IP Library Granted Patent US 7,478,712
Granted Patent B2
US 7,478,712 · App. 11/839,112 · Granted Jan 20, 2009

Energy collection

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,478,712
App. No.
11/839,112
Granted
Jan 20, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

An energy collection system may collect and use the energy generated by an electric field. Collection fibers are suspended from a support wire system supported by poles. The support wire system is electrically connected to a load by a connecting wire. The collection fibers may be made of any conducting material, but carbon, graphite, carbon/carbon, or a mixture thereof are preferred. Diodes may be used to restrict the backflow or loss of energy.

Claims (23)

1. A system of energy collection comprising: a plurality of support structure wires elevated above ground level; at least one collection device including at least one carbon or graphite fiber that collects electrical energy from the air and is electrically connected to the plurality of support structure wires; a load electrically connected to the plurality of support structure wires; and a dual polarity collection circuit electrically connected between the collection device and the load.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the collection device comprises a diode.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the collection device comprises:

a diode electrically connected between the load and the fiber.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the diode is elevated relative to the ground level.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fiber comprises graphite, carbon fibers, carbon/carbon fibers, or a mixture thereof.

6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a diode electrically connected between the at least one collection device and the plurality of support structure wires.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dual polarity collection circuit comprises a plurality of diodes, at least one inductor, and at least one capacitor.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the capacitor is electrically connected in parallel with the load.

9. A vehicle employing a system of energy collection comprising: a means of locomotion; a support structure electrically connected to the vehicle; at least one collection device including at least one carbon or graphite fiber that collects electrical energy from the air and is electrically connected to the support structure; and a load electrically connected to the support structure.

10. The structure of claim 9 , wherein the collection device comprises a diode.

11. The structure of claim 9 , wherein the collection device comprises: a diode electrically connected between the load and the fiber.

12. The structure of claim 10 , wherein the diode is elevated relative to the vehicle.

13. The structure of claim 9 , wherein the fiber comprises graphite, carbon fibers, carbon/carbon fibers, or a mixture thereof.

14. The structure of claim 9 , further comprising a diode electrically connected between the at least one collection device and the support structure.

15. A system of collecting energy comprising:

a plurality of collection legs, each of the collection legs comprising:

at least one collection device including at least one carbon or graphite fiber that collects electrical energy from the air; and

a diode; and

a load electrically connected to ground.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the fiber comprises a surface having projections.

17. The system of claim 15 , further comprising a trunk line electrically connected between the plurality of collection legs and the load.

18. The system of claim 17 , further comprising a spark gap device electrically connected between the plurality of collection legs and the load.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 3, 2014
From: MCCOWEN POWER CO., LLC
To: ION POWER GROUP, LLC
Reel/Frame 032156/0370 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 6, 2009
From: MCCOWAN, CLINT
To: MCCOWEN POWER CO., LLC
Reel/Frame 023065/0102 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation In Part 1135826400 · Feb 21, 2006
Related Publication 20070273206A1 · Nov 29, 2007