Ion powered platform

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention pertains to an electronic power supply, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for powering an electronic device from an ambient (i.e., naturally occurring, as opposed to man-made) electrostatic field gradient.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

#FIG. 1 conceptually depicts, in a partially sectioned perspective view, one particular embodiment of an ion powered platform constructed in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F depicts alternative embodiments of the electrically conductive probe of the ion powered platform of FIG. 1 implemented in electrically conductive solids;

#While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the drawings illustrate specific embodiments herein described in detail by way of example. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

#Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort, even if complex and time-consuming, would be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

#FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates, in a partially sectioned perspective view, one particular embodiment of an ion powered platform 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention. For instance, Earth's atmosphere includes an ambient electrostatic field gradient of approximately 100 to 300 volts per meter over most of Earth's surface, although this varies with, for instance, altitude and weather conditions. The ion powered platform 100 extends an electrically conductive probe 105 at least a predetermined vertical distance to utilize this electrostatic field gradient to power an electrical load 110. The movement of the electrically conductive probe 105 through the electrostatic field gradient causes individual molecules in the atmosphere to ionize, thereby generating an electrical potential across the electrically conductive probe 105. This electrical potential is then harnessed to power the electrical load 110. Note that the movement of the electrically conductive probe 105 through the electrostatic field gradient is a relative movement. In other words, the atmosphere streams past the conductive probe 105. This can result from a motive force imparted to or by the ion powered platform 100 causing it to move. Alternatively, this can result from a wind blowing across a stationary, or slow moving, electrically conductive probe 105.