[gomaaa]

True, and it's my understanding (though this could be wrong) that the gadget in question doesn't have to actually work in order to get a patent on it. That doesn't make it any less rediculous that someone thought this sort of thing COULD work, but the system gives them the benefit of the doubt.

[RightWhale]

the gadget in question doesn't have to actually work

That's true. One thing the PTO refused to consider last time I checked is any kind of perpetual motion device. I assume a ZPE device would be considered a perpetual motion device if the claims present it as such. It's all in how the claims are written.