a feed element connected to an antenna feed. The coupled fed portion of the LB antenna is grounded, forming a resonating part of the low frequency band. A gap between the two antenna portions is used to adjust antenna Q-value. Resonant frequency tuning is achieved by changing the length of the grounded element. The LB feed element is disposed proximate the feed element of a high band diversity antenna, thus reducing transmission losses and improving diplexer operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: PULSE FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Ari Raappana, Petteri Annamaa
  • Publication number: 20160276748
    Abstract: Multi-element antenna apparatus for mobile devices and methods of utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the antenna apparatus includes three antenna elements configured to operate in a plurality of frequency bands. The antenna elements are to a transceiver engine of a radio frequency communications device. Two of the three antenna components are configured to operate in transmit and receive modes. The third antenna component is configured to operate in receive mode. In some embodiments of an antenna apparatus operable in a carrier aggregation communication mode, two antenna components may be electrically combined into a single antenna component. The combined antenna component, characterized by a larger dimension and a larger operating bandwidth, may be operable simultaneously in two frequency bands, thereby enabling the carrier aggregation intra-band communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Prasadh Ramachandran, Kimmo Koskiniemi, Heikki Korva, Petteri Annamaa
  • Patent number: 9450291
    Abstract: A multiband slot loop antenna apparatus, and methods of tuning and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the antenna configuration is used within a handheld mobile device (e.g., cellular telephone or smartphone). The antenna comprises two radiating structures: a ring or loop structure substantially enveloping an outside perimeter of the device enclosure, and a tuning structure disposed inside the enclosure. The ring structure is grounded to the ground plane of the device so as to create a virtual portion and an operating portion. The tuning structure is spaced from the ground plane, and includes a plurality of radiator branches effecting antenna operation in various frequency bands; e.g., at least one lower frequency band and three upper frequency bands. On one implementation, a second lower frequency band radiator is effected using a reactive matched circuit coupled between a device feed and a radiator branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: PULSE FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Petteri Annamaa
  • Patent number: 9406998
    Abstract: A distributed multiband antenna intended for radio devices, and methods for designing manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) configured to operate in a high-frequency band, and a matched monopole configured to operate in a low-frequency band, are used within a handheld mobile device (e.g., cellular telephone). The two antennas are placed on substantially opposing regions of the portable device. The use of a separate low-frequency antenna element facilitates frequency-specific antenna matching, and therefore improves the overall performance of the multiband antenna. The use of high-band PIFA reduces antenna volume, and enables a smaller device housing structure while also reducing signal losses in the high frequency band. These attributes also advantageously facilitate compliance with specific absorption rate (SAR) tests; e.g., in the immediate proximity of hand and head “phantoms” as mandated under CTIA regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Pulse Finland OY
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Petteri Annamaa, Ari Raappana
  • Publication number: 20160065260
    Abstract: Wireless wide area network (WWAN) antenna with integrated sensor and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, an antenna subsystem and proximity sensing subsystem share a grounded antenna component/parasitic element. The parasitic element can be used to broaden the operating band of the antenna feeding component and provide an input (via a capacitance change) to a proximity sensor. The parasitic element is, in one embodiment, coupled in parallel to the proximity sensor allowing for a reduction in noise due to increased isolation between the antenna subsystem and the sensing subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ilkka Heikura, Heikki Korva
  • Publication number: 20160061983
    Abstract: Wireless wide area network (WWAN) antenna with integrated sensor and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, an antenna subsystem and proximity sensing subsystem share a grounded antenna component/parasitic element. The parasitic element can be used to broaden the operating band of the antenna feeding component and provide an input (via a capacitance change) to a proximity sensor. The parasitic element is, in one embodiment, coupled in parallel to the proximity sensor allowing for a reduction in noise due to increased isolation between the antenna subsystem and the sensing subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ilkka Heikura, Heikki Korva
  • Patent number: 9246210
    Abstract: A monopole antenna applicable especially to small mobile stations. In one embodiment, the radiator of the antenna is trough-like in shape so that it covers the head surface, front and rear surfaces and both side surfaces of the dielectric cover of the radio device at an end of the device. On the side of the side surfaces slots are formed in the radiator, starting from its edge, for increasing the electric size. The radiator is fed electromagnetically by a separate element which is shaped so that the antenna has at least two operating bands. The ground plane of the antenna is in one embodiment disposed apart from the radiator, thus not extending inside the ‘trough’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: PULSE FINLAND OY
    Inventor: Heikki Korva
  • Patent number: 9203154
    Abstract: An internal dual band antenna meant for small radio devices. In one embodiment, the antenna contains two radiators and a parasite element, which is shared between them. The parasite element is implemented on three sides of the antenna module, which are perpendicular to the side where the two radiators are implemented. The short-circuit conductor of the parasite element extends close to the supply point/points of the antenna on the circuit board of the radio device and is connected to the ground plane of the radio device. The antenna structure is dimensioned such that the two resonance frequencies on both functional bands are at a lower frequency than the resonance frequencies of the actual radiators. Accordingly, both the lower and upper frequency band is widened. The shape of the parasite element does not weaken the adaptation of the antenna in either functional band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Pulse Finland Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Korva
  • Publication number: 20150077293
    Abstract: Antenna apparatus and methods of use and tuning. In one exemplary embodiment, the solution of the present disclosure is particularly adapted for small form-factor, metal-encased applications such as smartphones or tablets (and “phablets”) utilizing near field communication (NFC) interfaces. The solution increases the effective size of the antenna without requiring any significant additional space or other structural modifications to the host device (such as changes to the device's metal case or size), while still maintaining a high degree of electrical performance (including a high Q factor).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Tuomas Jaasko
  • Patent number: 8847833
    Abstract: A radiating antenna element intended for portable radio devices and methods for designing manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a loop resonator structure for enhanced field (e.g., electric field) is provided, the resonator having an inductive and a capacitive element forming a resonance in a first frequency band. The loop resonator structure is disposed substantially on the ground plane, thereby altering electrical energy distribution. The location of the resonant element is selected to reduce electric field strength proximate to one or more sensitive components, such as a mobile device earpiece, thereby improve hearing aid compliance. Capacitive tuning of the resonator, and the use of multiple resonator structures on the same device, are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Pulse Finland Oy
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Petteri Annamaa
  • Publication number: 20130241779
    Abstract: An internal dual band antenna meant for small radio devices. In one embodiment, the antenna contains two radiators and a parasite element, which is shared between them. The parasite element is implemented on three sides of the antenna module, which are perpendicular to the side where the two radiators are implemented. The short-circuit conductor of the parasite element extends close to the supply point/points of the antenna on the circuit board of the radio device and is connected to the ground plane of the radio device. The antenna structure is dimensioned such that the two resonance frequencies on both functional bands are at a lower frequency than the resonance frequencies of the actual radiators. Accordingly, both the lower and upper frequency band is widened. The shape of the parasite element does not weaken the adaptation of the antenna in either functional band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Pulse Finland Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Korva
  • Publication number: 20130194150
    Abstract: An antenna of a laptop device, which can be connected wirelessly to a communication network. The apparent size of the antenna's ground plane (GND), as ‘seen’ from the feed of the monopole radiator (410), is reduced so that the outer peak of the strength of the electric field in the near field of the ground plane falls about at the distance of a quarter wavelength from the outer end of the radiator at the frequencies in the lower operating band of the antenna. This is implemented by arranging a quarter wave resonator (420, GND) tied to the ground plane so that the short-circuited end of this resonator is close to the outer end of the radiator. The capability of the antenna at the frequencies below 1 GHz improves because of the more favourable distribution of the field of the ground plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Heikki Korva
  • Publication number: 20130162486
    Abstract: An active diversity antenna apparatus and methods of tuning and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the active diversity antenna is used within a handheld mobile device (e.g., cellular telephone or smartphone), and enables device operation in several low frequency bands (LBs). The exemplary implementation of the active LB diversity antenna comprises a directly fed radiator portion and a grounded (coupled fed) radiator portion. The directly fed portion is fed via a feed element connected to an antenna feed. The coupled fed portion of the LB antenna is grounded, forming a resonating part of the low frequency band. A gap between the two antenna portions is used to adjust antenna Q-value. Resonant frequency tuning is achieved by changing the length of the grounded element. The LB feed element is disposed proximate the feed element of a high band diversity antenna, thus reducing transmission losses and improving diplexer operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Heikki Korva, Ari Raappana, Petteri Annamaa