WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.
Apple Wins Patent for Inductive Charging Dock similar to the Palm Pre Touchstone.
Apple has received a Granted Patent relating to circuits, methods, and apparatus for adapters, such as inserts and cable adapters, and docking stations that include one or more of the following: reradiating antennas to enhance wireless signal integrity, inductive charging circuits, and wireless or optical data links. To date, Apple has yet to debut an inductive charging dock for iOS devices.
Palm Pre on the Touchstone Inductive wireless
charger.
Touchstone.
Apple's patent FIG. 12 illustrates a docking station that includes a reradiating antenna and an inductive charging circuit for inductively charging a handheld device. As shown, the dock housing is configured to receive a handheld device. While the dock housing is shown to receive the handheld device in an upright position, other dock housing configurations for receiving the handheld device along its other sides are also possible. The dock housing is further configured to enable charging the battery of the handheld device through an inductive charge coupling mechanism, and to also provide improved wireless communication by integrating the reradiating antenna as shown. The charge circuit is connected between the inductive charge coupling mechanism and a port for receiving power.
Apple credits Victor Tiscareno, John Tang and Stephen Zadesky as the inventors of this patent which was originally filed in Q1 2008 and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent notes application number 11/970,504.
