30 is positioned on a corresponding at least one second counterbalance platform 46 that is engaged with the support frame 22 so as to traverse vertically relative to the support frame 22 and move the at least one second counterbalance container 30 between one of an upper counterbalance position (FIGS. 4 and 10)—wherein the at least one second counterbalance container 30 is positioned proximal to the upper end 36 of the support frame 22—and a lower counterbalance position (FIGS. 3 and 9)—wherein the at least one second counterbalance container 30 is positioned proximal to the lower end 38 of the support frame 22. In at least one embodiment, each of the at least one first counterbalance platform 44 and second counterbalance platform 46 is suspended by an at least one counterbalance belt 48 (i.e., a belt, chain, strap, rope or any other elongate member, now known or later developed, capable of supporting each of the at least one first counterbalance platform 44 and second counterbalance platform 46) from an at least one counterbalance pulley 50 that is rotatably mounted to the support frame 22 and capable of raising and lowering each of the at least one first counterbalance platform 44 and second counterbalance platform 46 relative to the support frame 22. In at least one embodiment, a first end 52 of the at least one counterbalance belt 48 is engaged with the at least one first counterbalance platform 44, while an opposing second end 54 of the at least one counterbalance belt 48 is engaged with the at least one second counterbalance platform 46. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 further provides an at least one counterweight 56 engaged with and extending between each of the at least one first counterbalance platform 44 and second counterbalance platform 46 (or, alternatively, with each of the first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30), the purpose for which is discussed further below. In further embodiments, each of the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30 may be movably engaged with or otherwise positioned on the support frame 22 using any other structure, mechanism or technique, now known or later developed, capable of allowing each of the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30 to have a dynamic vertical position relative to the support frame 22.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the apparatus 20 includes a single control container 24, a single first counterbalance container 28, a single second counterbalance container 30, and a single stationary container 26. In at least one such embodiment, the control container 24 is in direct fluid communication with the first counterbalance container 28 via a liquid line 58 (i.e., a tube, pipe, hose or any other elongate delivery channel, now known or later developed, capable of facilitating the flow of liquid L), with a first end 60 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 64 of the control container 24, and an opposing second end 62 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 66 of the first counterbalance container 28. As discussed further below, the liquid line 58 is positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid L to pass between the control container 24 and the first counterbalance container 28 during use of the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the first counterbalance container 28 is in direct fluid communication with the second counterbalance container 30 via a gas line 68 (i.e., a tube, pipe, hose or any other elongate delivery channel, now known or later developed, capable of facilitating the flow of gas G), with a first end 70 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 74 of the first counterbalance container 28, and an opposing second end 72 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 76 of the second counterbalance container 30. As discussed further below, the gas line 68 is positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas G to pass between the first counterbalance container 28 and the second counterbalance container 30 during use of the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the second counterbalance container 30 is in direct fluid communication with the stationary container 26 via another liquid line 58, with a first end 60 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 78 of the second counterbalance container 30, and an opposing second end 62 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 80 of the stationary container 26. As discussed further below, the liquid line 58 is positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid L to pass between the second counterbalance container 30 and the stationary container 26 during use of the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the stationary container 26 is in direct fluid communication with the control container 24 via another gas line 68, with a first end 70 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 82 of the stationary container 26, and an opposing second end 72 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 84 of the control container 24. As discussed further below, the gas line 68 is positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas G to pass between the stationary container 26 and the control container 24 during use of the apparatus 20.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 8 (depicting the apparatus 20 in an equilibrium state), a total aggregated volume of liquid L present in the apparatus 20 is approximately equal to one-half of a total aggregated volume capacity of the at least one control container 24, the at least one first counterbalance container 28, the at least one second counterbalance container 30, and the at least one stationary container 26. During use of the apparatus 20, with the at least one control container 24 substantially full of liquid L and moved into the upper control position (FIG. 3) so as to be positioned relatively higher than the at least one stationary container 26, gravity causes the liquid L within the at least one control container 24 to flow through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into the at least one first counterbalance container 28, displacing gas G within the at least one first counterbalance container 28. This displaced gas G then moves through the corresponding gas line 68 and into the at least one second counterbalance container 30, with the resulting gas G pressure pushing liquid L from the at least one second counterbalance container 30 through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into the at least one stationary container 26. This cycle continues until the liquid L level in the at least one stationary container 26 rises to meet the second end 72 of the corresponding gas line 68 (such that the at least one stationary container 26 is substantially full of liquid L), or until the liquid L level in the at least one control container 24 falls below the first end 60 of the corresponding liquid line 58, at which point the pressure difference disappears (i.e., equilibrium within the apparatus 20 is reached). In at least one embodiment, in order to restart the cycle, the at least one control container 24 is moved into the lower control position (FIG. 4) so as to be positioned relatively lower than the at least one stationary container 26, such that gravity causes the liquid L within the at least one stationary container 26 to flow through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into the at least one second counterbalance container 30, displacing gas G within the at least one second counterbalance container 30. This displaced gas G then moves through the corresponding gas line 68 and into the at least one first counterbalance container 28, with the resulting gas G pressure pushing liquid L from the at least one first counterbalance container 28 through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into the at least one control container 24. This cycle continues until the liquid L level in the at least one control container 24 rises to meet the first end 70 of the corresponding gas line 68, or until the liquid L level in the at least one stationary container 26 falls below the second end 62 of the corresponding liquid line 58, at which point the pressure difference disappears (i.e., equilibrium within the apparatus 20 is once again reached).

In at least one embodiment, the at least one control container 24 is configured for being manually moved between the upper control position and lower control position as needed—for example, by manually actuating the corresponding at least one control pulley 42 via the at least one control belt 40. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one control container 24 is configured for being automatically moved between the upper control position and lower control position as needed. In at least one such alternate embodiment, the at least one control container 24 (inclusive of the at least one control platform 34 on which the at least one control container 24 is positioned and the corresponding at least one control pulley 42) is in mechanical communication with an at least one motor 86 (FIG. 7) configured for automatically moving the at least one control container 24 between the upper control position and lower control position. In at least one such embodiment, the motor 86 may be powered by electricity generated by external clean energy sources, such as solar energy, wind energy, or wave energy, for example. In at least one other alternate embodiment, the at least one control container 24 (inclusive of the at least one control platform 34 on which the at least one control container 24 is positioned and the corresponding at least one control pulley 42) is in mechanical communication with a mechanism configured for automatically moving the at least one control container 24 between the upper control position and lower control position. For example, in at least one such alternate embodiment, external forces such as a passing vehicle rolling over a spring-biased plate in mechanical communication with the at least one control pulley 42, or a buoy rising and falling in a body of water while in mechanical communication with the at least one control pulley 42, could be utilized to automatically move the at least one control container 24 between the upper control position and lower control position.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides a control valve 88 positioned in-line between the at least one control container 24 and the corresponding liquid line 58, with the control valve 88 configured for controlling the flow of liquid L from the at least one control container 24 through the corresponding liquid line 58. Thus, in such embodiments, when the at least one control container 24 is in the upper control position, the control valve 88 is capable of selectively starting and stopping the flow of liquid L from the at least one control container 24 as needed, in order to selectively start and stop the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the control valve 88 is manually actuated. In at least one alternate embodiment, the control valve 88 is remotely and/or automatically actuated.

In at least one embodiment, as liquid L flows from the at least one control container 24 while the at least one control container 24 is in the upper control position (with liquid L subsequently flowing into the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and out of the at least one second counterbalance container 30), this movement of liquid L and subsequent change in weights between the at least one first counterbalance container 28 (becoming relatively heavier) and second counterbalance container 30 (becoming relatively lighter) causes the at least one first counterbalance container 28 to move into the lower counterbalance position and the at least one second counterbalance container 30 to move into the upper counterbalance position. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, as liquid L flows from the at least one stationary container 26 while the at least one control container 24 is in the lower control position (with liquid L subsequently flowing into the at least one second counterbalance container 30 and out of the at least one first counterbalance container 28), this movement of liquid L and subsequent change in weights between the at least one first counterbalance container 28 (becoming relatively lighter) and second counterbalance container 30 (becoming relatively heavier) causes the at least one first counterbalance container 28 to move into the upper counterbalance position and the at least one second counterbalance container 30 to move into the lower counterbalance position. In at least one embodiment, where the apparatus 20 further provides the at least one counterweight 56 discussed above, the at least one counterweight 56 assists in urging each of the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30 into their respective lower counterbalance positions. In at least one embodiment, the at least one counterweight 56 has a weight that is relatively less than a weight of either of the at least one first counterbalance container 28 or second counterbalance container 30 when the at least one first counterbalance container 28 or second counterbalance container 30 is full of liquid L, such that each of the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30 is able to overcome the weight of the at least one counterweight 56 when moving into the lower counterbalance position. In at least one embodiment, the at least one counterweight 56 has a weight that is selectively adjustable. In at least one embodiment, the at least one counterweight 56 is flexible. In at least one such embodiment, the at least one counterweight 56 is a chain; however, in further embodiments, the at least one counterweight 56 may be any other structure, mechanism or technique, now known or later developed, capable of urging each of the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30 into their respective lower counterbalance positions.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is configured for harnessing the movements of the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30 between their respective upper and lower counterbalance positions so as to produce one or more meaningful outputs. In at least one embodiment, one such meaningful output is the generation of electricity. In at least one such embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one mechanical generator 90 in mechanical communication with the at least one counterbalance pulley 50 and configured for generating electricity. In at least one embodiment, the at least one mechanical generator 90 provides a generator axle 92 and a generator wheel 94 that is in mechanical communication with the at least one counterbalance pulley 50 (such as via a generator belt 96 or a series of cogs arranged so as to interconnect the generator wheel 94 and the at least one counterbalance pulley 50, for example). Thus, as the at least one first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container move between their respective upper and lower counterbalance positions, the at least one counterbalance pulley 50 rotates which, in turn, rotates the generator wheel 94, causing the mechanical generator 90 to generate electricity. In at least one further embodiment, the at least one mechanical generator 90 may similarly be in mechanical communication with the at least one control pulley 42 so as to generate electricity as the at least one control container 24 moves between its upper and lower control positions.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one buoyancy generator 98 positioned within one or more of the at least one control container 24, stationary container 26, first counterbalance container 28 and second counterbalance container 30 and configured for generating electricity. In at least one such embodiment, the at least one buoyancy generator 98 provides a buoyant generator platform 100 configured for floating on the surface of the liquid L within the corresponding container 24, 26, 28 or 30. A stator 102 is positioned on the generator platform 100, with a substantially horizontally oriented generator shaft 104 extending axially through the stator 102 and a rotor 106 positioned on the generator shaft 104. A pair of generator cables 108 (i.e., cables, wires, strings, or any other elongate pieces of material, now known or later developed, capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein) are rotatably engaged with the generator shaft 104 (such as being wound around opposing shaft ends of the generator shaft 104, for example), with a first end 110 of each generator cable 108 being anchored to a top surface of the container 24, 26, 28 or 30, and an opposing second end 112 of each generator cable 108 being anchored to a bottom surface of the container 24, 26, 28 or 30. Accordingly, as the level of liquid L within the container 24, 26, 28 or 30 rises and falls during use of the apparatus 20, the generator platform 100 also rises and falls which, in turn, causes the generator cables 108 to rotate the generator shaft 104 (along with the rotor 106) relative to the stator 102, thereby generating electricity. Thus, in such embodiments, the at least one buoyancy generator 98 is capable of generating electricity on both the upwards and downwards movements of the liquid L level within the corresponding container 24, 26, 28 or 30. In further embodiments, the at least one buoyancy generator 98 (along with each of the components described herein) may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, quantities, configurations and/or arrangements now known or later developed-dependent at least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used-so long as the at least one buoyancy generator 98 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one liquid turbine 114 (FIG. 2) positioned in-line with one or more of the liquid lines 58 and configured for generating electricity as liquid L moves through the corresponding liquid line 58 during use of the apparatus 20. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one gas turbine 116 (FIG. 2) positioned in-line with one or more of the gas lines 68 and configured for generating electricity as gas G moves through the corresponding gas line 68 during use of the apparatus 20. In still further embodiments, the apparatus 20 may incorporate any other structure, mechanism or technique, now known or later developed, capable of harnessing the movements of the apparatus 20 to generate electricity. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is capable of harnessing pressures generated, from multiple columns of liquid L combined with multiple columns of gas G, and aggregating those pressures to create a mechanical advantage. This advantage can come in the form of increased liquid L and gas G pressures, the creation of lift force and vacuum force, and the transfer of volumes of liquid L and/or gas G where liquid turbines 114 and/or gas turbines 116 are incorporated.

In at least one embodiment, in order to increase the magnitude of the one or more meaningful outputs produced by the apparatus 20, the apparatus 20 may provide a plurality of control containers 24, first counterbalance containers 28, second counterbalance containers 30, and/or stationary containers 26 connected in series and/or in parallel with one another in order to provide a multiple on the outputs produced by the apparatus 20. In at least one such embodiment, as the volumes of liquid L and gas G move between each of the first counterbalance containers 28, stationary containers 26, and second counterbalance containers 30 in succession, the liquid L and gas G pressures within each of the first counterbalance containers 28, stationary containers 26, and second counterbalance containers 30 are combined with the respective liquid L and gas G pressures within successive first counterbalance containers 28, stationary containers 26, and second counterbalance containers 30, thereby resulting in relatively greater liquid L and gas G pressures in the aggregate and, in turn, greater magnitude outputs.

In at least one such embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, the apparatus 20 provides a first control container 118, a plurality of first counterbalance containers 28, a plurality of second counterbalance containers 30, a plurality of stationary containers 26, and an at least one second control container 120 connected in series with one another. In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 11, the apparatus 20 provides an equal quantity of first counterbalance containers 28 and second counterbalance containers 30 (six of each of the first counterbalance containers 28 and second counterbalance containers 30 in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7-11). Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a quantity of second control containers 120 that is equal to the quantity of the first counterbalance containers 28 or second counterbalance containers 30. However, in at least one alternate embodiment, the apparatus 20 may provide a single second control container 120, or may omit the second control container 120 altogether. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides a quantity of stationary containers 26 that is equal to one less than the quantity of the first counterbalance containers 28 or second counterbalance containers 30. However, in at least one alternate embodiment, the apparatus may provide a different quantity of stationary containers 26 relative to the quantity of each of the first counterbalance containers 28 and second counterbalance containers 30.

In at least one embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 11 (along with FIG. 8), the first control container 118 is in direct fluid communication with a first one of the first counterbalance containers 28 via a liquid line 58—with a first end 60 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 122 of the first control container 118, and an opposing second end 62 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 66 of the first one of the first counterbalance containers 28—and the first one of the first counterbalance containers 28 is in direct fluid communication with a first one of the stationary containers 26 via a gas line 68—with a first end 70 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 74 of the first one of the first counterbalance containers 28, and an opposing second end 72 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 82 of the first one of the stationary containers 26. The remaining ones of the first counterbalance containers 28 and stationary containers 26 are thereafter interconnected in series in an alternating arrangement, such that further liquid lines 58 extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining stationary containers 26 and first counterbalance containers 28 proximal to a bottom surface 80 and 66 of each of said remaining stationary containers 26 and first counterbalance containers 28, while further gas lines 68 extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining first counterbalance containers 28 and stationary containers 26 proximal to a top surface 74 and 82 of each of said remaining first counterbalance containers 28 and stationary containers 26. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a last one of the first counterbalance containers 28 is in direct fluid communication with a first one of the second counterbalance containers 30 via a gas line 68—with a first end 70 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 74 of the last one of the first counterbalance containers 28, and an opposing second end 72 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 76 of the first one of the second counterbalance containers 30—and the first one of the second counterbalance containers 30 is in direct fluid communication with a first one of the second control containers 120 via a liquid line 58—with a first end 60 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 78 of the first one of the second counterbalance containers 30, and an opposing second end 62 of the liquid line 58 being positioned proximal to a bottom surface 124 of the first one of the second control containers 120. The remaining ones of the second counterbalance containers 30 and second control containers 120 are thereafter interconnected in series in an alternating arrangement, such that further gas lines 68 extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining second control containers 120 and second counterbalance containers 30 proximal to a top surface 126 and 76 of each of said remaining second control containers 120 and second counterbalance containers 30, while further liquid lines 58 extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining second counterbalance containers 30 and second control containers 120 proximal to a bottom surface 78 and 124 of each of said remaining second counterbalance containers 30 and second control containers 120. In at least one embodiment, a last one of the second control containers 120 is in direct fluid communication with the first control container 118 via a gas line 68—with a first end 70 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 126 of the last one of the second control containers 120, and an opposing second end 72 of the gas line 68 being positioned proximal to a top surface 128 of the first control container 118—thereby forming a closed loop through each of the first control container 118, first counterbalance containers 28, stationary containers 26, second counterbalance containers 30 and second control containers 120 connected in series with one another. In further embodiments, each of the first control container 118, the first counterbalance containers 28, the second counterbalance containers 30, the stationary containers 26, and the at least one second control container 120 may be interconnected in different arrangements, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

In each such embodiment, during use of the apparatus 20, with the first control container 118 substantially full of liquid L and moved into the upper control position (FIG. 9) so as to be positioned relatively higher than the secondary control containers 120, gravity causes the liquid L within the first control container 118 to flow through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into the first one of the first counterbalance containers 28, displacing gas G within the first one of the first counterbalance containers 28. This displaced gas G then moves through the corresponding gas line 68 and into the subsequent one of the stationary containers 26, with the resulting gas G pressure pushing liquid L from said subsequent one of the stationary containers 26 through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into the subsequent one of the first counterbalance containers 28. This cycle continues through each of the first counterbalance containers 28, stationary containers 26, second counterbalance containers 30 and second control containers 120 until the liquid L level in each of the stationary containers 26 rises to meet the second end 72 of the corresponding gas line 68 (such that each of the stationary containers 26 is substantially full of liquid L), or until the liquid L level in the first control container 118 falls below the first end 60 of the corresponding liquid line 58, at which point the cycle is complete. In at least one embodiment, in order to start the cycle and flow of fluids in the opposite direction, the first control container 118 is moved into the lower control position (FIG. 10) so as to be positioned relatively lower than the stationary containers 26, such that gravity causes the liquid L within the last one of the second control containers 120 to flow through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into a last one of the second counterbalance containers 30, displacing gas G within the last one of the second counterbalance containers 30. This displaced gas G then moves through the corresponding gas line 68 and into the subsequent one of the second control containers 120, with the resulting gas G pressure pushing liquid L from said subsequent one of the second control containers 120 through the corresponding liquid line 58 and into the subsequent one of the second counterbalance containers 30. This cycle continues through each of the second counterbalance containers 30, second control containers 120, first counterbalance containers 28, stationary containers 26, and the first control container 118 until the liquid L level in the first control container 118 rises to meet the second end 72 of the corresponding gas line 68 (such that the first control container 118 is substantially full of liquid L), or until the liquid L level in each of the second control containers 120 falls below the first end 60 of the corresponding liquid line 58, at which point the cycle is complete. These two cycles may be repeated as many times as desired.

As noted above, the at least one control container 24, stationary container 26, first counterbalance container 28, second counterbalance container 30 and support frame 22 depicted in the drawings are merely exemplary and simply shown for illustrative purposes. In further embodiments, the apparatus 20 (along with each of the components described herein—including but not limited to the at least one control container 24, stationary container 26, first counterbalance container 28, second counterbalance container 30 and support frame 22) may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, quantities, configurations and/or arrangements now known or later developed—dependent at least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used—so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. Thus, in further embodiments, the apparatus can be scaled up or down—in the quantities of control containers 24, stationary containers 26, first counterbalance containers 28, and second counterbalance containers 30, in addition to the respective heights of each of the control containers 24, stationary containers 26, first counterbalance containers 28, and second counterbalance containers 30 relative to the support frame 22 and one another, as well as the respective volumes of each of the control containers 24, stationary containers 26, first counterbalance containers 28, and second counterbalance containers 30, along with the relative densities of the liquid(s) L and gas(es) G used—in order to achieve the desired outputs to be produced by the apparatus 20.

Thus, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 utilizes both liquids L and gases G arranged within a single fluid system that takes the best of both hydraulics and pneumatics and merges them into a single solution capable of storing and using clean energy derived from hydro-pneumatic fluid displacement.

Aspects of the present specification may also be described as the following embodiments:

1. A hydro-pneumatic apparatus configured for storing and using clean energy derived from hydro-pneumatic fluid displacement, the apparatus comprising: an at least one support frame configured for supporting an at least one control container, an at least one stationary container, an at least one first counterbalance container, and an at least one second counterbalance container connected in series with one another; each of the at least one control container, stationary container, first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container being airtight and configured for containing one or both of a volume of a liquid and a volume of a gas; each of the at least one stationary container fixedly engaged with or otherwise positioned on the support frame so as to have a substantially static vertical position relative to the support frame; each of the at least one control container, first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container movably engaged with or otherwise positioned on the support frame so as to have a dynamic vertical position relative to the support frame; the at least one control container configured for moving between one of an upper control position—wherein the at least one control container is positioned proximal to an upper end of the support frame—and a lower control position—wherein the at least one control container is positioned proximal to an opposing lower end of the support frame; the at least one first counterbalance container configured for moving between one of an upper counterbalance position—wherein the at least one first counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the upper end of the support frame—and a lower counterbalance position—wherein the at least one first counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the lower end of the support frame; the at least one second counterbalance container configured for moving between one of an upper counterbalance position—wherein the at least one second counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the upper end of the support frame—and a lower counterbalance position—wherein the at least one second counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the lower end of the support frame; a first one of the at least one control container in direct fluid communication with a first one of the at least one first counterbalance container via a liquid line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid to pass between said control container and said first counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said control container, and an opposing second end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said first counterbalance container; the first one of the at least one first counterbalance container further in direct fluid communication with a first one of the at least one second counterbalance container via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said first counterbalance container and said second counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said first counterbalance container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said second counterbalance container; the first one of the at least one second counterbalance container further in direct fluid communication with a first one of the at least one stationary container via a liquid line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid to pass between said second counterbalance container and said stationary container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said second counterbalance container, and an opposing second end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said stationary container; and the first one of the at least one stationary container further in direct fluid communication with the first one of the at least one control container via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said stationary container and said control container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said stationary container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said control container.

2. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the liquid is water.

3. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the gas is air.

4. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-3, wherein the at least one stationary container is positioned on a corresponding at least one stationary platform that is fixedly mounted to the support frame.

5. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the at least one control container is positioned on a corresponding at least one control platform that is engaged with the support frame so as to traverse vertically relative to the support frame and selectively move the at least one control container between the upper control position and the lower control position.

6. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-5, wherein the at least one control platform is suspended by an at least one control belt from an at least one control pulley that is rotatably mounted to the support frame and capable of raising and lowering the at least one control platform relative to the support frame.

7. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-6, wherein the at least one control container is in mechanical communication with an at least one motor configured for automatically moving the at least one control container between the upper control position and the lower control position.

8. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-7, further comprising an at least one mechanical generator in mechanical communication with the at least one control pulley and configured for generating electricity.

9. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-8, wherein the at least one mechanical generator provides a generator axle and a generator wheel in mechanical communication with the at least one control pulley, whereby, as the at least one first control container moves between the upper and lower control positions, the at least one control pulley rotates which, in turn, rotates the generator wheel, causing the mechanical generator to generate electricity.

10. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-9, wherein the at least one first counterbalance container is positioned on a corresponding at least one first counterbalance platform that is engaged with the support frame so as to traverse vertically relative to the support frame and move the at least one first counterbalance container between the upper counterbalance position and the lower counterbalance position.

11. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-10, wherein the at least one first counterbalance platform is suspended by an at least one counterbalance belt from an at least one counterbalance pulley that is rotatably mounted to the support frame and capable of raising and lowering the at least one first counterbalance platform relative to the support frame.

12. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-11, wherein the at least one second counterbalance container is positioned on a corresponding at least one second counterbalance platform that is engaged with the support frame so as to traverse vertically relative to the support frame and move the at least one second counterbalance container between the upper counterbalance position and the lower counterbalance position.

13. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-12, wherein the at least one second counterbalance platform is suspended by an at least one counterbalance belt from an at least one counterbalance pulley that is rotatably mounted to the support frame and capable of raising and lowering the at least one second counterbalance platform relative to the support frame.

14. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-13, wherein: a first end of the at least one counterbalance belt is engaged with the at least one first counterbalance platform; and an opposing second end of the at least one counterbalance belt is engaged with the at least one second counterbalance platform.

15. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-14, wherein the apparatus further provides an at least one counterweight engaged with and extending between each of the at least one first counterbalance platform and second counterbalance platform, the at least one counterweight configured for assisting in urging each of the at least one first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container into their respective lower counterbalance positions.

16. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-15, wherein the at least one counterweight has a weight that is relatively less than a weight of either of the at least one first counterbalance container or second counterbalance container when the at least one first counterbalance container or second counterbalance container is full of liquid, such that each of the at least one first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container is able to overcome the weight of the at least one counterweight when moving into the lower counterbalance position.

17. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-16, wherein the at least one counterweight is a chain.

18. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-17, further comprising an at least one mechanical generator in mechanical communication with the at least one counterbalance pulley and configured for generating electricity.

19. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-18, wherein the at least one mechanical generator provides a generator axle and a generator wheel in mechanical communication with the at least one counterbalance pulley, whereby, as the at least one first counterbalance container and second counterbalance move between their respective upper and lower counterbalance positions, the at least one counterbalance pulley rotates which, in turn, rotates the generator wheel, causing the mechanical generator to generate electricity.

20. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-19, wherein a total aggregated volume of liquid present in the apparatus is approximately equal to one-half of a total aggregated volume capacity of the at least one control container, the at least one first counterbalance container, the at least one second counterbalance container, and the at least one stationary container.

21. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-20, further comprising a control valve positioned in-line between the at least one control container and the corresponding liquid line, the control valve configured for controlling the flow of liquid from the at least one control container through the corresponding liquid line.

22. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-21, further comprising an at least one buoyancy generator positioned within one or more of the at least one control container, stationary container, first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container and configured for generating electricity, the at least one buoyancy generator comprising: a buoyant generator platform configured for floating on a surface of liquid within the corresponding container; a stator positioned on the generator platform; a substantially horizontally oriented generator shaft extending axially through the stator; a rotor positioned on the generator shaft; and a pair of generator cables rotatably engaged with the generator shaft, a first end of each generator cable anchored to a top surface of the container, and an opposing second end of each generator cable anchored to a bottom surface of the container; whereby, as a level of liquid within the container rises and falls during use of the apparatus, the generator platform also rises and falls which, in turn, causes the generator cables to rotate the generator shaft relative to the stator, thereby generating electricity.

23. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-22, further comprising an at least one liquid turbine positioned in-line with one or more of the liquid lines and configured for generating electricity as liquid moves through the corresponding liquid line during use of the apparatus.

24. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-23, further comprising an at least one gas turbine positioned in-line with one or more of the gas lines and configured for generating electricity as gas moves through the corresponding gas line during use of the apparatus.

25. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-24, wherein the apparatus comprises a first control container, a plurality of first counterbalance containers, a plurality of second counterbalance containers, a plurality of stationary containers, and an at least one second control container connected in series with one another.

26. The hydro-pneumatic apparatus according to embodiments 1-25, wherein: the apparatus provides an equal quantity of first counterbalance containers and second counterbalance containers; the apparatus provides a quantity of second control containers that is equal to the quantity of the first counterbalance containers or second counterbalance containers; and the apparatus provides a quantity of stationary containers that is equal to one less than the quantity of the first counterbalance containers or second counterbalance containers.

27. A hydro-pneumatic apparatus configured for storing and using clean energy derived from hydro-pneumatic fluid displacement, the apparatus comprising: an at least one support frame configured for supporting an at least one control container, an at least one stationary container, an at least one first counterbalance container, and an at least one second counterbalance container connected in series with one another; each of the at least one control container, stationary container, first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container being airtight and configured for containing one or both of a volume of a liquid and a volume of a gas; each of the at least one stationary container fixedly engaged with or otherwise positioned on the support frame so as to have a substantially static vertical position relative to the support frame; each of the at least one control container, first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container movably engaged with or otherwise positioned on the support frame so as to have a dynamic vertical position relative to the support frame; the at least one control container configured for moving between one of an upper control position—wherein the at least one control container is positioned proximal to an upper end of the support frame—and a lower control position—wherein the at least one control container is positioned proximal to an opposing lower end of the support frame; the at least one first counterbalance container configured for moving between one of an upper counterbalance position—wherein the at least one first counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the upper end of the support frame—and a lower counterbalance position—wherein the at least one first counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the lower end of the support frame; the at least one second counterbalance container configured for moving between one of an upper counterbalance position—wherein the at least one second counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the upper end of the support frame—and a lower counterbalance position—wherein the at least one second counterbalance container is positioned proximal to the lower end of the support frame; a first one of the at least one control container in direct fluid communication with a first one of the at least one first counterbalance container via a liquid line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid to pass between said control container and said first counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said control container, and an opposing second end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said first counterbalance container; the first one of the at least one first counterbalance container further in direct fluid communication with a first one of the at least one second counterbalance container via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said first counterbalance container and said second counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said first counterbalance container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said second counterbalance container; the first one of the at least one second counterbalance container further in direct fluid communication with a first one of the at least one stationary container via a liquid line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid to pass between said second counterbalance container and said stationary container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said second counterbalance container, and an opposing second end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said stationary container; the first one of the at least one stationary container further in direct fluid communication with the first one of the at least one control container via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said stationary container and said control container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said stationary container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said control container; and an at least one buoyancy generator positioned within one or more of the at least one control container, stationary container, first counterbalance container and second counterbalance container and configured for generating electricity, the at least one buoyancy generator comprising: a buoyant generator platform configured for floating on a surface of liquid within the corresponding container; a stator positioned on the generator platform; a substantially horizontally oriented generator shaft extending axially through the stator; a rotor positioned on the generator shaft; and a pair of generator cables rotatably engaged with the generator shaft, a first end of each generator cable anchored to a top surface of the container, and an opposing second end of each generator cable anchored to a bottom surface of the container; whereby, as a level of liquid within the container rises and falls during use of the apparatus, the generator platform also rises and falls which, in turn, causes the generator cables to rotate the generator shaft relative to the stator, thereby generating electricity.

28. A hydro-pneumatic apparatus configured for storing and using clean energy derived from hydro-pneumatic fluid displacement, the apparatus comprising: an at least one support frame configured for supporting a first control container, a plurality of stationary containers, a plurality of first counterbalance containers, a plurality of second counterbalance containers, and a plurality of second control containers connected in series with one another; each of the first control container, stationary containers, first counterbalance containers, second counterbalance containers, and second control containers being airtight and configured for containing one or both of a volume of a liquid and a volume of a gas; each of the stationary containers fixedly engaged with or otherwise positioned on the support frame so as to have a substantially static vertical position relative to the support frame; each of the first control container, first counterbalance containers, second counterbalance containers, and second control containers movably engaged with or otherwise positioned on the support frame so as to have a dynamic vertical position relative to the support frame; the first control container configured for moving between one of an upper control position—wherein the first control container is positioned proximal to an upper end of the support frame—and a lower control position—wherein the first control container is positioned proximal to an opposing lower end of the support frame; the first counterbalance containers configured for moving between one of an upper counterbalance position—wherein the first counterbalance containers are positioned proximal to the upper end of the support frame—and a lower counterbalance position—wherein the first counterbalance containers are positioned proximal to the lower end of the support frame; the second counterbalance containers configured for moving between one of an upper counterbalance position—wherein the second counterbalance containers are positioned proximal to the upper end of the support frame—and a lower counterbalance position—wherein the second counterbalance containers are positioned proximal to the lower end of the support frame; the second control containers configured for moving between one of an upper control position—wherein the second control containers are positioned proximal to the upper end of the support frame- and a lower control position—wherein the second control containers are positioned proximal to the lower end of the support frame; the first control container in direct fluid communication with a first one of the first counterbalance containers via a liquid line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid to pass between the first control container and said first counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of the first control container, and an opposing second end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said first counterbalance container; the first one of the first counterbalance containers further in direct fluid communication with a first one of the stationary containers via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said first counterbalance container and said stationary container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said first counterbalance container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said stationary container; the first one of the stationary containers further in direct fluid communication with a further one of the first counterbalance containers via a liquid line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid to pass between said stationary container and said first counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said stationary container, and an opposing second end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said first counterbalance container; remaining ones of the first counterbalance containers and stationary containers thereafter interconnected in series in an alternating arrangement, such that further liquid lines extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining stationary containers and first counterbalance containers proximal to a bottom surface of each of said remaining stationary containers and first counterbalance containers, while further gas lines extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining first counterbalance containers and stationary containers proximal to a top surface of each of said remaining first counterbalance containers and stationary containers; a last one of the first counterbalance containers further in direct fluid communication with a first one of the second counterbalance containers via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said first counterbalance container and said second counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said first counterbalance container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said second counterbalance container; the first one of the second counterbalance containers further in direct fluid communication with a first one of the second control containers via a liquid line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of liquid to pass between said second counterbalance container and said second control container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said second counterbalance container, and an opposing second end of the liquid line positioned proximal to a bottom surface of said second control container; the first one of the second control containers further in direct fluid communication with a further one of the second counterbalance containers via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said second control container and said second counterbalance container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said second control container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said second counterbalance container; remaining ones of the second counterbalance containers and second control containers thereafter interconnected in series in an alternating arrangement, such that further gas lines extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining second control containers and second counterbalance containers proximal to a top surface of each of said remaining second control containers and second counterbalance containers, while further liquid lines extend between and interconnect further ones of the remaining second counterbalance containers and second control containers proximal to a bottom surface of each of said remaining second counterbalance containers and second control containers; and a last one of the second control containers further in direct fluid communication with the first control container via a gas line positioned and configured for allowing a volume of gas to pass between said second control container and the first control container during use of the apparatus, a first end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of said second control container, and an opposing second end of the gas line positioned proximal to a top surface of the first control container.