Patents by Inventor Zheng Gao

Zheng Gao 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).

  • Look-up table digital predistortion technique for high-voltage power amplifiers in ultrasonic applications
    Patent number: 9362876
    Abstract: The present invention includes a digital controller for use with an ultrasound power amplifier circuit to increase linearity and efficiency of the ultrasound power amplifier circuit. The digital controller includes a digital signal generator and a memory unit that is coupled to the digital signal generator. The memory unit includes a processor that obtains an output signal from the ultrasound power amplifier circuit, calculates error by obtaining a difference between an ideal output signal and the output signal that is obtained from the ultrasound power amplifier circuit, and equalizes an input signal from the digital signal generator to reduce nonlinearity in the output signal of the ultrasound power amplifier circuit. The memory unit includes a look-up-table for storing values of error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Ping Gui
  • Interposer for connecting a receptacle tongue to a printed circuit board
    Patent number: 9356370
    Abstract: Connecting structures to mechanically connect to a connector receptacle tongue and a printed circuit board and to electrically connect contacts on the connector receptacle tongue to traces on the printed circuit board. One example may provide an interposer having a housing and a plurality of contacts to connect a vertical tongue to a horizontal printed circuit board. The contacts may have a side or tongue connecting portion extending beyond a side of the housing and a bottom or board contacting portion extending beyond a bottom of the housing. The contacts may form a ninety-degree bend. A shield may at least substantially surround a vertical side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Hwang Lee, Mahmoud R. Amini, Zheng Gao, Nathan N. Ng
  • Controlling magnetic layer anisotropy field by oblique angle static deposition
    Patent number: 9349391
    Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes a magnetic layer having first and second magnetic sublayers. An anisotropy of the first magnetic sublayer is oriented in a different direction than an anisotropy of the second magnetic sublayer. In another general embodiment, a magnetic head includes a magnetic layer having first and second magnetic sublayers directly adjacent one another. A deposition thickness of the magnetic layer is less than 60 angstroms. An interface between the magnetic sublayers is oriented at an angle of greater than 2 degrees and less than 88 degrees relative to a plane of deposition thereof. The magnetic layer includes at least one material selected from a group consisting of Co, Fe, Ni, CoFe, CoFeB, CoHf and NiFe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: James M. Freitag, Zheng Gao
  • Ultrasound Transmitter
    Publication number: 20160129475
    Abstract: A circuit for driving ultrasound transducers uses a sample-and-hold circuit to sample multiple sample periods of a transducer driving waveform, and uses the samples to modify drive parameters. Use of multiple sample periods enables independent measurement and adjustment of different portions of the transducer driving waveform to ensure mirror symmetry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Max Earl Nielsen, Ricky Dale Jordanger, Ismail Hakki Oguzman, Zheng Gao
  • Perpendicular spin transfer torque (STT) memory cell with double MgO interface and CoFeB layer for enhancement of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
    Patent number: 9337415
    Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) for use in a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) has a CoFeB alloy free layer located between the MgO tunnel barrier layer and an upper MgO capping layer, and a CoFeB alloy enhancement layer between the MgO capping layer and a Ta cap. The CoFeB alloy free layer has high Fe content to induce perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) at the interfaces with the MgO layers. To avoid creating unnecessary PMA in the enhancement layer due to its interface with the MgO capping layer, the enhancement layer has low Fe content. After all of the layers have been deposited on the substrate, the structure is annealed to crystallize the MgO. The CoFeB alloy enhancement layer inhibits diffusion of Ta from the Ta cap layer into the MgO capping layer and creates good crystallinity of the MgO by providing CoFeB at the MgO interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Sangmun Oh, Zheng Gao, Kochan Ju
  • Recessed antiferromagnetic design with antiparallel pinned stitch layers for improved pinning field
    Patent number: 9318133
    Abstract: In one general embodiment, a device includes an antiferromagnetic layer; a first stitch layer exchange coupled with the antiferromagnetic layer, the first stitch layer having a magnetic orientation substantially parallel to a magnetic orientation of the antiferromagnetic layer; a second stitch layer exchange coupled with the first stitch layer and having a magnetic orientation substantially antiparallel to the magnetic orientation of the first stitch layer; a pinned layer structure exchange coupled with the second stitch layer; a free layer; and a spacer layer between the free layer and the pinned layer structure. An end of the antiferromagnetic layer facing a sensing face of the device is recessed from the sensing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: James M. Freitag, Zheng Gao, Chando Park
  • CONNECTOR RECEPTALE HAVING GOOD SIGNAL INTEGRITY
    Publication number: 20160099524
    Abstract: Connector receptacles that have good signal integrity, are reduced in size, are reliable and durable, and are easy to assemble. One example may provide a connector receptacle having several ground connections to improve signal integrity and quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Hack, George Tziviskos, Zheng Gao
  • PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES FOR CONNECTOR CONTACTS
    Publication number: 20160093964
    Abstract: Connector receptacles having protective structures for connector contacts. One example may provide a connector receptacle having one or more contacts that are reinforced with a protective piece around a portion of the contact. Another example may provide a connector receptacle having two or more contacts reinforced with adjacent protective pieces to provide additional protective reinforcement. Another example may provide a connector receptacle having two or more contacts reinforced with interlocking protective pieces. These protective pieces may protect contacts in a connector receptacle from damage when a device, module, or connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle at an oblique angle, when a device, module, or insert is stressed while in the receptacle, or when a device, module, or insert is removed from the receptacle at an oblique angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jae Hwang Lee, Zheng Gao, Daniel A. Bergvall
  • Magnetic connector having a unitary housing
    Patent number: 9281612
    Abstract: Power cables that include plug housings having an improved appearance as well as employ a halogen-free cable while providing adequate fire resistance. One example provides a power cable having cable plug with a substantially unitary body. Another example provides a power cable that is formed using halogen-free materials. To provide adequate fire protection, a strain relief formed using multiple materials is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
  • Interposers for connecting receptacle tongues to printed circuit boards
    Patent number: 9276340
    Abstract: Connecting structures to mechanically connect to a connector receptacle tongue and a printed circuit board and to electrically connect contacts on the connector receptacle tongue to traces on the printed circuit board. One example may provide an interposer having a housing and a plurality of contacts. The contacts may have a side or tongue connecting portion extending beyond a side of the housing and a bottom or board contacting portion extending beyond a bottom of the housing. The contacts may form a ninety-degree bend. A shield may at least substantially surround a top and the other three sides of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mahmoud R. Amini, Zheng Gao, Nathan N. Ng, Jason Hwang Lee
  • MULTIPLE-INPUT-MULTIPLE-OUTPUT SENSOR DESIGNS FOR MAGNETIC APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20160055868
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes a leading magnetic shield, a first sensor structure above the leading magnetic shield, a first middle magnetic shield above the first sensor structure, a nonmagnetic spacer above the first middle magnetic shield, a second middle magnetic shield above the nonmagnetic spacer, a second sensor structure above the second middle magnetic shield, and a trailing magnetic shield above the second sensor structure. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: HGST NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Lijie Guan, Kuok S. Ho, Suping Song, Shuxia Wang
  • Ultrasound transmitter
    Patent number: 9238249
    Abstract: A circuit for driving ultrasound transducers uses a sample-and-hold circuit to sample multiple sample periods of a transducer driving waveform, and uses the samples to modify drive parameters. Use of multiple sample periods enables independent measurement and adjustment of different portions of the transducer driving waveform to ensure mirror symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Max Earl Nielsen, Ricky Dale Jordanger, Ismail Hakki Oguzman, Zheng Gao
  • MAGNETIC INSERT AND RECEPTACLE FOR CONNECTOR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150357751
    Abstract: A magnetic connector system having a durable and reliable construction and a reduced height while maintaining sufficient holding strength. A connector insert may utilize a crimping piece to crimp a braiding of a cable. The crimping piece may be fixed to an attraction plate and a board in the insert for mechanical reliability. Retention clips may be used to fix a shell to the attraction plate. A connector receptacle may employ a magnetically conductive label to improve holding strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Josh Pong, Chris Litenberg, Bartley K. Andre, Bradley J. Hamel, John DiFonzo, Dave Narajowski, Greg Springer, Eric Monsef, Min Chul Kim
  • CONNECTOR SYSTEM IMPEDANCE MATCHING
    Publication number: 20150349465
    Abstract: Connector inserts and receptacles that provide signal paths having desired impedance characteristics. One example may provide a connector system having a connector insert and a connector receptacle. Contacts in the connector insert may form signal paths with corresponding contacts in the connector receptacle. Additional traces in the connector insert and receptacle may be part of these signal paths. The signal paths may have a target or a desired impedance along their lengths such that the power paths electrically appear as transmission lines. Constraints on physical dimensions of the connector insert and connector receptacle contacts may result in variations in impedance along the signal paths. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide structures to reduce these variations, to compensate for these variations, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: William Cornelius, Mahmoud R. Amini, Zheng Gao
  • CONNECTOR INSERT ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20150340813
    Abstract: Connector inserts having contacts with a high-impedance for good signal integrity and low insertion loss, a pleasant physical appearance, and that may be reliably manufactured. One example may provide connector inserts having signal contacts with a high impedance in order to improve signal integrity to allow high data rates. Another may provide connector inserts having a pleasant appearance by providing features to prevent light gaps from occurring between a plastic tip at a front of the connector insert and a connector insert shield. Another may provide reliable manufacturing by crimping a cap used to secure a cable to a connector insert with a multi-section die, where contacting surfaces of the die include various points or peaks along their surface. These points may effectively wrinkle or jog the perimeter of the cap, thereby reducing the dimensions of a cross-section of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan N. Ng, Zheng Gao, Mahmoud R. Amini, Min Chul Kim, Colin J. Abraham
  • CONNECTOR INSERT ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20150340825
    Abstract: Connector inserts having retention features with good reliability and holding force. These connector inserts may include ground contacts that provide an insertion portion having a reduced length. These connector inserts may be reliable, have an attractive appearance, and be readily manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nathan N. Ng, Zheng Gao, Mahmoud R. Amini, Min Chul Kim, Colin J. Abraham
  • INTERPOSERS FOR CONNECTING RECEPTACLE TONGUES TO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS
    Publication number: 20150340782
    Abstract: Connecting structures to mechanically connect to a connector receptacle tongue and a printed circuit board and to electrically connect contacts on the connector receptacle tongue to traces on the printed circuit board. One example may provide an interposer having a housing and a plurality of contacts. The contacts may have a side or tongue connecting portion extending beyond a side of the housing and a bottom or board contacting portion extending beyond a bottom of the housing. The contacts may form a ninety-degree bend. A shield may at least substantially surround a top and the other three sides of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mahmoud R. Amini, Zheng Gao, Nathan N. Ng, Jason Hwang Lee
  • PORTABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150338887
    Abstract: A portable electronic device having several features is disclosed. The device can include a retention member that retains flexible circuits extending from a top portion to a bottom portion of the device, thereby allowing some components to be moved from a top portion of the device to a bottom portion. The device may include a cover plate can be secured with a display in the top portion to cover the retention member and other internal components. The device can include an omni-directional port designed to receive a connector different orientations and provide power to the device. The device can include a flexible keyboard having butterfly keycaps. The device can include an array of openings for an audio driver, with some of the array including through holes and blind holes. The device can also include a touch pad having a force feedback sensor and a haptic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Houtan R. Farahani, Craig C. Leong, Matthew W. Blum, Zheng Gao
  • ADDITIONAL GROUND PATHS FOR CONNECTORS HAVING REDUCED PIN COUNTS
    Publication number: 20150340815
    Abstract: Low cost ground connections for standard connectors and connectors having reduced pin counts. One example may provide a connector system including a connector insert having a plurality of contacts along a top or bottom, or both top and bottom, of a connector insert, where first contacts in the plurality of contacts may be used to convey power, ground, or data and where second contacts in the plurality of contacts are used for ground. The second contacts may be arranged to have contacting portions that are positioned in the insert at different heights relative to the top or bottom of the connector insert and at different depths relative to a front opening of the connector insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Min Chul Kim, Colin Abraham, Nathan Ng
  • PORTABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150338883
    Abstract: A portable electronic device having several features is disclosed. The device can include a retention member that retains flexible circuits extending from a top portion to a bottom portion of the device, thereby allowing some components to be moved from a top portion of the device to a bottom portion. The device may include a cover plate can be secured with a display in the top portion to cover the retention member and other internal components. The device can include an omni-directional port designed to receive a connector different orientations and provide power to the device. The device can include a flexible keyboard having butterfly keycaps. The device can include an array of openings for an audio driver, with some of the array including through holes and blind holes. The device can also include a touch pad having a force feedback sensor and a haptic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Houtan R. FARAHANI, Craig C. LEONG, Matthew W. BLUM, Zheng GAO