Docking Station Tech Among 27 New Apple Patents

Apple's patent grabs continue to roll in, as Cupertino collected 27 new patents this week, including ones for inductive charging and scrolling, rotating, and resizing on touch screens.

The company is developing technology to more easily charge iDevices on a docking station with inductive charging circuits and a reradiating antenna to enhance wireless signal integrity — a first for Apple, according to Patently Apple.

Based on patent images, the dock is expected to hold the handheld device in an upright or sideways position, charge the device battery, and improve wireless communication. Also, removable dock inserts will allow the station to fit a variety of gadgets.

Most wireless handheld devices use one or more antennas to provide wireless voice and data capability, the patent said. But those antennas are susceptible to various electromagnetic interferences like a cable or docking station.

The patent points out that there is a need for adapters and docking stations that enhance the integrity of wireless communications while a device is connected to an accessory, possibly in a wireless capacity.

While docking stations are a likely beneficiary of the new technology, the patent notes that adapters for cable connections and other devices could be part of the project.

Among the company's patents is one for scrolling lists and translating, rotating, and scaling electronic documents on touch screen displays — one that Patently Apple said the company could "fiercely use against their competitors."

Apple also earned a patent to resize user interface content, offer a light-sensitive display, control speed effects in video presentation, and more.

Along its winning spree, Apple yesterday against Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet. A California district judge said the tablet ban will go into effect as soon as Apple posts a $2.6 million bond.