Discharged

Nokia has reportedly filed for a U.S. patent for a "self-charging" cell phone. The cell phone converts the kinetic energy of the owner's daily movements as he walks about into electrical energy stored in the battery.

The phone is designed to permit small internal movements within the device as it's jostled about -- for example, while the owner carries it about in his pocket. The movements back and forth cause compression of piezoelectric crystals, crystals capable of creating electric current when compressed or bent. The current charges a capacitor, which in turn can charge the phone's battery.

Very interesting. Of course, only the United States has citizens so sedentary that even their technologically advanced self-charging batteries will discharge as they lie sprawled out inert on the living room couch, gaping at the TV.