Patent Abstract:
A vehicle kinetic energy management system includes a first main body having a passive magnetic component movable therewith and a second main body movably attached to the first main body for reciprocal movement there between. The second main body includes an active magnetic component movable therewith and magnetically communicating with the passive magnetic component. One of the first and second main bodies being adapted for engagement with a vehicular component that experiences irregularities of a surface on which the vehicle travels, and the other main body engaging a load-bearing portion of the vehicle for which isolation from vibrations is desired. Interaction of the active and passive magnetic components in response to relative movement of the first and second main bodies translates between reciprocating kinetic energy associated with the vehicle motion over the surface irregularities and electrical energy associated with the active magnetic component.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/208,016 filed Aug. 11, 2011, which, in turn, claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/372,766, filed on Aug. 11, 2010 and is a continuation-in-part application of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application Serial No. PCT/US10/32,037, filed Apr. 22, 2010, which, in turn, claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/171,641, filed Apr. 22, 2009. All disclosures in these prior applications are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure is related generally to energy conversion devices capable of inputting electrical and/or mechanical energy and outputting electrical and/or mechanical energy. In particular, the energy conversion device is adapted for converting one form of input energy selected from a mechanical energy and electrical energy, into an output energy selected from a mechanical energy and electrical energy using a stationary and moveable magnetic component. This disclosure is further related generally to energy management systems capable of managing kinetic energy in the form of vibrating mechanical input. In particular, this disclosure is directed to energy management systems for absorbing transverse shock or vibration experienced by a moving vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    At least two nested magnetic components, such as toroidal magnetic components are provided, one active component creating a magnetic field and one passive component, from which the energy of the field is converted to mechanical energy or vice versa through relative movement between the active and passive component. The passive component may be a magnetic piston and the active component may be a coiled electrical winding. 
         [0004]    For conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, external forces, originating from source of kinetic energy such as walking, running, driving, typing, or the movement of air or water, or the expansion or contraction of a fluid, may cause a floating magnet to oscillate relative to a winding or coil. For example, mechanical energy from wind, hydro or other moving fluid or from mechanical activity may be used to cause relative movement between the piston and the winding and energy generated by the relative motion may be transferred from the winding to and stored as electrical energy by an electrical storage device such as a battery or a capacitor. For conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy, electrical energy from an external source causes the winding to create a magnetic field which causes the floating magnet to move. The mechanical energy is used directly or stored by a mechanical energy storage device such as a flywheel. 
         [0005]    In one exemplary device, a winding or coil defines a longitudinal axis. Two fixed magnets, one disposed at each end of the longitudinal axis, act on a magnetic piston movably disposed relative to the winding and displaceable along the longitudinal axis. The relative motion between the piston and the winding may be horizontal or vertical or at any angle therebetween. 
         [0006]    In another exemplary device, the energy conversion device has an elongated channel defined by a radial magnetic source, a winding disposed coaxial with the radial magnetic source two oppositely disposed axial magnets in fixed locations at opposing ends of the elongated channel and a piston disposed therebetween. The radial axial magnets may be rare earth magnets such as neodymium magnets. 
         [0007]    In another exemplary device, a passive toroidal component is significantly larger than an active toroidal component. 
         [0008]    In still another exemplary device, the piston may be a complex magnet having an axial magnetic component responsive to the oppositely disposed axial magnets, and a radial magnetic component responsive to the radial magnetic source to generally maintain the piston in a floating position within an elongated channel defined by the winding or coil. The opposing magnetic fields of the oppositely disposed axial magnets confine the floating piston within the channel and increase the number and speed of the oscillations. A cylinder may be provided defining the channel and may be wrapped tightly with a toroidal copper winding defining the winding. As the piston passes through the winding, its movement creates a moving magnetic field that is converted into electrical current flowing through the winding. 
         [0009]    Additional magnets may be configured around the cylinder allowing the piston to float freely, reducing friction between the piston and the walls of the cylinder. 
         [0010]    A kinetic energy management system is also disclosed for managing vibration experienced by a moving vehicle, where the vibration occurs in a direction generally transverse to the direction of movement of the vehicle, 
         [0011]    One exemplary kinetic energy management system includes an electromechanical shock absorber device comprising a first main body movably attached to a second main body for reciprocal movement therebetween, the first main body having a winding or coil movable therewith and the second main body having a magnet moveable therewith. The magnet may be movable relative to the winding by the reciprocal relative movement of the first and second main bodies such as to generate a current in the winding. One of the first or second main bodies is adapted for engagement with a vehicular component that experiences the irregularities of a surface on which the vehicle travels and the other of the main bodies is adapted for engagement with a load bearing portion of the vehicle for which isolation from the vibrations due to irregularities of the surface is desired. The interaction of the magnet and the winding may be used to translate between reciprocating kinetic energy associated with the motion of the vehicle over the surface irregularities and electrical energy associated with current through the winding. The vehicle may be a car or truck and the surface may be a road. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a boat and the surface may be the surface of a body of water. 
         [0012]    Another exemplary kinetic energy management system includes an electromagnetic shock absorber having at least two nested magnetic components, such as toroidal magnetic components, one active component creating a magnetic field and one passive component from which the energy of the field is converted to mechanical energy, or vice versa through relative movement between the active and passive component. The passive component may be a magnetic piston and the active component may be a coiled electrical winding. For conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy, external forces, originating from surface irregularities as a vehicle travels in a forward direction, cause relative movement between the magnetic components resulting in current flowing through the active component. 
         [0013]    In another electromechanical shock absorber, a winding or coil defines a longitudinal axis. Two fixed magnets, one disposed at each end of the longitudinal axis, act on a magnetic piston movably disposed relative to the winding and displaceable along the longitudinal axis, The relative motion between the piston and the winding may be horizontal or vertical or at any angle therebetween. 
         [0014]    In still another exemplary system, the electromechanical shock absorber has an elongated channel defined by a radial magnetic source, a winding disposed coaxial with the radial magnetic source, two oppositely disposed axial magnets in fixed locations at opposing ends of the elongated channel and a piston disposed therebetween. The radial axial magnets may be rare earth magnets such as neodymium magnets. 
         [0015]    The energy management system may be used to passively absorb a portion of the transverse vibration by surface irregularities as well as to provide electrical energy for later use by passively converting the kinetic energy to electricity. Alternatively, the energy management system may be used to actively manage the amplitude or the frequency of the transverse vibrations experienced by the load-bearing portion of the vehicle by selective application of a current to the windings. The energy management system may therefore include an electronic control system to control the application of current to the winding as well as to regulate the use of current generated in the winding by the movement of the magnet 
         [0016]    The first and second main bodies of the electromagnetic shock absorber may create an enclosure or housing for the magnet, the winding, electronic controls, shock-absorbing components, and a spring. The main body may be constructed to have a similar shape and mounting function as a conventional mechanical shock absorber or may have alternate shapes and features for special applications. 
         [0017]    The magnet may be a disc shaped compound complex radial magnetic piston manufactured or selected to effectively present axial poles of opposing polarity on its respective faces as well as to effectively present a radial pole of a single polarity. 
         [0018]    In still another exemplary device, the piston may be a complex magnet having an axial magnetic component responsive to the oppositely disposed axial magnets, and a radial magnetic component responsive to the radial magnetic source to generally maintain the piston in a floating position within an elongated channel defined by the winding or coil. The opposing magnetic fields of the oppositely disposed axial magnets confine the floating piston within the channel and increase the number and speed of the oscillations. A cylinder may be provided defining the channel and may be wrapped tightly with a toroidal copper winding defining the winding. As the piston passes through the winding, its movement creates a moving magnetic field that is converted into electrical current flowing through the winding. 
         [0019]    Additional magnets may be configured around the cylinder allowing the piston to float freely, reducing friction between the piston and the walls of the cylinder. 
         [0020]    The energy management system may be used in parallel or in series with a mechanical energy managing system such as a mechanical shock absorber or a mechanical spring. Alternatively, a mechanical energy managing system may be integrated into a shock-absorbing device of the type disclosed herein. 
         [0021]    In one exemplary energy management system disclosed, the vehicle using an electromagnetic shock absorber is a car or truck and the surface is a road. The electromagnetic shock absorber is installed in parallel with a conventional mechanical shock absorber or spring. Alternatively, the electromechanical shock absorber incorporates mechanical shock absorbing components and is substituted for a conventional mechanical shock absorber. Alternatively, the electromechanical shock absorber incorporates a spring and is substituted for a conventional mechanical spring. 
         [0022]    In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is a boat and the surface is the surface of a body of water. An electromechanical shock absorber may be installed between the hull of the boat and a pontoon floating on the surface of the water adjacent the hull. A plurality of electromechanical shock absorbers may be provided adjacent each side of the boat coupled to one or more pontoons on each side of the boat. The action of waves will displace the magnet relative to the windings of the electromechanical shock absorbers to induce current in the windings to generate electrical power or to provide a damping effect on the motion of the boat in response to the waves. The windings of the electromechanical shock absorbers may also be selectively powered to raise the pontoons above the water surface when desired. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Some configurations of the energy management system will now be described, by way of example only and without disclaimer of other configurations, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic representation of an energy conversion device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic representation of an alternative energy conversion device; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a first example of an energy conversion device, with internal magnetic components shown in phantom line; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the energy conversion device of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3  thereof; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the energy conversion device of  FIGS. 2 and 3  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of a second example of an energy conversion device, with internal magnetic components shown in phantom line; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the energy conversion device of  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 - 6  thereof; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is 1 sectional view of the energy conversion device of  FIGS. 5 and 6  taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a top view of an alternative complex piston for the energy conversion devices of  FIGS. 1 through 6 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a prior art automotive shock absorbing system including conventional mechanical shock absorbers; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a conventional mechanical shock absorber illustrating the operation thereof with its internal components in an extended operational configuration; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a schematic view of the shock absorber of  FIG. 10  with its internal components in a compressed operational configuration; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view of a conventional shock absorber mounted in parallel with an exemplary electromagnetic shock absorber; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a schematic perspective view&#39; of a conventional shock absorber mounted in parallel with an alternative exemplary electromagnetic shock absorber; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a schematic perspective view of another alternative exemplary electromechanical shock absorber which may be substituted for a conventional mechanical shock absorber; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the electromagnetic shock absorber of  FIG. 12  taken along line thereof; 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a partial sectional view of the electromagnetic shock absorber of  FIGS. 12 and 15  taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is an exploded schematic view of certain internal components of the electromagnetic shock absorber of  FIGS. 12 ,  15  and  16 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  is an exploded schematic view similar to  FIG. 17 , but illustrating an alternative exemplary electromagnetic shock absorber; 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 15 , but illustrating another alternative exemplary electromagnetic shock absorber with control components incorporated into its housing; 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 15 , but illustrating still another alternative exemplary electromagnetic shock absorber with damping components incorporated into its housing; 
           [0045]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 15 , but illustrating yet another alternative exemplary electromagnetic shock absorber with damping components and a spring incorporated into its housing; 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary linear kinetic energy management system including an electromechanical shock absorber for use in association with a boat; 
           [0047]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternate exemplar kinetic energy management system including a plurality of electromechanical shock absorbers for use in association with a boat; 
           [0048]      FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of the kinetic energy management system of  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 25  is a top plan view of the kinetic energy management system of  FIGS. 23 and 24 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 26  is a front elevational view of the kinetic energy management system of  FIGS. 23-25 , illustrating the kinetic energy management system mounted to a side of a boat; and 
           [0051]      FIG. 27  is a sectional view through yet another kinetic energy management system having an electromagnetic shock absorber into a float. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0052]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. Referring now to the drawings; exemplary energy management systems are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent alternative configurations of energy management systems, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to provide a better illustration and explanation of a configuration. The configurations set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to otherwise limit the device to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , schematically illustrating a generalized energy conversion device  10 , the arrangement of the magnetic and electromagnetic components of energy conversion device  10  will be described. In particular, energy conversion device  10  includes a radial magnetic source  12  disposed coaxially with a winding such as a toroidal winding  14 . In the exemplary structure illustrated, radial magnetic source  12  surrounds toroidal winding  14 . Together, radial magnetic source  12  and a toroidal winding  14  define a longitudinal axis  16  as well as an elongated channel  18  for a piston  20  to reciprocate along longitudinal axis  16 . Radial magnetic source  12  has an outer circumferential surface  22  having a first polarity and an inner circumferential surface  24  having an opposite polarity to outer circumferential surface  22 . As described below, radial magnetic source  12  may, for example, be a single elongated toroidally shaped magnet or may be a plurality of bar-shaped magnets disposed radially about toroidal winding  14 . In some applications, the energy conversion device may be used without a radial magnetic source  12 . 
         [0054]    Piston  20  comprises a disk-shaped axial magnet  28  having a first surface  30  of a first polarity and a second surface  32  of an opposite polarity to that first surface  30 . Piston  20  further comprises a toroidally-shaped radial magnet  34  surrounding axial magnet  28  and having an outer circumferential surface  36  of a first polarity and an inner circumferential surface  38  of a second polarity opposite the polarity of surface  38 . Inner circumferential surface  38  engages an outer circumferential surface  40  of axial magnet  28 . Radial magnet  34  interacts with radial magnetic source  12  to maintain piston  20  axially centered in channel  18 . This will occur whether the inner circumferential surface  24  of radial magnetic source  12  has the same polarity or the opposite polarity as the outer circumferential surface  36  of radial magnet  34 , since the forces will be approximately equal in all directions, but piston  20  will be less likely to tilt relative to longitudinal axis  16  due to any imbalance of forces if these surfaces have opposite polarity. 
         [0055]    It should be noted that all of the magnets used in the energy conversion device may be rare earth magnets, such as neodymium magnets, to provide the desired strength combined with a low-weight. Alternative choices for the neodymium material are described later herein. 
         [0056]    A disk-shaped axial magnet  44  is disposed at one longitudinal end of channel  18 . Axial magnet  44  has a first surface  46  facing towards first surface  30  of axial magnet  28  of piston  20  and having the same polarity as first surface  30  so as to repel piston  20 . Axial magnet  44  has a second surface  48  disposed opposite to first surface  46  and having the opposite polarity as first surface  46 . A disk shaped axial magnet  50  is disposed at the other longitudinal end of channel  18 . Axial magnet  50  has a surface  52  facing towards second surface  32  of axial magnet  28  of piston  20  and having the same polarity as second surface  32  so as to repel piston  20 . Axial magnet  50  has a second surface  54  disposed opposite to first surface  52  and having the opposite polarity as first surface  52 . 
         [0057]    Therefore, as depicted in  FIG. 1A , axial magnets  44  and  50  cooperate with axial magnet  28  of piston  20  and radial magnetic source  12  cooperates with radial magnet  34  of piston  20  to maintain piston  20  floating in a fixed position within channel  18  unless disturbed by an external force. Furthermore, if any event causes a repositioning of piston  20  relative to any of the magnet components  12 ,  44  or  50 , the net magnetic forces upon piston  20 , taking also into account the force of gravity piston  20 , will cause piston  20  to oscillate within channel  18  along longitudinal axis  16  until it is restored to a balanced stationary position. As piston  20  oscillates, toroidal winding  14  generates electrical energy from the moving magnetic field. Since piston  20  is free floating within channel  18 , no energy is lost to friction between solid bearing surfaces. 
         [0058]    Energy conversion device  10  further includes another toroidal winding  60  disposed adjacent axial magnet  50 . Toroidal winding  60  may be selectively energized to temporarily upset the balance of forces acting on piston  20  so as to initiate or assist the oscillation of piston  20 . It will be appreciated that oscillation of piston  20  may additionally or alternatively be initiated or assisted by mechanical action causing piston  20  to move relative to the other magnetic components  12 ,  44  and  50 , or alternatively causing any of the magnetic components  12 ,  44  and  50  to move relative to piston  20 . It will further be appreciated that relative motion between piston  20  and toroidal winding  14  will establish a current in toroidal winding  14  which may be used as a source of electrical power. 
         [0059]      FIG. 1B  schematically illustrates an alternative generalized energy conversion device  10   a  in which the arrangement of the magnetic and electromagnetic components are similar to those described above except that piston  20   a  and axial magnets  44   a  and  50   a  are ring-shaped. In this arrangement, piston  20   a  is disposed outside of the radial magnetic source  12  and the toroidal winding  14  and axial magnet  50   a  is disposed outside of toroidal winding  60 . Piston  20   a  is composed of an inner ring-shaped radial magnet  34   a  and an outer ring-shaped axial magnet  28   a . Axial magnets  44   a  and  50   a  interact with axial magnet  28   a  and radial magnetic source  12  interacts with radial magnet  34   a  according to the same principles as the similarly numbered components of the generalized energy conversion device  10  of  FIG. 1A  described above. 
         [0060]    It should be noted that a plurality of toroidal windings are provided. One or more passive toroidal windings are provided to create an output current as a function of the motion of the piston. One or more active toroidal windings are provided to create a magnetic field opposing the magnetic field of the piston. The passive toroidal winding is significantly larger than the active toroidal winding. The energy created by the piston interacting with the passive toroidal winding may be transferred to and stored in an electrical device such as a battery or capacitor. The active toroidal winding may use the electrical energy previously created by the moving piston magnets interacting with the passive toroidal winding. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , a first exemplary energy conversion device  101  will be described. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , toroidal winding  14  is wound about and supported by a tube  64  formed of a suitable non-conductive material such as plastic. As shown only in  FIG. 4 , toroidal winding  60  may also be wound about and supported by tube  64 . An inner surface  66  of plastic tube  64  defines channel  18  for piston  20 . 
         [0063]    As best shown in  FIG. 4 , energy conversion device  10 ′ is provided with an outer housing  70  having a cylindrical wall  72  closed at one end by a flat wall  74  and attachable at another end with a cover  76  to form an enclosure for the magnetic components of energy conversion device  10 . Axial magnet  44  is affixed to cover  76 . Axial magnet  50  is affixed to base  74  inside of outer housing  70 . Piston  20  is shown spaced away from toroidal winding  14  so as to avoid loss of energy to friction between components. However, piston  20  may be proportioned with a sufficiently large diameter relative to the inner diameter of toroidal winding  14  to restrict airflow between the portions of channel  18  on either side of piston  20 . To prevent air pressure buildup on either side of piston  20  from inhibiting the motion of piston  20 , housing  70  may be provided with openings, not shown, permitting airflow to on either end of channel  18 . 
         [0064]    Wires  78  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) for powering toroidal winding  60  extend through apertures  80  in cylindrical wall  72  to an external power source  82 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Power source  82  may be selectively connected to toroidal winding  60  through a switch  84 , which may be a manual switch or may be a switch activated automatically, such as by a microprocessor, when it is desired to introduce a temporary magnetic imbalance to piston  20  to initiate or assist in the oscillation of piston  20 . Wires  86  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) connected to toroidal winding  14  similarly extend through apertures  88  in cylindrical wall  72  to an electrical load  90 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Alternatively, wires  86  may be replaced by a wireless power transmission system. 
         [0065]    Energy conversion device  10 ′ may be configured to provide either alternating current or direct current output. Electrical load  90  may be one or more electrical devices capable of consuming the power, one or more storage devices used to store power for later use, or a power distribution system. Exemplary storage devices for electrical load  90  include batteries, flywheels, capacitors, and other devices of capable of storing energy using electrical, chemical, thermal or mechanical storage systems. Exemplary electrical devices for electrical load  90  include electric motors, fuel cells, hydrolysis conversion devices, battery charging devices, lights, and heating elements. Exemplary power distribution systems electrical load  90  includes residential circuit breaker panel, or an electrical power grid. Electrical load  90  may also include intermediate electrical power conversion device capable of converting the power to a form useable by electrical load  90  such as an inverter. 
         [0066]    While power source  82  and electrical load  90  are schematically illustrated as independent of energy conversion device  10 ′, either or both may be integrated with energy conversion device  10 ′ or connected with energy conversion device  10 ′ in some manner. In particular, one or both may alternatively be affixed to outer housing  70  or cover  76  or mounted within a compartment formed on outer housing  70  or cover  76 . Still another alternative would be for the power source  82  or electrical load  90  to incorporate cover  76 . Furthermore, while power source  82  and electrical load  90  are schematically illustrated as being tangentially located relative to longitudinal axis  16 , either or both may be advantageously located along longitudinal axis  16  for some implementations. Thus, for example, but not illustrated, cylindrical wall  72  of outer housing  70  may extend beyond wall  74  to provide a compartment for the storage of a power source  82  or electrical load  90 , such as cylindrical batteries, radio, or a light. Additionally or alternatively, cover  76  may be provided with a compartment or attachment feature for a power source or an electrical load. 
         [0067]    Energy conversion device  10 ′ may use six equally spaced bar magnets  12   a  through  12   f  disposed about the periphery of toroidal winding  14  as a radial magnetic source. An inner wall  92  of outer housing  70  holds the array of bar magnets in their desired spaced apart relationship. 
         [0068]    Energy conversion device  10 ′ may therefore be assembled, as shown in  FIG. 4  by inserting piston  20  into outer housing  70 , sliding tube  64  carrying toroidal windings  14  and  60  and piston  20  into outer housing  70 , and then attaching cover  76  to close outer housing  70 . 
         [0069]    Housing  70  may be provided with appropriate legs or mounting points, not shown, if desired, for selectively supporting energy conversion device  10 ′ in a horizontal position, a vertical position, or both. If the intent is to operate energy conversion device  10 ′ with longitudinal axis  16  vertically disposed, then it may be desirable to select an axial magnet  50  that is stronger than axial magnetic component of piston  20  and to select an axial magnet  44  that is weaker than axial magnetic component of the piston  20  to adjust for the gravitational force on piston  20 . 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , a second exemplary energy conversion device  10 ″ will be described. Energy conversion device  10 ″ is similar to energy conversion device  10 ′ except as described below. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , toroidal winding  14  is wound about and supported by a cylindrical wall  94  of an inner housing  96 . Inner housing  96  is formed of a suitable non-conductive material Inner housing  96  has a flat wall  98  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) closing one end of cylindrical wall  94  and an annular flange  100  extending from cylindrical wall  94 . Cylindrical wall  94  of inner housing  96  defines channel  18  for piston  20 . Axial magnet  44  is affixed to flat wall  98  within inner housing  96 . 
         [0072]    An outer housing  70 ″ having a cylindrical wall  72 ′ (see  FIG. 7 ) joined to a flat base  74 ′ provides a partial enclosure for the magnetic components of energy conversion device  10 ″ in a manner similar to outer housing  70  (see  FIGS. 2 , and  4 ) of energy conversion device  10 ′, except that instead of a cover  76 , the open end of outer housing  70 ″ (see  FIGS. 5 and 7 ) is closed by annular flange  100  of inner housing  96 . 
         [0073]    Energy conversion device  10 ″ further differs from energy conversion device  10 ′ in that, instead of using six bar magnets, energy conversion device  10 ″ uses an elongated toroidal magnet  104  fitted into outer housing  70 ″ as a radial magnetic source. Energy conversion device  10 ″ further differs from energy conversion device  10 ′ by having a support  106  (see  FIG. 6 ) extending from the cylindrical wall  72 ″ to selectively support energy conversion device  10 ″ on a horizontal surface. It will be appreciated that, unlike energy conversion device  10 ′ which is designed to advantageously use the force of gravity on piston  20 , energy conversion device  10 ″ may be positioned at any orientation from zero to ninety degrees relative to a horizontal plane and, if desired, support  106  may be omitted. As shown, toroidal winding  60  may be wound about axial magnet  50 . Alternatively, not shown, toroidal winding  60  may be wound about cylindrical wall  94  of inner housing  96  or around a spool. 
         [0074]    Energy conversion device  10 ″ may therefore be assembled, as shown in  FIG. 7 , by sliding toroidal magnet  104  and piston  20  into outer housing  70 ″, inserting inner housing  96  into outer housing  70 ″, and then attaching annular flange  100  to outer housing  70 ″. 
         [0075]    Energy conversion devices  10 ,  10   a ,  10 ′ and 10″ may be used as a generator, a motor, a pump, a compressor, an engine, or an electrical power transformer. When used as a transformer, electrical power may be input to toroidal winding  60  and electrical power may be output from toroidal winding  14 . When used as a generator, mechanical power may be input by reciprocally moving the outer housing  70  or  70 ″ along axis  16  and electrical power may be output from toroidal winding  14 . The mechanical motion may be provided, for example, by any source that is capable of oscillating the housing along longitudinal axis  16 , such as ocean waves, wind, reciprocating fuel burning engines or manual activity. Alternatively, mechanical motion may be imparted to the piston  20  or  20   a . For example the two ends of housing  70  or  70 ″ may have openings, not shown to allow the movement of air into the channel  18  on one side of the piston and out of the channel  18  on the other side of the piston such as to impart movement to the piston as a result of pressure differential across the piston. The output of the energy conversion device can be configured to be direct or alternating current. 
         [0076]    When used as a motor, electrical power, for example from power lines, solar, wind, or stored energy may be input to toroidal winding  60  or through toroidal winding  14  to cause vibration or reciprocal motion of piston  20  or  20   a  and a reactionary motion of outer housing  70  or  70 ″. Mechanical power may be harnessed through a coupling to piston  20  or  20   a  or alternatively through using or harnessing the reciprocal motion or&#39; vibration of the outer housing  70  or  70 ″, which may occur in reaction to the motion of piston  20  or  20   a . When used as a pump or compressor, suitable valve passageways, not shown, may be provided to permit piston  20  or  20   a  to pump air or another fluid or to compress a fluid. 
         [0077]    An energy conversion device may be configured as a single stage having a single set of axial magnet  50 , a single set of toroidal windings  14  and  60 , a single radial magnetic source  12 , and a single piston  20  or  20   a , as described above. Alternatively, a compound energy conversion device, not illustrated, may have multiple stages, each with at least its own piston, which may operate in series, in parallel, or independently. When constructed with multiple stages, the individual stages may share components, such as outer or inner housings. The multiple stages may be axially aligned with each other such as, for example, by having multiple stages similar to energy conversion device  10 ,  10   a ,  10 ′ or  10 ″ extending sequentially along longitudinal axis  16  or by having one or more ring-type energy conversion devices  10   a  disposed concentrically about a central energy conversion device  10 ,  10   a ,  10 ′ or  10 ″. Alternatively, multiple energy conversion devices may be connected electrically or mechanically in parallel or in series. 
         [0078]    Refer now to  FIG. 8  illustrating an alternative complex magnet  120  formed of a plurality of magnetic segments  122   a - 122   f  enclosed in a ring  124 . Complex magnet  120  may be a radial neodymium ring magnet of the type sold by Engineered Concepts, 1836 Canyon Road, Vestavia Hills, Ala. 35216, owned by George Mizzell in Birmingham, Ala., and offered for sale under the name SuperMagnetMan, for example, as parts number RROU60N, RR0090N, or, RR0100S. Complex piston  120  may be used in any of the energy conversion devices  10 ,  10   a ,  10 ′ or  10 ″. 
         [0079]    Applicants have determined experimentally that such magnets have the property of having an axial magnetic component such as to effective presenting a north pole on one face  126  and a south pole on an opposite face not shown while also having a radial component presenting a first pole, such as a north pole on first arcuate face  128 , and an opposite pole such as a south pole, on a second arcuate face surface  130 . 
         [0080]    In particular, complex magnet  120  may be manufactured using multiple magnet sections  122   a - f  which are created individually and then assembled into ring  124 . Ring  124  may be comprised of aluminum and have an outer cylindrical wall  132  and at least one annular wall  134  for engaging the magnetic sections Annular wall  134  may have a centrally located aperture  136  for use in mounting complex magnet to other components, such as a shaft, when required for some applications. When used with energy conversion device  10   a , shown in  FIG. 1B , aperture  136  will be large enough to clear coil or winding  14  as well as radial magnetic source  12 , if a radial magnetic source is used. 
         [0081]    For example, an acceptable complex piston has been manufactured using ten separate N42 diametric magnet segments. For some applications, a weaker complex piston may be suitable made from N40 or N32 segments, since it is easier to assemble using weaker magnet segments. It has been suggested experimentally that such variables as the gauss strength, strength and length of the piston  120  magnetic field, as well as the speed (oscillations) of the radial magnet be maximized. The addition of a second radial magnet also appears experimentally to be helpful. However, from experiments to date, it appears that the most important variables to maximize are the gauss strength and radial magnetic strength and therefore a piston made from N52 may be desirable, 
         [0082]    It will be appreciated that the energy storage device described above may be acting in concert with and providing an input either primary or secondary, to an individually circuited system such as a residential home fuse panel fed by a commercial power grid or to a hydro, nuclear, wind, solar, wave, or any other type of electrical power generation grid such as used for private and/or public power consumption. The device may be a singular entity or multiple entities combined as units in series, parallel or independently to provide increased output. The device may be capable of acting in concert with an electrical device capable of calculating and regulating the input energy to the active toroid  60  such that the piston motion is maintained. The device may, acting in concert with an electrical device (e.g., an electronic control module capable of being programmed) be capable of calculating and regulating the input energy to the active toroid ( 60 ), reading input signals and generating output signals based on the input signals such that the piston motion is decelerated, stopped and reversed with minimum input energy to the active toroid. 
         [0083]    A control algorithm may be provided capable of deriving piston deceleration and acceleration and calculating the required toroidal energy needed to accelerate the piston to its required velocity and generating a current and voltage input signal for the active toroid. The algorithm would minimally require input signals consisting of piston travel at three different positions, e.g., using Hall affect sensors, each sensed position being past the piston mid-travel point along the longitudinal axis toward a horizontal magnet, calculating the time between the three pulses to derive velocity and deceleration for two time periods, calculating the deceleration rate as a function of piston position, calculating the point at which the piston will stop, determining the force necessary to accelerate the piston to the desired initial velocity, calculating the required toroid force required generating a current command signal (for a fixed voltage) and measuring the acceleration as the piston travels in the opposite direction along its longitudinal axis and adjusting the toroidal power level to maintain the required piston target velocity by measuring the time required to travel between the three points. 
         [0084]    The energy conversion device may be adapted, in concert with control algorithms, to minimize the input energy into the active toroid. The control algorithm may maintain the following relationship: F tin &gt;F p −F Mh  where F tin  is the active toroid force in a direction opposite that of the piston force  20  proportional to input voltage and current, F p  is the piston force, and F Mh  is the force of the horizontal magnet opposing the piston force F p  such that a piston traveling along its longitudinal axis is decelerated as it approaches a horizontal magnet (such as magnet  50 ), stops instantaneously and then is accelerated by the active toroid  60 , (see  FIG. 1A ) at a predetermined, empirically developed rate by the applied force F tin , acting in concert with the repelling force of the horizontal magnet  50 , towards the upper horizontal magnet  44 . 
         [0085]    Acting in concert with a stationary magnet or magnets  44  and  50  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) the longitudinal axis of this device, including these magnets, can be oriented from 0-90 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, displaced a finite distance from the vertical mid-point whose primary force fields are oriented 90 degrees from the radial magnets, said magnets located such that their fields interact with the radial magnets along the vertical axis of the radial magnets as shown in the exemplary device of  FIGS. 1-7 . This magnet or magnets can be positioned either internal to the stationary radial magnets (as illustrated) or external to the stationary radial magnets, i.e., the magnet has a larger ID than the stationary radial magnet OD using a ring type magnet configuration. 
         [0086]    It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many configurations and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. For example, it will be appreciated that relative motion between the piston and the winding may be caused by any mechanical action such as wind, hydro (wave, current or vertical drop energy), or mechanical input from moving or bouncing objects. Alternatively, the energy conversion device may transmit power to a device or devices capable of utilizing the electrical output of the toroid without using intermediate storage. These devices include, but, are not limited to, electric motors, fuel cells, hydrolysis conversion devices, battery charging devices, lights, and heating elements. Alternatively, the piston may be directly displaced by a fluid acting directly on a face of the piston, such as moving air or water, a combustible fuel expanding against one face of the piston, or a fluid expanding or contracting in response to a temperature change. 
         [0087]    Still another variation is providing the energy conversion device within a portable electronic device to directly provide power to the device or to charge a battery within the device. Such energy conversion devices may generate power from intentional or incidental movement of the device by a person carrying the portable electronic device or a vehicle in which the portable electronic device is carried, such as by shaking the device along the longitudinal axis of the energy conversion device. For such applications, the energy conversion device may be proportioned as a standard cylindrical battery, such as standard A, B or C batteries, and may further be provided with output and input features comparable to such batteries so that they may be substituted for such batteries or placed in series with such batteries in the portable electronic device. Alternatively, the energy storage device may be proportioned to substitute for two or more such batteries. Alternatively, a combination system of a rechargeable battery and an energy conversion may be incorporated into a self-recharging battery pack for installation in a portable electronic device. The self-recharging battery pack may be proportioned and fitted with appropriate electrical connectors to substitute for one or more conventional batteries. Such self-recharging battery packs may be provided with an indicator to indicate when the battery is charged or a control system to allow power to be drawn from the battery only when the battery is charged above a predetermined threshold. 
         [0088]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , which schematically illustrates an example of a prior art automotive energy management system  212  using conventional mechanical shock absorbers  210  to isolate the load bearing portion of a vehicle, such as a passenger compartment, from the vibrations of the wheel and axle system experienced as the vehicle moves in a forward direction over an uneven road surface. As shown in  FIG. 9 , prior art energy management systems  212  may include a spring  214 , such as a coil spring or a leaf spring, to further manage the vibration between suspension components  216  and  218 . 
         [0089]      FIGS. 10 and 11  schematically illustrate a conventional mechanical shock absorber  210  with its internal components in an extended and compressed configuration, respectively. As illustrated, conventional mechanical shock absorber  210  typically has a rod  211  having a piston  213  on its extreme end reciprocally mounted in a cylinder  215  such that piston  213  sealingly engages an inner wall of cylinder  215 . A seal  217  is also provided between the free end of rod  211  and an end  225  of cylinder  215  receiving rod  211 . A floating piston  219  divides cylinder  215  into an oil reservoir  221 , in which piston  213  is free to oscillate along the longitudinal axis of cylinder  215 , and an air chamber  223  disposed remote from piston  213 . As seen by comparing  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the oil in reservoir  221  resists the motion of piston  215  in response to vibration input to shock absorber  210 , thereby absorbing some of the kinetic energy in the vibration. Floating piston  219  is free to move in response to the compression of oil in oil reservoir  221  as piston  213  is moved by rod  211 . 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , an electromagnetic shock absorber  250  may be placed in mechanical parallel with conventional mechanical shock absorber  210  to convert a portion of the kinetic energy of vibrations experienced by the shock absorbers  210  and  250  into electrical energy. As shown in  FIG. 12 , electromagnetic shock absorber  250  may be configured to be of the same length and diameter as conventional mechanical shock absorber  210  and may be extended between the same components as conventional mechanical shock absorber  210  in adjacent mounting locations. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 13 , electromagnetic shock absorber  250  may be configured differently than conventional mechanical shock absorber  210  and may be extended between different components of a suspension system or at mounting points experiencing a different amount of displacement than conventional technical shock absorber  210 . For some applications in particular, it may be desirable to intentionally use a leveraging system so that electromagnetic shock absorber  250 ′ and conventional mechanical shock absorber  210  experience different force levels in response to vibration to optimize their load absorbing or electrical energy generating characteristics. 
         [0091]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 14  an electromagnetic shock absorber  250 ″ may be manufactured to the same dimensions as a conventional mechanical shock absorber and have shock absorbing components incorporated therein, as described in detail later herein. Electromechanical shock absorber  250 ″ may therefore be substituted for a conventional mechanical shock absorber in a suspension system since it offers the functionality of both types of shock absorbers. 
         [0092]    Referring now generally to  FIGS. 15-21  various exemplary electromagnetic shock absorbers  250 ,  250 ′,  250 ″ and  250   a  are illustrated and the general arrangement of the mechanical, magnetic and electromagnetic components of energy management system  300  will be described. 
         [0093]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 15-17 , schematically illustrating a generalized electromechanical shock absorber  250 , and more particularly to  FIG. 15 , illustrating a section through shock absorber  250 , the arrangement of the magnetic and electromagnetic components will be described. In particular, electromechanical shock absorber  250  includes a cylinder  252  having an upper end wall  254  and a lower end wall  256 . A first rod  258  is fixed to the upper end  254  connectable to a first suitable mounting point on a suspension system. A second rod  260 , connectable to second suitable mounting point of a suspension system, is inserted through an aperture in the lower end wall  256  and is reciprocal relative to cylinder  252 . 
         [0094]    A magnetic piston  264  is mounted to rod  260  within cylinder  252  and is constrained to oscillate within cylinder  252  in response to relative movement between the first and second mounting points of the suspension system. Magnetic piston  264  may be press fitted to rod  260  or secured thereto by other means, such as clips. Magnetic piston  264  may be a complex magnet having an axial magnetic component and a radial magnetic component, as illustrated and described in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/171,641 and PCT patent application Serial No. PCT/US10/32,037 described above and incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0095]    An optional pair of axial magnets  266  and  268  may be disposed within cylinder  252  adjacent walls  254  and  256 . Magnets  266  and  268  and magnetic piston  264  are oriented to present faces to each other of opposite polarity. Magnets  268  and  266  may be used to assist in the orientation of magnet piston  264  and to manage the oscillatory motion of magnet piston  264 . 
         [0096]    A winding, such as a toroidal winding  270 , is provided within cylinder  252 , which may be protected from magnetic piston  264  by a cylindrical wall  272 . Magnetic piston  264  extends nearly to wall  272 . For some applications, it may be desirable for magnetic piston  264  to form a sliding seal with wall  272 . It will be appreciated that oscillatory motion of magnetic piston  264  within cylinder  252  will cause a current to flow in toroidal winding  270 , thus permitting the winding to convert the kinetic energy of vibrations in the suspension system to electrical energy which may be used by the vehicle. Conversely driving a current through toroidal winding  270  will impart a force on a magnetic piston  264 , causing relative motion between rods  258  and  260 , which may in turn deliver a force to the components of the suspension system to manage the oscillatory motion there between. 
         [0097]    Electromechanical shock absorber  250  optionally includes another toroidal winding  274  disposed adjacent axial magnet  266 . Toroidal winding  274  may also be selectively energized to temporally exert a force on magnetic piston  264  to initiate or assist the oscillation of magnetic piston  264 . Wires  280  and  282  connected respectively to toroidal winding  270  and  274  extend from cylinder  252  to an external load  284  for the use of the current generated in winding  270  and connect toroidal windings  272  and  274  to an external source of power  286  and controller  288  for selectively powering the windings. 
         [0098]    Cylinder  252  may be provided with apertures  285  for admission of air to cool the internal components and to regulate the buildup of air pressure on opposing sides of magnetic piston  264 . 
         [0099]    Electromechanical shock absorber  250  may be configured to provide either alternating current or direct current output. Electrical load  284  may be one or more electrical devices capable of consuming the power, one or more storage devices used to store power for later use, or a power distribution system. Exemplary storage devices for electrical load  284  may include the vehicle main battery or a local battery for use by controller  288  and may therefore be the same component as power source  286 . 
         [0100]    While power source  286  controller  288 , and electrical load  284  are schematically illustrated as independent of electromechanical shock absorber  250 , either or both may be integrated with an electromechanical shock absorber  250   a  of  FIGS. 14 and 19  as best shown in  FIG. 20  and described below. In particular, one or both may alternatively be affixed to a cover  290  mounted over one end of cylinder  252 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 18  schematically illustrates an alternative electromechanical shock absorber  250   b , in which the arrangement of the magnetic and electromagnetic components is similar to those described above, except that piston  264   a  and axial magnets  266   a  and  268   a  are ring-shaped. In this arrangement, piston  264   a  is disposed outside of the toroidal winding  270   a . Magnetic piston  264   a  interacts with axial magnets  268   a  and  266   a  and toroidal winding  270   a  according to the same principles as the similarly numbered components of the electromechanical shock absorber  250  of  FIGS. 15 and 16  described above. 
         [0102]    Still other configurations are possible. For example,  FIG. 20  schematically illustrates an alternative electromechanical shock absorber  250 ′ in which a mechanical vibration absorbing system has been included. In particular, a fluid compartment  290  surrounded by wall  272 ′ resiliently flexes and absorbs some vibration in response to the pressure caused by the movement of piston  264 ′.  FIG. 21  schematically illustrates another alternative electromechanical shock absorber  250 ″, in which a mechanical vibration absorbing system and a spring  294  has been included. In particular, a floating piston  292  engages wall  272 ″ and is displaceable in response to the pressure caused by the movement of piston  264 ″ to absorb some vibration between rods  258  and  260 ″. A spring  294  wound around the outside of cylinder  252 ″ and connected to rods  25811  and  260 ″ is provided in mechanical parallel arrangement with shock absorber  250 ″. 
         [0103]    It should be noted that a plurality of toroidal windings may be provided. One or more passive toroidal windings may be provided to create an output current as a function of the motion of piston  264 ,  264 ′ or  264   a . One or more active toroidal windings may also be provided to create a magnetic field opposing the magnetic field of piston  264 ,  264 ′ or  264 ″ for selectively driving the piston when active oscillation management is desired. The passive toroidal winding may be significantly larger than the active toroidal winding. As described above, the energy created by piston  264 ,  264 ′ or  264   a  interacting with a passive toroidal winding may be transferred to and stored in an electrical storage device  284 , such as a battery or capacitor. An active toroidal winding may use the electrical energy previously created by the moving piston magnets interacting with the passive toroidal winding and subsequently stored in electrical storage device  284 . The toroidal windings may be wound about and supported by wall  272  or by a tube formed of a suitable non-conductive material such as plastic. 
         [0104]    It will be appreciated that electromechanical shock absorbers  250 ,  250 ′ and  250 ″ may be used in other applications such as non-vehicular applications, as a generator, a motor, a pump, a compressor, an engine, or an electrical power transformer. When used as a transformer, electrical power may be input to passive toroidal windings and electrical power may be output from active toroidal windings, when used as a generator, mechanical power may be input by reciprocally moving the rods relative to each other and electrical power may be output from a passive toroidal winding. The output of the energy conversion device can be configured to be direct or alternating current. The mechanical motion may be provided, for example, by any source that is capable of oscillating the shock absorber along its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, mechanical motion may be imparted to the magnetic piston by application of a current to an active winding. The mechanical motion may be used to drive a compressor or a pump. Alternatively, a compressor or pump may be incorporated into the shock absorber. For example, the magnetic piston may sealingly engage the sides of the cylindrical wall and the two ends of the housing may have openings, to allow the movement of air or a fluid pumped by the movement of the piston. 
         [0105]    An electromechanical shock absorber may be configured as a single stage having a single set of axial magnets, a single set of toroidal windings, and a single piston as described above. Alternatively, a device may have multiple stages, each with at least its own piston, which may operate in series, in parallel, or independently. When constructed with multiple stages, the individual stages may share components, such as outer or inner housings. Alternatively, multiple energy conversion devices may be connected electrically or mechanically in parallel or in series. 
         [0106]    For active implementation, a control algorithm may be provided capable of analyzing the vibration characteristics of the surface and applying a current to the winding to provide piston deceleration and acceleration to tune the response of the shock absorber  250  to the terrain. The system may be designed to self-adjust to changing road conditions. 
         [0107]    Referring now generally to  FIGS. 22-27  various exemplary marine versions of a kinetic energy management system similar one of the kinetic energy management systems described above are illustrated and the general arrangement of the mechanical, magnetic and electromagnetic components of kinetic energy management system  300  will be described. 
         [0108]    Referring to  FIG. 22  an exemplary kinetic energy management system  300  using a single electromagnetic shock absorber  250  is illustrated for attachment to a boat shock absorber  250  may be any of the exemplary shock absorbers described above. Kinetic energy management system  300  includes a frame structure including a shaft  302  having two or more wheels  304  for rolling engagement with the side of a boat, not shown in  FIG. 22 . A frame member  306  is secured parallel to shaft  302  by two or more cross members  308  extending between shaft  302  and frame member  306 . Frame member  306  is attached to a top of a float such as a pontoon  310 . An electromagnetic shock absorber  250  is connected at one end to frame member  306  and extends upwardly there from for interconnection with the side of a boat, not shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         [0109]    Referring to  FIGS. 23-26 , an exemplary kinetic energy management system  300   a  using a multiple electromagnetic shock absorbers  250  is illustrated for attachment to a boat  312  (see  FIGS. 25 and 26 ). Kinetic energy management systems  300  may be attached to a boat  312  in a manner similar to that described for kinetic energy management systems  300   a . The components of kinetic energy management system  300   a  include shaft  302 , wheels  304 , frame member  306 , cross members  308  and pontoon  310 , similar in form and function to those described above for kinetic energy management system  300 , except that a plurality of electromagnetic shock absorbers  250  are each connected at one end to frame member  306  and extends upwardly there from for interconnection with the side of boat  312 . 
         [0110]    The upper end of each shock absorber  250  may be connected to the side of boat  310  by a spherical rod joint  316 , as shown in  FIG. 26 , or an equivalent structure. Shaft  302  may be similarly attached to the side of boat  312  by a spherical rod joint or an equivalent structure. An elastomeric travel limiter or jounce stop  314  may be provided at the upper end of each shock absorber  250 , as shown in  FIG. 26 , and designed to maintain torques within limits to avoid bending of components. Cross members  308  may be pivotally attached to frame member  306  so that shaft  302  and cross members  308  form a pivoting control arm for controlling the placement of pontoon  310  relative to side of boat  312 . If desired, a third frame portion disposed at an angle above the pivoting control arm may be provided for additional securement to boat  312 . Cross members  308  may be adjustable in length to accommodate differently shaped boats. Exemplary kinetic energy management system  300   a  may be installed so that shock absorbers  250  are generally perpendicular to the water, with the spherical rod joint assisting in fore-aft compliance. 
         [0111]    Boat  312  may be provided with one or more kinetic energy management systems  300  or  300   a  on each side of the boat. It will be appreciated that the kinetic, energy management systems  300  or  300   a  on each side of the boat may generate electricity from wave action whether boat  312  is in motion or is resting at anchor or at a dock. Kinetic energy management systems  300  and  300   a  also limit fore-aft motion of boat  312 (pitch) and side-to-side motion (roll) to provide stability to boat  312  due to the shape of pontoon  310 . In particular, long properly designed pontoons function as outriggers while minimizing drag. One or more windings in shock absorbers  250  may be selectively powered to contract the shock absorbers and thereby raise the pontoon  310  from the water when desired. 
         [0112]      FIG. 27  illustrates yet another configuration for a kinetic energy management system wherein a cylinder  252   b  of a shock absorber  250   b  is fitted into a cavity  318  in a float  310  and affixed therein. 
         [0113]    The above disclosure therefore provides a kinetic energy management system, the kinetic energy management system having a magnetic piston displaceable along a first longitudinal axis and a winding disposed about the first longitudinal axis to cyclically interact with the magnetic piston to induce an electrical current and voltage in the winding, thereby creating electrical energy. The system may have a plurality of said windings and plurality of magnetic pistons, each of said magnetic pistons cyclically imparting a magnetic field across one of said windings to contribute to the generation of electrical energy. The kinetic energy management system may have one of said magnet or said winding interconnected with a floatation component adapted for floating on the surface of a body of water and the other of and said magnet or winding interconnected with a boat whereby said kinetic energy management system may be used to manage the transverse vibration of the boat as it moves across the surface of the body of water. The flotation component may be a pontoon. Multiple shock absorbers may be mounted between the side of a boat and a pontoon. One or more kinetic management systems including a pontoon and a plurality of shock absorbers may be mounted on each side of a boat. The pontoons may be selectively raised from the water depending on conditions. 
         [0114]    Features shown or described in association with one configuration may be added to or used alternatively in another configuration; including configurations described or illustrated in the provisional patent applications and the patent cooperation treaty patent application referred to in the above cross-reference to related applications. The scope of the device should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims; along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future configurations. In sum, it should be understood that the device is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims. 
         [0115]    All terms are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary in made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a” and “the” should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. 
         [0116]    While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5