Hybrid relay
AssigneeZonit Structured Solutions, LLC
InventorsSteve Chapel, William Pachoud
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113).
Claims19
A switching or relay apparatus, comprising:
- first and second electrical contacts;
- a drive system for moving said first electrical contact in relation to said second electrical contact, wherein said first and second electrical contacts are physically separated by a first distance in a first position and a second distance in a second position, wherein said second distance is less than said first distance;
- and
- an electrically conductive fluid system for disposing a conductive fluid between said first and second electrical contacts in said second position to complete an electrical circuit and withdrawing a sufficient volume of said conductive fluid from between said first and second electrical contacts to interrupt said electrical circuit, wherein the electrically conductive fluid system is operable to dispose and withdraw said conductive fluid independent of said drive system.
A switching or relay apparatus, comprising:
- first and second electrical contacts;
- a drive system for moving said first electrical contact in relation to said second electrical contact, wherein said first and second electrical contacts are physically separated by a first distance in a first position and a second distance in a second position, wherein said second distance is less than said first distance;
- and
- an electrically conductive fluid system for disposing a conductive fluid between said first and second electrical contacts in said second position to complete an electrical circuit and withdrawing a sufficient volume of said conductive fluid from between said first and second electrical contacts to interrupt said electrical circuit in said second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.