>>6265180 (notables)

I remind you that an idea for an invention doesn't have to be demonstrated or even really work to get a patent on it. The only criteria is that it doesn't violate the know laws of physics (as far as the examiner can see), that it not be natural or obvious, and that no one else has already files a patent for the same thing. We don't know if Raniere ever built and used the thing or if he was just trying to puff-up his prestige by saying "I got patents!".