Patents by Inventor Juan Zavala

Juan Zavala 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: 20110136447
    Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include radio-frequency transceiver circuitry and antenna structures. A parallel-fed loop antenna may be formed from portions of an electronic device bezel and a ground plane. The antenna may operate in multiple communications bands. An impedance matching circuit for the antenna may be formed from a parallel-connected inductive element and a series-connected capacitive element. The bezel may surround a peripheral portion of a display that is mounted to the front of an electronic device. The bezel may contain a gap. Antenna feed terminals for the antenna may be located on opposing sides of the gap. The inductive element may bridge the gap and the antenna feed terminals. The capacitive element may be connected in series between one of the antenna feed terminals and a conductor in a transmission line located between the transceiver circuitry and the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Mattia Pascolini, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Nanbo Jin, Qingxiang Li, Robert W. Schlub, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20110133995
    Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include radio-frequency transceiver circuitry and antenna structures. A parallel-fed loop antenna may be formed from portions of an electronic device bezel and a ground plane. The antenna may operate in multiple communications bands. An impedance matching circuit for the antenna may be formed from a parallel-connected inductive element and a series-connected capacitive element. The bezel may surround a peripheral portion of a display that is mounted to the front of an electronic device. The bezel may contain a gap. Antenna feed terminals for the antenna may be located on opposing sides of the gap. The inductive element may bridge the gap and the antenna feed terminals. The capacitive element may be connected in series between one of the antenna feed terminals and a conductor in a transmission line located between the transceiver circuitry and the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Mattia Pascolini, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Nanbo Jin, Qingxiang Li, Robert W. Schlub, Ruben Caballero
  • Patent number: 7898485
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Patent number: 7893883
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Patent number: 7864123
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include an antenna. The antenna may be formed from a ground plane having a dielectric-filled slot that defines a slot antenna structure and having a planar-inverted-F (PIFA) resonating element located above the opening. The slot antenna structure and the PIFA resonating element may both contribute to the performance of the antenna, so that the antenna exhibits the performance of a hybrid PIFA-slot antenna. The PIFA resonating element may contain multiple antenna resonating element branches. The branches may be configured to operate in different communications bands than the slot antenna structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala
  • Patent number: 7808438
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20100026587
    Abstract: Compact portable wireless devices and antennas for compact portable wireless devices are provided. The compact portable wireless device may be part of a piece of sports equipment. A compact portable wireless device may include a transceiver module that is used in communicating with equipment such as a handheld electronic device. An antenna for a compact portable wireless device can have a relatively small size while exhibiting high efficiency. A planar ground structure for the antenna may be formed from a circuit board on which integrated circuits have been mounted. A curved inverted-F resonating element may be attached to the ground structure. A battery may be provided to power the compact portable wireless device. The battery may be used as a parasitic antenna element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Shu-Li Wang, Juan Zavala, Christopher David Prest
  • Publication number: 20090303139
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Patent number: 7623077
    Abstract: Compact portable wireless devices and antennas for compact portable wireless devices are provided. The compact portable wireless device may be part of a piece of sports equipment. A compact portable wireless device may include a transceiver module that is used in communicating with equipment such as a handheld electronic device. An antenna for a compact portable wireless device can have a relatively small size while exhibiting high efficiency. A planar ground structure for the antenna may be formed from a circuit board on which integrated circuits have been mounted. A curved inverted-F resonating element may be attached to the ground structure. A battery may be provided to power the compact portable wireless device. The battery may be used as a parasitic antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shu-Li Wang, Juan Zavala, Christopher David Prest
  • Publication number: 20090278753
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20090275370
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20090273526
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20090256758
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided that has a hybrid antenna. The hybrid antenna may include a slot antenna structure and a planar inverted-F antenna structure. The planar inverted-F antenna structure may be formed from traces on a flex circuit substrate. A backside trace may form a series capacitance for the planar inverted-F antenna structure. The antenna slot may have a perimeter that is defined by the location of conductive structures such as flex circuits, metal housing structures, a conductive bezel, printed circuit board ground conductors, and electrical components. Springs may be used in electrically connecting these conductive elements. A spring-loaded pin may be used as part of an antenna feed conductor. The pin may connect a transmission line path on a printed circuit board to the planar inverted-F antenna structure while allowing the planar inverted-F antenna structure to be removed from the device for rework or repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Qingxiang Li, Juan Zavala, Robert J. Hill
  • Patent number: 7595759
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Patent number: 7551142
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device is provided that contains wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include antennas. An antenna in the handheld electronic device may have a ground plane element. A slot antenna resonating element may be formed from an opening in the ground plane element. A near-field-coupled antenna resonating element may be electromagnetically coupled to the slot antenna resonating element through electromagnetic near-field coupling. A transmission line may directly feed the slot antenna resonating element. The transmission line may indirectly feed the near-field-coupled antenna resonating element through the slot antenna resonating element. The slot antenna resonating element may have one or more associated resonant frequencies and the near-field-coupled antenna resonating element may have one or more associated resonant frequencies. The antenna may be configured to cover one or more distinct communications bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zhijun Zhang, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20090153407
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device is provided that contains wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include antennas. An antenna in the handheld electronic device may have a ground plane element. A slot antenna resonating element may be formed from an opening in the ground plane element. A near-field-coupled antenna resonating element may be electromagnetically coupled to the slot antenna resonating element through electromagnetic near-field coupling. A transmission line may directly feed the slot antenna resonating element. The transmission line may indirectly feed the near-field-coupled antenna resonating element through the slot antenna resonating element. The slot antenna resonating element may have one or more associated resonant frequencies and the near-field-coupled antenna resonating element may have one or more associated resonant frequencies. The antenna may be configured to cover one or more distinct communications bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Zhijun Zhang, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20090058735
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include an antenna. The antenna may be formed from a ground plane having a dielectric-filled slot that defines a slot antenna structure and having a planar-inverted-F (PIFA) resonating element located above the opening. The slot antenna structure and the PIFA resonating element may both contribute to the performance of the antenna, so that the antenna exhibits the performance of a hybrid PIFA-slot antenna. The PIFA resonating element may contain multiple antenna resonating element branches. The branches may be configured to operate in different communications bands than the slot antenna structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala
  • Publication number: 20080165065
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least one antenna. The antenna may have a planar ground element and a planar resonating element. The planar ground element may have a rectangular shape that matches a rectangular housing shape for a handheld electronic device. A dielectric-filled slot may be formed in one end of the planar ground element. The planar resonating element may be located above the slot. The antenna may be a hybrid antenna that contains both a slot antenna structure formed from the slot and a planar inverted-F structure formed from the planar resonating element and the planar ground element. The antenna may be fed using a single transmission line or two transmission lines. With two transmission lines, one transmission line may be associated with the slot antenna structure and one transmission line may be associated with the planar inverted-F antenna structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20080165063
    Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry having at least first and second antennas. An antenna isolation element reduces signal interference between the antennas, so that the antennas may be used in close proximity to each other. A planar ground element may be used as a ground by the first and second antennas. The first antenna may be formed using a hybrid planar-inverted-F and slot arrangement in which a planar resonating element is located above a rectangular slot in the planar ground element. The second antenna may be formed from an L-shaped strip. The planar resonating element of the first antenna may have first and second arms. The first arm may resonate at a common frequency with the second antenna and may serve as the isolation element. The second arm may resonate at approximately the same frequency as the slot portion of the hybrid antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Robert W. Schlub, Robert J. Hill, Juan Zavala, Ruben Caballero
  • Publication number: 20080167073
    Abstract: A handheld device may include one or more antennas and a connector both disposed at a base of the handheld device. The connector may have a shell comprising a conductive material. The connector shell may include at least one opening in a portion of the conductive material to reduce electromagnetic interference between the connector shell and the one or more antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Juan Zavala, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert Sean Murphy, Erik L. Wang