Abstract: A switching device is disclosed. In an embodiment a switching device includes at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact, wherein at least one of the contacts includes a metal matrix composite material having a metallic matrix material and a filler dispersed within the matrix material, and wherein the contacts are arranged in a switching chamber with a gas and the gas contains H2.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for integrally joining an electrical line to an electric contact part by means of a material bond. An exposed end of the line is inserted into a receiving sleeve of the contact part. Then a friction welding tool is rotated on an open end face of the receiving sleeve for the cohesive connection of the line end with the receiving sleeve. According to the disclosure, a powdery metal filler material is introduced into the receiving sleeve before rotation in such a way that the metal filler material is at least partially arranged between the line end and/or the receiving sleeve and the friction welding tool. Furthermore, the disclosure also concerns an electrical line arrangement which is manufactured with the aid of the metal filler material.

Abstract: A contact member according to the present invention includes: a contact layer composed of a plate-shaped porous body containing a high-melting-point metal as a main constituent and infiltrated with an infiltrant containing a low-melting-point metal as a main constituent; a contact-layer supporting part composed of the infiltrant; and a contact-part holding conductor composed of the infiltrant, wherein, the porous body is provided with an opening at the center of the contact layer and a portion from the opening to the contact-part holding conductor is continuously and integrally molded with the infiltrant.

Abstract: A liquid cooled semiconductor package and method for forming a liquid cooled semiconductor package is described. The device includes at least one semiconductor device mounted on a substrate. An impermeable housing is disposed on the substrate with an internal cavity. A liquid coolant is within the internal cavity such that the coolant immerses at least one semiconductor device.

Abstract: It is an electrode material that is used as an electrode contact of a vacuum interrupter and that contains one or more parts by weight of a heat-resistant element and one part by weight of Cr, the remainder being Cu and an unavoidable impurity. A part of Cr powder and the heat-resistant element powder are mixed together, and this mixed powder is sintered such that a peak corresponding to Cr element disappears in X-ray diffraction measurement. A solid solution powder obtained by pulverizing a sintered body of the heat-resistant element and Cr obtained by the sintering is mixed with the remaining Cr powder, and this mixed powder is shaped and then sintered. A sintered body obtained by this sintering is infiltrated with Cu.

Abstract: A welding electrode for use in engaging an aluminum alloy workpiece during a spot welding process has a weld face that includes a base surface and a plurality of circular ridges that project outwardly from the base surface. The circular ridges are blunted, and their presence on the weld face provides the first welding electrode with several useful capabilities, including the ability to establish better mechanical and electrical contact with the aluminum alloy workpiece.

Abstract: Sensors incorporating piezoresistive materials are described. One class of sensors includes piezoresistive material that is held or otherwise supported adjacent conductive traces on a substrate. Another class of sensors includes conductive traces formed directly on the piezoresistive material. Two-dimensional sensor arrays incorporating piezoresistive materials are also described.

Abstract: Sensors incorporating piezoresistive materials are described. One class of sensors includes piezoresistive material that is held or otherwise supported adjacent conductive traces on a substrate. Another class of sensors includes conductive traces formed directly on the piezoresistive material.

Abstract: An electrical contact is disclosed. The electrical contact includes a first element of a first material having one or more aperture, and a second element of a second material, the second element being positioned in at least one aperture of the one or more aperture of the first element, wherein the second material is different from the first material. Electrical contact devices, assemblies, and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed including a rotatably mounted contact bridge which includes a movable contact, wherein the movable contact interacts with a stationary contact of the electrical switch for the purpose of closing or opening the electrical circuit as a result of rotation of the contact bridge. In at least one embodiment, the surfaces at the point at which contact is made between the movable contact and the stationary contact are at least partially covered by a protective material for protecting against soiling and/or damage due to contact-erosion materials, wherein the protective material is a paper-like fleece.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of electric current is provided. The device comprises a first conductor as thin film form; a second conductor switchably coupled to the first conductor to alternate between an electrically connected state with the first conductor and an electrically disconnected state with the first conductor. At least one conductor further comprises an electrical contact, the electrical contact comprising a solid matrix comprising a plurality of pores; and a filler material disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575 K. A method to make an electrical contact is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate; providing a plurality of pores on the substrate; and disposing a filler material within at least a portion of the plurality of pores. The filler material has a melting point of less than about 575 K.

Abstract: A contact element for the intermittent contacting of conductor tracks on a circuit board, in particular, for flexible touchpads, for example for flexible input devices in the automobile industry, is made from a metal foam. The metal foam may be at least partly infiltrated by an elastomeric material which can also be the material of construction of the touchpad. The contact element has a very reliable construction which is particularly suitable for high voltage application. A method for production of the contact element, touchpads/input devices with such contact pads and the use of the contact pads is also provided.

Abstract: Key actuators and other switching devices are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor and its method of manufacture. Electrochemical gas sensors usually comprise an external housing, which acts as a reservoir for electrolyte; a wick to keep electrodes wetted with the electrolyte and external electrical terminals, for making electrical contact with the electrodes. Typically a gas permeable/microporous membrane has been used to seal a gas sensor in order to prevent leakage of electrolyte. A problem with existing sensors has been that there was a risk of electrolyte leaking through the membrane around the region where electrical connectors passed therethrough. The present invention overcomes this by providing a method of urging conductive polymer through the membrane under controlled conditions of heat and pressure, thereby ensuring the integrity of the membrane remains in tact while defining an electrically/conductive pathway therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a composite member comprising a porous substrate, a via, and a wiring. The method comprises exposing a first region and a second region in the porous substrate to a exposure beam through a mask, the second region exposed by the exposure beam not more than 50% of the exposure of the first region, the exposure beam having the wavelength that an average size of voids of the porous substrate is, as expressed by a radius of gyration, {fraction (1/20)} to 10 times, and forming the via and the wiring by infiltrating a conductive material into the first region and the second region respectively.

Abstract: The contact material of the present invention comprises: an anti-arcing constituent consisting of at least one TiC, V and VC of which the content is 30˜70 volume % and whose mean particle (grain) size is 0.1˜9 &mgr;m; C whose content is 0.005˜0.5 weight % with respect to the anti-arcing constituent, whose diameter is 0.01˜5 &mgr;m when its shape is calculated as spherical, and which is in non-solid solution condition or condition in which it does not form a chemical compound; and a conductive constituent consisting of Cu and constituting the balance.

Abstract: A contact material for a vacuum interrupter including, a conductive component including at least Cu, and an arc-proof component including at least one selected from the group consisting of carbides of W, Zr, Hf, V and Ti. An amount of the conductive component in the contact material is 40-50 vol %, an amount of the arc-proof component in the contact material is 50-60 vol %, and a grain size of the arc-proof component is 3 .mu.m or less. A total amount of a sintering activator including at least one selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe and Ni melted in the conductive component is 0.1% or less of the amount of the conductive component.

Abstract: Interrupting and chopping characteristics of a Cu--Cr contact alloy are improved by rounding Cr particles to be spherical in the alloy. The Cr particles are rounded in the alloy by sintering raw Cr powder particles having an average particle diameter of less than 100 .mu.m at a temperature of 1,100.degree. C. or higher with Cu powder, or by sintering raw Cr powder particles having an average particle diameter of 100 to 150 .mu.m at a temperature of 1,200.degree. C. or higher with Cu powder.

Abstract: A 100% dense, porosity free copper-chromium contact has been prepared in which deleterious porosity has been eliminated. This copper-chromium contact has been produced by pressurizing liquid copper to infiltrate an evacuated chromium based, lightly sintered, highly porous preform. The electrical contact has one of either a homogeneous Cr distribution and a graded Cr distribution. The apparatus used to effect the molten metal infiltration has two independent, physically separated chambers--a first cold chamber and a second hot chamber. The first chamber is under no applied pressure except inside a gating system used to transfer molten Cu into the porous preform in the first chamber. The new contact has about 15-30% Cr material and a high erosion resistant contact surface. The graded Cr distribution has a Cr rich layer with about 25-50% by weight Cr, an intermediate Cr layer with about 15-20% by weight Cr, a low Cr layer with about 5-15% Cr and a Cr poor layer with about 1-5% Cr above a copper substrate.

Abstract: A contact material for a vacuum valve including, a conductive constituent including at least copper, an arc-proof constituent including at least chromium and an auxiliary constituent including at least one selected from the group consisting of tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum and niobium. The contact material is manufactured by quench solidification of a composite body of the conductive constituent, the arc-proof constituent and the auxiliary constituent.

Abstract: A movable electrical contact assembly forms a potentiometer and includes at least one strip of electrically conductive material having a significant resistance, a conductive rolling contact device in contact with the strip, a mechanism for moving the rolling contact device along the strip, and the rolling contact device or the strip being made of a deformable conductive material. In one preferred embodiment, two strips are provided at least one of which has a significant resistance. Also in one embodiment, the rolling contact device is deformable and is defined by a conductive elastomeric contact roller.

Abstract: A contact material for a vacuum interrupter includes: (a) from 25 to 70% by volume of a highly conductive component selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cu and combinations thereof, and (b) from 30 to 75% by volume of an arc-proof component comprising a carbide of an element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W and combinations thereof, wherein the average grain size of the said arc-proof component is from 0.3 to 3 micrometers and the average grain distance of the arc-proof component is within the range of 0.1 to 1 micrometer. Contacts for a vacuum interrupter obtained from the contact material have improved wear resistance, large current interruption characteristic, wear resistance, and chopping characteristic, and low temperature rise characteristic.

Abstract: A contacts material for a vacuum valve including an arc-proof constituent having at least one component selected from the group consisting of tantalum, niobium, tungsten and molybdenum and an auxiliary constituent having at least one component selected from the group consisting of chromium, titanium, yttrium, zirconium, cobalt and vanadium. The contact material further includes a conductive constituent having at least one component selected from the group consisting of copper and silver. The amount of the arc-proof constituent is from 25% to 75% by volume. The total amount of the arc-proof constituent together with the auxiliary constituent is no more than 75% by volume. The amount of the conductive constituent is the balance.

Abstract: A contact forming material for a vacuum interrupter comprising: from 25% to 65% by weight of a highly conductive component comprising Ag and Cu, and from 35% to 75% by weight of an arc-proof component selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Mo, W and their carbides and borides, and mixtures thereof wherein the highly conductive component of the contact forming material comprises (i) a first highly conductive component region composed of a first discontinuous phase having a thickness or width of no more than 5 micrometers and a first matrix surrounding the first discontinuous phase, and (ii) a second highly conductive component region composed of a second discontinuous phase having a thickness or width of at least 5 micrometers and a second matrix surrounding the second discontinuous phase, wherein the first discontinuous phase in the first highly conductive component region is finely and uniformly dispersed in the first matrix at intervals of no more than 5 micrometers, and wherein the amount of

Abstract: A temperature sensor having a heat sensing portion including silicone rubber having thermal expansion and contraction characteristics which are linear with respect to changes in temperature, and a responsively operating portion adapted to operate by thermal expansion and contraction of the silicone rubber. The silicone rubber expands as the ambient temperature around the heat sensing portion rises, and the silicone rubber contracts as the ambient temperature decreases. The operating portion operates in response to this expansion or contraction, thereby detecting the temperature change.

Abstract: An electrode of a vacuum circuit breaker includes a support electrode, an auxiliary support electrode of Co soldered to the support electrode, and an electric contact portion composed of a sintered porous body of Co sintered to the auxiliary support electrode and a conductive alloy impregnating the sintered porous body. The auxiliary support electrode has a protrusion formed with a flange at its end portion. The auxiliary support electrode thus prepared acts to provide a barrier to a solder during the soldering operation, to increase the joining width between the electrical contact portion and the electrode, and to prevent the characteristics of that alloy from being degraded by the soldering operation.

Abstract: A process (I), for producing a pressure-sensitive electroconductive sheet by (A), forming conductive circuits or electrodes in a flexible porous substrate and (B), applying, followed by curing a pressure-sensitive conductive paste to either or both sides of the substrate to form a pressure-sensitive conductive layer; and a process (II) for producing a pressure-sensitive electroconductive sheet by (A), forming conductive circuits or electrodes in a flexible porous subhstrate, (B), subsequently applying, followed by curing, a pressure-sensitive conductive paste to either side of the substrate to form a pressure-sensitive conductive layer, and (C), applying, followed by curing, insulating silicone rubber to the side of the substrate on which the pressure-sensitive conductive layer is not formed to form an insulating silicone rubber layer.

Abstract: A contact forming material for a vacuum valve or vacuum circuit breaker comprising (a) a conductive material consisting of copper and/or silver, and (b) an arc-proof material consisting of chromium, titanium, zirconium, or an alloy thereof wherein the amount of said arc-proof material present in said conductive material matrix is no more than 0.35% by weight. This contact forming material is produced by a process which comprises the steps of compacting arc-proof material powder into a green compact, sintering said green compact to obtain a skeleton of the arc-proof material, infiltrating the voids of said skeleton with a conductive material, and cooling the infiltrated material. The contact forming material can provide contacts for a vacuum valve or vacuum circuit breaker which has excellent characteristics such as temperature rise characteristic and contact resistance characteristic.

Abstract: The arc withstanding electrodes in an electric circuit breaker for switching high voltages attain greater mechanical strength and improved arc withstanding capabilities by forming the arc withstanding electrodes of a carbon-fiber-reinforced-graphite material which material is constituted of a graphite matrix which is reinforced by carbon fibers embedded therein. A method for forming the carbon-fiber-reinforced-graphite of the arc electrodes and for affixing the arc electrodes to a metal carrier therefor includes the steps of employing a high-temperature solder based on copper and/or silver, containing at least one carbide-forming element such as, for example, Cr.

Abstract: A novel contact electrode material for vacuum interrupters is disclosed, by which the chopping current value inherent in contact material can be reduced so that it is possible to stably interrupt small lagging current due to inductive loads without generating surge voltages. The material is equivalent or superior to the conventional Cu-0.5Bi material in large current interrupting capability and dielectric strength. The material consists essentially of copper, chromium, iron or molybdenum and chromium carbide or molybdenum carbide. The metallographical microstructure is such that copper is infiltrated into a porous matrix formed by mutually bonding chromium powder, iron or molybdenum powder and metal carbide powder in diffusion state.

Abstract: Programming of a communications terminal is carried out by insertable programming members carrying a plurality of actuators. Each actuator has at least one and usually two actuating members which engage with a circuit to modify the electrical characteristics of the circuit. The actuating members themselves may contact conductor paths, connecting them selectively to a ground conductor, or interconnecting two conductor paths. The actuating members may actuate indirectly through an intermediate member. Actuating members can be at predetermined different positions along an actuator. Typically one programming member is associated with a push-button, the programming member, for example having two columns of four actuators. On depressing the push-button, the particular coding is rapidly scanned by the electronic circuitry and the particular service associated with that code is provided.

Abstract: A flat panel keyboard unit comprises a first flexible member having a key symbol printed thereon, a second flexible member having electrodes aligned with the kay symbol, a pressure sensitive conductive element provided at a position corresponding to the electrodes and a base for accommodating the pressure sensitive conductive element. The flat panel keyboard is used in an electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A switch assembly particularly suitable for electrical keyboard applications includes a pair of wire conducting members disposed in substantially collinear relationship on a supporting base and defining a pair of switch contact surfaces disposed radially outward from the circumference of the wire conducting members. In one embodiment, surrounding the exterior of the collinearly disposed wire conducting members, and spaced from and in facing relationship with the contact surfaces thereof, lies a cylindrical or tubular contactor member. The contactor member may include a closely-wound electrically conductive wire. The contactor member is supported in spaced apart position by a resilient sealing tube which encloses the end portions, including the contact surfaces, of the wire conducting members. A spring biased actuating force is provided to move the sealing tube and contactor member into engagement with the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A small-sized, light weighted vacuum circuit interrupter is provided. The interrupter comprises a vacuum container confining a vacuum atmosphere of a pressure less than 10.sup.-5 mmHg and a pair of electrodes at least one of which is a movable electrode for making and breaking an electric circuit including either a transformer of a rated surge voltage strength of less than 45 kV or a motor of a rated surge voltage strength of less than 25 kV. At least one of the electrodes has a contact made of a porous body of a refractory conductive material and an impregnate selected from the group consisting of silver telluride, silver selenide and mixtures thereof impregnated in the porous body in an amount sufficient to give the interrupter a chopping current of not more than 1A and an arc extinguishing capability at 1MHz of not more than 27 A/.mu.s when measured in a circuit of 6 kV.

Abstract: A key-board switching unit for electronic instruments is constructed with a printed circuit board provided with a plural number of pairs of fixed contact points on the surface and an insulating covering sheet member mounted on or above the printed circuit board and provided on the bottom surface with movable contact points to face the fixed contact points.

Abstract: A multi-path interrupter device (e.g. joystick) includes a housing 10 constituted by two parts (11, 12), a plurality of interrupters 16 distributed along a circle and a control member 20. The control member is formed of a single piece of resilient material and has a lever pin 21 held on a pivot 25 carried by the housing. The control member 20 includes a peripheral crown 23 arranged to act on the interrupters 16. The member 20 also includes resilient return means for biasing the member to a central rest position.The return means includes tongues 30 cut radially out of the control member 20, the flexible end of these tongues bearing on the lateral surface of a truncated cone 28 carried by the part 12 of the housing, which cone 28 forms an opening for passing the pin 21.

Abstract: A layer of carbon fiber materials sandwiched between two conductive layers provides a tactile feedback sensor which is particularly useful in manipulator systems for robotics and assembly automation.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention, Cr powder is poured into a degased mold, which can be made of graphite. On this Cr powder a piece of low-oxygen copper is placed. Subsequently, the mold is closed with a porous cover, which can also be made of graphite. Then the mold is degased in a high-vacuum furnace at room temperature until a pressure of better than 10.sup.-4 mb is reached. Thereafter, the furnace temperature is increased to as high as possible a temperature below the melting point of copper. This furnace temperature is maintained constant until an internal pressure in the furnace of better than 10.sup.-4 mb is reached. Subsequently, without intermediate cooling, the furnace temperature is further increased slowly to a final value of 100 degrees K. to 200 degrees K. above the melting temperature of the copper. This temperature is then maintained until the porosity contained in the Cr powder is completely filled up by the liquid copper.

Abstract: A keyboard encoding device which directly develops a digital, valid and reliable output signal without electronic encoding circuitry. The preferred device has a plurality of juxtaposed, flexible conductive strands or wires each having a number of axially spaced impact zones which are either insulated or conductive; corresponding zones on the separate wires are aligned to cooperatively define a series of spaced impact zone sets each made of a unique pattern of conductive and insulated zones. An electrically conductive, rubber-like resilient pad having a series of ridge-like elongated members respectively aligned with corresponding impact zone sets is oriented for shifting of the members into momentary contact with the associated zone sets, whereby electrical contact is made between the ridge members and the conductive impact zones of the set. This directly generates a momentary unique, digitalized output signal. The device is particularly suited for use in impact-type keyboards.

Abstract: A multi-position switch suitable for use as a remote control switch for electrically operated rearview mirrors of a motor vehicle. The switch of the invention comprises fixed contact components in the form of printed circuits disposed on an insulating base plate, a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber sheet (which becomes conductive only when and where it is pressed) being laid over the fixed contact components, whereby the fixed contact components and the rubber sheet forming switch elements, and an operating button adapted to be tilted with respect to the rubber sheet and having a tendency to return to its original position. Therefore, the switch of the invention can have a flat, thin shape. Also, the switch is easy to assemble and has satisfactory reliability because it consists of a small number of component parts. Furthermore, the operating button is adapted to have a tilting stroke and make clicks, so that the switch of the invention is easy to use and gives a reassuring feeling of use.

Abstract: An ignition distributor is disclosed for use in an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders each fitted with an ignition plug. The distributor includes a plurality of fixed electrodes disposed in circumferential spaced relationship and electrically connected to the respective ignition plugs. A rotor electrode is provided which is electrically connected to a power source and rotatable to successively face the fixed electrodes with a narrow gap with rotation of the engine thereby distributing power to the respective ignition plugs. At least either of the rotor electrode and each of the fixed electrodes has its facing surface formed of conductive and insulating materials combined.

Abstract: A rotatable control with an integral switch comprises conductive inner and outer shaft in a concentric configuration. The inner and outer shaft are electrically insulated from one another and frictionally coupled to allow concentric simultaneous rotation. The assembly is covered with a flexible insulating shroud which has a switch contact located on the upper interior surface thereof. Conductive spring members are clipped around the lower portion of the inner and outer shaft to allow electrical connection to a circuit board.

Abstract: This invention provides a vacuum type breaker contact material prepared by infiltrating copper into a sintered tungsten matrix, wherein elementary particle size and the growth of the particle size by heat processing are controlled in such a manner that the ratio of the largest value/the smallest value of tungsten particle size becomes not more than 10, and that the maximum value of tungsten particle size is not larger than 2 .mu.m and the minimum value of tungsten particle size is not smaller than 0.3 .mu.m.

Abstract: A contactor for a vacuum type circuit interrupter having a pair of detachable electrodes in a vacuum chamber comprises an electrode obtained by melting or sintering a composition of an electric conductive metal of copper or silver as a main component and at least one metal oxide having a melting point lower than that of said conductive metal of bismuth oxide, thallium oxide, indium oxide, antimony oxide or tellurium oxide as an additive, in vacuum or a reduced atmosphere or a nonoxidative atmosphere.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a sintered electrical contact having a contacting surface defining a plurality of voids is disclosed. The voids contain a corrosion retarding fluid which passes onto the contacting surface upon being worn down upon repeated engagement with a conductive element.

Abstract: A vacuum type circuit interrupter contact comprises a principal phase material selected from the group consisting of copper and solid solutions of chromium copper, iron copper and cobalt copper, and a second phase material selected from the group consisting of chromium, iron and cobalt. The second phase material is dispersed into the principal phase material and has a particle diameter in the range of 74 .mu.m to 250 .mu.m. The contact can be formed by powder metallurgy, an infiltration process or a fusion process.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch has a plurality of pushbuttons and corresponding switch contacts. The switch contacts are formed conductive patterns printed on an insulation plate or sheet and are in contact with a pressure conductive rubber sheet. The pressure conductive rubber sheet includes conductive powder and is rendered conductive when compressed by the pushbutton, so that the corresponding switch contacts are closed by the conductive rubber sheet. A plurality of pairs of switch contacts are connected to terminals which are arranged in an adjacent relation.

Abstract: A switch for a camera employs a switching element which is formed of pressure sensitive conductive rubber or conductive rubber, to which an external pressure may be applied to cause it to bridge across a pair of conductive contacts, thus turning the switch on and off. The switch is disposed on the surface of a camera so as to be accessible to an external pressure.

Abstract: A display board type switching device used for a vehicle or the like, in which pressure sensitive conducting rubber member (7) is integrally molded in a sheet (6) to form a substantially flat plate to rigidly fix the position of the pressure sensitive rubber member. A method for forming such sheet is also described.

Abstract: The mercury contact comprises a solid metal base of antimony, wetted with mercury. The method of manufacturing the mercury contact includes preparing the solid metal base by electrolytic deposition of antimony onto the substrate, and subsequently coating the antimony with a layer of mercury.