PatentlyApple just revealed Apple has been granted a patent for the rumored inductive charging dock. There were even rumors last year that a next-gen iPhone could sport a similar cable-free charging solution.

"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."

The patent was originally filed in Q1 2008. It credits Victor Tiscareno, John Tang and Stephen Zadesky as the inventors and it is numbered 11/970,504.

More info at the link below...