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US 5,912,606 AGranted
Mercury wetted switch
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Corporation
InventorsHarvey C. Nathanson, Thomas J. Smith, Jr., Carl B. Freidhoff, F. William Hopwood, James E. Degenford, J. Douglas Adam
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A switch having spaced apart conductors with a high resistivity gate member therebetween. First and second mercury droplets are respectively connected to the ends of the conductors. When a control signal is applied to the gate member, the mercury droplets are drawn to it and establish electrical connection between the conductors to close the switch. Upon removal of the control signal the mercury droplets separate and assume their initial droplet form thus opening the switch.
Claims12
A mercury wetted switch comprising:
- (A) first and second electrical conductors, adjacent but separated from one another;
- (B) a gate member disposed between said first and second conductors;
- (C) a first mercury droplet in electrical contact with said first conductor;
- (D) a second mercury droplet in electrical contact with said second conductor;
- (E) means for applying a control signal to said gate member, establishing an electric field to draw said first and second mercury droplets to said gate member;
- (F) said first and second mercury droplets moving toward one another under the influence of said applied control signal to establish electrical connection between said first and second conductors via said mercury;
- (G) said first and second mercury droplets moving apart upon removal of said control signal to thereby break electrical connection between first and second conductors.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.