Static Orb > Atomic Manipulator: How does it actually work?

[MaChao]

The skill description is extremely vague.

"For 4 seconds after using Static Orb directly casting Lightning Blast and hitting at least one enemy will return 25% of Static Orb's mana cost.

This effect can only occur a limited number of times"

It's the last line that confuses me.
While the times it can be used is dictated by the points invested in it (up to 3), there are no indicators for this effect whatsoever. No stacks, no timers, nothing.
When does the effect reset? Does it count consecutive hits or only the first one after Static Orb?

[Liv]

You cast static orb, you get a buff for 4 seconds
Each time (up to 3 based on points in node) you cast lightning blast you get mana back, but only if you hit at least one enemy with each cast of lightning blast.
after the 4 seconds are up, you can no longer get mana back from casting lightning blast
Once you cast static orb again, you get a buff for 4 seconds
once again, each time up to 3 that you cast lightning blast and hit at least one enemy each time within that 4 seconds, you get mana back.

[MaChao]

Originally posted by Liv:

You cast static orb, you get a buff for 4 seconds
Each time (up to 3 based on points in node) you cast lightning blast you get mana back, but only if you hit at least one enemy with each cast of lightning blast.
after the 4 seconds are up, you can no longer get mana back from casting lightning blast
Once you cast static orb again, you get a buff for 4 seconds
once again, each time up to 3 that you cast lightning blast and hit at least one enemy each time within that 4 seconds, you get mana back.

Ok, to me, the wording made it seem that "This effect can only occur a limited number of times" refers to the combo in general (Orb > Blast being the effect, not just blast).
But this makes more sense.
Thanks a lot for clearing that up, much appreciated!

[Paraxis]

Question is, if the 4 sec effect can stack. Can i cast 3 static orbs in row and get all Mana back right after? I tried this and the answer seems to be no :D