Patents by Inventor Kari Härkönen

Kari Härkönen 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: 20230156879
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to use of group 4 element codoping in a phosphor layer of activator-doped zinc sulfide of a display element, a display element, and a method for manufacturing a display element. The display element (100) comprises a first insulator layer (111), a second insulator layer (112), and a first phosphor layer (121) of activator-group 4 element codoped zinc sulfide between the first insulator layer (111) and the second insulator layer (112). The first phosphor layer (121) has an average atomic percentage of group 4 elements of at least 0.01 atomic percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Jani Holopainen, Kari Härkönen
  • Patent number: 11464087
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inorganic thin film electroluminescent display element comprises forming a layer structure, said forming the layer structure comprising forming a first dielectric layer (11); forming a luminescent layer (12), comprising manganese doped zinc sulfide ZnS:Mn, on the first dielectric layer, and forming a second dielectric layer (13) on the luminescent layer. Each of the first and the second dielectric layers are formed so as to comprise nanolaminate with alternating aluminum oxide Al2O3 and zirconium oxide ZrO2 sub-layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Lumineq Oy
    Inventors: Heli Seppänen, Tommy Turkulainen, Kari Härkönen
  • Patent number: 11335766
    Abstract: A transparent thin film display element (100) with a display region(101), and a transition region (105) having a first edge (106) bordering the display region and a second edge (107) opposite to the first edge, the transparent display element having a layer stack (103) comprises:a first conductor layer (110); a second conductor layer (120); and an emissive layer (130) superposed between the first and the second conductor layers and configured to emit light upon electrical current flowing through the emissive layer between the first and the second conductor layers. At least one layer (120) of a group comprising the first and the second conductor layers and the emissive layer has, in the transition region (105), a first coverage at the first edge (106), a second coverage lower than the first coverage at the second edge (107), and an intermediate coverage lying between the first and the second coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Lumineq Oy
    Inventors: Pertti Malvaranta, Asta Ollila, Jukka Lammi, Kari Härkönen, Mikko Saikkonen
  • Publication number: 20190223268
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inorganic thin film electroluminescent display element comprises forming a layer structure, said forming the layer structure comprising forming a first dielectric layer (11); forming a luminescent layer (12), comprising manganese doped zinc sulfide ZnS:Mn, on the first dielectric layer, and forming a second dielectric layer (13) on the luminescent layer. Each of the first and the second dielectric layers are formed so as to comprise nanolaminate with alternating aluminum oxide Al2O3 and zirconium oxide ZrO2 sub-layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Beneq Oy
    Inventors: Heli SEPPÄNEN, Tommy TURKULAINEN, Kari HÄRKÖNEN
  • Patent number: 10111300
    Abstract: An improved transparent thin film electroluminescent display including a substrate, an active layer capable of emitting a wavelength range of visible light, a viewing side surface and a narrowband reflector reflecting part of the light of the active layer back towards the viewing side surface is disclosed. Said narrowband reflector and viewing side surface are arranged on opposite sides of the active layer. A method for manufacturing an improved transparent thin film electroluminescent display including a narrowband reflector is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BENEQ OY
    Inventor: Kari Härkönen
  • Publication number: 20180077773
    Abstract: An improved transparent thin film electroluminescent display including a substrate, an active layer capable of emitting a wavelength range of visible light, a viewing side surface and a narrowband reflector reflecting part of the light of the active layer back towards the viewing side surface is disclosed. Said narrowband reflector and viewing side surface are arranged on opposite sides of the active layer. A method for manufacturing an improved transparent thin film electroluminescent display including a narrowband reflector is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventor: Kari Härkönen
  • Patent number: 9226362
    Abstract: An inorganic, transparent thin film electroluminescent display element with a display area having at least one emissive area and at least one non-emissive area, improved in terms of transparency and inconspicuousness is provided, as well as a method for its preparation. The structure according to the invention comprises a substrate (40), a first conducting layer (42), a first insulating layer (45), a luminescent layer (46), a second insulating layer (47), a second conductive layer (43) and a third insulating layer (44) comprising insulating, inorganic material. Emissive and non-emissive areas of the display are rendered optically similar by providing passive film elements (50) at the non-emissive areas, namely by providing conductor material also at these areas when the conductive electrodes connected to a power source for generating the required voltage are deposited at the emissive areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Beneq Oy
    Inventor: Kari Härkönen
  • Publication number: 20150189718
    Abstract: An inorganic, transparent thin film electroluminescent display element with a display area having at least one emissive area and at least one non-emissive area, improved in terms of transparency and inconspicuousness is provided, as well as a method for its preparation. The structure according to the invention comprises a substrate (40), a first conducting layer (42), a first insulating layer (45), a luminescent layer (46), a second insulating layer (47), a second conductive layer (43) and a third insulating layer (44) comprising insulating, inorganic material. Emissive and non-emissive areas of the display are rendered optically similar by providing passive film elements (50) at the non-emissive areas, namely by providing conductor material also at these areas when the conductive electrodes connected to a power source for generating the required voltage are deposited at the emissive areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventor: Kari Härkönen
  • Patent number: 7901736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer material deposited by ALD. A multi-layer structure of a high refractive index material is deposited on a substrate using ALD at a temperature below about 450° C. Advantageous results are obtained when a high refractive index material A is coated with another material B after a certain thickness of material A has been achieved. Thus, the B barrier layer stops the tendency for material A to crystallize. The amorphous structure gives rise to less optical loss. Further, the different stress nature of materials A and B may be utilized to achieve a final optical material with minimal stress. The thickness of each material B layer is less than that of the adjacent A layer(s). The total effective refractive index of the high refractive index material A+B being shall be greater than 2.20 at a wavelength of 600 nm. Titanium oxide and aluminium oxide are preferred A and B materials. The structure is useful for optical coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Planar Systems Oy
    Inventors: Jarmo Maula, Kari Härkönen, Anguel Nikolov
  • Patent number: 7198820
    Abstract: A process depositing a carbon- and transition metal-containing thin film on a substrate involves placing a substrate within a reaction space and sequentially pulsing into the reaction space a transition metal chemical and an organometallic chemical. Following each chemical pulse, the reaction space is purged, and the pulse and purge sequence is repeated until a desired film thickness is obtained. A preferred deposition process uses atomic layer deposition techniques and may result in an electrically conductive thin carbide film having uniform thickness over a large substrate area and excellent adhesion and step coverage properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kari Härkönen, Mark Doczy, Teemu Lang, Nathan E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 7191793
    Abstract: A shut-off type diaphragm valve adapted for use in an atomic layer deposition system includes a flexible diaphragm operable to flex between an open position whereby a valve passage is at least partially open and a closed position whereby a substantial portion of a first side of the diaphragm is pressed against a valve seat to thereby block the valve passage and facilitate heat transfer between the valve seat and the diaphragm. In some embodiments, a heating body thermally contacts the valve body and extends proximal to a second side of the diaphragm opposite the first side thereof to form a thermally conductive pathway that facilitates maintaining an operating temperature at the diaphragm. A thermally resistive member may be interposed between the valve passage and an actuator, such as a solenoid, for attenuating heat transfer between the valve passage and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilmari Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Bradley J. Aitchison
  • Patent number: 7141095
    Abstract: A precursor delivery system includes a flow path from a precursor container to a reaction space of a thin film deposition system, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. A staging volume is preferably established between the precursor container and the reaction space for receiving at least one dose of the precursor material from the precursor container, from which a series of pulses is released toward the reaction space. The precursor material is typically vaporized after loading it in the precursor container by heating or reducing the pressure inside the precursor container. A vacuum line is preferably coupled to the precursor container and bypasses the reaction space for reducing pressure inside the precursor container without drawing particles into the reaction space. A high conductivity particle filter having inertial traps may be included, preferably between the precursor container and a staging volume, for filtering particles from the precursor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Aitchison, Jarmo Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Martti Sonninen
  • Patent number: 7021330
    Abstract: A shut-off type diaphragm valve adapted for use in an atomic layer deposition system includes a valve seat having an annular seating surface that surrounds an inlet of the valve and extends radially therefrom. The seating surface contacts a substantial portion of the first side of a flexible diaphragm when the diaphragm is closed, to facilitate heat transfer and counteract dissipative cooling of the diaphragm, thereby inhibiting condensation of a medium flowing through the valve passage. The seating surface is preferably flat and smooth, to prevent shearing of an elastomeric diaphragm. For a plastic diaphragm, a ring-shaped seating ridge may extend from the seating surface to cause localized permanent deformation of the diaphragm and enhanced sealing, while still allowing a substantial portion of the diaphragm to contact the seating surface for enhanced heat transfer. Valve speed enhancements and other reliability enhancing features are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilmari Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Bradley J. Aitchison
  • Patent number: 6941963
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a pressure vent communicating with an enclosed space behind the diaphragm for reducing resistance to transitioning of the diaphragm between the open and closed positions. In some implementations, a pump or other source of suction is coupled to the pressure vent to reduce fluid pressure in the enclosed space. When used in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) system, the venting and suction improves the thin film deposition process and prevents leakage through the valve of potentially toxic ALD precursor vapors. Features for thermal management and reliability enhancement are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilmari Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Bradley J. Aitchison
  • Patent number: 6936086
    Abstract: A high conductivity particle filter provides a flow path to subject a fluid stream to a series of turns. The turns require an abrupt directional change for the fluid stream. Traps are positioned in proximity to the turns to capture particles, which have greater inertia than the fluid. The flow path may be a spiral or a series of parallel paths. A cross sectional area of the flow path may be progressively decreased to increase flow velocity and particle inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kari Härkönen, Brad Aitchison
  • Patent number: 6907897
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a heating body that thermally contacts a valve body of the valve and extends proximal to a diaphragm of the valve opposite a valve passage through which medium flows. The heating body forms a thermally conductive pathway between the valve body and the diaphragm that facilitates maintaining an operating temperature at the diaphragm. When used in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) system, the diaphragm valve inhibits condensation or freezing of high-temperature ALD precursor gases in the valve passage. A plunger including thermally insulating features preferably extends through a central opening in the heating body to operably couple a valve actuator to the diaphragm. In some embodiments, a thermally resistive member may be interposed between the valve passage and the actuator for attenuating heat transfer between the valve passage and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilmari Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Bradley J. Aitchison