Apple Files Patent for Solar-Powered iPods

Apple has filed a patent for Solar-Powered iPods.  Apple is on the cutting edge of hip products.  Now, they will be following the renewable trend.

Abstract – POWER MANAGEMENT CIRCUITRY AND SOLAR CELLS

This is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing circuitry that can be used to control multiple solar cells to generate power for a portable electronic device. For example, in response to determining that one or more of the solar cells is generating a reduce voltage output (e.g., due to a partial obstruction of one or more of the solar cells), the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a constant preset voltage, as long as a subset of the solar cells is operating. The voltage generated by the solar cells can then be boosted to a value suitable for powering the portable electronic device and/or any of its individual components. As another example, the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a startup voltage to directly power the portable electronic device and/or any of its components.

Source: Patent Application – 20100013309

Link: http://appft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html