Electrostatic generator

Abstract

A generator system includes a first electrode (10) and a second electrode (30) and a material (25) or vacuum (27) between the first and second electrode (10, 30). A first means to create an electrostatic field (11) is positioned above the first electrode (10) and an ion creator (28) that creates ions is disposed within the material (25) or vacuum (27). The first means to create the electrostatic field (11) generates an electrostatic field that penetrates the first electrode (10). The generator system can include a second means to create an electrostatic field (36) in which the second electrode (30) is between the second means to create electrostatic field (36), and the material (25) or vacuum (27) and the second means to create the electrostatic field (36) generates an electrostatic field that penetrates the second electrode (30).

Description

ELECTROSTATIC GENERATORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 653,272, filed on May 30, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 692,071, filed on September 7, 2024. The entire disclosures of the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present technology includes processes and articles of manufacture that relate to the field of electrostatic generators and, more particularly, to the field of electrostatic generators that use an electrostatic field to move charges.INTRODUCTION

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] This application incorporates herein by reference U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 760,511, AN ELECTROSTATIC GENERATOR, filed on March 15, 2022, and International Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US2024 / 015339, filed on February 12, 2024, herein by reference. These patent applications point out that ion source(s) and electrode(s) can be placed so that an electrostatic field created by a means to create an electrostatic field will drive ions created by an ion creator to the electrode(s), and the electrode(s) are positioned so that the ions that make contact with the electrode(s) or created within the electrode by the ion creator will be neutralized by electrons from or to a sink, source, or ground. This patent puts forth additional designs for the placement of the electrode(s), the means to create an electrostatic field, and ion source(s).

[0005] Most electrodes are good conductors and do not allow an electrostatic field to penetrate them. Electrostatic fields also have problems penetrating conductors, semiconductors, semimetals, plasma, ionized gases, and electrolytes. This is due to the mobile electrons in these substances. The mobile charges screen out the electrostatic field. This is known as the Debyelength. Some conductors, such as a sheet of graphene, semimetals, or a semiconductor, can be made thinner than the Debye length, and the electrostatic field will penetrate the conductor or semiconductor and appear on the opposite side of the means to create an electrostatic field.

[0006] Also, an electrode can have openings, allowing the electrostatic field to slip through the openings and allowing the electrostatic field to appear on the opposite side of the means to create an electrostatic field.

[0007] Thus, the arrangement of the electrode, the means to create an electrostatic field, and the place where the ions are created can take a configuration where the electrode can be placed directly between the means to create an electrostatic field and the material or vacuum in which the ions are created. With a normal plate electrode covering the means to create an electrostatic field, a Faraday cage would be produced, and no electrostatic field would penetrate the electrode. However, the electrostatic field could penetrate the electrode if the electrode was a single layer of graphene or a conductor, semimetal, or semiconductor whose thickness is less than the Debye length. Also, electrodes with openings could allow the electrostatic field to slip through the openings. Thus, this penetrating electrostatic field could be designed to attract the ion created by the ion creator towards the electrode. The shape of these electrodes can be calculated. Electrostatic fields of conductors, electrets, and ions can be calculated using Poisson and Laplace equations. Thus, the electrode's shape and position can be engineered so that the ions from the ion creator will move to the electrode and further to the sink, source, or ground.

[0008] The ion creator creates positive and negative ions. Special care must be taken in the placement of the ions the ion creator generates, the means to create an electrostatic field, and the electrode such that ions of the opposite charge as the charge of the means to create an electrostatic field do not, in substantial numbers, end up accumulating on the means to create an electrostatic field, thus hinder the system and reducing efficiency.

[0009] Special care must be taken if the ion creator generates radiation, which produces the ions. Radiation that passes through electrodes or the means to create an electrostatic field may destroy or damage the electrodes or the means to create an electrostatic field. However, since some radioactive materials can be used to produce electrodes, the electrode could be the ion creator.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need to improve the efficiency of electrostatic generators.SUMMARY

[0011] In concordance with the instant disclosure, a way to improve the efficiency of electrostatic generators, is surprisingly discovered.

[0012] In the certain embodiments, a generator system can include a first electrode and a second electrode nearly parallel to the first electrode and a material or a vacuum between the first and second electrode. A first means to create electrostatic field can be located in a position in which the first electrode is between the first means to create electrostatic field and the material or the vacuum and an ion creator that creates ions within the material or vacuum and the first means to create electrostatic field generates an electrostatic field that penetrates the first electrode.

[0013] The generator system can include a second means to create electrostatic field that can be located in a position in which the second electrode is between the second means to create electrostatic field and the material or the vacuum, and the second means to create electrostatic field generates an electrostatic field that penetrates the second electrode.

[0014] The electrodes of the generator system can be thinner than the Debye length of the substance in which they are created, or have openings, or are made of slender rods that penetrate the material or vacuum so that the electrostatic field can penetrate the electrode.

[0015] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the invention having a thin electrode and an electret.

[0018] Figure 1A is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the invention having a thin electrode and a charged plate.

[0019] Figure IB is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having a thin electrode and an electrode that is made from radioactive material.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having two thin electrodes.

[0021] Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having two thin electrodes and a charged plate.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the invention having an electrode with openings and an electret.

[0023] Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the invention having an electrode with openings and a charged plate.

[0024] Figure 3B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having two electrodes with openings and an electret.

[0025] Figure 3C is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having two electrodes with openings and a charged plate.

[0026] Figure 3D is a top plan view of an electrode.

[0027] Figure 3E is a top plan view of another electrode.

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having an electrode with fingers extending into a material and an electret.

[0029] Figure 4A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having an electrode with fingers extending into a material and a charged plate.

[0030] Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the invention having two electrodes with fingers extending into a material and an electret.

[0031] Figure 4C is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having two electrodes with fingers extending into a material and a charged plate.

[0032] Figure 4D is a top plan view of another electrode.

[0033] Figure 4E is a top plan view of another electrode.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having an electrode with fingers extending into a material, a thin electrode, and an electret.

[0035] Figure 5A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having an electrode with fingers extending into a material, a thin electrode, and a charged plate.

[0036] Figure 5B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the invention having a filament and a vacuum.

[0037] Figure 6 is a diagram of an electrostatic motor that can be attached across the output of the embodiments.

[0038] Figure 6A is a diagram of a heater that can be attached across the output of the embodiments.

[0039] Figure 7 is a diagram of a grounded capacitor load.

[0040] Figure 8 is a diagram of another grounded capacitor load.

[0041] Figure 9 is a diagram of another grounded capacitor load.

[0042] Figure 10 is a diagram of another grounded capacitor load.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0044] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

[0045] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0046] As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0047] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0049] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0050] Figures 1, 1A, IB, 2, and 2 A illustrate an electrode 10 in which an electrostatic field can penetrate the electrode 10. In Figures 1, 1A, IB, 2, and 2A, the electrode 10 can be made with a thin film of graphene. However, the electrode 10 could be made of a conductor or semiconductor that is thinner than the Debye length such that the electrostatic field can penetrate the electrode 10. An electrostatic field created by the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can penetrate the electrode 10. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 is an electret 12 inFigures 1 , IB, and 2 or a charged plate 14 in Figures 1 A and 2A. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 is above the electrode 10. Figures 1, 1A, and IB show a second electrode 16 substantially parallel to the electrode 10.

[0051] Between the electrodes 10 and 16 can be a material 25 or a vacuum 27. The material 25 could be a gas, liquid, or solid. In Figures 1A and 2, the material 25 or the vacuum27 is contained in box 26. In Figures 1 and 1 A, ions are created within or are created and directed to the area between the electrodes 10 and 16 by an ion creator 28. The ion creator 28 can generate the ions and disperse them into the area between the electrodes 10, 16, or the ion creator28 can produce radiation that creates the ions in the area between the electrodes 10, 16. Ions can be produced by the ion creator 28 in many ways, including but not limited to by heat, laser heat, radiation, electron impact ionization, corona discharge, flame, cold cathode, thermionic emission, electrospray, strong external electric field emission, fast atom bombardment, electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, and the like.

[0052] The ion creator 28 can be placed in almost any position around the electrodes 10, 16 or between the electrodes 10, 16. However, the ions created by the ion creator 28 can be accelerated by the electrostatic field created towards electrodes 10,16. Care must be taken if the ion creator 28 creates radiation, which produces the ions. Radiation that passes through electrodes 10, 16 or the means to create electrostatic field 11 may destroy or damage the electrodes 10, 16 or the means to produce electrostatic field 11. However, since some radioactive materials can be used to produce the electrodes 10,16, the electrodes 10,16 can be the ion creator 28. In Figure IB, the electrode 16 can contain carbon 14, a beta emitter. Thus, the electrode 16 can be an ion creator 28. If the electrode 16 is a beta emitter, when the beta particle is emitted, the electrode 16 will become more positively charged. The electrostatic field can be placed such that electrons from the sink or ground to which the electrode 16 is attached will neutralize the additional charge. If the electrode 16 is an alpha emitter, when the alpha particle is emitted, the electrode 16 will become more negatively charged. The electrostatic field can be placed so that electrons in the electrode 16 will flow to the sink or ground to which the electrode 16 is attached to neutralize the additional charge.

[0053] The ions between the electrodes 10, 16 are accelerated by the electrostatic field that has penetrated the electrode 10 toward electrode 10 or electrode 16. The first means to createelectrostatic field 11 can be positively or negatively charged. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can attract ions of the opposite charge, as the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11. These ions will move towards the electrode 10. Ions of the same charge as the first means to create electrostatic field 11 will be driven towards the electrode 16. In Figure 1, the electrode 10 is attached to a ground 18 through a collector load 22, and the electrode 16 is attached to the ground 18 through a collector load 20. In Figure 1A, electrodes 10, 16 are attached to a collector load 23.

[0054] Figures 2 and 2A show a second electrode 30 substantially parallel to electrode 10. An electrostatic field can penetrate the second electrode 30. In figures 2 and 2A, the electrode 30 is made with a thin film of graphene. The second electrode 30 could be made of a semiconductor or a conductor that is thinner than the Debye length, such that the electrostatic field can penetrate the second electrode 30. An electrostatic field created by the second means to create electrostatic field 36 can penetrate the second electrode 30. The second means to create electrostatic field 36 can be an electret 32 as shown in Figure 2 or a charged plate 34 as shown in Figure 2A. The second means to create electrostatic field 36 can be below the second electrode 30. The charge on the second means to create electrostatic field 36 is the opposite of the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11. In Figures 2 and 2A, ions are created within or are created and directed to the area between electrodes 10 and 30 by ion creator 28. The ions between the electrodes 10 and 30 are accelerated by the electrostatic field that has penetrated the electrodes 10 and 30 toward the electrodes 10 or 30. The electrostatic field from the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can penetrate the electrode 10, and the electrostatic field from the second means to create electrostatic field 36 can penetrate the second electrode 30. Like in the previous embodiment, the graphene electrode can contain carbon 14, and thus, both the electrodes 10 and 30 can be the ion creator 28.

[0055] The first means to create electrostatic field 11, and the second means to create electrostatic field 36, are of opposite charge. Thus, the first means to create electrostatic field 11 and the second means to create electrostatic field 36, create an electrostatic field between electrodes 10 and 30. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 will attract ions of the opposite charge to the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11, and these ions will move towards the electrode 10. The second means to create electrostatic field 36 will attract ions of the opposite charge, as the charge on the second means to create electrostatic field 36,and these ions will move towards the second electrode 30. In Figure 2, the electrode 10 is attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 22, and the second electrode 30 is attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 20. In Figure 2A, the electrodes 10 and 30 are attached to the collector load 23.

[0056] Figures 3 and 3A contain electrode 50, which has openings 56 that allow an electrostatic field to slip through. An electrostatic field that is created by the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can penetrate the electrode 50, and appear on the opposite side of the electrode 50 from the first means to create electrostatic field 11. The openings 56 in the electrode 50 can be sufficient to allow the electrostatic field to pass through but be small enough that a large number of ions will not build up on the surface of the material 25 and block the electrostatic field from the first means to create electrostatic field 11. In the case of a vacuum 27, the openings 56 in electrode 50 can be sufficient to allow the electrostatic field to pass through but be small enough that a large number of ions will not build up the first means to create electrostatic field 11 blocking the electrostatic field, the electrode 50 can be created out of several slender rods 58, the slender rods 58 spaced part from one another to form the openings 56 there between.

[0057] The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can be the electret 12 as represented in Figure 3 or the charged plate 14 as represented in Figure 3A. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 is above the electrode 50. Figures 3 and 3A show a second electrode 54 substantially parallel to the electrode 50.

[0058] Between electrodes 50 and 54 is the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The material 25 could be a gas, liquid, or solid. In Figure 3A, the material 25 or the vacuum 27 is contained in box 26. In Figures 3 and 3A, ions are created within or are created and directed to the area between electrodes 50 and 54 by the ion creator 28. The ion creator 28 generates the ions and disperses them into the area between the electrodes 50 and 54, or it produces radiation that creates the ions between the electrodes 50 and 54. Ions can be produced by the ion creator 28 in many ways, including but not limited to radiation, heat, laser heat, electron impact ionization, corona discharge, flame, cold cathode, thermionic emission, electrospray, strong external electric field emission, fast atom bombardment, electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, and the like. The ion creator 28 can be placed in almost any position around the electrodes 50 and 54 or between the electrodes 50 and54. However, the ions created by the ion creator 28 must be able to be accelerated by the electrostatic field towards the electrodes 50 and 54. Care must be taken if the ion creator 28 creates radiation, which produces the ions. Radiation that passes through the electrodes 50 and 54, or the first means to create electrostatic field 11, may destroy or damage the electrodes 50 and 54 or the first means to create electrostatic field 11. However, since some radioactive materials can be used to produce the electrodes 50 and 54, the electrodes 50 and / or 54 could be the ion creator 28.

[0059] The ions between the electrodes 50 and 54 are accelerated by the electrostatic field that has penetrated the electrodes 50 toward the electrodes 50 or 54. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 is positively or negatively charged. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 will attract ions of the opposite charge, as the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11. These ions will move towards the electrode 50. Ions of the same charge as the first means to create electrostatic field 11 will be driven towards second electrode 54. In Figure 3, the electrode 50 is attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 22, and the second electrode 54 is attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 20. In Figure 3 A, the electrodes 50 and 54 are attached to the collector load 23.

[0060] Figures 3B and 3C show a second electrode 60 substantially parallel to electrode 50. The second electrode 60 has openings 62 that allow the electrostatic field to slip through. An electrostatic field can be created by the second means to create electrostatic field 36, penetrate electrode 60, and appear on the opposite side of the electrode 60 from the second means to create electrostatic field 36. The openings 62 in the electrode 60 can be sufficient to allow the electrostatic field to pass through but be small enough that a large number of ions will not build up on the surface of the material 25 and block the electrostatic field from the second means to create electrostatic field 36. In the case of a vacuum 27, the openings 62 in electrode 60 can be sufficient to allow the electrostatic field to pass through but be small enough that a large number of ions will not build up the second means to create electrostatic field 36 blocking the electrostatic field. Electrode 60 can be formed out of several slender rods 68, the slender rods can be spaced apart from one another to form the openings 62 there between.

[0061] The second means to create electrostatic field 36 can be the electret 32 in Figure 3B or the charged plate 34 in Figure 3C. The second means to create electrostatic field 36 can be below the electrode 60. The charge on the second means to create electrostatic field 36 is theopposite of the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 1 1 . In Figures 3B and 3C, ions are created within or are created and directed to the area between the electrodes 50 and 60 by the ion creator 28. The ions between the electrodes 50 and 60 can be accelerated by the electrostatic field that has penetrated the electrodes 50 and 60 toward the electrodes 50 or 60. The electrostatic field from the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can penetrate electrode 50, and the electrostatic field of the second means to create electrostatic field 36 can penetrate electrode 60.

[0062] The first means to create electrostatic field 11, and the second means to create electrostatic field 36, are of opposite charge. Thus, the first means to create electrostatic field 11, and the second means to create electrostatic field 36 forms an electrostatic field between the electrodes 50 and 60. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 will attract ions of the opposite charge to the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11, and these ions will move towards the electrode 50. The second means to create electrostatic field 36 will attract ions of the opposite charge to the charge on the second means to create electrostatic field 36, and these ions will move towards the electrode 60. In Figure 3B, the electrode 50 can be attached to ground 18 through the collector load 22, and the electrode 60 can be attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 20. In Figure 3C, the electrodes 50 and 60 are attached to the collector load 23.

[0063] Figure 3D is a top plan view of the electrodes 50. Figure 3D shows the electrode 50 with the openings 56 and the slender rods 58. Figure 3E is a top view of the electrode 60. Figure 3E shows the electrode 60 with the openings 62 and the slender rods 68.

[0064] Figures 4 and 4A illustrate an additional embodiment of the device, displaying a top electrode 100. Similar to the previous embodiment, the electrode 100 possesses apertures 102, which permit the electrostatic field generated by the means to create electrostatic field 11 to penetrate through the electrode 100 and spread into the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The electrode 100 can be created by several fingers 104 that extend down into the material 25 or the vacuum 27. In certain embodiments, the fingers 104 extend substantially perpendicular with respect to the electrostatic field. The fingers 104 can influence the shape of the electrostatic field as it navigates around the fingers 104 and the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The electrostatic field's configuration is altered as it envelops the fingers 104. This electrostatic field adjacent to each finger 104 propels ions of the opposite charge to that of the first means to createelectrostatic field 11 within the material 25 or the vacuum 27 to accelerate toward the fingers 104.

[0065] The separation between fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the surface of the material 25 and block the electrostatic field from the first means to create electrostatic field 11 or, in the case of the vacuum 27, the separation between fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the first means to create electrostatic field 11. The electrode 100 can be formed from several of the fingers 104, the fingers 104 spaced apart from one another to form the narrow space between them.

[0066] The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can be the electret 12 in Figure 4 or the charged plate 14 in Figure 4A. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can be above the electrode 100. Figures 4 and 4A show a second electrode 110 substantially parallel to the electrode 100.

[0067] Between the electrodes 100 and 110 is the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The material 25 could be a gas, liquid, or solid. In Figure 4A, the material 25 or the vacuum 27 can be contained in box 26. In Figures 4 and 4A, ions are created within or are created and directed to the area between the electrodes 100 and 110 by the ion creator 28. The ion creator 28 generates the ions and disperses them into the area between the electrodes 100 and 110, or the ion creator 28 can produce radiation that creates the ions between the electrodes 100 and 110. Ions can be produced by the ion creator 28 in many ways, including but not limited to radiation, heat, laser heat, electron impact ionization, corona discharge, flame, cold cathode, thermionic emission, electrospray, strong external electric field emission, fast atom bombardment, electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, and then like. The ion creator 28 can be placed in almost any position around the electrodes 100 and 110 or between the electrodes 100 and 110. However, the ions created by the ion creator 28 must be able to be accelerated by the electrostatic field towards the electrodes 100 and 110. Care must be taken if the ion creator 28 creates radiation, which produces the ions. Radiation that passes through the electrodes 100 and 110 or the means to create electrostatic field 11 may destroy or damage the electrodes 100 and 110 or the first meansto create electrostatic field 11 . However, since some radioactive materials can be used to produce the electrodes 100 and 110, the electrodes 100 and / or 110 could be the ion creator 28.

[0068] The ions between the electrodes 100 and 110 can be accelerated by the electrostatic field that has penetrated the electrodes 100 toward the electrodes 100 or 110. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can be positively or negatively charged. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can attract ions of the opposite charge, as the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11. These ions can move towards the electrode 100. Ions of the same charge as the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can be driven towards the second electrode 110. In Figure 4, the electrode 100 is attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 22, and the second electrode 110 can be attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 20. In Figure 4A, the electrodes 100 and 110 are attached to the collector load 23.

[0069] Figures 4B and 4C show a second electrode 120 substantially parallel to the electrode 100. The second electrode 120 can include apertures 102, which permit the electrostatic field generated by the second means to create electrostatic field 36 to penetrate through the electrode 120 and spread into the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The electrode 120 can be created by several of the fingers 104 that extend down into the material 25 or the vacuum 27. In certain embodiments, the fingers 104 can extend substantially perpendicular to the electrostatic field. The fingers 104 can influence the shape of the electrostatic field as it navigates around the fingers 104 and the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The electrostatic field's configuration can be altered as it envelops the fingers 104. This electrostatic field adjacent to each finger 104 propels ions of the opposite charge to that of the second means to create electrostatic field 36 within the material 25 or the vacuum 27 to accelerate toward the fingers 104.

[0070] The separation between fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the surface of the material 25 and block the electrostatic field from the second means to create electrostatic field 36 or, in the case of the vacuum 27, the separation between fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the second means to create electrostatic field 36. In certain embodiments, the electrode 120 can be created out of several of the fingers 104 with the apertures 102 there between.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the second means to create electrostatic field 36 can be the electret 32 in Figure 4B or the charged plate 34 in Figure 4C. The means to create electrostatic field 36 can be below the electrode 120. The charge on the second means to create electrostatic field 36 can be the opposite of the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11. In Figures 4B and 4C, ions are created within or are created and directed to the area between the electrodes 100 and 120 by the ion creator 28. The ions between the electrodes 100 and 120 can be accelerated by the electrostatic field that has penetrated the electrodes 100 and 120 toward the electrodes 100 or 120. The electrostatic field from the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can penetrate electrode 100, and the electrostatic field of the second means to create electrostatic field 36 can penetrate the electrode 120. Both the electrodes 100 and 120 can be the ion creator 28 if made with a radioactive substance.

[0072] The first means to create electrostatic field 11, and the second means to create electrostatic field 36, can be of opposite charge. Thus, the first means to create electrostatic field 11, and the second means to create electrostatic field 36, can create an electrostatic field between the electrodes 100 and 120. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can attract ions of the opposite charge to the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11, and these ions can move towards the electrode 100. The second means to create electrostatic field 36 can attract ions of the opposite charge to the charge on the second means to create electrostatic field 36, and these ions can move towards the electrode 120. In Figure 4B, the electrode 100 can be attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 22, and the electrode 120 can be attached to ground 18 through the collector load 20. In Figure 4C, the electrodes 100 and 120 can be attached to the collector load 23.

[0073] Figure 4D is a top plan view of the electrodes 100. Figure 4D shows the electrode 100 with the apertures 102 and the fingers 104. Figure 4E is a top plan view of the electrode 120. Figure 4E shows the electrode 120 with the apertures 102 and the fingers 104.

[0074] The three different types of electrode configurations in which the electrostatic field can penetrate the electrode; namely, 1) the thin electrodes 10 or 30 shown in Figures 1, 1A, IB, 2, and 2A, 2) the electrodes 50 or 60 with openings shown in Figures 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C, and 3) the electrodes 100 or 120 shown in figures 4, 4A, 4B, and 4C, can be used in combination with each other. Figures 5 and 5 A show an embodiment containing the thin electrode 10 and the penetrating electrode 100. In Figure 5 A, the electrode 10 can be the top electrode, and theelectrode 100 can be the bottom electrode. In Figure 5, the electrode 100 can be the top electrode, and the electrode 10 can be the bottom electrode.

[0075] Figure 5 A, like Figures 1, 1 A, 1C, 2, and 2A, shows the electrode 10 in which the electrostatic field can penetrate the electrode. In Figure 5 A, the electrode 10 is made of a thin film of graphene. However, the electrode 10 could be made of a conductor or semiconductor that is thinner than the Debye length such that the electrostatic field can penetrate the electrode 10. An electrostatic field created by the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can penetrate the electrode 10.

[0076] Figure 5 A shows the second electrode 100 that is beneath electrode 10. Electrode 100 possesses apertures 102, which permit the electrostatic field generated by the second means to create the electrostatic field 36 to penetrate through the electrode 100. In Figure 5A, between electrodes 10 and 100 the material 25 or the vacuum 27 can be provided. The material 25 can be a gas, liquid, or solid. The electrode 100 can be created by several of the fingers 104 that extend down into the material 25 or the vacuum 27. In certain embodiments, the fingers 104 can extend substantially perpendicular to the electrostatic field. The fingers 104 can influence the shape of the electrostatic field as it navigates around the fingers 104 and the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The electrostatic field's configuration can be altered as it envelops the fingers 104. This electrostatic field adjacent to each finger 104 propels ions of the opposite charge to that of the second means to create electrostatic field 36 within the material 25 or the vacuum 27 to accelerate toward the fingers 104.

[0077] The separation between the fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the surface of the material 25 and block the electrostatic field from the second means to create electrostatic field 36 or, in the case of the vacuum 27, the separation between fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the second means to create electrostatic field 36. In certain embodiments, the electrode 100 can be created out of several fingers 104, the fingers 104 spaced apart from one another to form the apertures 102 there between.

[0078] In Figure 5, the electrostatic field penetrates the electrode 100. The electrode 100 includes apertures 102, which permit the electrostatic field generated by the first means to createelectrostatic field 11 to penetrate through the electrode 100. Figure 5 shows the second electrode 10 that can be below the electrode 100.

[0079] In Figure 5, between the electrodes 10 and 100 the material 25 or the vacuum 27 can be provided. The material 25 can be a gas, liquid, or solid. The electrode 100 can be created by several fingers 104 that extend down into the material 25 or the vacuum 27. In certain embodiments, the fingers 104 can extend substantially perpendicular to the electrostatic field. The fingers 104 can influence the shape of the electrostatic field as it navigates around the fingers 104 and the material 25 or the vacuum 27. The electrostatic field's configuration can be altered as it envelops the fingers 104. The electrostatic field adjacent to each finger 104 can propel ions of the opposite charge to that of the first means to create electrostatic field 11 within the material 25 or the vacuum 27 to accelerate toward the fingers 104.

[0080] The separation between the fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the surface of the material 25 and block the electrostatic field from the first means to create electrostatic field 11 or, in the case of the vacuum 27 the separation between the fingers 104 can be sufficiently wide to enable the electrostatic field to intensify around each finger 104 yet adequately narrow to prevent ion accumulation on the first means to create electrostatic field 11.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the electrode 100 can be created out of several fingers 104, the fingers 104 spaced apart from one another to form the apertures 102 there between.

[0082] In figure 5, the electrode 10 can be made with a thin film of graphene. However, electrode 10 can be made of a conductor or semiconductor that is thinner than the Debye length such that the electrostatic field can penetrate the electrode 10. An electrostatic field created by the second means to create electrostatic field 36 can penetrate the electrode 10.

[0083] In Figures 5 and 5A, ions are created within or are created and directed to the area between the electrodes 10 and 100 by the ion creator 28. The ion creator 28 can generate the ions and disperses them into the area between the electrodes 10, 100, or the ion creator 28 can produce radiation that creates the ions in the area between the electrodes 10 and 100. Ions can be produced by the ion creator 28 in many ways, including, but not limited to, radiation, heat, laser heat, electron impact ionization, corona discharge, flame, cold cathode, thermionic emission, electrospray, strong external electric field emission, fast atom bombardment, electrosprayionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, and the like. The ion creator 28 can be placed in almost any position around the electrodes 10 and 100 or between the electrodes 10 and 100. However, the ions created by the ion creator 28 must be able to be accelerated by the electrostatic field created towards electrodes 10 and 100. Care must be taken if the ion creator 28 creates radiation, which produces the ions. Radiation that passes through the electrodes 10 and 100 or the first or second means to create electrostatic field 11 or 36 may destroy or damage the electrodes 10, 100 or the means to create electrostatic field 11 or 36. However, since some radioactive materials can be used to produce the electrodes 10 or 100, the electrodes 10 and / or 100 can be the ion creator 28.

[0084] The first means to create electrostatic field 11, and the second means to create electrostatic field 36, can be of opposite charge. Thus, the first means to create electrostatic field 11, and the second means to create electrostatic field 36, can create an electrostatic field between the electrodes 10 and 100. The first means to create electrostatic field 11 can attract ions of the opposite charge to the charge on the first means to create electrostatic field 11, and these ions can move towards the electrode beneath the first means to create electrostatic field 11. The second means to create electrostatic field 36 can attract ions of the opposite charge to the charge on the second means to create electrostatic field 36, and these ions can move towards the electrode above the second means to create electrostatic field 36. In Figure 5, the electrode 10 can be attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 22, and the electrode 100 can be attached to the ground 18 through the collector load 20. In Figure 5 A, the electrodes 10 and 100 can be attached to the collector load 23.

[0085] Figure 5B shows another embodiment of the invention. In 5B, the first electrode 210 is a set of filaments 200. The electrostatic field created by the first means to create electrostatic field 11 can penetrate the set of filaments 200 and extend into the vacuum 27 between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 16. The set of filaments 200 can be the ion creator 28 when heated, and the filaments 200 give off electrons that are accelerated towards the second electrode 16 by an electrostatic field created by the first means to create electrostatic field 11. In Figure 5B, electricity from a power source 202 can flow out of the power source 202 and into the filaments 200. Filaments 200 can be heated by this electricity from power source 202 and give off electrons that can be accelerated towards the second electrode 16 by the electrostatic field created by the first means to create electrostatic field 11. The electricity canreturn to the power source 202 through a line 204. The filaments 200 when heated, can give off electrons. Electrons from the ground 18 pass through the collector load 22, replacing the electrons given off. The electrons given off by filaments 200 can be collected by the electrode 16 and are conducted to the ground 18 through the collector load 20.

[0086] In Figures 1, IB, 2, 3, 3B, 4, 4B, 5, 5A, and 5B, the collector loads 20 and 22 could be the electrostatic motor 201 or a heater 212 as shown in Figures 6 and 6A. In Figures 1A, 2A, 3A, 3C, 4A, 4C, and 5A, a collector load 23 could also be an electrostatic motor 201 or the heater 212, as shown in Figures 6 and 6A.

[0087] The circuit of the collector loads 20 and 22 can be a grounded capacitor load 57. The grounded capacitor load 57, shown in Figure 7, can be attached to the ground 18. The grounded capacitor load 57 can be a capacitor 150 and a circuit 152 that discharges the capacitor 150 at a specific voltage and runs the discharged energy through the load 154. The circuit 152 can be created by many circuits known in the art. These include but are not limited to high- voltage relay circuits, spark gap circuits, thyratron circuits, high-voltage switching tube circuits, and many others.

[0088] Figure 8 represents another circuit for the collector loads 20 and 22. A grounded capacitor load 61, shown in Figure 8, can be attached to the ground 18. The grounded capacitor load 61 may be a charge collection circuit characterized by capacitance 631, inductance 632, and resistance 633. The electricity may be collected by charging a capacitor associated with the capacitance 631. In this diagram, there is a voltage gradient between wire 611 running to the capacitor load 55 and the ground 18. The electrodes 10, 16, 30, 50, 54, 60, 100, 110, 120 and 200 in Figures 1, IB, 2, 3, 3B, 4, 4B, 5 and 5B can, for the purpose of analysis and optimization of the charge collection process, be viewed as electromagnetic transmission lines characterized by their effective capacitance, inductance, and resistance per unit length. Accordingly, the parameters of the charge collection circuit and the effective transmission line representing electrodes 10, 16, 30, 50, 54, 60, 100, 110, 120 and 200 in Figures 1, IB, 2, 3, 3B, 4, 4B, 5 and 5B, can be optimized to maximize the net charge and energy collected.

[0089] The electrostatic generator can be designed without the need for a ground, as shown in Figures 1 A, 2A, 3A, 3C, 4A, 4C, and 5A. In these Figures, wires from the electrodes 10 and 16 in Figure 1A, the electrodes 10 and 30 in Figure 2A, the electrodes 50 and 54 in Figure 3A, the electrodes 50 and 60 in Figure 3C, the electrodes 100 and 110 in Figure 4A, theelectrodes 100 and 120 in Figure 4C, and the electrodes 10 and 100 in Figure 5 A attach to the collector load 23. A circuit for the collector load 23 can be a capacitor load 55, as shown in Figure 9. The circuit of the capacitor load 55 is the capacitor 150 and the circuit 152 that can discharge the capacitor 150 at a specific voltage and runs the discharged energy through the load 154. The circuit 152 can be created by many circuits known in the art. These include but are not limited to high-voltage relay circuits, spark gap circuits, thyratron circuits, high-voltage switching tube circuits, and many others.

[0090] Figure 10 shows another circuit, a capacitor load 59, for the collector load 23. The capacitor load 59 may be a charge collection circuit characterized by capacitance 631, inductance 632, and resistance 633. The electricity may be collected by charging a capacitor associated with capacitance 631. In this diagram, a battery 610 represents the voltage gradient between the wires running to the capacitor load 59. The electrodes 10 and 16 in Figure 1A, the electrodes 10 and 30 in Figure 2A, the electrodes 50 and 54 in Figure 3A, the electrodes 50 and 60 in Figure 3C, the electrodes 100 and 110 in Figure 4A, the electrodes 100 and 120 in Figure 4C, and the electrodes 10 and 100 in Figure 5 A can, for the purpose of analysis and optimization of the charge collection process, be viewed as electromagnetic transmission lines characterized by their effective capacitance, inductance, and resistance per unit length. Accordingly, the parameters of the charge collection circuit and the effective transmission line representing the electrodes 10 and 16 in Figure 1A, the electrodes 10 and 30 in Figure 2A, the electrodes 50 and 54 in Figure 3A, the electrodes 50 and 60 in Figure 3C, the electrodes 100 and 110 in Figure 4A, the electrodes 100 and 120 in Figure 4C, and the electrodes 100 and 10 in Figure 5A, can be optimized to maximize the net charge and energy collected.

[0091] The preceding description enables a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. While the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the Subject technology.

[0092] There may be many other ways to implement the Subject technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the Subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles definedherein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to the Subject technology by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the Subject technology.

[0093] A phrase Such as an "embodiment does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the Subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase Such as a "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential to the Subject technology or that Such configuration applies to all configurations of the Subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase Such as a "configuration1may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

[0094] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one unless specifically stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some1refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications, and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An electrostatic generator comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode nearly parallel to the first electrode; a material filling a space between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first means to create a first electrostatic field is located in a position in which the first electrode is between the first means to create electrostatic field and the material; and an ion creator that creates ions within the material, wherein the first means to create electrostatic field generates an electrostatic field that penetrates the first electrode.

2. An electrostatic generator comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode nearly parallel to the first electrode; a vacuum filling a space between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first means to create a first electrostatic field that is located in a position in which the first electrode is between the first means to create electrostatic field and the vacuum; and an ion creator that creates ions within the vacuum, wherein the first means to create electrostatic field generates an electrostatic field that penetrates the first electrode.

3. The electrostatic generator as in claim 1 further comprising a second means to create electrostatic field that is located in a position in which the second electrode is between the second means to create electrostatic field and the material, and the second means to create electrostatic field generates an electrostatic field that penetrates the second electrode.

4. The electrostatic generator as in claim 3, wherein: the second electrode is made of a substance; and the second electrode is thinner than a Debye length of the substance.

5. An electrostatic generator as in claim 3, wherein the second electrode has openings that allow the electrostatic field to pass through the openings and penetrate the material.

6. An electrostatic generator as in claim 3, wherein: the second electrode is made of slender rods that penetrate into the material; and the electrostatic field passes between and around the slender rods and penetrates into the material.

7. The electrostatic generator as in claim 1, wherein: the first electrode is made of a substance; and the first electrode is thinner than a Debye length of the substance.

8. The electrostatic generator as in claim 1, wherein the first electrode has openings that allow the electrostatic field to pass through the openings and penetrate the material.

9. The electrostatic generator as in claim 1 , wherein: the first electrode is made of slender rods that penetrate the material; and the electrostatic field passes between and around the slender rods and penetrates the material.

10. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9, wherein the first electrode is also the ion creator.

11. The electrostatic generator as in claim 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, wherein the first electrode is the ion creator and made out of a radioactive substance.

12. The electrostatic generator as in claim 2, wherein the first electrode gives off electrons when heated.

13. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the ion creator is located within the material.

14. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the ion creator is located outside the material.

15. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the material is a liquid, solid, or gas.

16. The electrostatic generator as in claim 1 , 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the material is a semiconductor.

17. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the first means to create the first electrostatic field is an electret.

18. The electrostatic generator as in claim 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the first means to create the first electrostatic field is a charged plate.

19. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the ion creator uses radiation to create ions within the material.

20. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the ion creator uses heat to create ions within the material.

21. The electrostatic generator as in claims 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein the ion creator uses a laser to heat the material to create ions.

22. The electrostatic generator as in claim 12, wherein the first electrode is a filament that is heated by a power source that runs electricity through the filament.

23. The electrostatic generator as in claim 22, wherein the electrons given off by the filament are replaced by electrons that are drawn through a load from a source.

24. The electrostatic generator as in claim 12, wherein the electrons given off by the first electrode are replaced by electrons that are drawn through a load from a source.

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