US Patent 7180503 Inductive power source for peripheral devices

A system for providing power to a computer peripheral device during the normal operation of the device is disclosed. A base is provided that includes a winding of a coil. The winding is driven to make a constantly changing magnetic field. The peripheral device also includes a winding of a coil. When the winding of the coil is placed in the changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced in the winding. That voltage can be converted into power for use by the peripheral device. In one embodiment the peripheral device is a mouse. The peripheral device may include a rechargeable battery, and the induced power could be used by a circuit to recharge the battery.