Abstract: A switch that includes a droplet capable of spreading between two conductors to allow them to be coupled when a voltage is applied. The droplet can be enclosed by a cap that is bonded to a wafer that the droplet is placed upon, and include metallic properties. The cap can create a cavity that may be filled by a fluid, gas, or vapor. The cavity can have multiple conductors that extend partially or fully through it. The droplet can couple the conductors when specific voltages, or frequencies are applied to them. At the specific voltage and frequency the droplet can spread allowing at least two conductors to be coupled.

Abstract: A thermal switch having an on-state and an off-state is provided. First and second plates are composed from a thermally conductive material. The first and second plates are connected to form an internal cavity having a channel defining a gap between the first and second plate. The first reservoir is coupled to the channel and contains a thermally conductive liquid. The actuator is coupled to the first reservoir and the channel and is moveable between a first state and a second state corresponding to the on-state and the off-state of the thermal switch, respectively. Thermally conductive liquid is allowed to flow from the first reservoir to the channel when the actuator is in the first state and allowed to flow from the channel to the first reservoir when the actuator is in the second state.

Abstract: An electronic switch apparatus, a capacitive strain gauge apparatus and a nozzle apparatus, as well as methods for making electrodes such as liquid metal pipes are provided. A nozzle apparatus includes (a) a nozzle housing defining a cavity, where the nozzle housing defines an inlet at a first end and defines an outlet at a second end and (b) a first tube defining an inlet at a first end and defining an outlet at a second end, wherein the first tube is at least partially disposed in and is co-axially arranged with the nozzle housing, where the first tube defines a first flow channel, wherein a second flow channel is defined between an exterior surface of the first tube and an interior surface of the nozzle housing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a monolithic integrated circuit using a single substrate, the method including forming a first semiconductor layer from a substrate, fabricating semiconductor devices on the substrate, fabricating at least one metal wiring layer on the semiconductor devices, forming at least one dielectric layer in integral contact with the at least one metal wiring layer, forming contact openings through the at least one dielectric layer to expose regions of the at least one metal wiring layer, integrally forming, from the substrate, a second semiconductor layer on the dielectric layer, and in contact with the at least one metal wiring layer through the contact openings, and forming a plurality of non-linear semiconductor devices in said second semiconductor layer.

Abstract: An electrostatically driven high-speed micro droplet switch includes a substrate having an upper surface containing one or more signal electrodes that are selectively connected via a droplet. The switch includes at least one actuation electrode disposed beneath the upper surface of the substrate, the at least one actuation electrode operatively coupled to drive circuitry. The switch includes a frame disposed on or above the upper surface of the substrate that is configured to hold the droplet in substantially the same location during operation of the switch. In one aspect, the frame is configured to absorb variations in the volume of the droplet placed on the switch, leaving the active meniscus not affected by the variation in volume.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a housing defining a channel, a plunger slidably engaged with an inner surface of the channel, a substrate with one or more passages each having two or more openings, a liquid in each of the one or more passages, at least one fluid, and a force application system. The substrate is disposed in the channel on one side of the plunger. The liquid in each of the one or more passages has a volume which exceeds an internal volume of each the one or more passages and forms a liquid drop around each of the openings. The liquid drops are fluidly connected to one another and each of the liquid drops is individually adjustable between two or more sizes. Each of the sizes and a location of each of the liquid drops define one of two or more switch positions. The fluid is located in the channel on the one side of the plunger and substantially surrounding the liquid drops.

Abstract: A valve includes: a passage having a first passage which communicates an atmosphere-communicating passage and outside of a cartridge body, and a second passage which branches from the first passage; an electrode provided on a wall surface forming the second passage; an electrode provided on a wall surface of a bottom wall lid forming the first passage; a driver IC which applies a predetermined voltage selectively to one of these two kinds of electrodes; an insulating film provided on a surface of the electrode; and an insulating film provided on a surface of the electrode. Accordingly, there is provided a valve which is capable of opening and closing a passage communicating two spaces separated from each other, which has no movable part, and which has a simple construction.

Abstract: Electronic devices (10, 30, 50) utilizing electrically-controlled liquid components to accomplish device switching. Electric fields are used in a device structure to manipulate the position and/or geometrical shape of a conductive fluid or liquid (60, 24) using electrowetting. This manipulation regulates the flow of current between electrodes of the device structure, such as the source and drain regions (16, 20) of a transistor construction, by bridging a non-conductive channel (15) separating the electrodes (16, 20) so that the electrodes (16, 20) are electrically coupled.

Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a housing defining a channel, a plunger slidably engaged with an inner surface of the channel, a substrate with one or more passages each having two or more openings, a liquid in each of the one or more passages, at least one fluid, and a force application system. The substrate is disposed in the channel on one side of the plunger. The liquid in each of the one or more passages has a volume which exceeds an internal volume of each the one or more passages and forms a liquid drop around each of the openings. The liquid drops are fluidly connected to one another and each of the liquid drops is individually adjustable between two or more sizes. Each of the sizes and a location of each of the liquid drops define one of two or more switch positions. The fluid is located in the channel on the one side of the plunger and substantially surrounding the liquid drops.

Abstract: An electrostatically driven high-speed micro droplet switch includes a substrate having an upper surface containing one or more signal electrodes that are selectively connected via a droplet. The switch includes at least one actuation electrode disposed beneath the upper surface of the substrate, the at least one actuation electrode operatively coupled to drive circuitry. The switch includes a frame disposed on or above the upper surface of the substrate that is configured to hold the droplet in substantially the same location during operation of the switch. In one aspect, the frame is configured to absorb variations in the volume of the droplet placed on the switch, leaving the active meniscus not affected by the variation in volume.

Abstract: A mechanical switch includes a pair of conducting contacts, metal located on and between the conducting contacts, a heater, and an electro-mechanical actuator. The heater is operable to apply heat that melts the metal. The electro-mechanical actuator is capable of moving one or both of the conducting contacts in a manner that causes the metal to either start physically bridging the conducting contacts or to stop physically bridging the conducting contacts.

Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a liquid switch. The liquid switch comprises a substrate having a surface with first and second regions thereon and a fluid configured to contact both of the regions. The regions each comprise electrically connected fluid-support-structures, wherein each of the fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. The regions are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: A liquid metal switch uses a conductive liquid droplet of a material containing gallium as a substitute for mercury. A secondary fluid surrounding the material containing gallium prevents the formation of oxide on a surface of the conductive liquid droplet.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor switch comprising a case, a rod type guide vertically extending from an inside bottom center of the case, a float having a center bore fitted on the guide with a clearance allowing the float to freely move up and down along the guide inside the case, an electrode plate attached to a circumferential bottom surface of the float and a pair of fixed contacts disposed opposite to each other across the guide on the inside bottom surface of the case, wherein the float moves down with the drop of oil in the case along the guide to reach a lowest position at which the electrode plate makes contact with both the fixed contacts to turn on a circuit formed by the electrode plate bridging between the contacts for producing an electrical signal indicating that oil surface is lowered to or below a specified level, which is featured by using the guide having a body tapering upward from its bottom end or the float having the center bore tapered to be gradually larger in diameter upward from its bottom en

Abstract: The delivery of liquid to a device, for example, a microswitch, can be achieved without the application of external pressure to the liquid by using capillary action to cause the liquid to move as desired. In one embodiment, at least one channel having a wettable surface is created that allows liquid metal to flow into a measuring reservoir without the liquid metal being pressurized and without applying other external forces on the liquid metal to facilitate its movement. A portion of the channel between the wettable channel and the reservoir is non-wettable and this non-wettable area, while allowing the metal to flow into the reservoir, acts to prevent the liquid from back-flowing from the reservoir to the channel. In one embodiment pressurized gas can be generated and applied to the liquid in the reservoir to facilitate the movement of the liquid from the reservoir to the switch cavity.

Abstract: A switch comprises a first wafer having a thin-film structure defined thereon, a second wafer having a plurality of features defined therein, and a seal between the first wafer and the second wafer forming a two-wafer structure having a liquid metal microswitch defined therebetween.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that each switching state change (i.e., each throw) of a double throw switch requires a pair of controlled input signals to be applied to the switching element that controls that throw. By sharing input leads among several switches and by arranging the leads with respect to each switch throw element such that for any pair of leads only one switch throw element will activate, it is possible to reduce the total number of leads for the combined switch package. In one embodiment, all of the switches in a switching device are packaged as a single device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for improved separation of switching material by creating a diversion of the activating force. In one embodiment at least one structural element is positioned in close proximity to an inlet for the actuating force to influence the actuating force to fully separate the switching material. Structural elements may include protrusions, either adjacent to the inlet or approximately across the channel from the inlet, as well as at least one additional inlet. The diversion can be created, if desired, by forces coming from opposite sides. Embodiments of the invention make use of non-wettable surfaces lining the channel in regions where switching material is to break into separate volumes, and wettable surfaces away from such regions. Embodiments of the invention provide for multi-pole, multi-throw switching.

Abstract: A multi-sensor baby care monitoring system includes a wetness sensor configured to generate a first signal relating to an occurrence of a wetness event relative to a wetness containment device, such as a diaper. The monitoring system further includes a human life sensor configured to generate a second signal relating to a presence or absence of a human relative to the wetness containment device. If desired, a system controller may be used for receiving the first and second signals and generating data associated with the wetness event and the presence or absence of said human.

Abstract: A three-stage liquid metal switch employing electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD), including a common EWOD switch 1310 having an input port 1302, a first shared-EWOD-switch output 1336, and a second shared-EWOD-switch output 1338; a first EWOD switch 1340 having a first-EWOD-switch input 1343, a first output port 1304, and a first-EWOD-switch output 1368; and a second EWOD switch 1370 having a second-EWOD-switch input 1373, a second output port 1306, and a second-EWOD-switch output 1398; wherein the first shared-EWOD-switch output 1336 is operably connected to the first-EWOD-switch input 1343, and the second shared-EWOD-switch output 1338 is operably connected to the second-EWOD-switch input 1373.

Abstract: An electronic switch comprises a substrate having a surface and an embedded electrode, a droplet of conductive liquid located over the embedded electrode, and a power source configured to create an electric circuit including the droplet of conductive liquid. The surface comprises a feature that determines a contact angle between the surface and the droplet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a resource matrix is provided with a first set of pins, a second set of pins, and at least one programmable switching circuit. The first set of pins electrically couples the resource matrix with a tester resource. The second set of pins electrically couples the resource matrix with a plurality of test areas. The at least one programmable switching circuit selectively couples each one of the first set of pins to different ones of the second set of pins. In one embodiment, the at least one programmable switching circuit includes a set of multiplexers. In another embodiment, the at least one programmable switching circuit includes a set of LIMMS. In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for testing a plurality of test areas with a tester resource and a resource matrix. Methods for routing signals between a tester resource and plurality of test areas are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a switch includes first and second mated substrates defining therebetween a number of cavities. A plurality of electrically conductive elements extends to near at least a first of the cavities. A switching fluid, held within at least the first of the cavities, serves to electrically, but not physically, couple and decouple at least a pair of the electrically conductive elements, in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. A passivation layer covers at least a first of the electrically conductive elements and i) separates the first of the electrically conductive elements from at least the first of the cavities, and ii) is a dielectric for a capacitor formed between the first of the electrically conductive elements and the switching fluid. Other switches, and methods for making same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-healing liquid contact switch and methods for producing such devices are disclosed. An illustrative self-healing liquid contact switch can include an upper actuating surface and a lower actuating surface each having a number of liquid contact regions thereon configured to wet with a liquid metal. The upper and lower actuating surfaces can be brought together electrostatically by an upper and lower actuating electrode. During operation, the liquid metal can be configured to automatically rearrange during each actuating cycle to permit the switch to self-heal.

Abstract: A switch comprises an input contact and at least one output contact, a single droplet of conductive liquid located in a channel, the droplet being in constant contact with the input contact, and a heater configured to heat a gas. The heated gas expands to cause the droplet to translate through the channel.

Abstract: An electronic switch comprises a substrate having a surface and an embedded electrode, a droplet of conductive liquid located over the embedded electrode, and a power source configured to create an electric circuit including the droplet of conductive liquid. The surface comprises a feature that determines a contact angle between the surface and the droplet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, first and second mated substrates of a switch define there between at least portions of a number of cavities. A switching fluid is held within one or more of the cavities and is moveable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. An actuating fluid is also held within one or more of the cavities and serves to apply the forces to the switching fluid. First and second electrical contacts are supported by the second of the mated substrates. A concentric curvilinear heater resistor is deposited on the second substrate and couples the first and second electrical contacts. The concentric curvilinear heater resistor is positioned such that it contacts the actuating fluid within one of the afore-mentioned cavities that hold the actuating fluid. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a channel plate for a fluid-based switch. The channel plate is produced by 1) depositing a photoimagable dielectric layer onto a substrate, 2) photoimaging at least one channel plate feature on the dielectric layer, and 3) developing the dielectric layer to form the at least one channel plate feature in the dielectric layer, thereby forming the channel plate. A method for making a switch with a photoimaged channel plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor for indicating moisture, comprising a unit whose conductivity is dependent on the current moisture exposure and an electric circuit, the unit being included as a component in the electric circuit and the electric circuit being activable by applying an electric field and/or a magnetic field over the same to generate a measurable signal, which is dependent on the total resistance of the circuit. The unit comprises an enzyme together with a substrate, which enzyme is activated when moisture exposure occurs to catalyse a reaction with the substrate that is dependent on the degree of moisture exposure, the substrate reaction product increasing the conductivity of the unit. The invention also relates to the use of such a sensor and a method of using a sensor to indicate moisture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a switch includes first and second mated substrates defining therebetween a number of cavities. A plurality of wettable elements are exposed within one or more of the cavities. A switching fluid is held within one or more of the cavities. The switching fluid serves to connect and disconnect at least a pair of the plurality of wettable elements in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. A gas is also held within one or more of the cavities. The gas is provided to react with oxides on or in the cavities. An actuating fluid is held within one or more of the cavities and applies the forces to the switching fluid. Methods of making such a switch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A switch comprises a first switch element configured to actuate by electrowetting, the first switch element comprising at least two radio frequency contacts and at least two control electrodes. The switch also comprises at least two additional switch elements configured to make and break an electrical connection between the at least two control electrodes of the first switch element.

Abstract: An electronic switch comprises a droplet of conductive liquid located in contact with a surface having an alterable surface configuration, an input contact located on the alterable surface and configured such that the input contact is in constant electrical contact with the droplet, and a micro-electronic mechanical system (MEMS) for altering the surface configuration to change the contact angle of the droplet with respect to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a switch having a channel plate and a switching fluid. The channel plate defines at least a portion of a number of cavities, a first cavity of which is defined by an ultrasonically milled channel in the channel plate. The switching fluid is held within one or more of the cavities, and is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. Alternate switch embodiments, and a method for making a switch, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A switch includes a switching element, a substrate, and a lid. The substrate has internal and external metal layers separated by at least an insulating layer. The substrate's external metal layer has a first plurality of signal conductors formed therein, at least some of which are in contact with the switching element. The substrate's internal metal layer has a second plurality of signal conductors formed therein, which are electrically coupled to the first plurality of signal conductors by means of a first plurality of conductive vias in the insulating layer. The lid is attached to the substrate to encapsulate the first plurality of signal conductors between the lid and the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a channel plate for a fluid-based switch. The channel plate is produced by 1) depositing a photoimagable dielectric layer onto a substrate, 2) photoimaging at least one channel plate feature on the dielectric layer, and 3) developing the dielectric layer to form the at least one channel plate feature in the dielectric layer, thereby forming the channel plate. Switches using photoimaged channel plates, and a method for making a switch with a photoimaged channel plate, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and structure for an electrical switch. According to the structure of the present invention, a liquid-filled chamber is housed within a solid material. A plurality of switch contacts within the liquid-filled chamber are coupled to the solid material, while a plurality of piezoelectric elements are coupled to a plurality of membranes. The plurality of membranes are coupled to the liquid-filled chamber. The plurality of switch contacts are coupled to a plurality of liquid metal globules. According to the method, a piezoelectric element is actuated, causing a membrane element to be deflected. The deflection of the membrane element increases pressure of actuator liquid and the increase in pressure of the actuator liquid breaks a liquid metal connection between a first contact and a second contact of the electrical switch.

Abstract: A liquid electrical switch is disclosed that uses a plurality of droplets of conducting liquid to form an electrical path. In a first embodiment, at least a first voltage differential is used to create a separation distance between two droplets. The droplets are illustratively contained within a housing and surrounded by an immiscible, insulating liquid. In this embodiment, the at least a first voltage differential draws at least a portion of at least one of the droplets away from a second droplet, thus preventing electrical current from flowing from the at least one droplet to the second droplet. In another embodiment, the at least a first voltage differential is changed in a way such that at least one liquid droplet is made to come into contact with a second droplet, thus creating an electrical path between the two droplets.

Abstract: A switch includes a switching element, a substrate, a lid and a thickfilm dielectric. The substrate has a plurality of signal conductors formed thereon, at least some of which are in contact with the switching element. The lid covers the switching element and has a perimeter that intersects at least some of the signal conductors. The thickfilm dielectric is printed on the substrate below the perimeter of the lid, and the lid is mounted on the thickfilm dielectric.

Abstract: A miniaturized relay with an integrated electromagnetic actuator allows scaling a reed relay to a small size to reduce the power needed to actuate it while retaining a high quality liquid metal contact. A dragged liquid metal contact is used. Coplanar waveguides may be used for the switched signal instead of microstrip transmission lines to reduce transmission line discontinuities that occur due to impedance changes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch having first and second mated substrates defining therebetween a number of cavities. A plurality of wettable surfaces is deposited in one or more of the cavities. A switching fluid, held within one or more of the cavities, serves to connect and disconnect at least a pair of the wettable surfaces in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. The wettable surfaces are formed at least in part of a material that does not form alloys with the switching fluid.

Abstract: Liquid metal microrelays may be made where a contact is formed by constraining a quantity of liquid metal at the end of a contact support suspended over a substrate. Movement of the contact support typically drags the liquid metal along the surface of the substrate and allows the liquid metal to bridge contacts located on the substrate. Coplanar waveguides may be used for the switched signal instead of microstrip transmission lines to reduce transmission line discontinuities due to impedance changes.

Abstract: A method and structure for an optical switch. A channel is housed within a solid material. Contacts coupled to the channel are further coupled to the solid material, while a plurality of piezoelectric elements are coupled to chamber and further coupled to a slug. Optical waveguides are coupled to the channel. The contacts are coupled to a plurality of liquid metal globules, wherein one or more of the plurality of liquid metal globules are coupled to a slug. One or more piezoelectric elements are actuated, causing the slug to be moved within the channel. The motion of the slug is operable to block or unblock one or more of the plurality of optical waveguides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a liquid metal switch in a state of readiness for switching. The liquid metal switch has a liquid metal volume contained in a cavity of a switch body. A signal path though the cavity is made or broken by energizing an actuator to move the liquid metal volume within the cavity in response to a switching signal. To maintain readiness, a signal generator supplies a vibratory signal to the actuator. The resulting vibrations in the liquid metal volume allow the liquid metal volume to be subsequently moved with reduced power.

Abstract: A device and manufacturing method are provided that comprises forming first and second substrates joined together and comprising a main channel provided in at least one of the substrates and a connecting channel provided in at least one of the substrates, the connecting channel connected to the main channel, and the main channel having spaced apart electrodes and at least partially filled with liquid metal. The method further comprises forming a heater substrate comprising a suspended heater element in fluid communication with the connecting channel, the suspended heater element operable to cause a fluid non-conductor to separate the liquid metal and selectively interconnect the electrodes, and providing a high-frequency signal loss reduction structure between the main channel and the heater substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a channel plate for a fluid-based switch. The channel plate is produced by 1) forming a plurality of channel plate layers in ceramic green sheet, 2) forming at least one channel plate feature in at least one of the channel plate layers, and 3) laminating the channel plate layers to form the channel plate. A method for making a switch with a ceramic channel plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid-based switch and methods for reducing oxides on switching fluid are disclosed. In one method, oxides are reduced by depositing a switching fluid on a first substrate, mating the first substrate to a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate defining therebetween a cavity holding the switching fluid, the cavity being sized to allow movement of the switching fluid between first and second states, and creating a gas in the cavity holding the switching fluid, the gas to react with at least one of oxygen in the cavity and oxides on the switching fluid.

Abstract: A method for depositing material on a channel plate such that the material is registered to one or more channels formed in the channel plate includes filling at least one of the channels with a resist that is not wetted by the material; depositing the material on at least a region of the channel plate that includes at least part of the resist, the material registering with at least one channel edge as a result of the material's abutment to the resist; and then removing the resist. The method may be used, in one embodiment, to apply an adhesive or gasket material that is used in assembling a switch.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a switch is assembled by depositing a liquid switching element on a substrate. A channel plate is then positioned adjacent the substrate. The channel plate has a main channel and a waste chamber, and the main channel is positioned over the liquid switching element. The channel plate is then moved toward the substrate to cause a portion of the liquid switching element that overfills the main channel to be isolated from the main channel in the waste chamber. A method of switch production is also disclosed.