ANTENNA INSERT

• US 20080165066A1
• Filed: 01/07/2008
• Published: 07/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Zadesky, Stephen P., Tiscareno, Victor M., Tang, John G.
• Granted Patent: US 8,207,906 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/702
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/242 specially adapted for hand-held use
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/70 involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence

Abstract

Circuits, methods, and apparatus for 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. The adapters may be inserts for use in a docking station, adapters for a cable connection, or other type of device. One example provides an adapter that includes a reradiating antenna. In other examples, passive coupling is used to charge a rechargeable battery in the handheld device. Other examples include wireless or optical circuits for faster data transmission.

Claims

1. A removable insert to be placed between a handheld device and a docking station, the removable insert comprising one or more reradiating antennas configured to reradiate RF signals transmitted and received by a wireless handheld device when the handheld device is coupled to the docking station.

2. The removable insert of claim 1 further comprising a capacitor plate configured to enable capacitive coupling between the one or more reradiating antennas in the removable insert and one or more antennas located in the handheld device.

3. The removable insert of claim 1 wherein the removable insert comprises an opening such that a connector on the docking station can couple through the removable insert to a connector on the handheld device.

4. The removable insert of claim 1 wherein the removable insert is adjustable to provide mechanical support to a plurality of types of handheld devices.

5. The removable insert of claim 1 wherein the removable insert further comprises an amplifier.

6. A cable adapter to be placed between a handheld device and a cable, the cable adapter to couple to one or more reradiating antennas configured to reradiate RF signals transmitted and received by a wireless handheld device when the handheld device is coupled to the cable.

7. The cable adapter of claim 6 further comprising a capacitor plate configured to enable capacitive coupling between the one or more reradiating antennas and one or more antennas located in the handheld device.

8. The cable adapter of claim 6 wherein the cable adapter comprises a first connector to coupled to the cable and a second connector to coupled to the handheld device.

9. The cable adapter of claim 6 wherein the one or more reradiating antennas are in proximity to the cable.

10. The cable adapter of claim 6 wherein the cable adapter further comprises an amplifier.

11. A docking station to operate in conjunction with a handheld device, the docking station comprising one or more reradiating antennas configured to reradiate RF signals transmitted and received by the wireless handheld device when the handheld device is used in conjunction with the docking station.

12. The docking station of claim 11 further comprising a charging circuit to passively couple a charge to the handheld device.

13. The docking station of claim 12 wherein the charging circuit inductively couples a charge to the handheld device.

14. The docking station of claim 11 further comprising an optical circuit to transfer data to and from the handheld device.

15. The docking station of claim 14 wherein the optical circuit receives data via a USB connector.

16. A removable insert to be placed between a docking station and a handheld device, the removable insert comprising:

one or more reradiating antennas configured to reradiate RF signals transmitted and received by the wireless handheld device; and

a connector for connecting to a connector on the docking station.

17. The removable insert of claim 16 further comprising a charging circuit to passively couple a charge to the handheld device.

18. The removable insert of claim 17 wherein the charging circuit inductively couples a charge to the handheld device.

19. The removable insert of claim 16 further comprising an optical circuit to transfer data to and from the handheld device.

20. The removable insert of claim 19 wherein the optical circuit receives data via the connector on the docking station.

21. The removable insert of claim 20 wherein the removable insert does not have a connector for connecting to the handheld device.