United States Patent Gimlan (51) ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY GENERATORS AND USES OF SAME (76) Inventor: Gideon Gimlan, 100 Lasven Ct, Los Gatos, CA (US) 95032 (4). Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the erm of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 USCC. 154(b) by 102 days (21) Appl. Now 107283,818, Filed: Sep. 3, 2002 HOLM 10/44; HOIM 10146 320/101; 32272. (58) Field of Search 3222 RIA, 322/100; 330/166, 167, 101; 323/272, 276: 363/50 60) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS. 4087735 AS11078 O'Hare 27804 A L1/1978. Breau $317960 8+ “1/1988. Shikano ot 345365 * cited by examiner Ac Power Unes 1 tos 1078 Boi AC Uni Directional Converter “OR. DoIAc Bi Directional Converter nee, I ol sore US00693609488 US 6,936,994 BL ‘Aug. 30, 2005 (10) Patent No. 5) Date of Patent Primary Exaninerdward T50 6 ABSTRACT Methoxls and deviees are disclosed for electrostatics gen- crating electrical energy in response lo slate changes of feternal energy sources. In a simple embodiment, & first ode dirvels priming curtent from 4 first rechargeable battery into a variable capacitor means when the later rears & in a charge desorbed mode (charge absorbing mode). An extemal energy source switches the variable capacitor means into a charge expelling mode while Absorbed charge is trapped in the varithle capacitor means. ‘Alter a predelined increase in vollage is ealized, a second diode directs expelled charge from the variable capacitor means toa series eteuit composed ofa profit-charge storing means (eg. 2 second rechargeable batery) and the fist rechargeable battery, thereby returning the invested ebarge back to the donor (the first rechargeable battery) and causing 4 profit amount of charge to be stored in the proftcharge storing means (the second rechargeable hatery). The vari able capacitor means may take on many forms including those which switch between their charge absorbing. and carge expelling modes in response to thermal agitation Various forms of nonelectrical energy sources and ways for electrostatically converting. their energies into eletceal energy are disclosed ‘50 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets FLUCTUATING ENERGY SOURCE(S) /AVES, WIND, TEMPER: ATURE, ETC.)U.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 1 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL sc Power thes \o78 102 Oa 00 ( FLUCTUATING ENERGY 24 SOURCES) | (= WAVES, WIND, TEMPER. De WwAC rune. Etc) UnrDrectonal “oR come e1Drectona! FLUCTUATING ENERGY 00B SOURCES, (= waves WING. TEMPER 4 aunt Efe) Tprimeb a putas [ E 0 t = 1201 /\ "Fria as f\) sel oP a 180 Het yz FT Tonmeat20 1505 ce wt] Ca = + TpurgenU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 2 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL FLUCTUATING ENERGY SOURCE(S) 200 | waves. WiND. Temper. ATURE, ETC.) {261 2630 2520 | J seoU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 3 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL 260C per FIG. 2 ve ono Tyme 26167 xo Gace ° 7 0-7 3 siaeer v P| Slee yy a te fais" Bel Els| e204 fale ] Von 81 osecé| ISI 283 = olelenaeee 0 al crete 5c 26 of | olelaie — Glafecanér hieSaot vor Bele ejaisee” |, Wadia! on | Ble falaloiee OE iafols"” AOC] Sle) «& pege° is|3] 28 08 ge% Slo} Kenan? le ( 3) OMe tat 60] 2820"2 oe 80188008 — Wie RopelCadie To Next Buoy weer \ “vy _} 300D \ ae wo -[ 4 aeU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 4 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL toNex Tree or yity Pole 358 / 358¢ Tm Whee! FIG. 3AU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 5 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL Slippery Dielectric. 364 a Wind VaneU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 6 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL LLLU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 7 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL cs «oH Un 465, a) FIG. 4CU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 8 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL FLUCTUATING ENERGY SOURCE(S) (= WAVES, WIND, TEMPERATURE, ETC.) Bi-Directional Converter with Optionat Wireless Couping FLUCTUATING ENERGY S 600 (= WAVES, WIND, TEMPER. ATURE, ETC)U.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 9 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURE ociac @ Directional Convener FIG. 6D Temperatuce Wine + Clouds. : : Treemostar, (1 ' ee. : Suviset Noon! Sunrise? Nong Time.US 6,936,994 BL Sheet 10 of 12 Aug. 30, 2005 U.S. Patent S¥3EHOSEY HOOHS ONWLSOLOII3 — USL a \U.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 11 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL 800 Tourgor FIG. 8BU.S. Patent Aug. 30, 2005 Sheet 12 of 12 US 6,936,994 BL E 900 do 9502/9162 fe "9500/9160 hy cn gs00'st6e 380 950m/916m faeUS 6,936,994 BL 1 ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY GENERATORS ‘AND USES OF SAME, ‘CROSS REFERENCE TO PATENTS. The disclosures of the Following U.S, patents are incor. porated herein by reference: (A) US. Pat. No. 4,151,409 O'Hare (1979) ‘current variable capacitance electric generator"; (B) US. Pat. No. 4,127,804 Breaux (1978): “Electrstatic energy conversion system”; (US. Pa, No, 4,087,735 O'Hare (1978): ‘wie generation using variable capacitors" (0) US. Pat, No. 5,640,042 Koscica (1997): Thin fm ferrocletrie varactor"s (©) US. Pat, No. 5,162,972 Gripshover (1992): “Liquid ‘led variable capacitor"; (US. Pat. No. 4991 366 isolating device”; (G) US. Pat, No. 5,268,433 Meno (1993): “Silicone ‘composition and a highly damping hardened silicone (HD US. Pat, No, 4,527,365 Yoshizawa (1985): “Earthy ‘quake insulating bearing assembly"; (US. Pat No. 6,223,483 Taukagoshi 2001): “Vibration damping mechaniso and antivearthquake wall mate- () US. Pat, No. 6,054,651 Fogel (2060): “Foamed clase tomers for waler probing applictions and inexposer connectors"; (6) US. Pat, No. 5,923,522 Sajna (1999: “Capacitive ‘Switch with elastomeric membrane actuator"; (US. Pat, No, 6,054,071 Mikkelsen, Je. (2000): “Poted cleciets for gyricon-based electric-paper displays"; (M) US. Pat, No, 6,001,299 Kawabe (199%) “Process ‘and apparatus for manvactring an eletet article (8) US. Pat No. 6,127,812 Ghe7z0, (2000): “Integrated environmental enemgy extractor’; (0) US. Pat. No. 4,054,826 Wahistoom (1977): “Method and apparatus’ for charging batteries using. variable capacitors"; ©) US. Pat. No, 4,622,510 Cap (1986): “Parametric electric machine"; (Q)US. Pat. No. 5,615,041 Field (1997): “Fabrication of patterned poled dielectric structures and devices" (US. Pat No. $084,801 El-Hamamsy (1992): “Liquid ‘rystal Variable capacitor and high intensity discharge lamp ballast employing same”; (1) US. Pat, No. 5,050,434 Demiseh (1991) “Capacitive fbumidity sensor’; and (2) US. Pat. No. 5,631,624 Kanbs et al. (1997) ‘vie ceramics and eleetronie parts using the Sam Direct ra (1991): “Vibration (CROSS REFERENCE TO PUBLISHED US "APPLICATIONS, The disclosures ofthe folowing U.S. patent applications are incorporated herein by reference: (2) US. Pat App. 20020048143 AL by Lee, Young-hee; et al. published Apr. 25, 2002, entitles) Supercapacitor Using Electrode of New Material and Method of Manufacturing the Same; (©) US. Pat. App. 20020068170 At by Smalley, Richard Ej etal published un. 6, 2002, ettled Polymer-weapped ingle Wall Carbon Nanotubes; and % o 2 (6) US. Pat. App. 20020008956 AI by Niu, Chun-Ming, published Jan, 24,2002 and entitled Fibril Composite Elec luode for Electrochemical Capacitors FIELD OF DISCLOSURE ‘The present disclosure of invention relates gene the generation of electrical energy from various supplies of| energy, such as but not limited to, naturally renewable sources of energy. ‘The disclosure relates more specially to we of eleeto- static mechanisms for extracting electrical energy from ‘andomly variable, and typically persistent, sources of other energy (eg, ocean waves) or fom relatively nonvariable sources of other energy (eg, solar heat), RESERVATION OF EXTRA-PATENT RIGHTS "AND RESOLUTION OF CINFLICTS Alter tis disclosure is lawfully published, the owner of the present patent application has mo objection tothe repro- duction by others of textual and graphic materials contained herein provided sch reproduction is For the limited purpose of understanding the present disclosure of invention and af thereby promoting the useful arts and sciences. The owner {does not however disclaim any other rights that may be lavsully associated withthe disclosed materials, including but not fimited to, copyrights in any computer listings or art works or other works provided here trademark or trade dress rights that may be asso coined terms or art works provided herein and btherwise-protectable subjet mat fenwise derivable hereftom. If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and sve incorporated disclosures coallict in part or whole ‘with the present dslosure, then tothe extent of conflict, the present disclosure controls, If sch incorporated disclosures ‘conllict in pastor whole with one another, then to the extent fof confit the later-dated disclosure controls. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART ‘When raid and consistent production in eal time of large amounts of electric energy is desired, the magnetic dynamo thas historically reigned as one of the best sources for generating such energy on a mass production basis. Io Uunigue places such as Niagea Falls (US.A,) nature olfers thunderous and abundant flows of water for surging against the fast spinning thine blades of man made hydroclectie cenergy plants. The waterdriven turbines typically. spin rotors of magnetic dynamos at consistently high velocities and eause wite windings in the dynamos to swifly cross through magnetic lines of Mux (or view versa) Lange currents of electricity ean be generated inthis way at high voltage. In places where nature is not so generous as to provide a persistent supply of easily obainable, high speed power like that of a year-round waterfall or that of consistent wind power or that of another consistent and like form (c.g. geothermal), thea fossil fuels (or other nonrenewable sources such as nuclear fission ones) may be consumed 10 produce steam and heat. The high-temperature steam typ tally Hows into turbines and drives their bladed shafs: ‘esired rotary velocities. The turbines then tum the otors of ‘magnetic generators (dymamos) and thereby produce electric energy. Waste eat is dissipated into the mosphere oF into a nearby body of water as the exhaust steam (or other Bud) js converted back to low temperature working fui. In some locations, where the winds happen to regularly blow at speeds of 30 miles per hour or faster, and in a 1o other inched herein or othUS 6,936,994 BL 7 persistent direction, propeller farms (e,horizontal axis ‘wind turbines) canbe constricted to capture nature's rene w= able power and convert it by way of magnetic generation into electric power. On days when the wind slows to below 4 critical velocity or comes only sporadie bursts, the pro- pellers often sit ide, unable to spin their dymanios at the necessary persistent speed for producing adequate vollage ‘over an economically feasible length of time. In other words, although some amount of Wind may be present, is energy is Jeft untapped because itis being presented at below system-cttial velocity (eg, about 30 MPH for horizontal axis wind-driven propeller systems) andioe it is blowing in the wrong direction (¢.,n updraft instead of a cross wind). It ean be sven from the above introductory examples that ‘dynamo-based energy production has the drawback of need ing a steady, high velocity, and often unidirectional power source. Another drawback (not yet mentioned) is that the ferromagnetic materials conventionally used (e.g, Fe, Ni, Co and alloys thereof) in magaetic dynamo-based eneray production ate of relatively large mass density and are thus heavy, If fossil fuels or the like are used for energy ‘generation, then waste heat andr pollution of other forms se typically produced. It would be advantageous 0 be able to produce electric energy (even i itis supplemental energy rather than lange amounts of primary energy) from renevs- able andor waste sources of enemgy, even where such ‘Sources age aol consistent with respect to their velocity, frequency and/or regularity Introductory Summacy Structures and methols may be provided in aecordance ith the present disclosure of invention for overcoming one ‘or more of the above-described probloms, (A) More specifically, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, electrostatic techniques ate provided for usefully converting random andioriregular andr slow ‘mations (andlor thermal Muctuations) into stored electrical ‘energy. Such random andor iregularandjor slow motions {andor theemal fluctuations) may be found in abuodanee in A wide varicty of environments. Recognition ofthese envi onmental opportunites is often limited by lack of open- ‘minded awareness, The examples given lee are meant to be ‘nonlimiting suggestions tat will enable chose skilled in the ao recognize many alike situations where similar strate- Bikes for costellective energy capture may be utilized, By way of an introdvetory example, consider the various types of random andor irregular andor slow motions (ad ‘or thermal fluctuations) that may be found at the ovean or at Abeachlront, These may include: (1) wave motions (2) water ‘currents (eg ,undertows); (3) transverse wind; (4) rising and falling air thermals; (5) the rise and fall of the tides; (6) temperature differences between air, water, andor dillerent layers below the surface of the Water; (7) solar encegy ‘changes that may occur as sunshine is cutoff and turned back. ‘on by passing clouds or other effets; and (8) buck-relected ‘solar energy that wave-Auctaed water relects back up tothe sky. Consider also ground vibrations that may be found in ‘many industrialized locations such as within congested cities ‘or along roadways that ate frequented by heavy trucks. The ‘vibrational noise from these ein also constitute an example ‘of random andjor ireegular motions. (It should become Apparent Tater below that environmental noise such as vibra- tonal noise and thermal fluctuations may be used recharge emergency battery supplies such as for emergen- ‘ies flashlight, fire alarms, ete) [Even when there are no, naturally-provided energy uctuations, there will be times when it worthwhile to % o 4 antiticially induce such fuetuations in order to reap the benefits disclosed herein. For example, on « hot windless sesert day, one might choose to employ aa oscillating light shutter (eg, a solar Ferris whecl, radiometer, etc.) or other such means (e.., oscillating balloons, periodically tilting ‘mirrors, as shall be deserbed below) for inducing variation in the amount of sola radiation or other energy that is being coupled to an eletrostatic energy generator in aevordance ‘wih the present disclosure. More on ths later. (B) In accordance with « second aspect of the present disclosure, electrically charged particles of opposite charge types are Condensed and temporarily trapped (substantially trapped) in adjacent but dilecrically separated positions {rom one another, and then urged to higher levels of eneray ‘to one another by captited forms of available energy random andor iregular andor slow motions (and/or thermal fluctuations) so that the relative energy of the ‘rapped particles is ineveased (generally by fess than asto- ‘nomical proportions). An example of sich ction is the trapping of opposed electrical charges. respectively ‘opposed plates ofa variable capacitor and the reduction of| te capacitance of the variable capacitor (eg. 10 a close 10 cull amount) by using one or more of various means which Keep the condensed charge trapped while decreasing capacitance, such as by increasing the separation between the capacitor plates, andor such as altering the dielectric constant of a dielectric material provided between the plates, Andi reducing the effective area of the opposed capacitor plates (e., where one ofthe plates has a liquid form). More ‘generally, electri charge i altracted into a charge-trapping member (e., plate of Hager of a variable capacitor), the altrative force is reduced or removed or reversed (to be @ repulsive foree) while the charge remains so trapped, and as ‘result the energy Tevel ofthe trapped charge ineteases, The condensed and trapped charge #8 then released (purged, evaporated) from the charge-eapping member and directed ‘o flow info a purged-charge collecting element of raised potential, such asa chargeable battery. The collected charge ‘may thet) be used for performing. useful work. in one embodiment, at least part of the evaporated (purged) charge is directed to a charge soring and donating means which donates. such charge for further condensation, trapping, energy raising, and purging so that the purged charge is recycled. One possible way of viewing the foregoing is that a variable expacitor means is provided to act sort of as 2 ssqueezable and de-squeezable sponge which is operatively ‘coupled to an inclined or stepped energy plane having upper land lower energy pools, A lower part of this visulizable sponge is selectively moveable to dip into and to absorb charge (analogous to absorbable liquid) fzom the lower energy, donor pool. An upper pat of this visualizable sponge is selectively coupleable 10 the relatively higher-enesay scceptor pool s0 that fluid (electrical charge) previously absorbed into and stored inthe sponge can be squeezed out into the higher-energy acceptor pool. During. @ priming phase, the sponge i in its squeezed (compressed) state and It is lowered into contact with the lowerenergy, charge- {donor pool and itis then decompressed (expanded into a charge absorbing state) s0 as 10 absorb the low-energy charge. Then an external enerzy source (€, nonelectial) js used to raise the charge-sloring sponge away from contact ‘with the lower pool (thereby raising the energy Tevel of the trapped change) and to squeeze the energy-inetessed charge ‘ut into the higherenergy acceptor pool. This isthe purging phase. (Some leakage of absorhed fluid back to the oweer pool might cevur here.) At the same time andjr after theUS 6,936,994 BL 5 squeezing, the squeezed-out charge is returned tothe donor pool so as to replenish the donor pool. The sponge is thea ‘dipped again into the lower-enerey pool for soaking up further charge and transferring the absorbed chagge into the higher-energy pool. The absorb and squee70-out steps are repeated over lime, The foregoing is « way of visually understanding paet of what is disclosed herein. The visuale ination is not inlended to aller or detract from the more ‘conerete examples given herein ‘More spectially, in accordance with one detailed aspect ‘of the present disclosure, a structure is provided that com= prises: (2) priming means for condensing 8 priming amount ‘of charge (an invested amount of charge) into a variable ‘capacitor means; (b) capacitance reducing means that uses fn extemal form of energy to reduce the electostatic con- ‘densation capacity of the Variable capacitor means in a ‘charge-containing manner and to thereby increase. the ‘energy of the trpped charge; (c) charge releasing means for releasing the more energized charge from the variable ‘capacitor means ata somewhat controlled voltage level that 's higher than the voltage at which the change was condensed into the variable capacitor means; (0) charge collecting ‘means for collecting the more energized charge a its some- ‘what higher voltage level; and (e) charge einvesting means for directing at least part of the collected charge to the priming means for reuse 38 priming charge Other aspects ofthe disclosure will become apparent fom the below detailed description, [BRIEP DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ‘The below detailed description seetion makes reference (0 the accompanying drawings in which FIG. 1A a schematic diagram illustrating a simple, first, ‘charge-investng, profit recapturing (CIPR) system in accor ‘dance with the present disclosure; FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illutating a slightly more advanced, second charge-investing, profit recapturing ‘system whieh solves a donor-discharge problem which may be preseat in the system of FIG. LA; FIG. 2A is 4 combined schematic diagram and cross sectional side view and planat top view showing a frst implementation ofa variable capacitor means in aevordance with the present disclosure, FIG, 28 is a combined schematic diagram with ovo cross sectional side views showing respective charge attraction ‘nd repulsion slates of an implementation of a trapped- ‘charge atraction-repalsion type, variable eapacitor means in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG, 2C isa combined schematic diagram and perspective sectional side view showing an implementation of another teapped-charge, attraction-cepulsion type, variable capacitor means in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG, 3Aisa combined schematic diagram and perspective section side view showing an implementation of another teapped-charge,attraction-repulsion type, variable capacitor mans, and it possible coupling, in accordance with the present disclosure, to different Kinds of renewable energy FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of another trapped ‘charge, atraction-repulsion type, variable capacitor means ‘wherein the prime and purge voltage conductors are om the Jnetior and trapped-charge plates ate provided rotationally andlor longitudinally rciprocatably more tothe exteriors FIG. 3C isa side view of yet another CIPR system which may be used to energize one of more variable capacitor % o 6 FIG, 3D isa side view of yet a further CIPR system whit may be used to energize one of more varitble capacitor FIG. 4A is a side sectional view of a building that is fouled with one of more charge-investing, profi recapturing, systoms in accordance with the present disclo- FIG. 4B is an exploded apart perspective view of a ‘temperature oscillating valve that may be used in secardance swith the present disclosure; FIG. 4C is a cross sectional view of temperature modulated variable capacitor means that may be used in accordance withthe present disclosure; FIG, Sisa schematic diagram ofa thi, charge-investing, profit capturing system that may be ased in accordance ‘with the present disclosuce with an optional, Mudie solse ‘umbrella subsystem: FIG, 6A is a schematic diggram of a fourth, charge~ investing, profit recapturing system that includes plurality of voltage splitting, variable expacitor means that are to be purged in unison or in succession so to enable « single charge donor-and-recouper option in accomdance with the present disclosures FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of 4 fifth, charge westing, profit recapturing system that includes & plurality of voltage splitting, variable capacitor means that are tbe purged in unison oF in suecession; FIG. 6C is a cross sectional view of « rechargeable ‘Hasblight assembly incorporating a charge-investing, profit recapturing sysiem in accordance with the present disclo- FIG, 6D is a graph showing how temperature variations ‘may he exploited by a temperature-modulated system in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. Tia schematic diagram ofa hybrid automobile that has one or more charge-investng, profit recapturing systems integrated therein for opportunistically converting vibrations, waste heat andor other waste energies into clectrical energy: FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a sixth, charge- investing, profit eespluring system that carries out number of separately implementable operations, including: (8A.1) round-robin charge donation and profit recovery; (BA2) horizoatal voltage eatcheting; and (BA3) cleetrovde-ended valving: FIG. 8B isa cross sectional view ofa valves-ended (e-, iodes-terminated) capacitor electrode steuture that may be realized in accordance with the disclosure; and FIG, 9 is a schematic diagram of a seventh, charge~ investing, profit recapturing system that provides vertical barge multiplicatio DEFINITIONS AND CAVEATS [New technologies often benefit from the coining of new terminology that describes novel charactrisies or from the re-use of old terminology in slightly different way. Variable capacitors are known in the prior art and may include those ‘where additional capacitors are Switched into and out of parallel conacetion With ene o mote atber capacitors 10 {hereby effect a change of total charge condensing capi ity: However, such a switched-iato and out-of parallel inter connection of eapacitors often merely re-istbtes charge rather than increasing or deereasing the eneray level of trapped charge. When sised herein, the term, “variable capacitor” is to be understood as referring 10 the kindUS 6,936,994 BL 7 wherein the azgrewate, potential enerey of tapped char is increased or decreased by wiriue of the change of the nel ‘charge-atracting forces within the variable capacitor. The ‘garepate potential energy of tapped charge may be ad tionally o¢ alternatively increased or decreased by vive of| ‘change of charge-epelling forces within a variable capaci- tor means that is provided in accordance with the present dlsclosure. Thus, variable capacitor means as used herein ‘may include structures that rely on electostatie repulsion (he reverse of charge condensation) in place of, of in addition to electrostatic attraction (charge condensation) as Will further become apparent below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The idea of separating the plates of a capacitor while ‘charge is tapped an is plates is notoriously old and may be found in elementary physics books, Its also well knowa thatthe relationship between atractively-stored charge (Q), vollage (V), and eleetic capacitance (C) may be expressed a5, Q=VC and that the electrostatic energy in a charged 2 ‘capacitor may be expressed by: wa!s*C*V". Numerous, ‘electrostatic generating machines have been built wherein ‘charge is trapped on some form of conveyor (e.g, 4 con- veyor belt or whee!) and moved away from its point of {capping so a8 to thereby increase the potential energy level ‘ofthe tapped charge by asconomical proportions. Voliages ‘can climb fo the point where an electric are discharges across for the purpose of providing entertainment, These various kinds exploitations of the effect can be characterized as being hampered by groed and lack of patience. I is all oo tempting to want to get a big output for essentially nothing being invested. An example of the later i that of obttining nil charye by eubbing glass on woo! and wanting fo see ‘quick, astronomical guns in final vollage tothe point where ‘electric are discharges occur immediately before one’s evs, {See for example the above-cited U.S. Pat, No, 4,127,804 by. Breaux, Nov. 28, 1978 which suggests providing a vacuum like cavirament to prevent discharge hetwoen rotating ‘capacitor vanes that spon very high voltages. See also US. Pat. No. 4,087,735 by O'Hare May 2, 1978 which seeks 10 rotate variable condensers at high speed through a light source. More importantly, see US. Pat. No. 6,127812 t0 Ghezz0, etal. Oct. 3, 2000 which relies on small reverse ‘eureat through diodes for trickle charging the capacitor plates of miniature variable capacitors to a voltage level near the energy source voltage.) “The present disclosure follows somewhat diferent schemes by being willing to invest more energy in a more ‘substantial way and at the oppostunistcally appropriate time to quickly charge (prime) the plate means of @ variable ‘capacitor means s0 they can be ready to opportunisially, respond to applied extemal energy, and by eing modest about the amount of enerey profit that is made per eycle, and Sometimes by further being patient about how long each ‘eyele may take, FIG. 1Aisa schematic diagram of first Charge-Investing and Proft-Recaptring, first system 100 (CIPR system) in accordance with the present disclosure. Elements 102,108, 1OTo-b are ancillary components that may be advanta: geously combined with the main part of the first CIPR system 100, where the main part is defined generally by the olher illustrated paris of FIG. 1A. When switches 1074-b are ‘losed, AC power (eg, 60 Hz) may be imported into the ‘system from powerlines 102 and converted to DC power by Way of the DC/AC bidirectional converter 108 for subse: ‘quent storage in a priming battery means 110 andlor in Priming-charge storing capacitor 10a, Part ofthe imported % o 8 power may also be routed for storage within a purge: Collecting battery means 120. This may be done for example at times when AC electrical power is abundant (eg, low Priced, such as around or alter michigh!) aad there is expectation that AC electrical power will be scarcer (6g higher priced) and therefore more needed inthe near future daytime such that it i economically advantageous to store jonverted enerey in the DC battery means 110, 120 and withdraw it, and convert it to AC ata later time. However, tbe primary thrust of this disclosure is oot directed 10 ‘overnight storage of electrical power but rather to the idea that electrical energy should be generated from energy ‘obiained from noneletrical enemy sources (180), tempo ‘aril stored in DC battery means such as illustrated at 10, 120 and then used for performing electrical work. In am altemate embodiment, the power network interface ‘means 105 can be a unidirectional, DC to AC converter that merely withdraws enerpy from the battery means 110, 120 fand supplies it to a power sharing network such as repre- Sented by AC power lines 102. In yet another alternate embodiment, means 108 can be a unidirectional, AC 19 DC converter that supplies replenishment energy to overcome a ‘minor, charge depletion problem that will be discussed la below (eg. in regard to FIG, 1B). In yet a further embodiment, means 108 can be a bidirectional, DC 10 DC converter that ean be used to conttollably define the values of one or both of firs and second voltage levels V, and V,, Aandir to supply replenishment energy to battery means pati 110, andioe to withdraw surplus energy from combined battery means 110/120 for output to an electrical power sharing network (102), ‘One oF more paris of the DC battery means 110, 120 may be removably installed within appropriate battery receptacle ‘means (not shown) of system 100 it desired; or battery ‘means 10, 120 may be installed for within the ebagge-investng, profit recapturing, first system 100 as may be appropriate fr respective use of the CIPR system 100, The battery means 110, 120 may be used for storing electrical energy aod for maintaining somewhat ‘canst (but they’ do not have tobe fixed, as shall become evident) respective first and second, reference voltage levels, Vo and V, (where [V>lVal) at respective frst and second nodes 1 and 121. Acenedingly, either or both of the respective fist and second parts, 110, 120 of the battery means may be comprised of rechargeable vollage sources, such as: lead-acid batteries, NiCd (Nickel Cadmium), Lithium-ion, Ni-Mh (Nickel Metal Hydride), Rechargeable Alkaline, andior other such electrochemical eneeey storing ‘devices, The respective fist and second parts, 10 and 120, ‘may additionally or alternatively each include high: capacitance, relatively nonvariable capacitor (eg, more than 999 microFarads, »1000 i) andor so-called superea- pacitors (including those that maybe implemented with ranotube techoology). An example of such a high- cipacitance, relatively noavariable capacitor 8 shown at 110¢ and may be understood as supplementing andor at times replacing or fully eplacing the priming-current su plying funetion andor the purged-curent recapturing fun tion of battery means 110, Fuel cells of other types of clectrchemical of mechanical voltage-maintaining means (ea, ywheels) or olber volage-maintaining means (e8. photovoltaic eells—sce FIG. §) may be used within the first battery means. The rst battery means (110)—wihieh a shall be seen, provides « priming charge—may additionally or llematively comprise 4 non-rechaggeable voltage source such as a fuel cell or conventional alkaline battery andor 2 photovoltaic solar cell array andior an inductive pickupUS 6,936,994 BL 7 which collects coy om amie, Suing elcomas- ttc ead dons the flee resi Spe Mhntcpacor Hou anor ins seal pan tans TiS Tor urn fal inp, be rs aey mene par, 110 wildest msely a ecg Pete sure sh scan bat eon ps 3 the apemenial ping capacior al be ignored he vepetve hs tard tena, wilting sods td al muy bocouped vce oming ets ‘och m he respeely usted, pming-curet det ing nde I Ind ty purges deg ide 1221 the varableeayacior means TIS. Agnin pupse a il simpli e crea! ong mea te ered Miple dds in be nano bowene th te proc dechute cncopls ere compen cent on gman het es tay pcr ateion or ne ‘Shui ang mens for euag concn al ppc Tine fete eed nde "he capacance of te cable epucior means changes fan lave inge Cova oa subannaly Seal, Cy vane a sspnst Wo cpactnce medaing Seay iat supplied epi mean 11 fom one rac eternal cory auc 10, The specie Ca thee vty yal Co na hae lobe peel Kos tr conrlel, Sin alealy expe, he spece Valent ie volta ie pining source 10) nee ‘lfercce, Ves ieee a te seco fellage orc 0) an don het fe precy known Sreonvoe, ls wore hough oss Vy ds not esuced the ean vlogs of he are caacer toes I in is minnie! enpactunes mode (ode), taal the pte erent, Vie, dcr ba tly exceed ie evesedas eakdoyevelgaesaeaa Aine HD so 132 Lahotdues Bead 128 shuld ave fell) oui everebies eure! eka When reget oles Vand Vs main wlan ope Sting ranges I dare one oh of ods 2 an maybe dng ek down reget wlage td enced te designapetio operuing lage rng, ik maybe realy appreciated fom FIG 1A (a the stove Iason at ring een it Bw Tomita voluge suce MOstiugh He Ode 2d ino the vale Capciortmans 3 ring the Bg Sipucnne, Cy mode af the ter to ered depot oy ‘Sodetbe at ivesaeat charg nto he table Copan trea i and rae the loge sen teams IS 1 tpprxinasy te Ve eel Tv econ od I iste biased during this priming phase (charge investment phase). ivean be far sppected fom HG. 1A tar change porzng caren ao refened ova chr expulsion omen isto fein oth vate caper meaty 18 fl timugh sco doe Land in he sees ea ited byte fist an second vole sores T1302 the eapuctanc of arabe capac cea 8 edad tlt volage ase! ie clanging eapaior wei 3 ‘beste apponinly V (ls te foward resell rp torus ote 12) The ‘ist dde 12 b tower ised dng gepurag pase he saplemeat pins ing etcor 10a is pesn and te maa priming une mo it eset ease a ‘Sang prgng cone ey choad ow into espe ttl ring capac Ti ding te cys ceplon Phe vo as thy rcpt pro the po chip er Thsequn invent) Sined more broadly, whal is shown & 2 etd for produc cc eteay fom her cacy spp Side emry source (180) where the ey acing 5 % o 10 vethod comprises the steps of: (a) condensing an investone amount of charge (Q,) ito a frst variable capacitor means (115) so as to establish a first voltage (Va) across the frst variable capacitor means; (b) trapping the condensed elec- cal charge (Q,) in the frst variable capacitor means; (€) ile the coowlensed electrical charge is trapped, sing the onelectrcal energy source (180) to decrease [andlor reverse as shall be seen later below] the charge condensing bilities of the fist variable capacitor means $0 38 10 establish a second voltage (V,) across the first variable capacitor means, where the second voltage (V,) is substan- tilly greater than the frst voltage (V,); (0) feleasing the rapped electrical charge from the first variable capacitor scans alle he second voltage (V, established across the variable capacitor; snd (e) disecting (122) atleast part ofthe ‘eleasedipurged charge to a purged-profit charge capturing ‘means (120) and to an iavestment charge recapturing means (110) where the latter means 110 can then re-invest the rected charge as condensed investment charpe (Q,)back in the frst variable capacitor means (118)—andior ia another variable capacitor means as shall be seen later below. Energy stored in the variable capacitor means 11S when the later means isin its primed, high-eapacitanee mode, C, may be expressed, at lest approximately, per the following equation Eq, 1: meMCVH ON, 9) Just as the variable eapacitor 115 is shifing toward its Jow-capacitance mode, Cy, and voltage across capacitor scans 115 is just belowe V, (meaning diode 122 is about to ‘switch ino iss forward conduction mode, the enengy stored in the variable capacitor IIS can be approximated per the following equation Eq. 2: meray, cea) ‘The reason that charge i sill expressed as Q, in equation Bg. 2 is because substantially allo that charge eoatinves 10 remain irapped in the variable capacitor means 118 at this sage. Diode 122 bas not yet become forward biased. As the variable capacitor means 115 completes shifting into its Jow-eapacitanee mode, C,, and voltage across the capacitor means 115 begins to exceed V, (meaning diode 122 is now switched inte its forward conduction mode—a near-zer0 ‘teshold crop is assumed here to simplify the calculations), most of the change will be squeezed out of (purged om) the variable capacitor means 11S, directed through diode 122, and into the vollage source series formed by batteries 120/110, The fist vollage source 0 can Gt it is rechargeable) rocoup all or a substantial part ofthe priming ‘charge, Q that it donated curing the priming eycle (a close to perfect discharge and charge efficiency is initially assumed to Simplify eaeulatons here and the supplemental priming capacitor 1102 is ignored), ‘The second voltage source 120 obtains a charge profit of Q, during the charge puring (expulsion) eyele since the second vollage source (ea, chargeable batery) 120 did not donate any substantial mount of eharge during the priming part ofthe eye. The energy gain by the combined, voltige source series (68 rechargeable battery series) 120/110 can be approximated as indicated by the following equation Eq. dneD2"OW Vo) (ea)US 6,936,994 BL i Foe purpose of further simplification, lt Vy=k* V, where kel. that ease, the above, per-eyee, energy profit approxie ‘mation equation, Eq. 3 ane re-writen as indicated by the following equations Ex, aa Ossee=1) a, a) BecueVBew-L) Energy profit approximation equation Eg. db provides a few valuable lessons. Energy prott per eyele increases asthe ‘square of Vp. Thus having a lager Va value (eg, greater than about 9 to about 18 volts, and better yet, greater than about 100 vols, and even better yet if the components ean handle it, greater than about 500 te about 1000 volts) is more beneficial than having a very lage V, (or in other words K factor that is very much greater than unity), The more practical approach iso have ak factor that is much less than about 1000, for example ak fietor of about 2 (0 about 11, ‘or within that range of about 3 to about 9, of yet more ‘Specifically of about 5 to about 7, ‘Also, having a larger C, value (e.g. greater than 100) microFareds in the priming mode, and better yet, greater than about 1000 microFarads in the priming move) is as ‘equally beneficial a is having a larger V, value. Diodes 12 tnd 122 each should be able to withstand the reverse bias ‘tess of V,*(k=1). Thus, making k astronomically large is nota good idea because tha ean damage diodes 112 and 122 Using a very large k value is an example of letting greed blind one’s eyes to long tenm benefit and reliability. The eeal ‘question is how fo economically build a variable capacitor means 115 that has a relatively high vale, that can ‘withstand a relatively high V, value inthe C, mod, and ean interact effectively with a given onc or more fuctuating ‘energy sourees 15050 that good enerey gain isobiained long, {erm and in reliable manner, over many chaege priming and purging eycles. Despite what is stated here, tis within the ‘contemplation ofthis disclosure to additionally or alterna tively have to oF more, Le, tens, hundeeds, milion, ete, microscopically-sized Copies of the combination 128 ‘defined by variable capacitor means 188 and atleast one if fot both of diodes 112 and 122, and optionally including ‘supplemental capacitor 1104 all connected as shown to the Vp node IIL and to the V, node 121 with each such ‘combination 125 being optionally driven by its own inde= pendent energy source 180 andior with plural ones of such mmicro/mno-sized combinations (128=115 plus 112 andlor 122 andior 1102) being driven by shared energy sources 180. ‘Various designs for the varie capacitor means 115 will be explored below. Nothing herein prevents the capacitor means 11S from faking the form of conventions, rotatable vane design with aie or mica dielectic being used between the capacitor plates. Nothing bercin limits the sizeof such ‘variable capacitor means 115 unless expressly stated. Thea be @ large and integral part of a major suspension bridge that ‘artis tains and trveks, andor it can be constructed of nanofibers (eg., single or multi-walled nanotube fibers having diameters of no more than a couple hundred atomic diameters). Nothing herein limits one or more of oppesed ‘capacitors plates andior the dielectric to being solid. The dickeetsic andor one of the capacitor plates ca be liquid. For example, the Tiguid element) ean be situated so 38 10 flow into and out of operative capacitive coupling with ‘lecrically-conductive nanofber fingers. isto be understood als, tht ultimately the charge profit, made by the sccond voltage source 120 is o he drained at least partially from that source 120 and use fr eaeying out % 12 useful work, (Part ofthe desined change can be returned t0 the frst voltage source 110 to replenish energy it loses 35 & result of less than 100% elicient discharge and v-charge cycles.) A same priming-charge donor battery means andior purged-charge collecting battery means can be coupled in parallel to plural variable eapacitor means and their respec- five eument dirceting diodes, where each of the plural variable capacitor means i allowed! to independently switch between its charge condensing and charge purging modes. Thus some of the plural variable capacitor means could be generating electrical energy ftom one kind of source while bothers are dormant due ambient conditions andthe roles of| active and dormant can change as ambient conditions change Tis worthwhile to now note some ofthe hints schemati- cally provided within the representation of the fuetuating energy source 150. The fluctuating energy that cycles capacitor means 115 between is high-capacitance, C, mode, and low-capacitance, C, mode ean come from ocean waves, fr Krom the wind or even Irom temperature variations or 10 the last item, ‘constrictive monomorphs, bimorphs (eg. bimetals) a the like may be used to move andor deform a cspacitor plate andor a dielectric and therdby modulate the capacitance of the variable capacitor means 11S. Because velocity is not enucil, the slow-moving piston of a Stirling engine can provide part oral ofthe external enengy, while ‘waste heat from the engine may provide more, Also with respect othe lat item, temperatre-variabl dielectric m rials (eg, fereoeleccic materials with appropriate T.'s and ‘or lguil crystals) may be used to alter the capacitance ofthe variable capacitor means IIS. More on tis below. Pessure- sensitive dielectrics such as dielectric elastomer films (8. 23M VHB 4910 acrylic: dielectric constant approx. 48) may also be used. tis further worthwhile to now note that the voltage cuipat,V, of the charge purging mode (par. is generally independent of the frequency, speed, periodicity, strength, cle. of the fictuaing energy source(s) 180. OF course, V, ‘may be varied to compensate for the weakness or sieagth of the present energy source(s) 180 st various times and ‘mierocomputersor other intelligent like mechanisms may be employed to determine when andor to what extent. Details ‘on this are outside the purview of the present disclosure, The Jmportat thing to be noted here i that temperamental antior slowchanging energy sources such as ocean waves, ‘ocean currents tides, turbulent water steams, winds, eath- ‘quake tremors, and so forth can be easily tolerated by the illustrated CIPR system 100 (Charge-Investing and Prof Recapturing system 100) s0 long as the variable capacitor means docs aol sellischarge while waiting in a primed Slate. There is no requirement for winds in excess of 30 ‘MPH ora continuous Now in a parieular direction. Capaci- snce varying parameters can additionally or alternatively include humidity and/or barometric pressure. ‘Referring to FIG. 2A (the charge replenishment aspect of FIG. 1B will be diseussed later), a cross-section of a first, reciprocation-based, variable capacitor 260 is shown as being, substitutable for the illustrated, generic. variable ior means 218. Capacitor 260 comprises a first set of relatively stationary plate members, 261,261,261", etc and 4 reciprocatably movable set of second and opposed plate members, 262, 262, etc, A reciprocatably movable set af high-dielectric constant, insulating members 263, 263, etc Golid members andor uid bubbles) may be interposed between the fist and second sets of ple members in place fof a purely air or vacuum gap. The insulating dielectUS 6,936,994 BL a members 263, 263, etc. may move independently of, ori unison wit the second plate members, 262, 262', etc’ In a alternate embodiment, the insulating members 263, 263) ‘ete. may be respectively attached to respective ones ofthe of Stationary plate mombers, 261, 261, ete. while only the Second plate members, 262, 262, cle. move. The high ‘capacitance mode i shown’ st 260 while an opposed, felatvely-minimal cypacitance mode is shown a 2607; ‘where reciprocation (270) between sates 2602 and 2600 is driven by one or more, extemal energy sources. Reciproca- tion drivers 265 and 268 may be independent of one aoather and may be powered by dillereat kinds of mechanisms. One ‘ould be wind-driven for exampte while the otber is coupled to a fomperature-modulated bi-metal or mono-metal or plis- ie with relatively high coeficent of thermal expansion (UisCOTE, eg, aluminum), ‘One possible planar view that may correspond with the ‘eross-scctionil view at 260 is shown at 2602 in exploded apart form. In operation, comib-shaped plate 2621 is ‘de-ploded into position 262D relative o comb-shaped plate 261 T and caused to reeipracate in direction 2707 50 as t0 ‘switch between relatively-high and relatvely-low ea fance modes. Items 213¢-213¢ represent electri insulative mechanical connections for holding thei respec: tive eombsshaped plates. 2627, 261T intact. (Note that alternating ones of the comb digits in comb-shaped plate 261 are respectively connected 10 ground (GND) of the Vo, diodes which is why they need to be electrically insulated from their immediately adjacent, fellow digits) For good results nter-iit pitch 271’ should be about twice defined in a secon! layer (a irs exiprocateable layer) whichis shown exploded away from the satonary, fist layer. Moreover, «corresponding checkerboard or other stemting pattern ofeondictve, charge tapping electrodes (Gx, 262, 2620") is defined in a third layer (a second ‘eciprocateable lyte) which i shown exploded aWay frm the frst and second layers. I isto be understood that ia operation, the second ler 268e, 2630 ete) issandwichedUS 6,936,994 BL 15, ‘closely between the fist and third layers and is optionally tached tothe third layer (262, 2620", ct.). The second reciprocateable layer (@.., plates 262c, 262c" plus charge trapping diodes such as 268, 268c") may reciprocate (268) Jn unison with the reciprocation (270) of th frst reeipro- ceateable layer (268°, 263", ct.) or independently thereo ‘Approprite liquid oF other dicleccic lubricants may be provided hetween the sandwiched layers. In one ‘embodiment, reciprocation direction 27Ve ofthe fist reip= rocateable layer (dielectric layer) can be different from (8 ‘orthogonal to) the reiprocation direction 268c of the second reciprocuteable layer (Irapped-charge plates layer). ‘Albough the reciprocateable layers are shown in planae form, itis within the contemplation ofthe disclosure to form them as coaxial tubular structures (circular or other cross section), oF a8 concentric spherical structures, or in other ‘cooperatively interactive formations as may be appropiate ‘The solid, dielectric second layer (263c, ete.) may be replaced by air orby liquid bubbles orby solid, noopolarized ‘Although not shown, it is to be understood that packing pattems such as these possible with ‘Sosccles triangles rather than squares may be used in place ‘of the illustrated checkerboard patterns for the first and ‘second capacitor plate layers and for the interposed diclee= tric layer Each V,,, plate may have is oven sespective set of priming and purging diodes so that each such Vy, plate can ‘operate independently of otber of the Vig, plates. Whea the Iatter ease is tric, pseudo-random distribution patterns for the Vj and GND plates may be used so as to provide for some’ charge/purge activity irrespective of the’ alignment amongst the firs through third layers and irespeetive of the felative movement patterns amongst the fist though thi Iayers, For the particular alignment state, 278¢ which is ‘shown in FIG. 2C, the charge carrying surface of V,, plate 261c" lies adjacent o and Faces the negatively polarized side ‘of dielectric square region 263", thereby encouraging pos tive charge to How from the V, nade tothe Vo. plate 261 “The positive side of the same dielectric square region 263" faces a negatively charged surface of a moving plate in the third layer, thereby further encouraging positive charge to flow from the V, node tothe V,,, plate 261e". Although the latter, negatively charged moving plate ofthe third layer is not shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2C (this being ‘done 50 that other parts ofthe diagram can be realy seen), it may be appreciated thatthe later, negatively. charged moving plate corresponds to negatively charged, square plate region 262, which is shown in FIG. 2C. In alignment state 27Sc, priming-phase electric feds are ‘encouraged to form. Such priming-phase electric fields Jnclude a justalescribed, fist st of fields that encourage Positive charge to flow from the Vj node to Vs, plates such 8 261". The priming-phase electric fields further include _second fields that encourage negative charge (eg, eletrons) to flow into GND plates sich as 261c, 2616" from the GND reuit node, Referring to the square-shaped and positively ‘charged moving plate region 262c" ofthe tied layer, it may bee seen that this plate region 262c" fsees the nezatively polarized side of dielectric square region 263". The posi- lively polarized, opposite side of dieleetic square region 263c" faces GND plate 261e" so as to attract negative ‘charge (€., electrons) to flow into GND plate 2616" duc to the dirsetion of the eletic fields established in alignment state 278, For the charge purging phase of the teapped-charge, taction-repulsion type, variable capacitor means 260© ‘shown in FIG. 2C, the second and thd layers may be each % o 16 shilted left by one step for example so that Vy, plate 261e" {aces the positively polarized side of dielectric square 2632, and GND plate 261c” faces the negatively polarized side of Giclectre square 2636". The negatively charged! moving plate 262e' the third layer wil furter face against GND plate 2610", therehy further encouraging negative charge to flow ‘out of the GND plate 261e and back toward the GND circuit nade. A positively-chargec| moving plate (262c—not showa, but understood 19 be directly above 262) of the third layer will further face against the Vy, plate 261c" thereby furtber encouraging postive charge to flow out of the Vy plate 261c" and towards the V; circuit node (e.2. 121 of FIG. 1A), Although counter-acing VOV1 and GND “plates are shown in FIG.2C, itis within the contemplation ofthe disclosure to use other shaped members for conden sively storing charge-carrying particles of opposite polarities and for evaporating the condensed charge at appropriate times, By way of example, interdigitated nanoibers might be used where the VO and GND “nanowires” sare elecrically insulated from one another and displaceable felative 10 one another 30 as Io vary the effective capa FIG. 3A, isa combined schematic diagram and perspec tive sectional side view showing an implementation 360A of another teapped-charge, sttraction-epulsion type, variable capacitor means (A/R-type cap means), and ofits possible coupling, it accondance with the present disclosure, 10 diferent kinds of renewable enerey sources such a for teximple, a wind-wayed tree, bush (380) or other kind of| exible Siricture (¢g, a cloth wind sail—not shown). A, eciprocateable core member 465, preferably having a cylin- Grical shape andor made of a Mexible material having Ssemicondictor properties (e.g, 2 plastic semiconductor core) is provided with alternating P and N type semicon. ‘ductor regions thal define diodes for charging respective und separated, conductive annular memibers 362 to have tapped positive or negative charge. The conductive anmvlar mem- bers 362 may be mal of exible, conductive plastic tht is intogral witha corresponding one ofthe ateraating Pand N type semiconductor gions andor each such annular mem- ber 362 may be made of metal film adhered to andior eteh-formed on the core member 368 The core member 365 is movable within, and Fully o partially surrounded by an outer shell having respective and Separated, conductive and sanulr or semi-annular members ‘361. Aliernating ones ofthe outer shell's members 361 may be connected to the VyV, and GND nodes a shown. In one ‘embodiment, curent directing elements 312 and 322 (e., DN diodes) ae integrally formed on respectively alternating ‘ones of the outer shell’s members 361 which eonneet to the \Vo/V, nodes (311, 321) and these curent directing elements 312 and 322 are elecrcaly-islated from one another (©, by an insulating oxide, aot shown) while being respectivel ‘coupled to Vz node STi and V, nose 321 as shown, A shest (oot showin) of high dielectic constant (eg, having a permitvity greater than 10) where Ey of airs 1) may be interposed between the core conductive members 362 and the outer shell members 361 and may move with either one fr neither. A lubricating wax or oil (aot shown) of high dielectric constant (€-., &->10) may be interposed between the core conklutive members 362 and the outer shell mem- bers 361 for reducing friction between sich core and outer ‘members when the core 368 recprocates relative to the shell 361 Tn one embadiment, 2 dizsct mechanical coupling 381 (eg, a rope oF wire) is used for mechanically linking the reciprocable core 365 othe eneepy supplying means 380US 6,936,994 BL 17 (eat, a wind swayed tree branch, a canvas sail, an argon! helidm-illed balloon, a kite, an airfoil, andlor another struc- ture of combinations thereof that ace oseillation-wise ‘deformed by forces of nature). spring 389 or otter resilient means may bias the reciprocatible core 365 to remain substantially centered relative to the shell 361. When the ‘wind blows oF other forees of nature appeare-g, ocean waves, earthquakes, etc), the dizeet mechanical coupling 351 causes core 365 to reciprocate accordingly, thereby ‘modulating the charge priming and purging characteristics ‘of the AVR capacitance means defined by core 365 and one ‘or mow, thereto-coupled versions of shell 361 In another embadiment, an indirect mechanical coupling 352 (.,2 rope or wie) is used for mechanically linking the ‘energy supplying means 380 (e.g, wind swayed tree) to 8 ‘spirally or otherwise sprung tckler wheel 383. Outer prongs ofthe tckler whee! 383 tickle an oseilatible mass 354 into 8 resonant oscillation mode. The mass 354 is supported by 2 spring andior other resilient means 387. The oscillaible mass 384 is mechanically coupled to core 368 by linkage 2 £356 50 that core 368 reciprocates when mass 384 csilltes In this way, a singular and forceful movement by coupling 352 can he translated ino a time-expaned series of ascil- Iations of core 365. The more general concept is to devise ‘ways of converting singular or slowly changing states of cexieral energy sourees into oscillating ones of relatively, high frequency (e.g. 10's, hundreds, or more eseillations per second) so thatthe oscillating energy foam is converted Ino elecrical energy by the illusirated trapped-charge, attraction-repulsion type (A/R type) of variable capacitor means 360 and/or by another variable capacitor whose ‘capacitance changes with physical movement. (Variable ‘capacitors whose capacitance changes in response to factors ‘other thaa physical movement, such as changing temperature, changing pressure (e., barometric), changing hhumidiy, ele. are also contemplated for similar use.) ‘Altematvely, a ratehet-coupled fgwhee! may be used. The Fatchet_mechanism (not shown) couples. appropriately directed tugs of the primary energy source (e.g, wind ‘swayed tree 350) into mechsnical energy’ pulses that keep the Aywheel spinning in a desired same direction. The movable plates of 2 variable capacitor means may be attached 10 andjor driven by the spinning ywheel ‘The dicect or indivect mechanical couplings (SL of 382-356) which are used to drive variable capacitor means '360 may be hidden within individual tees (oe other natural andor man-made structures, eg. arificial plantstrees— ‘note that an artificial toe looks more natural than a eonven- tional 3-blade horizontal axis wind turbine) and may be ‘coupled between branches andor othe groundor tree trunk. ‘so that whea the wind blows, the boughs bend, and variable ‘capacitor means 360 produces electrical energy. Iti also ‘Within the contemplation of the present disclosure o extend ‘couplings such as 388 between tres (380) andor wllity poles (888) where coupling 388 includes electrical eondve- tors for eurying priming energy to CIPR generating mechs nisms such as represented by 3880 and for carrying the Jncreased energy away from the CIPR generating mecha- nisms (e.g, 388%, only one shown although its understood that many can be strung along eable 88 and on tees 380), where the cartied away electrical enemy is then transfered to storage batteries andlor other energy storing andor trans- imiting devices for Further use 4s working energy. "The CIPR generating mechanisms 3882 may also be ‘mounted on the trees (380) andioruilty poles (388) and ‘energized by pulls on cable 3$8 and for by other energy ‘sources, ln hardcto access forests (@.2, on mountain tops), o 18, the cable 388 and its associated CIPR generating mecha- nisms (eg. 3882) may be dropped from helicopter, ballooa or otber such means and optionally snared onto tee tops oo calm days and thereafter used to collect wind energy on stormy days. Since such hard-to access installations: may ceventially be last due to storms, fires, et, they should be constructed of inexpensive and gencrally biodegradable ‘materials, The variable capacitor means, for example may be consiructed of vegetable oil impregnated cellulose sheets (Gmibedded in biodegradable plastic mesh) with a pattered thin alumiaum or other metal foil attached, so as to define substantially biodegradable, slidable sheets. Decorative arti ical Teaves 38K may be provided along the cables 388 10 make their intcoduction into forests more aesthetically acceptable. The artificial leaves 358 may be arranged 10 themselves aet as mini-sails that collect Wind energy. The tificial eaves 388 may be inserted in spheremin-socket ‘manner into stalor portion of a variable espacitor means ‘where the spheroidal end of each leaf 388) acts as an AIR type rotor (comparable (0 reeiprocateable core 368). A. resilient foam or like means may be used to bias each leaf into its steady slate, orthogonal or otber position. Alterna- tively or additionally, the decorative artificial leaves 3885 may define flexible fan blades for a rovor-on-the-outside ‘AiRetype variable capacitor means 3608 such as shown in FIG. 3B. Under a yet other additional or alternate approach, the decorative artificial leaves 388 may define thermally ‘medlulated variable capacitor that each correspond cite wise to element 267 of FIG. 28. The V,/V, diodes may injegrally define blowable safety fuses, or such saety fuses may he separately provided so tha, i short circuit dovel- ‘ops within a hard-o-a0cess portion of an enesgy-producing fd, the shorted portion willbe disconnected by the blowing fits fuses, and the rest of the grid can continve to preduee andor transmit electrical enemy. FIG, 3B is cross sectional view of an energy tansmiting and generating cable (or another such energy transmitting fad generating deviee) that may be structured to have toloron-the-outside or hinged types of variale capacitors istributec longitudinally along the eabledleviee. Acentally located wire/conductor of the cable may carry the GND vollage, While a dilectically insulated, next cosxial con- uctor (eg, aluminum or another metal) carries the Vi voliage, and while a diclecrically insulated, next coaxial conductor of yet wider diameter carries the V, voltage. One ‘or more additional conductors (aot shown) may cary sensor andor contol signals. One or more conduits (not shown) for carrying fluids, such as balloon ‘nflating/dellating gases, ‘may be additionally imegrated ito the cable. The eylindeeal capacitors formed by the GND, V, and V, coaxial cond tors and their separating diclectrie insulators is cam act 18 bullers for supplying priming charge to, and receiving purged change Irom the A/R-ype variable capacitor means Formed by inner, stator plate elements such as 361B an the ‘on-the-outside rotatable plate elements sich as represented by 3628. Items 3128 and 3228 of eourse represent the priming and purging diodes (or other switching means fo ‘means and purge the V, leveled charge out of the variable capacitor means, Item 36SB is epresentative ofthe charge- trapping diodes (or other charge trapping means) disteibu- tively provided about the outer rotor A slippery wax, oil, silicone andior other low friction iclectric material 363B (with preferably a high dielectic ‘constat sich as greater than about 2, or greater than about 10) may be provided between stator layer 361B and rotorUS 6,936,994 BL st) layer 362B. Wind enemy, liquid (ex, water) current energy andor other forms of mechanical force may be used to move the on-the-outsde rotatable plate elements (362B) celative 0 the inner, stator plate elements (3618) and thereby produce purged electicl enerey which flows through diodes sich as, $ ‘3221 ino the internal V, voltage conductor, By way of ‘example, 2 singular one vane 364 (e2., shown hanging ‘downwardly due to gravity when no wind or other currents present), of plurality of wind vanes may be provided round and/or along the generating cable, The vane may have a spoon-shaped cross-section such 2s shown or aatber ‘oss sectional shape for encouraging unidirectional obi rectional movement of the rotor (with or without encour ‘agement of turbulent wind or other currents about the vane) ‘when the wind blows andlor other forces move the vane(s)- 1s Structure 360B could be aligned vertically relative 10 the round such as may be the case for a verticalaxis wind lurhine or for serving a tbe mast ofa sprung wind sil or the like, Structure 360B (without the optional wind vane(S) 364) ‘could be integrally included as part of the sprung tickler ‘wheel assemblies shown for example at 383 in FIG. 3A and at 3830 in FIG, 3C. ‘Although one embodiment provides the on-the-ouside plate elements (362B) rotatable about the core, itis also ‘within the contemplation ofthe present disclosure 1 supple= mentally or altematively provide the on-he-outside plate ‘elements (362B) as being squares of other regular shapes, (hexagons, cites, ete.) which can reciprocate longitude null relative to alike counter-plate clements (361B) pro- ‘vided as altemating GND and V/Viones along the longi- 30 tudinal axis of the VO/VL carrying core. Such ‘supplemental or alternate structure would be able to convert ‘sxial movement ofthe on-the-outside plate elements (3628) into electrical energy. Also, additonal wires may be embed- ‘ded insulatively within the GND-carrying conductor oF ‘elsewhere for earying digital andor analog contol andor sense signals that control andlor sense the slates of the ‘energy-producing grid. In certain situations it may be dis advantageous to have the moving plates (362) all in the made of being electrostaically atracted 10 the stationary plates (61) at one time, and all being clectrostatically Fepulsed from the stationary plates (361) ata second time. ‘Skips may be included in th periodicity of atleast one ofthe ‘moving or stationary plates (362, 361) so that when about 50% ofthe plates ae in te eletrostatcaly altecting mode «roughly balancing counterpart portion ofthe plates are in the electrostatically repelling mode so as the roughly ne- teaize the net attracting repulsng foroe between the moving and stationary plates (362, 361), IG. 3C isa Side view of yet another system 300C which ‘may include and may be used to energize one of more of the variable capacitor means deseribed herein. Structure 371 may be part of « wal, or of a high rise oie building, or of| any other man-made sinicture which sways of otherwise ‘forms in respoase to environmental forees such a8 Wind, heat, earthquakes, etc, Connecting means 388" mechani ‘couples a tickler means such as showo at 383C (or 1 flywheel means) tothe swayablejdeformable steucture 371 ‘so that deformation ofthe strcture de to wind andor other forces. activates the tickler or other mechanical energy ‘capturing means 353C and causes the associated variable ‘capacitor means (not shown) to switch capacitance states and thereby generate electrical energy. A member 372 with ‘relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion (bi-COTE) ‘may be included inthe stecture Toe converting changes i 6s temperatuge into mechanical pertsbation of the associated variable capacitor means (not shown), o 20 ne of more tilsble mictrs such 38 hos provided for intermittently directing solar energy a |i-COTE member 372 and thereby inducing cyclical expan- sion and contraction of that member 372. The titable ‘mieror(s) 373 may'be made movable in response toa variety ‘of setuating forces including, for example those provided by Ambient wind andlor other solaredriven mechanisms (€-8,& Sovcilled, drinking bird reciprocating mechanism or & ‘So-called, solar Ferts wheel mechanism). Whea the table ‘mirror(s) 373 are aot pointing 1 one bi-COTE member (2. +372) they can bo made 10 instead poiat at another sued i:COTE member (not shown) so that solar radiation is ‘consistently being used to expand one such hi-COTE mem- ber while another is cooling and contracting. (Such mirror ‘modiulated solar energy may also be directed to variable cpacitor means with femperature-sensitive dielectis) a8 shall be described below). FIG. 3D isa side view of yet another system 300D whiet ‘may include andior may be used to energize one or more of the variable capacitor means deseribed hereia. A buoy 381 is lated ina body of water 380 (e.g, ocean, lake, river, ete) ‘which tends fo develop waves andlor experience cureats. At least one anchor or other buoy-sabiliing mass (M) 383 may be suspended below and coupled by way of opening 382 10 4 lickler andior flywheel means 383 contained within an “upper, substantially encased section (e.g, spheroid bubble section) 384 ofthe buoy 381 (Aliemnatively, mass 383 (or plural versions thereof) may be shaped like an airfoil 1 encourage its movement in response to underwater currents, in which ease the buoy 381 may be secured against drifting way by other means, o,, an overhead wire, rope or eable system 358D,360D8,) encased section 384 and coupled both othe tieklerywhee] ‘means 353D and lo an associated variable capacitor means (oot shown) so that when the relatively slo, oscillations of the buoy 381 in the wave-pitched andior curtent-iven water 380 energize the tieklerfiywheel means 33D, the latter means 383D causes the oscilatible mass 3840 to ‘move(vibrate ata higher rate/frequency and thereby generate clectrical energy from the associated variable capacitor ‘means (not shown) in response to the respective higher rnteffequency of the tickled movements or vibrations. The generated electrical energy may be stored in on-board echargeable bateres (not shown) and/or transmitted over a buoy-to-buoy (or to shore, or to ship) coupling cable 38D that couples a farm of buoys like 381 to one anotber and 10 the shore or to another energy-arvesting locaton, (Energy harvesting my aso be cared out by RE energy coupling andlor other wireless coupling means.) In one class of embodiments, the buoy-to-buoy coupling cable 388D is Structured in accordance with FIG. 3B and is therefore enoted as cable 360DB. One oF a combination of wind, ‘wave and other watertincurent motions may be inter cepted by the farm of buoys 381, etc. or peripheral attach- ‘ments thereof and converted to electrical energy in accor ance with techniques disclosed herein. The described techniques do nt preclude the use of more conventional eneruy producing techniques in combination with the variable eapsctor based techniques disclosed herein. Hence, photovoltaic ells may be included on andior within buoy 381 for converting part ofthe intercepted solar radiation into eletrical energy. (If a solar collector means is placed high enough on or above the buoy, the body af water ray be used as-a reflector for capturing via a backside tenergy coupling means, ie. parabolic mir, adlitional solar energy that is not directly captured by a skyward-US 6,936,994 BL a pointing topside solar energy collect ) Moreover, ‘opening 382 may constitu a so-called, oscillating water ‘columa (OWC) and 4 magnetic inductance means may be ‘driven by such an OWC when the water lie (and trapped a in the OWC) oscillates up and down within the OWC 382 Morvover, the water inthe OWC 382 may define sn ‘oscillating, Muidie capacitor plate (ifthe water has high ‘electrolyte content e.g, NaCI) andor an oscillating, fide elects layer (e., wit dielectric constant of about 80 if the water has rellvely low electrolyte conten). variable ‘capacitance structure which ean make use of such an alter- alin region 382 tht is alteroatingy filled with water and ‘sill be discussed when the rollop ruin catcher of FIG. 4A described below. It may be appreciated hete however, that a CIPR system may be integrated with a coaventional OWC system to capture and convert additional energy 901 ‘captured by the OWC system, TFIG. 3D further shows that a buoyant (e. lighterthan- ) mechanism such a5 a gus-flled halloon 390 may be Tethered 10 the water-level buoy 381 10 inercept Mid ‘currents (e.g, wind currents) andlor generate a modulating pulling action on extension line 3S8'D in response to inter= pled solar radiation, andior interewpted cain fall. A gas- ‘containing ad resiliently expandable inner part 392 of the ‘ustated balloon 390 has a radiation absorbing (c.g, black- ‘olored) bottom part 382) and a radiston-passing upper pat 3924, Mylar plastic or other appropriate materials may be used to form these balloon parts 3920-392. In one ‘embodiment, a rotatable outer part 391 of the balloon has ‘counteeposing parts 3912 and 39Tb that are respectively radiation-passing. and radiation-blocking. The rotatable ‘outer part 391 is mounted to rotate b-staly about the innce part 392 so that, in firs stable slate its radiation-passing prt 30a is substantially aligned aver the radiation-passing part 3924 of the balloon’s inner component 392; and so tht, {na second stable stale ils radiation-blocking part 391bis ‘Substantially aligned over the radition-passing pat 3920 of| the balloon’s inner eomponent. The bi-sably rotatable outer part 391 is coupled to tethering pulley 398, and balloon line 388 passes a least partially about the pulley 395 if not ‘wound about that pulley. A resilient means (not showa) weakly urges the bi-stably rotatable outer part 391 into a radiation-unshielded fst ‘tate. In such an unshielded frst stat, part 391 ais over 3920 and solar radiation passes into the balloon to heat the lower jnner part 3926. The balloon’s internal gas (e., helium, Argon, andior others) heats and expands. The balloon there= fore climbs higher in altitude. AS it does, pulley 39S is rotated, and as a result, after a sufficient amount of rotating ‘of pulley 398, the balloon's outer part 391 bi-stably fips into the radation-shielding, second state wherein outer part 391D ‘covers inner part 3922, (The radition-shielding part 391 may have brushes on ils ianer surface for cleaning the teansparea op past 3924 ofthe balloon.) Now because sol radiation is reduced or blocked from heating the balloon’s interior, the internal gas cools and conteacts and the balloon ‘descends in alitude. As it does, pulley 395 i rotated back, and as a result, after a sufficient amount of back rotating of| pulley 395, the allooo's outer part 391 bi-stably flips back ino the radiation-admitting, first state, The heating and ‘cooling, ascending and descending phases repeat in aceor- ‘dance withthe available amount of solae radiation, A vat able capacitor means (not shown) may be provided within buoy 381 and coupled divecly or indirectly (eg. via an ‘oscillating mass tckler mechanism) to the pulled-on balloon line 3880 to responsively gencrate electrical enerey Tf desired, « more complicted (less desirable) arrange= ment may be used wherein a variable capacitor means (not o shown) is alternatively ally included within the balloon 390 and balloon line 3589 incorporates pat or all of the cable structure of FIG, 3B so as to intercept more of the solar radiation and wind energies that ae available inthe vienity ofthe buoy 381, In one embodiment, a plurality (not shown) of ballooas such as 380 are provided on cach of plural, hub-andspoke structures distributed along a balloon line such as 3S8'D and are designed to oscillate within diferent, respective altitude ranges. The structure may then fine afelatively tal, energy-intercepting column thal takes. ‘opportunistic advantage of solar radiations andor wind bursts andor ran bursis andlor water currents andioe Wat waves that become avaiable within the different aliude ranges (Which could include submarine as well as above water levels) of the volume occupied by the energy= excepting columa. Collected energy may be barvested irom the column of balloons (or other buoyant devices) by IRF andjor olher wireless energy coupling means. Instead of having s bstably rotating outer sheath 391i, iis possible to use « balloon-iateral shuter means 3934/b, In halloon-is-expanded mode, alterating transmissive and non-transmissive (eg, reflective) rigid segments on east cally collapsible sets are stretched cut to be substantially ‘orthogonal tothe indent radiation so as to block absorption fof incident solar radiation 3s is shown on the left side of the illustrated balloon 390, Ina ballooo-is-conteacted mode, the allemating transmissive and non-irnsmissive rigid Seg- ‘ments are roughly parallel to (not substantially orthogonal {o) the incident radiation, ass shown onthe right sie ofthe illustrated balloon 390, s aso alla at least a portion ofthe incident radiation to enter the balloon and heat bottom portion 392b. Bistable hinges may be used to intercouple the erating transmissive and non-iransmissive rigid sep- ts Although the illustrated embadiment i seen to have just two layers of such allernating rigid segments with 50/50% intermix of tansmissive and non-(ransmissive {types it is also within the contemplation ofthe disclosure to havea respective 75/25% dispersal of transmissive and ‘non-transmissive types in each af four successive layers 0 that the 256 non-ransmissive segments orient on the radistion-parallel sides of rectangular, hinged structures (epested ZI shaped structures) in the balloon contracted mode. The balloon 390 may have an airfoil Gesign andor turbine design for converting wind currents {nto vertical andior rotational movement(). Appropriate variable capacitor means may be included in the balloon andior along. its guide cable, 388D for converting the vertical and/or rotational movemen(s) of the ballocn 390 ino electrical energy FIG. 4A shows 1 building 400 that may be structured in secordance with the present disclosure to incorporate ‘energy prxlucing variable capacitor means at its foundstion andor betweea is loorsandioe on its roof andor along ils walls andior elsewhere as may be cost eficient and eonve- neat. Sliding AR variable capacitor means sueh as sche- ‘matically ilusrate at 410 may be provided between inter slidable’ floors. andjor the foundation for converting ‘oscillations between the floors andior the foundation (especially slight oscillations not felt by the building's inhabitants if any) ito electical energy in accordance with the charge-investing, profit recapturing techniques (€2., system 100 of FIG. 1A) disclosed hereby. Various elasto- meri materials may be used between the sliding layers to encourage the appropriate vibrational modsso that building ‘occupants will not he disturbed and yet wind, earthquake, road vibration, andar other mechanical encagies to which the building 400 is subjected are atleast partially convertedUS 6,936,994 BL 23 into useful electrical energy. ‘The interplate pitch of the variable capacitor means can be very small, say on the order ‘of millimeter or less so that even subile movements over & listance of centimeter of less are converted into useful ‘lecrical energy. Pacumatie means such as may move 3 ‘Suid having paris with differing dielectric constanis between ‘charge condensing plates may be additionally o¢ alterna tively for converting building motions at least partly into ‘lecrical energy. Sliding AUR variable capacitor means such as schemali- cally illustrated at 423 may be alternatively or ditionally, provikled between intersidable root tiles suck as 420 and 421 or as aluminum or other metaplastic siding along the walls ofthe building. frst 420 of alternating ones of the roof tiles (or exterior wall sidings) may have. spring (esilent) sections 4200 coupling them 10 the building proper $0 that when the wind blows, the corresponding roofles (andlor wall sings) 420 reciprocate relative 10 their unsprung, counterpart tilessidings 421. Temperature- ‘morphable sections 42Lbwith relatively high eoelicients of thermal expansion (Hi-COTE) may be included in the Uunspaing, counterpart tilessidings 421 so that the later reciprocate relative 10 their counterpart tilessidings 420 When the ambient temperature changes (eg, due to the anh rotating relative tothe sun andor due to & cloud patch moving by). The temperature iasensitve tles/sidings 420 should have Low-COTE sections 420 coupling them to the building proper. "Top sections ofthe oof ties that are exposed to rain fall may include ran-caprure strictures stich 38 shown at 431 ‘The cain-capture structures 431 arc essentially the same as variable capacitor means 260B of FIG. 2B withthe slidable layer 262 removed. Falling eain drops form temporarily bridging, uidie dielecttic andior conductive members between the V,/V, and GND primary plates; thereby caus- ing the capacitance to increase and deetease a the ean drops hit the roof and roll off. To prevent the water from adhering to the oof and more permanently forming fluidic dielectic andlor conductive bridging members, hydrophobic ibs (eg, Teflon dams) 432 should be embedded between the Vi, and GND primary plates. The same kind of structure ‘ean be included in the OWC (oscillating water column) ‘structure of the above described buoy. A hydrophobic Teflon ‘or other hydrophobic electrically-insulative coating may fully cover the outer plates of rin-catcher 431 to protect its ‘charge-repping metal or other members from corrosion In the basement, garage or other such low occupancy section of the building there is usually @ furnace 480 for heating water and/or providing heated aie for purposes of temperature contol inthe building. Element 460 represents the provision to the furnace (or other waste-beat generating unit) of an intentional temperature modulating means in ‘combination with thermally-modulated variable capacitor means for extracting electrical energy from the wast heat of| the building mace andlor other wase-beal generating units (Ce air conditioning radiators, steam plant radiators, ec) TIG. 4B shows a possible version 4607 of purt of such a ‘waste-heat extracting mechanism in more detail. A hotfuid (esa, hot gas) carrying frst manifold 461 carries hot uid from the waste-heat generating unit (eg. furnace 480) in ‘such a manner that even ifthe Waste-beal extracting mechs nism 4607 stops changing its states, the hot gas (oF other fluid) exhaust wll be safely conducted away as it normally ‘would without the presence of the interposed waste-heat ‘exiracting mechanism 461. In other words, mechanism $60 's designed for fail-safe operation. A cold fluid (e-., cold as) injecting second manifold 463 is understood to run % o 24 parallel to the frst manifold 461 and to cary a flow of cold air (or olber Huid) inte the openings denoted as “Cin Stationary member 462, The cold-fluid injecting manifold 4463 is shown parly turned vay from is normal position 0 tat its counterpart, hot-uid manifold 461 can be better seen. The openings denoted as “H” in stationary member 462 are understood to be apertures through which the hot ‘Duid of the first manifold 461 passes. ‘A rotating, gating member 464 is provided and in FIG. 4B. itis showa exploded away from its counterpart, stationary valve member 462 so that the interaction of the illustrated, two gating apertures 4640 and 4645 can be beller seen relative to the H and C, four apertures of stationary member 462 an relative tothe ui collecting pipes, 468u and 4655 ‘of the manifold 465 that collects the temperature-modulated ‘ouiput uid which alteratinaly comes from the frst and second manifolds, 461 and 463, and which respectively pases through gating apertures 4640 and 468 az member 462 rotates or otherwise changes site. In one gating late, the cold Mow is directed to move into manifold 468 from ing apertures 4642. Inthe illustrated, second gating stat the hot flow moves into manifold 468 from gating apertures 4645. A temperature-modiulated, variable capacitor means 4470s thermally coupled to (or forms part of) the output- flow collecting manifold 465. As the temperature of the passing-by Mid modulates between comparatively hot and cold values (the specific temperatures may be diferent according to application), te temperature-modulated, vari- able capacitor means. 470 modulates. between its charge feondensing and charge purging states. A CIPR system Is ‘operatively integrated with the lemperature-meclilated, vari thle capacitor means 470 for investing low energy charge ‘nd recouping high energy charge in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure FIG. 4C shows a crose-sectional view of possible version 470’ ofthe lemperature-modulated, variable capaci- tor means. A high-COTE (coeficent of thermal expansion) ‘material forms a major part of layer 473 and the layer bas at least ane or twa clectrcally conductive outer surfaces if not being composed enttely of «high-COTE conductive mate- rial (eg, aluminum). This HFCOTE layer 473 is sand- ‘wiched berween two resilient dieletric ayers 472 and 474 ne of both of the resilient diclectsic layers 472 and 474 may be such that they have relatively high dielectric eon- stant when compressed and relatively low dilecrie constant when decompressed. (For example, panicles of material with relatively high Ey may be dispersed within resilient ‘material with substantially ower Ey) ‘Two relatively low-COTE layers, 478 and 471, each having at least one or two electrically conductive outer surfices if aot composed entirely of low-COTE conductive ‘material (e steel) ate provided about and therefore sand- ‘wich the resilient dielectric layers 472 and 474. A feroelee- trie dclecric 476 with relatively high dielectric constant and a relatively low Te (e,, aT, of less than about 1000° C- or Tes than about 3047 C) is provided adjacent to low-COTE layer 475, Another relatively low-COTE layer, 477 38 pro- vided adjacent to fertolectic diclecteic 476. Te illustrated structure 470° may be repeated many times ‘over (with layer 477 merging into 471 of next repeat) planaily or concentically or otherwise. A spirally wound fcnsiuct may work best in terms of manufactarailty. The spiral constriction should be intially wound ata tempers- tre substantially below its expected operating range. AS temperature rises to the expected ambient range, HisCOTE layer 473 expands to tighten the structure and to reduce the thickness of one of more of eeslient Layers 472 and 474,US 6,936,994 BL 25 Dring normal operation, when temperature rises 0 nea the top of the expected operating range, HicCOTE layer 473 ‘expands to a range-maximal thckoess thereby effecting a range-maxims ince between layer 473 and one of hath of the Low-COTE conductive layers 471 and 475. When temperature drops curing normal operation to nea the bottom ofthe expected operating range, H-COTE layer 473 cconstrcts toa corresponding, range-minimal thickness thereby effecting @ range-minimal capacitance between layer 473 and one of bolt of the Low-COTE conductive layers 471 and 478, That delines one, temperature- modulated variable capacitor means, Layer 476 may be constituted by a feroeteetic material ‘or a liquid crystal material or another material whose ‘ERichanges dramatically within the expected ambient oper ing range of the structure 470. Typically, Gy drops dra- ‘matically as the temperature of layer 476 increases above & critical cure point, Te or alike point. Thus, as the eapaci- tance associated with Hi-COTE layer 473 increases due to rising temperature, the capacitance associated with Te layer 476 decreases; and as the capacitance associated with TisCOTE layer 473 decreases dic o dropping temperate, the capacitance associated with T. layer 476 increases. One possible material for layer 476 is doped or undoped Rochelle Salt where the Tatler has a Te around room temperature {about 24°C). Doping my be used to adjust he Tof a gives ferroelectric or other such temperature-dependent dielectric material as appropriate. Ferroelectric or other such temperature-dependentdielectsic materials tend to have very large G's below their respective Te levels and substantially lower dielectric constants ahove, Of course spirally wound version of structure 470° may have multiple copies of cross section 470" with each copy having a diferent T. so that ‘capacitances are making their substantial value changes ata variety of points along the expected operating range of the structure, As temperature eyeles from cold to bot and thea buck to cold, appropriate ones of the temperature-modulated variable capacitor means may be primed with invested and trapped, charge and thereafler modulated to increase the ‘energy level of the trapped charge, and then the futher ‘energized change may he purged for performing uscfal work andlor storsge. ‘Referring to FIG, 1B as well as to FIG. 1A, it has been alluded to above that a charge depletion problem may be associated wih the operation of the fist voltage source 110. ‘The diseharge andor recharge mechanisms of source 110, may not be 100% perfect. As such, even though charge- donating source 110 contributes. an investment charge amount Q, to variable capacitor means 118 in the priming phase, and theoctially, he same amount of charge Qy ‘sould he returned to source 110i the purging phase, the investment-contributing source M0 may not be able 1 reabsorb 100% of the relumed investment atthe time itis feturned or it may not be able to again, reinvest the fll Amount of Qy the next time an investment opportunity presents itself (e2, when the capacitance of means 11S increases again). Over time, souree 110 may become ‘depleted of ils charge unless itis somehow replenished. ‘A multitude of solutions are available after the problem is recognized. Ifthe charge-investing, profit recapturing, first system 100 shovn in FIG. 1A is used for example, and the first and second voltage sources 110, 120 include physically ‘swappable, rechargeable batteries; then these bateries may, be simply swapped from time to time. The charge conteb- tor becomes the profit beneficiary and vice verst. A. mechanical or clectrcally-stivated switching mechanism (aot shown) may be installed into system 100 to more % o 26 ‘conveniently carry out the roleswapping operation, Another ‘option i to have the profit bencticiary 120 send part of ils prot change back to contributor 110 from time to time. This ‘ay be done through the bidirectional, DC to DC converter 105. Although not shown, an additional connection may be ‘made from unit 10S to node IIL so that replenishment current can flow directly into rechargeable source 110, ‘Alternatively, eplenishment power may be seat from AC powerlines 102 into the series combination of batteries 10 nd 120 from time to ime. Additionally oF alternatively the fist voltage soutce 10 includes fue cell, he later may bye refueled or replaced with afresh one from lime to time. Additionally or alternatively, the fist voltage source 10 includes a photovoltaic power array, the later may be used to supply teplenishment power from time to time as solar radiation othe like becomes available FIG. IB shows. a charge-nvesting, profit recapturing, second system 100B that solves the change depletion prob- Jem. The circuitry shown to the right ofthe frst and second voltage sources 110), 120° is essentially the same as that shown to the right of counterpart voltage sources 110, 120 of FIG. 1A. Diode 11 2a caries priming current to the frst variable capacitor (C,,) means 11a while diode 12a carries purged current from the first variable capacitor ‘means I1S« to the series storage combination of voltage sources 110° and 120 Fluctuating energy source 150) couples to C,, for modulating the capacitance of that vari able capacitor means 11S¢ in accordance with one or more ‘of the methods deseribed herein or in accordance with other appropriate methods. "The circuitry (cg. 11Sh) shown to the left ofthe illas: {rated frst and second voltage sources 110, 120 reverses the roles of sources 110’, 120. The second vollage source 120 acts asthe charge contributor and diode series L12b caries priming current (ygog) {om source 120° to the second variable capacitor means I18¢ (Cx) during the bigh- pacitance phase (charge condensing phase) of Cy. The first voltage source 110’ acts asthe profit recoup snd diode 122b carries purged curtent (yng) from the second vari- able capacitor means 115% tothe Series storage combination ff voltage sources 110 and 1207. Fctating energy source 1507 couples to C,, for modulating the capacitance of that variable capacitor means 115b in accordance with one or ‘mote of the methods dseribed herein or in aecordance with cther appropriate methods. The capacitance modulating phases of C,, and C,., can be made independent of one another and Gan be afranged to accommodate the optimal respiration pattems (@ischarge and rechacge) of the fist and second voltage sources 110, 120° as may be appropriate. IF for example it etter to have the frst and second voltage sources 110", 120’ acting 1800 out of phase with each others discharge and recharge moses, then C, and Cy, ean be ercoupled to Huctuating eneagy source 180' to provide & similar 1800 out of phase relationship with respect to their high and low capacitance modes. Say, for example, that C,, (11Se) is being discharged (is capacitance is decreasing) at the same time that C,, (1186) is being primed (its eapaci- tance is increasing). ' may scem that the fist purge current purge) From the first variable capacitor means I1S¢ ean slip Past the series storage combination of voltage sources 110" and 120” and simply flow into C,, (1180). However diode 1225 blocks that from happening, its disposition forcing the current o instead flow through diode series 112 and through second voltage source 120. Diode series 112 may be constituted by a series of photovoliaic cells (eg, H2b1, 11252, .. 11253) whose cumulative threshold Urops is less than the full voltageUS 6,936,994 BL 27 (¥,-V9) of the second voltage sousce 1207, In such a case another kind of charge generation andlioe replenishment action may occur, When Cy, (11S) is being primed (as its ‘capacitance is increasing), the priming current (pene) Will, temporarily bis the photovoltaic cells 112b. 1-63 ina theie forward condiction made, therehy climinating the charge ‘depletion Zones at their PN junctions, whece such charge ‘depletion zones (not shown) are typically needed for con- ‘verting intercepted solar or other radi positive and negative charges. (Negative charge earrirs— ‘lectzons—flow into the N side of the PN junction while posiive charge carriers —holes flow into the Pside,) Once Cy is primed to the full voltage (V,-V3) of the Second voliage source 120, the forwacd voltage drop across pho- tovollaic cells 21-63 decreases 10 about zer0 and the Jneenal charge depletion zone of each PV diode reappears. If solar or other radiation (2) is inteeepted at this time, the ‘sum of the voltage across C,, (LIS) andl arose PV cells M2163 should exceed V,~V,, Generated electrical ‘energy can thea How into the second voltage source 120' for 2 ‘Storage therein until the sum of voltage drops across C,,, (SP) and PV cells 1241-6. decreases to approximately match V,-V,. The later decrease typically comes about because of a deewase in voltage across C,,. When fet ating energy source 150 squcezes further charge out of Cx, the later action pushes PV cells 121-63 into deeper reverse bias conditions. ‘The PV cells 1251-3 can be thought of as secondary variable capacitor means ia this ease hheeause charge i pushed out from them as their respective ‘charge depletion zones enlarge. OF course, the PV cells, 1126.L-b3 should be siructured to avoid reverse voltage break down in this phase Diode 132 is provided across C,,, for two reasons. First, it prevents Cy from becoming polarized in counterprodue: tive direction (counter to the polarity ofthe second volage source 120} which could happen if souree 120° becomes, suffcienlly discharged and photovoltaically-generated cur- ent [rom eells 1125. 1-3 flows into Cy, Second, if source 120 is essentially discharged (for whatever reason—e.g. 2 ‘external load has drained id), diode 132 allows replenish ‘ment energy to flow from PV cells I12P1-h3 into the Feduced-voltage source 120'so as to kek start it and enable ‘opportunistic investment of that charge ilo the second variable capacitor means 11S« (C,s) when the fuetuating ‘energy source 150 begins to Hucwiate again (eg, when the ‘wind kicks up again atthe end of hot, gustless day ia the ‘desert, Referring to FIG, 5, another deawhack of the eharge= investing, profit recapturing, first system 100 introduced in FIG. 1A is that in some embodiments it calls for the s provision of two separate balers (or olher appropriate ‘charge donating and recoupment units) 110 and 120. The ‘change-investing, profit recapturing, third system $00 of FIG. § constitutes one way of reducing the number of -eparte batteresicharge dnating-and-recoupment units. A first voltage source $10 is constituted by base capacitor $10 (Ca) which can be a conventional Axed capacitor or a ‘supereapacitor that is coupled in parallel toa series circuit ‘comprised ofa plurality of photovoltaic cells $10¢.1-S10c.4 as well as an oppositely facing Zener diode $106 or anather ‘such voltage limiting means. When variable capacitor means SIS (C=) shifts into its eharge-priming. mode (into its high-capactanco, donation-eceiving mode) it draws frst amount of charge (0) from the base capacitor C, (8102). Voltage V> at node SIL should drop asa reslt and should thereby allow the photovoltaic cell arsay S10e.1-c4 to ‘supply additional charge (Q,) to base eapacitor Cy if sunlight o 28 or otler radiation () is provided atthe time. Although not shown, the first vollage source SID may additionally or allematively be constituted by an REo-DC demodulator ‘which captures ambient radiofrequency of other clecro- ‘magnetic radiation and converts the captured clectrom ‘etic radiation into diet current (DC) charge for ultimate Sonation into the variable capacitor means S18, ‘Wien the variable capacitor means $18 shifts ino its barge purging mode (into its Jow- or anti-capactance mode), it discharges part or mest of the first amount of charge (Q,) through rechargeable battery $20 and also back into the firs wollage source S10. If the Zener diode S10 remains reverse bussed (without Zener breakdown), th purged charge Q,. should be summed with’ the Photovoltacally-added new charge Q, within the base apacitor C, to thereby provide a charge build up process. The charge’ accumulation process may repeat again and agin unl charge builds up in the base capacitor C, to peak value of about VopuaeVer#V cues WHEFE Vpaoey i8 the reverse bias breakdown vollage of Zener diode $10b and Vow is the vollage generated by pholovoliaie cell array Sle.t-c4 when exposed to the maximum available sun- light andlor other radiation, Whea this self-limiting cond tion occurs, excess charge produced by the system may isadvaniageously be wasted away as heat due forward jonduction of current through the photovoltaie cells series 510c.1-$10¢-4, (Ia accordance with the disclosure, another CAPR subsystem may conver! waste heat from electronic ‘somponens ino stored electrical eneegy.) ‘One possible solution isto include a peak value detector circuit (oot shown) within the power-trnster interface su system S05b, I proximity othe Vajyq vale is detected, the power-ransfer interface subsystem 80S may be automa tally activated to withdraw some charge at lest from the base capacitor C, if aot also from the profitstoring means (ea. rechargeable battery) 520, This should reduce V, below the evel of Vip and thereby allow the photovoltaic cell array $10c1-e.4 to usefully pump more, photovoliically-generaied charge into the s¥stem. "The prime and purge aspects of FIG, § should be self explanatory due to the use of like reference numbers in the S00” century series corresponding to like mimbered ele- ‘ments in the above-described drawings. ower interface unit '50Sb is shown coupled to node SUL as well as to node S21 ‘and GND. This sto be understood as indicating that current ‘may be drawa from either one or both of rechargeable batlery 520 and base eapacitor Cy as appropiate to supply power to external power lines 802 when such a power transfer is deemed economically beneficial. This is to be additionally or altematively understood as indicating that replenishment current may be supplied to either ane or both ‘of rechargeable battery $20 and base eapacitor C, a8 appro- iat fom the external power lines 802 when such a power ansfer is deemed economically benelicial “The coupling between powerinterface wnits $0S@ and ‘0Sb may include a wireless (eg, radiofrequency) enesay ‘coupling SOc betwcen external power lines $02 and the emaindee of thied system S00 such tat parts to the righ of sividing line Sb4e may reciprocate or other wise move relative to paris to the left. The wireless energy coupling ‘may be provided by electromagneticaly coupled coils $080, ‘505b or by osber appropriate means depending on th enesEy ‘coupling methodologies utilized (eg, low frequency AC (less than 1 KHz), RF, electrostatic’ coupling, magnetic ‘coupling, optical coupling, ete). Such wireless energy cow- pling may be used ifthe parts tothe right of dividing line S04e are disposed within 2 balloon or another moveable, energy collecting meaas.US 6,936,994 BL 29 In one embodiment, the fuctuating energy source $50 may include one of more so-called, fuidie solar umbrella subsystems such as the one showa at $60 being coupled (S81) andlor overlapped the CIPR system $00 to provide ‘electrical energy. A glass, metal or other appropriate, uid holding bulh $61 may be provided below 2 base parabolic mieror $71 and may be thermally coupled 10 a radiation absorbing body $63 which provised atthe top center of the base parsbolie minor S71. Available solar or other radiation $70 is collected by the base parabolic mircor S71 and focused towards an inverted, upper parabolic misror 873 of ‘substantially smaller diameter and disposed above te rai tion absorbing body $63, The upper parabolic mirror 873 ocuses its collected radiation onto the radiation absorbing body 563. The photovolisc ell aray shown at 10e..-e4 andr the series 125, 1-112b.3 of FIG, LBs may be included a the top portion of body $63) Within bulb S61, there is provided a working fuid whieh ‘could be white-dye-colored alcohol and/or another radiation-blocking liquid. As the temperature ofthe absorb- ing body $63 rises, is heat i coupled to the liquid in bull S61. The increased temperature cavses the dye-colored alcohol and/or other working liquid in bulb $61 to undergo 4 volume-expansive phase change (e.g, 10 vaporize). The heated and volume-expanded fluid rises up along first tube 564 towards a transparent, umbrellashaped, elastic poue! 5365 that is disposed above the upper parabolic mirror $73. none embexliment, a temperature activated, one-way valve (Got shown) opens at the top of tube $64 to let the heated fluid into pouch $68 when a predefined first temperature (ez, substantially abowe oom temperature) is excveded. AS the élasic pouch $68 fills with the dye-colored or other ‘working fuid (eg, 2 white colored or other radiation reflecting uid), it begins 1 block or it reduees the amount ‘of incident radiation 870 stiking the base parabolic mire ‘STL, Because the pouch S65 has a relatively large surface fret and it is thermally coupled to the ambient surroundings (eae. ait), the fluid in the pouch $68 begins to cool, tundergocs a volume-shrinking phase change (eg. ‘condensation) and quantities of the fluid begin to collet in the bottom parts of the umbrells-shaped pouch. The cooled fluid descends down one o¢ more second tubes 567 towards the base-shuded bulb S61, As the eooled uid does so, it may pass through the radiation absorbing body 563 for further Feducing the temperature of the absorbing body 563, which body 563 is now being siruck by a reduced amount of, of one of radiation $70 due tothe Working Mud sil emtining jn umbrella pouch 568. Ia one embodiment, temperature activated, one-way valve(s) (oat shown) open at the tops) of tube(s) $67 to let the cooled fluid out of pouch 56 and back to bull 361, This bppens whea a predefined second temperature, below the first temperature, is reached. The ‘lasicily ofthe pouek forces the cooled liguid back ito bulb 561. An clastic reservoir (not shown) may be further coupled to bulb $61 for compensating for volume changes. Ta Another embodiment, reflector S73 is moveable and i alter natingly caused to direct radiation at and away from radia- tion absorbing body’ 563 ashe moveable version of reflector 573 moves. The radiation absorbing body $63 may include a temperature-modulsied variable capacitor means such as shown in FIG. 4C. The osillating temperature of body $63, ‘may be used 0 generate electrical energy in accordance With the principles of the present disclosure. In an alternate ‘embesliment, region S63 is occupied by plural ones of thermally separated variable eapacitors and the upper mieror 573 is encouraged to slowly shift its focal point amongst the % o 0 ha emperatuemasted capacitors there providing I high fequcney Todelatin of he capt: Abo i one Sanodinens te Mudie salar unbestlssuboysem is Son ined witht anor oe gs ile Balloon 69 thing a eas transparent top, Asie radiation abeoring Poay 8 heats anf cout he bons expands an Shiny and ie balloon may ce an fall nse a comsequcne, This pial movemeet may be wed fr generating fuer etal oer in acceeance wi the ‘frou ehmiqcs preset a ths dolar he pars of Sysem S00 tthe igi of vag Te 40 tay be Chelowed win the maveable balla “or aia aner fivm of weather grote shell 69a the wicks Coury eng $401 $408 may be asd for tasers cova etcen ie nrin and exter fe 89. The feateteolaed hid of the deseriedstvtre my ao Scie asa Mai dct hving paso dren dick {Se camstunts whch sre propel between opposed hase Collecting members (es caput plat) techy p> Aide yet arotter form of varus capcn mets TH 6A shows yl tater way (600) of ein the umber of seperate bateicnchurge donatfogng: feoupment unit Tie peel of fe wolge sere 610 Foyt scons a pluriy of arable capac such shown at 6150 (C,q.,) and 6156 (C,q.2) during the priming phase, where priming current I... flows through a series Sl’ soch sz which ld in ses teen the pia vale apoton 61S 618. During the stage ursing phase the ph! vrale capacitor sachs 1S Sigh ate switched wo thi ow a-cpactance modes titer in tnbow or sucretely. For ceneple capecor Cues may be forced by eer coupling 6811 go flo toe! or e-apectace meds Wat he corespemting urbe Curent Peers Bow Tough dite 682 sn ine hoes vole eee unt (gs hater) 610 eres Si 612 blocks the fis purge ue Ip om simul ensly owing ito capactor Cre Sed apacon Ces maybe foeed hy energy coi 682 ogo to tow or taitcapctunee mode tn reapyag oer tine Te enrengenng sven purge cet fos thrmgh od 22 and in he etagcale wl ee “unit (¢.2,, battery) 610, Series diode 612 blocks the second urbe cent Tom simulans Howl i fn Sector Ca Mh chug fof is obtained because during the priming phase tie dented amount of charge, O, tows ser ne the sores of varable capacitor means, 6154-158 However, ting the simultaneous andlor suecessve purses the Oy each the pial par, Coe, Fos inpurateor repeated sueension ote ecbargeabie tell source ul (pb) 610th srt case Miho there are just two. tarlabie capacitor means StSe-618, source 610 dosnt vane aust Othe priming pase but esos Dames Os inthe purge pe Thereby raping age prot of abut (2 mi 1 es "FIG. 68 shows another embodiment 600 where there sce three variable capacitors, Cg ;-Cycs onganized to receive in series a same priming current lyon» The charge profit this other embodiment 600Should be about (3 minus 1) times Qy, Here is why. During the priming’ phase, the donated smount of charge, Qflos serially into the series fof variable capacitor means, 6184, 615°, 618 while also flowing through diodes 6122 and 612H. Ifthe illustrated three capacitor means, C35 Cas Cg. ar of about equal capacitance atthe time, the source voltage, V, should split as roughly equal thieds across capacitors 618¢-618¢. (TheUS 6,936,994 BL 31 threshold drops of diodes 612a and 612b are assumed tobe rcgligible in this example.) During the simultaneous or ‘successive purgings, the Qp in each of the plural capacitors, Cyea-C flows in parallel or repeated succession into the rechargeable voltage source unit (eg. supereapacitor) 610. s ‘Assuming the voltage, V, at aode 61 remains substantially unchanged, the charge profit should be equal to about (3 minus 1) times Q;, where Qy=C ye (Vs/3) and Cea is the maximum attained espacitance of each of Cyc :Cras I is within the contemplation of this disclosure to, of ‘course, have a lager number of plural variable capacitor meuns, C,,,.-Cy,y coupled in series for thereby increasing the retur'on investment ratio (RON) However, note that the invested amount of charge per such capacitor, QsmC'segay {(VuIN) drops with increased values of N and the nbmber of series diodes such a8 6124-612h increases, thereby disad= ‘vantageously increasing the FR power Joss. during. the Priming phase. One possible way of countering this problem 'Storaise the value of the Nedivided voltage, V, at mde 611 ‘0 that more charge will be slomed across each of the scriesconnected, variable capacitor means, Cy, FIG, 6B shows ¢ DC-to-AC-l0-DC bidirectional converice 6050-605h heing provided between a primary-side rechargeable battery 602 and the secondary-side recharge. able voltage source unit (eg, superespacitor) 610. AC Transformer 6040-6040 can be a step-up Iype where the secondaty-side voltage is substantially larger than the primary-side voltage. For example, if the voltage of the Primary-sie rechargeable battery 602 is in the range of shout 3V-I8V, the Nelivided voltage, V; at node 611’ may 20 ronetheless be in the range of about 200V-A00V (For N being 2, 3, of 4). This step-up asrangement (where the ‘voltage step-up is of course in the priming diection, and there is a counterpact step-down when discharging eneegy from unit 610° to unit 602 andjor its load 60) can be particularly advantageous when the primary-side recharge- able battery 602 andior its load 601 need to operate at relatively low voltage, By way of example, load 601 can be part of an emergency flashlight or of another emergency services system (eg fire, smoke, andjor intrusion detection and alarming systems) that is'to be used particularly when the normal AC power _system bocomes nonoperational. FIG. 6C is across sectional view of such an emergeney Masblight 600° that is structured in accordance with the present diclosure. The manual of ‘lher type of ON/OFF switch i not shown in, order to avoid ‘ustative complexity snot uncommon fora user to Hick the ON/OFF switch of an emergency flashlight to the ON positon during a power blackout situation, only to discover thatthe ternal batteries (602«, 6026) have self discharged aller 4 prolonged period of aon-use, In accordance with the present disclosure, however, the internal batteries 6024, (602b are rechargeable ones and the Mlahlight 600” includes '& an additional subeireuit 600A", which in combination wit eechargeable batteries 6024, 602M and lighbull 601 defines an embodiment of circuit 600" of FIG. 6B. The variable capacitor ‘means should include temperature- modulated versions of such means so that, even ‘hen the ‘ashlight is kept in dark furniture drawer, daily tempera- ture variations in the building will provide a source of 0 ‘oscillatory external energy. Feedthrough 608 connects the approximately +3V potential (or other as may be appropriate) of battery stack 6020-6026 (ew. D size cylin- drical batteries) to one end of the load 601 while spring ‘coupling 603 connects the subeireuit 600A" tothe lower, Spring conaccted part of battery stack 6020-6025. It is within he contemplation ofthis disclosure to additionally or % 32 ltermatively integrate the variable capacitor means andlor ‘ther paris of the CIPR system within one or more of the batteries aloe within the walls ofthe Hasblight body. Note tha in the later ease, body heat fom the hand ofthe holder ean be a source of recharging energy as well as other Ambient sources of external and modulating temperature that fea more efficient couple thermally to the temperature- ‘modulated variable capacitor meins, (Additionally oF allermatively, the batteries of stack 60226025 may define 2 rmectianially oseilatable mass or masses which convert Ambient shocks er vibrations iato modulations of « motion- ‘muslilated variable capacitor means.) Even inside insulated buildings, ambient temperature ‘Muetuations may be used for generating electrical eneeny. FIG. 6D shows for purpose of example that ambient tem- perature inside « building tend o rise between sunrise and ‘noon ofeach day on a fairly consistent basis (assuming there is mot a very tight, automatic temperature control system in the environment where the emergency ashlight 600" is stored). In a loosely controlled, aulomated thermostatic environment, temperature should also oscillate between high fand low limits as the thermostat clicks the furnace or sir-conditioning on and off in a bang-hang conteol fashion This not a good idea to run the AC slep-up transformer {6040-60445 constantly because the energy loss from driving the transformer 6040-6040 and Keeping the secondary-side rechargeable voltage source unit (eg, supercapaciter) 610 constantly at V, may exceed the energy gain from oeca- sional temperature Huctuations. temperature-modulated, variable capacitor means 6184 (FIG, 6B) may be used 10 detect when a useful temperature fluctuation (up andior down) might be occurring and to temporarily fre up the DC-to-AC-t0-DC hidliectional converter 6082-608 at sich ‘mes so as to opportunistically power up the secondary-side vollige source unit (eg. supereapacitor) 610 just when an energy profit may be reaped. Since the ambient temperature (680) is roughly the same for all parts ofthe system, a direct electrical coupling fo others of the temperaturesmodulated variable capacitors (6151-618) is unnecessary. The con- twol and profit making VCM's may be simply, thermally intercoupled (651', 652-658), In adltion to, oF as an allemative to temperature-based firing ofthe DC-10-ACst0- DC bidirectional converter 6080-6082, 2 timer 607 may be used to select the appropriate time for step-up style priming operations andioe step-down energy recoupment operations. The voltage V, at node 611° may, of course, be used as yet another trigget for determining when temporary step-up andlor step-down operations ofthe DC-10-AC-10-DC bi fectional converter 6052-608 should be initiated. An appropriately programmed, low-power microcomputer or oiltr sequencer (aot shown) may s be used for intelligently controling the operations of the DC-o-AC-40-DC biditec- ‘ional converter 6082-6086, The specifies of such intelligent feontrol tend to vary with unique environments and are outside the purview of this disclosure "To roughly summarize the disclosure thus far, it has been shown by way of various examples that electrostatic charge my be attractively condensed within © VOM (variable ‘pacitor means) when the VCM is ts first energy sate and then the condensed charge may be purged or otherwise evaporated (dispersed) by & shift of the VCM.t0 second energy state while the charge remains substantially trapped inthe VCM, where the sift eauses the condensed charge 10 ‘gain energy. Many opportunities exist or ean be made t0 exist for carrying out such energy production. FIG. 7 is a parlally dissccted, perspective view of a hybrid sutomobi “Foo that may’ be sietured in accordance With the presUS 6,936,994 BL _ “disclosure s0 a 1 recapture waste heat, waste vibrations, oF colher energy and thereby improve the ellicieney of the ‘combined, combustion engine and electrical. battery, {Although the example is that of «hybrid automobile, other hybrid enerey sysiems—part electrical, part other—may make similar use of the teachings provided bern.) As with ‘conventional hybrid design, a rechargeable battery pack 710 is operatively coupled (783) to. an electromagnetic ‘current generator 780. The generator 780 is driven by an internal combustion engine 780, for example, 2 four stroke, four cylinder engive witha piston displacement of about 3 liters of less. Eleetromagnotic motors such asthe one showa at 790 are operatively coupled (793—the associated drive ectronis is not shown) to the rear wheels ofthe ar and its battery pack 710 for propelling the ear 700 and recap turing braking power during braking events (e.g, driving downhill). The relatively small internal combustion engine 780 cecharges he batery pack 710 al times when the cureent from ils electromagnetic Current generator 780 is not fully ‘consumed for driving the rear-wheel drive motors 790, The ‘mass of the battery pack 710 may be mounted within a shock absorbing shell and the mechanical oscillations of such a feciprocalably mounted pack of of electrolyte fui within the pack may be wsed to produce electrical energy. in accordance with other CIPR subsystems diselosed herein. ‘One or more CIPR subsystems may be operated accordance with the present disclosure to convert otherwise ated oa fea om th eogie 750 Hom ae sures into further electrical enerey lor charging the b packe 710. (beyond what generitor 780 proves). For ‘example, the engine motinis 752 that would conventionally ‘convert engine vibrations substantially into waste beat, may hve variable capacitor means built into them (eg. pet FIG. 40) for converting vibrations (using resilient dielectric layers) andior for converting transient beat generated from ‘uch engine vibrations into electrical ener. ‘As another example, the shock absorbers. 764 of the ‘vehicle may have variable capacitor means built into them (eae, liquid dielectric with variable Ey duc to lover oF higher dielectric constant particles suspended therein) for ‘converting vibrations andior transient heat fom road, ‘shocks/vibrations into electrical energy. (The shock absorber typically includes a pocumatically controlled damper for absorbing the jousts of the road as well asthe eeoils of the ‘suspension spring or springs.) [As yet another example, a variable capacitor means 766 ‘of a rotary kind may be built into te front and/or rear wheel assemblies for acting as regenerative brakes. Although regenerative energy may be recouped from the electromag netic wheel diving motors 790, the amount of enengy for this latter form of regeneration depends on rotational speed. ‘As speed drops, magnetically generated voltage drops. Oo the other hand the electrostaiclly based CIPR systems 766 that are added 10 the front andior rear whee! assemblies produce charge profit even as the wheels rotate slowly, thereby extracting more eletrical energy out of a braking action than would conventionally be possible with only a regeneration system that uses only electromagnetic iterac- tion, The electrastatically basecl CIPR systems 766 can be made of relatively low-mass (low weight) materials unlike the ferromagnetic materials typically used for electromag- netic regeneration. Thus ther incorporation into the vehicle (exe, hybrid ear 70) does not add subsantial mass 50 35 (0 ‘lrimentally affect the fuel economy of the vehicle ‘Typically a relatively-massive flywheel i attached to the fankshaflof the multi-stroke, intemal combustion engine ‘sos to smooth out the motion ofthe crankshaft between the % o M episodic explosions that take place within successive ones of the engine cylinders and so as to transfer the energy of the explosion eyele in one eylinder to the compression andior intake eyeles of others ofthe engine cylinders. The mass af the conventional engine fiywheel isnot infinite however, and it therefore cannot fully absorh all the tcansient energies ‘generated by each episodic explosion of each engine eylin- ter that i in its combustion eyele, Some of the encrgy is ‘wasted in simply vibrating the pistons and eraukshaft thigh frequencies (ultimately converted to waste heat energy) Same of the excess vibaations is seen as engine vibration ‘which is absorbed by the engine mounts 782. Other parts of the waste vibrations can be transmited along the drivetrain In accorlance with the present disclosure, the generally massive, engine flywhee! is spit ito two or more flywheels ‘TM, 772 (each of less mass than the conventional single flywheel) and torsion springs 773 are provided beiween them, The springs 73 couple one flywheel (771) in the setics tothe nex! (772). High frequency angular energy that ‘annot be immediately absonbed by a fies yweel (771) in the series ean be temporarily stored in the inter flywheel speing, and discharged over time. The temporary angular ispartcs between the Aywhcels 771, 772 can be converted {nto useful electrical energy by forming a variable capacitor ‘means between counterfacing pars (¢, rim surfaces) ofthe flywheels As the angular disparities between the flywheels ‘T1772 change duc to forsioning sn detorsioning of spring ‘7, the variable capacitor means switches between charge condensing (priming) states and charge evaporating (purging) sites t0 thereby produce electrical energy. The ‘nd fywhcel 72 in the series couples tothe electromagnetic current generator 780 for tuning the generator ata relatively Steady rational speed while the combustion enginc 750 is rinaing. In one embodiment, whenever the combustion engine 780 is shu of and slows toa stopped state, the split Alywheels 771, 772 are temporarily decoupled mechanically from one another so that fywheel 771 ean continue to poser the eleetromagnetic current generator 780 with stored fly- ‘wheel energy. none embostiment, the electromagnetic eurent generator 780 has 2 dual rior design with a shared siator andior 2 shared housing andlor shated bearing mounts. One of the ual rotors couples tothe engine 780 and/or engine driven Alywheel series 771, 772, 773. The other of the dual rotors ‘couples to a free-running Aywheel 782 that defines a vari able capacitor means, Exeess energy can be temporarily sored in the free-running flywheel 782 and then extracted from that flywheel via one or both of the electromagnetic ‘current generator 780 and the Variable capacitor means that js integrated with that flywheel 782. AS the speed of the {ree-running flywheel 782 drops, the velocity-sensiive elec- tromagnetic generator 780 becomes less efiient in convert ing colaional energy into electrical energy of appropriate voltage for charging the battery pack. However, the variable capacitor means that is integrated with flywheel 782 can {generate the appropriate voltage for charging the battery pack 710 even as the flywheel slows, thereby improving the energy discharge properties of the Rywhecl system. Once again, it should be appreciated that the present teachings regarding how otherwise wasted, vibrational energy andior ‘oational energy may be recaptured for nonwasteful use Is rot limited to just hybrid vehicles. They can be employed ‘wherever opportunities present themselves for suet recap ‘One of the biggest forms of waste energy within an inteenal combustion engine (or any other heat driven, con- ventional engine for that matter) 36 the waste heat of the