A 'Lasting' Legacy: Apple Patents Fuel Cells That-Charge Mobile Devices for Days or Weeks

Following the untimely death of founder Steve Jobs just months ago, Apple (News - Alert) Inc. has once again sown the seeds of widespread technological change—this time, with U.S. patent applications for two types of miniature, lightweight hydrogen fuel cells that would charge mobile devices for days or even weeks.

The documents, “Fuel Cell System to Power a Portable Computing Device” and “Fuel Cell System Coupled to a Portable Computing Device,”posted on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website on December 22, could answer the needs of millions of Apple fans worldwide, who would appreciate having the eco-friendly, long-lasting batteries in their iPhones ,iPads, and MacBooks—especially since the iPhone (News - Alert) 4S reportedly has been beleaguered by low-battery issues.

The Cupertino, California-based computer giant will use a hydrogen fuel cell —the same clean technology now being touted to convert hydrogen and oxygen into water and energy in next-generation vehicles. Fuel cells are of interest to Apple because they “can potentially achieve high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities”— or in words of (mostly) one syllable, pack a lot of power into a tiny package.

In addition, Apple stated in its patent filings that the new charging technology would represent another step toward renewable energy and away from fossil fuels. “Our country's continuing reliance on fossil fuels has forced our government to maintain complicated political and military relationships with unstable governments in the Middle East, and has also exposed our coastlines and our citizens to the associated hazards of offshore drilling,” Apple said in its patent filings, adding, “These problems have led to an increasing awareness and desire on the part of consumers to promote and use renewable energy sources.”

Battery technology has long been viewed as a stumbling block in the smartphone industry, leading microchip developers to focus on developing processors with lower power consumption. One of the greatest challenges in developing the small hydrogen fuel cell, according to Apple, will be creating a system that is both long-lasting and cost-effective.

In addition to the two most recent patent documents, Apple Insider reports that an earlier round of patent applications, which referred to “lighter and more efficient hydrogen fuel cells,” was posted in October.

While the iPhone 4S was released after the death of Steve Jobs (News - Alert), a technological breakthrough such as this one could reenergize and galvanize the company. Tim Cook was named the CEO of Apple after Jobs announced his resignation, due to illness, on August 24, 2011.

In related news, The New York Times reports that the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia, is running an exhibit of 30 giant iPhone-like models honoring the inventions of the late Steve Jobs. Each iPhone model displays patents that list Jobs as inventor or co-inventor. Altogether about 300 patents are on display, giving exhibit attendees a visual tour through Apple’s history of design and innovation. The patent exhibit is free and open to the public until January 15.