Patent ID: 8395348

Claim:
A wireless mobile communication device comprising: a wireless communication system configured to communicate information wirelessly; a rechargeable power source configured to supply power to the wireless communication system; a plurality of energy conversion devices, each configured to receive energy from a different type of energy source and to convert that energy into electricity; and a case housing the wireless communication system, the rechargeable power source, and the energy conversion devices, wherein the case includes: a base housing the wireless communication system and the rechargeable power source; and a detachable cover housing the energy conversion devices, the detachable cover being detachably attached to the base; wherein the energy conversion devices include: an induction coil configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from a wireless inductive charger located outside of the case; and a photovoltaic panel configured to receive photonic energy from a photonic energy source located outside of the case; and wherein the detachable cover includes: an induction source electrical contact configured to deliver energy received by the induction coil from the wireless inductive charger; and a photovoltaic source electrical contact that is separate from the induction source electrical contact and that is configured to deliver energy received by the photovoltaic panel from the photonic energy source; and wherein the base includes: an induction target electrical contact configured to automatically make electrical contact with the induction source electrical contact when the cover is attached to the base and to automatically break that contact when the cover is detached from the base; and a photovoltaic target electrical contact that is separate from the induction target electrical contact and that is configured to automatically make electrical contact with the photovoltaic source electrical contact when the cover is attached to the base and to automatically break that contact when the cover is detached from the base.