Patents by Inventor Heikki Seppa

Heikki Seppa 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).

  • Publication number: 20090219036
    Abstract: A micromechanical sensor for measuring millimetric wave or microwave power, which sensor comprises a wave line for conducting the millimetric or microwave power and a part arranged to move and a fixed electrode, in such a way that the capacitance (C) between the part that is arranged to move and the fixed electrode couples to the wave power advancing in the wave line. According to the invention, the capacitance (C) between the part that is arranged to move and the fixed electrode is divided into at least two portions (C/n), which are located at a distance from each other, in such a way that the wave power advancing in the wave line couples to the portions (C/n) of the capacitance (C) consecutively and experiences the inductive load between the portions (C/n) of the capacitance (C). Thus the frequency band of the sensor can be substantially broadened and the reflective coefficient can be kept reasonably small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Jukka Kyynarainen
  • Publication number: 20090184804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in connection with electrical-energy measurement. According to the method the electrical energy consumption (1) of a building is measured, and the measured data are sent over telecommunications link (2) to the desired party. According to the invention RFID devices (3, 13, 15) are used to produce and read information on the building, an energy meter (1) and its telecommunications links (2) are used to forward the RFID-based building information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Heikki Seppa
  • Patent number: 7548074
    Abstract: A micromechanical sensor for measuring millimetric wave or microwave power, which sensor includes a wave line for conducting the millimetric or microwave power and a moving part and a fixed electrode, in such a way that the capacitance (C) between the moving part and the fixed electrode couples to the wave power advancing in the wave line. According to the invention, the capacitance (C) between the moving part and the fixed electrode is divided into at least two portions (C/n), which are located at a distance from each other, in such a way that the wave power advancing in the wave line couples to the portions (C/n) of the capacitance (C) consecutively and experiences the inductive load between the portions (C/n) of the capacitance (C). Thus the frequency band of the sensor can be substantially broadened and the reflective coefficient can be kept reasonably small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventors: Heikki Seppä, Jukka Kyynäräinen
  • Publication number: 20090096612
    Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna construction for a double-ended antenna circuit 4. The antenna construction comprises a conductive ground place (6) on a first surface, a transmission line (3) on at least one second surface, connected to the ground plane (6) through a fold (1) in the edge of the antenna construction, so that the fold acts as a primary source of a magnetic field, an insulation layer (7) arranged between the first and the second surfaces, and an electronic component (4), in which there is a double-ended antenna connector, connected to the antenna construction. According to the invention, the electronic component (4) is attached to the second surface of the antenna construction and connected from the first antenna terminal to the transmission line (3) and from the second terminal to either a second transmission line (3) or the fold (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Kaarle Jaakkola
  • 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: 20090058603
    Abstract: This publication discloses an RFDD reading apparatus (1) and a method for the reading apparatus. The RFID reading apparatus comprises a transmitter (3), which is arranged to feed power to at least one RFED tag (2) in the vicinity of the RFID reading apparatus (1), and a receiver (4) operating on the frequency of the transmitter (3), so that the transmitter (3) and the receiver (4) are in operation simultaneously and the receiver (4) is arranged to receiver through a radio channel (7) a reflected signal of at least one RFDD tag (2) in the vicinity of the reading device. In accordance with the invention, the RFDD reading apparatus (1) comprises additionally means (Z2, 12, 13, 14, 20) for separating the payload signal arriving from the RFDD tag (2) from signals other than those arriving from the RFDD tag (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Timo Varpula, Pekka Pursula, Mikko Kiviranta
  • Publication number: 20090051617
    Abstract: The invention relates to an RFID transponder, which includes a case, a radiator, and a ground element, as opposed antenna elements, a ground plane intended to be set against the base at a distance from the radiator, and an electrical chip component. The radiator, ground element, and chip component are installed on a special foil, which also comprises the said ground plane on the first plane (A) and a fold between the first and second plane, the foil being thus divided into a first part on the first plane (A), the fold, and a second part on the second plane (B). The case has attached to it intermediate structure for supporting the first part and the second part of the foil on the said first plane (A) and second plane (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Olavi Merilainen, Heikki Seppa
  • Publication number: 20090033469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remote detector or sensor system. The system comprise a reading device (5), which is able to transmit and receive information wirelessly by means of electromagnetic radiation, and at least one remote detector or sensor (1, 32), which is able to communicate wirelessly with the reading device (5). According to the invention, the remote detector or sensor (1, 32) is connected permanently to an energy-consumption measuring or an energy consuming device and is arranged to transmit energy information wirelessly to a reading device (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventor: Heikki Seppä
  • 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: 20090014655
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for transition-edge bolometers, which comprises a resistor element (1) arranged to operate in the transition-edge zone, and an amplifier (5) connected to the resistor element (1). According to the invention, in connection with the amplifier (5) means are arranged for implementing positive (4, 5) and negative (5, 2) feedbacks in the resistance measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Panu Helisto
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080106275
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and method for measuring a variable affecting a micro-electromechanical component. The invention is based on creating electronics, which are preferably integrated in a single circuit and which exploit the pull-in point of a micro-electromechanical sensor component such as a direct-current reference, for measuring a variable affecting the sensor, in which case an alternating or a direct-current is arranged over the sensor with the aid of a feedback connection, so that the arrangement operates very close to the pull-in point of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Hannu Sipola
  • Publication number: 20080068031
    Abstract: A micromechanical sensor for measuring millimetric wave or microwave power, which sensor comprises a wave line for conducting the millimetric or microwave power and a part arranged to move and a fixed electrode, in such a way that the capacitance (C) between the part that is arranged to move and the fixed electrode couples to the wave power advancing in the wave line. According to the invention, the capacitance (C) between the part that is arranged to move and the fixed electrode is divided into at least two portions (C/n), which are located at a distance from each other, in such a way that the wave power advancing in the wave line couples to the portions (C/n) of the capacitance (C) consecutively and experiences the inductive load between the portions (C/n) of the capacitance (C). Thus the frequency band of the sensor can be substantially broadened and the reflective coefficient can be kept reasonably small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Jukka Kyynarainen
  • Publication number: 20070241762
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for a sensor arrangement remotely readable by radio frequencies. The sensor arrangement includes an LC resonator that includes a capacitor and a coil, and a sensor element coupled to the LC resonator whose properties change as a function of a measurable quantity. A sensor element according to the invention does not form a direct galvanic contact with the LC resonator, rather the coupling is implemented capacitively or inductively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: UPMKYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timo Varpula, Heikki Seppa, Juha-Matti Saari
  • Patent number: 7259555
    Abstract: This publication discloses a method and arrangement for determining the hardening depth of steel or other ferromagnetic substances without breaking the object being measured. According to the invention, a varying magnetic field, which causes magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN), is created in the measurement object with the aid of a magnetization coil 13. The varying magnetic field is regulated in such a way that the maximum force of the magnetic field does not exceed the coercitive force of the unhardened part of the measurement object. The MBN caused is measured with the aid of an MBN sensor. The measured signal is filtered and Fourier transformed. The signal in the frequency range is integrated over a suitable frequency band, in order to determine the value depicting the energy of the MBN. This value correlates with the hardening depth and on the basis of this value it is thus possible to determine the hardening depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Stresstech Oy
    Inventors: Kaj Nummila, Heikki Seppä, Timo Varpula
  • Publication number: 20070176773
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remotely readable sensor (22) for indication of usability condition of perishable products such as foodstuffs and medical drugs. The sensor incorporates an element responsive to the condition of the perishable product. According to the invention, the sensor (22) is placed inside the foodstuff package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Maria Smolander, Heikki Seppa, Eero Hurme, Timo Varpuna, Juha-Maiti Saari, Ilkka Suni, Jorma Sammi, Pani Majander
  • Publication number: 20070084934
    Abstract: This publication discloses a method for identifying items, such as sheets of paper, or packages, a resistance mark arrangement, and reading apparatus. According to the method a mark made of electrically conductive material on the item is read contactlessly, in order to identify the item (7), or determine its properties. According to the invention, the precise absolute or relative resistance value of at least one electrically conductive mark (6) is determined and the measured resistance value is converted, for example, with the aid of a coding table or calculation formula, into information depicting the identity or properties of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: AVANTONE OY
    Inventor: Heikki Seppa
  • Patent number: 7145402
    Abstract: Method for stabilizing the frequency of a frequency synthesizer by means of a reference oscillator unit coupled to a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and a frequency synthesizer, wherein the synthesizer is provided with a phase locked loop (PLL) to stabilize the operation of the voltage controlled oscillator, wherein the reference oscillator unit is a MEMS (MicroElectromechanicalSystems) reference oscillator unit, the temperature of the MEMS reference oscillator unit is measured, and the output frequency is corrected according to the measured temperature by using a frequency/temperature function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Tomi Mattila, Olli Jaakkola, Ville Kaajakari, Aarne Oja, Heikki Seppä
  • Publication number: 20060202802
    Abstract: This publication discloses a remote identifier, a reader, and a method for activating a desired remote identifier. The remote identifier (2) includes a microcircuit (7), in which there is a memory and means for processing a radio-frequency signal, an antenna (6) connected to the microcircuit (7), by means of which both the signal and also electric power for the operating voltage of the microcircuit (7) can be received. According to the invention, a component (3), the electrical properties of which change due to the effect of infrared, or visible light, is electrically connected to the microcircuit (7) of the remote identifier and in the microcircuit (7) there are means, by which the combined effect of a change in the radio-frequency signal and the electrical component (3) can be expressed by a correlation method for the signals, in order to activate the remote identifier (2) for two-way data transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Heikki Seppä