Every week we report the latest patent Apple has been granted, and while sometimes it’s about new techonologies in the very early stages, this time Apple has patented something that might be released in the near future.

Remember the iMac G4? Apple has patented a docking station that takes a lot of inspiration from it, being a “moveable arm” that should allow users to have something like a desktop computer, with non-contact inductive technology to recharge portable devices and transfer data.

As Patently Apple reports, “technically, today’s granted patent could relate to Apple’s the new iPad Dock. Apple states that “you get easy access to a dock connector port for syncing or charging, and an audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers via an optional audio cable. Another similar patent point regarding the iPad is that “the portable electronic device may correspond to a tablet, and the base may serve as a location for accessing the internet or connecting to peripheral devices,” like speakers or perhaps Apple’s wireless keyboard.”

“Apple’s engineers further elaborate on this point: “With regards to non-contact platforms, inductive coils could be placed in each device to transfer both power and data. The inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively. Furthermore, inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize.”“

So it’s a docking station that makes a lot of sense for the iPad, and that might indeed turn it into a full featured desktop solution. Perhaps we’ll see something like this with next year’s model?