Microelectromechanical devices
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsNolan C. Lerche, James E. Brooks, Anthony F. Veneruso
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus includes a switch comprising microelectromechanical elements, the microelectromechanical elements including a sealed chamber containing a dielectric element, and conductors in the sealed chamber. The conductors are arranged such that application of greater than a predetermined voltage to at least one of the conductors causes ionization breakdown of the dielectric element to provide an electrically conductive path between the conductors. In another implementation, a switch includes a nanotube electron emitter or a radioactive isotope electron emitter.
Claims39
An apparatus comprising:
- a switch comprising microelectromechanical elements, the microelectromechanical elements comprising:
- a sealed chamber containing a dielectric element;
- and
- conductors in the sealed chamber,
- wherein the conductors are arranged such that application of greater than a predetermined voltage causes ionization breakdown of the dielectric element to provide an electrically conductive path between the conductors.
A switch comprising:
- electrical conductors;
- and
- a dielectric material between the conductors,
- wherein each of the conductors has a curved side, the curved sides of the conductors facing each other across the dielectric material, wherein the electrical conductors and dielectric material are microelectromechanical elements.
A switch comprising:
- conductors;
- a dielectric material between the conductors;
- and
- nanotube electron emitters electrically connected to at least one of the conductors,
- wherein the dielectric material is adapted to break down in response to applied electrical energy provided to at least one of the conductors to provide an electrically conductive path between the conductors.
A method of activating a component, comprising:
- providing a switch having microelectromechanical elements, the microelectromechanical elements comprising a sealed chamber containing at least one of a dielectric gas and dielectric liquid, and conductors in the sealed chamber;
- applying an input voltage to at least one of the conductors to cause breakdown of the at least one of the dielectric gas and dielectric liquid such that an electrically conductive path extends between the conductors;
- and
- electrically connecting the input voltage to the component through the switch.
A switch comprising:
- at least two conductors;
- a nanotube electron emitter to form at least part of an electrically conductive path between the at least two conductors;
- and
- a dielectric element adapted to ionize in response to input energy to provide another part of the electrically conductive path.
A method comprising:
- activating a switch having conductors and at least one of a nanotube electron emitter and a radioactive isotop electron emitter;
- conducting electrical current between the conductors through an electrically conducting path including the at least one of the nanotube electron emitter and radioactive isotope electron emitter;
- and
- coupling an explosive device to the switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.