Apple gains solar power, iPod classic patents
updated 10:50 am EDT, Wed April 8, 2009
Apple solar, iPod patents
The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted Apple a collection of new patents, all revolving around the company's portable devices. Unusual amongst these is a patent for solar power circuitry, which could in theory be used to power iPods, iPhones and MacBooks when away from a wall socket. The patent was applied for in 2006 however, and has not been used in any commercial products.
Apple has also gained an assembly method patent for the iPod nano, and a design patent on the iPod classic, despite the latter's similarities with earlier video-capable iPods. Also patented is the look of the App Store logo, mainly as seen on the iPhone and iPod touch. The Classic patent is attributed to a number of Apple engineers, as well as CEO Steve Jobs and senior industrial design VP Jonathan Ive.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999
Solar?
For a device that people carry in their pocket, solar makes no sense. What would work is kinetic energy harvesting systems like are used in some watches. They convert the movement of the wearer to electricity. One treadmill session could fill up a nano battery.