Patent ID: 8299761
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: H01G

Abstract:
1. An energy-storage apparatus comprising: a first plurality of multi-wall nanotubes, wherein: (i) each multi-wall nanotube includes an inner tube and an outer tube; (ii) the outer tube of each multi-wall nanotube has a fixed end that is not free to with respect to a supporting layer and a free end that is free to move with respect to the supporting layer; (iii) the inner tube of each multi-wall nanotube is exposed and accessible at the free end of the outer tube; and (iv) the inner tube each multi-wall nanotube is movable along a central cylindrical axis thereof and at least a portion of the inner tube is capable of moving beyond the free end of the outer tube; at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is spaced apart from the free end of the outer tube of the multi-wall nanotubes; and control electronics, wherein the control electronics comprise: (i) a controllable voltage source for applying a variable voltage across the at least one electrode and the multi-wall nanotubes; (ii) a first switch for controlling a flow of electrical charge from the voltage source to the multi-wall nanotubes; (iii) a second switch for controlling a discharge of electrical charge from the multi-wall nanotubes; (iv) a processor for controlling the operation of the controllable voltage source, the first switch, and the second switch.