Typing power

Abstract

A keyboard power generator provides a plurality of keys with one or more magnets mounted thereon. Additionally, a plurality of coils are mounted on both ends of the magnet such that, when the user is typing, the magnet traverses the coils. The movement of the magnet over the coils causes a current to be generated. In one embodiment, one magnet is mounted per key on the keyboard. In a second embodiment, a plurality of magnets are mounted per key to enhance the power generation capability of the keyboard. The currents generated collectively by the keys are provided to a charge pump which multiplies the voltage to achieve a level greater than the voltage level of the battery to be charged. The multiplied voltage is provided to a charging circuitry such as a trickle charger to recharge the battery. In this manner, the more information entered by the user, the more electricity is generated by the keyboard power generator. The energy provided by the keyboard of the present invention can be used to lengthen the operating period of the portable computer, or alternative, can be used to reduce the size of the primary battery so as to result in a lighter portable computer.