Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (100) for monitoring swallowing in a subject. The apparatus (100) comprises a processor (102) configured to acquire, from a motion sensor (104), motion signals obtained from a feeding tube, when placed in the esophagus of the subject. The motion signals are indicative of swallowing motions transmitted along the feeding tube. The processor (102) is also configured to process the acquired motion signals to classify the acquired motion signals as indicative of the subject swallowing healthily or unhealthily.

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: The present invention relates to an electrical relay in which a solid slug is moved within a channel and used to make or break an electrical connection. The solid slug is moved by electromagnets. In the preferred embodiment, the slug is wetted by a conducting liquid, such as liquid metal, that also adheres to wettable contact pads within the channel to provide a latching mechanism. The relay is amenable to manufacture by micro-machiningtechniques.

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 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 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: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of moveable switching contacts is attached to the free end of a switch bar and positioned between a pair of fixed electrical contact pads. The connections to the switching contacts and the fixed contact pads are shielded by ground traces. A surface of each contact supports a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. A piezoelectric actuator is energized to push or pull the switch bar and move the pair of switching contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contact pads and one of the switching contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact pad and the other switching contact is increased, causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The piezoelectric actuator is then de-energized and the switching contacts return to their starting positions.

Abstract: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of moveable switching contacts is positioned between a pair of fixed electrical contact pads. A surface of each contact supports a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. An actuator is energized to move the pair of switching contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contact pads and one of the switching contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact pad and the other switching contact is increased, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The actuator is then de-energized and the switching contacts return to their starting positions. The volume of liquid metal is chosen so that liquid metal droplets remain coalesced or separated because of surface tension in the liquid.

Abstract: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of moveable switching contacts is attached to the free end of a piezoelectric actuator and positioned between a pair of fixed electrical contact pads. The electrical connections to the switching contacts and the fixed electrical contact pads are ground shielded. A surface of each contact supports a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. The piezoelectric actuator is energized to deform in a bending mode and move the pair of switching contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contact pads and one of the switching contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact pad and the other switching contact is increased, causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of moveable electrical contacts is attached to the free end of a piezoelectric actuator and positioned between pair of fixed electrical contacts. The contacts each support a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. The piezoelectric actuator is energized to deform in a bending mode and move the pair of moveable contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contacts and one of the moveable contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact and the other moveable contact is increased, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The piezoelectric actuator is then de-energized and the moveable electrical contacts return to their starting positions.

Abstract: An electrical relay array using conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. The relay array is amenable to manufacture by micro-machining techniques. Each element of the relay array uses an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, to cause a switch actuator to insert into a cavity in a static switch contact structure. The cavity has sides and a pad on its end that are wettable by the conducting liquid. The cavity is filled with the conducting liquid, which may be liquid metal. Insertion of the switch actuator into the cavity causes the conducting liquid to be displaced outward and come in contact with the contact pad on the switch actuator. The volume of conducting liquid is chosen so that when the actuator returns to its rest position, the electrical contact is maintained by surface tension and by wetting of the contact pads on both the static switch contact structure and the actuator.

Abstract: An electrical relay using conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. The relay is amenable to manufacture by micro-machining techniques. In the relay, two electrical contacts are held a small distance apart. The facing surfaces of the contacts each support a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. An actuator is energized to reduce the gap between the electrical contacts, causing the two liquid metal droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. The actuator is then de-energized and the electrical contacts return to their starting positions. The liquid metal droplets remain coalesced because of surface tension. The electrical circuit is broken by energizing an actuator to increase the gap between the electrical contacts and break the surface tension bond between the liquid metal droplets. The droplets remain separated when the piezoelectric actuator is de-energized because there is insufficient liquid metal to bridge the gap between the contacts.

Abstract: A method and structure for an electrical switch. A gas-filled chamber is housed within a solid material. Contacts within the gas-filled chamber are coupled to the solid material, while a plurality of piezoelectric elements within the gas-filled chamber are also coupled to the solid material. A slug within the gas-filled chamber is coupled to one or more of the plurality of contacts and further coupled to one or more of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. A liquid metal within the gas-filled chamber is coupled to the slug, and coupled to the plurality of contacts. One or more of the piezoelectric elements are actuated, with the actuation of the one or more piezoelectric elements causing the slug coupled to the one or more piezoelectric elements to move from a first number of contacts to a second number of contacts wherein the first number of contacts and the second number of contacts are wetted by the liquid metal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric relay is disclosed in which a solid slug moves within a switching channel formed in relay housing. An electrical circuit passing between fixed contact pads in the switching channel is completed or broken by motion of the solid slug. Motion of the solid slug is controlled by at least two piezoelectric actuators within the switching channel. Motion of the solid slug is resisted by an electrically conductive liquid, such as a liquid metal, that wets between the solid slug and the contact pad in the switching channel. The surface tension of the, liquid provides a latching mechanism for the relay.

Abstract: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of switching contacts is attached to the free end of a switch bar and positioned between a pair of fixed electrical contact pads. A surface of each contact supports a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. A piezoelectric actuator is energized to push or pull the switch bar and move the pair of switching contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contact pads and one of the switching contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact pad and the other switching contact is increased, causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The piezoelectric actuator is then de-energized and the switching contacts return to their starting positions.

Abstract: A MEM relay includes an actuator, a shorting bar disposed on the actuator, a contact substrate, and a plurality of liquid metal contacts are disposed on the contact substrate such that the plurality of liquid metal contacts are placed in electrical communication when the MEM relay is in a closed state. Further, the MEM relay includes a heater disposed on said contact substrate wherein said heater is in thermal communication with the plurality of liquid metal contacts. The contact substrate can additionally include a plurality of wettable metal contacts disposed on the contact substrate wherein each of the plurality of wettable metal contacts is proximate to each of the plurality of liquid metal contacts and each of the wettable metal contacts is in electrical communication with each of the plurality of liquid metal contacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical relay in which a solid slug is moved within a channel and used to make or break an electrical connection. The solid slug is moved by electromagnets. In the preferred embodiment, the slug is wetted by a conducting liquid, such as liquid metal, that also adheres to wettable contact pads within the channel to provide a latching mechanism. The relay is amenable to manufacture by micro-machining techniques.

Abstract: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of fixed electrical contacts is held a small distance from a pair of moveable electrical contacts. The facing surfaces of the contacts each support a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. A piezoelectric or magnetorestrictive actuator is energized to move the pair of moveable contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contacts and one of the moveable contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact and the other moveable contact is increased, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The actuator is then de-energized and the moveable electrical contacts return to their starting positions. The volume of liquid metal is chosen so that liquid metal droplets remain coalesced or separated because of surface tension in the liquid.

Abstract: A piezoelectric optical relay array having one or more array elements. Each array element contains a transparent mirror housing, located at the intersection of two optical paths. A solid slug is moved within a channel passing through the transparent mirror housing by the action of piezoelectric elements. A surface of the solid slug is wetted by a liquid metal to form a reflective surface. The solid slug is moved in or out of the transparent mirror housing to select between the optical paths. When the solid slug is within the transparent mirror housing, an incoming optical signal is reflected from the reflective surface of the liquid metal. The liquid metal adheres to wettable metal surfaces within the channel to provide a latching mechanism.

Abstract: The latching switch device includes a passage, a first cavity, a second cavity, a channel extending from each cavity to the passage, non-conductive fluid located the cavities, conductive liquid located in the passage, a first electrode, a second electrode and a latching structure associated with each channel. The passage is elongate. The channels are spatially separated from one another along the length of the passage. The electrodes are in electrical contact with the conductive liquid and are located on opposite sides of one of the channels. The conductive liquid includes free surfaces. Each latching structure includes energy barriers located in the passage on opposite sides of the channel. The energy barriers interact with the free surfaces of the conductive liquid to hold the free surfaces apart from one another.

Abstract: A MEM relay includes an actuator, a shorting bar disposed on the actuator, a contact substrate, and a plurality of liquid metal contacts are disposed on the contact substrate such that the plurality of liquid metal contacts are placed in electrical communication when the MEM relay is in a closed state. Further, the MEM relay includes a heater disposed on said contact substrate wherein said heater is in thermal communication with the plurality of liquid metal contacts. The contact substrate can additionally include a plurality of wettable metal contacts disposed on the contact substrate wherein each of the plurality of wettable metal contacts is proximate to each of the plurality of liquid metal contacts and each of the wettable metal contact is in electrical communication with each of the plurality of liquid metal contacts.

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.

Abstract: In an encapsulated contact material which varies little in contact resistance and has good working life performance, at least one contact coating layer is formed covering the surface of a contact substrate. The contact coating layer includes a substantial matrix formed of at least one element selected from a group including Mo, Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, and W, the matrix being loaded with 0.5 to 50 atom % of at least one element selected from a group including Zn, Cd, Hg, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, and Bi. The contact coating layer has a thickness of 0.1 .mu.m or more.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprising a housing including a baseplate on which are mounted a magnet core having a pair of flanges and a winding wound around it, and two switch capsules positioned on either sides of the magnetic core with each capsule being insulated from each flange magnetic core by insulating means. Magnets are also positioned to provide either a monostable or a bistable mode of operation as desired. With this construction, the magnetic and electric paths in the assembly are physically separate from one another, thereby allowing the magnetic and electric materials to be chosen independently from each other.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprising a housing including a baseplate on which are mounted a magnetic core having a pair of flanges and a winding wound around it, and two switch capsules positioned on either sides of the magnetic core with each capsule being insulated from each flange of the magnetic core by insulating means. Magnets are also positioned to provide either a monostable or a bistable mode of operation as desired. With this constructions, the magnetic and electric paths in the assembly are physically separate from one another, thereby allowing the magnetic and electric materials to be chosen independently from each other.

Abstract: A glass reed relay has an elongated glass enclosure with an electrode passing through and being sealed to each of the opposite ends of said enclosure. One of the electrodes has an associated reed for making and breaking contact with the other of said electrodes. The other electrode has a hollow tubular structure filled with mercury. The dimensions are such that only a limited amount of mercury can escape therefrom in order to wet the contacts without creating a pool of mercury.

Abstract: A novel reed switch element and method of fabricating the same comprises a ferrous alloy reed which is positioned in a glass envelope. The reed element is characterized by a layer of substantially pure titanium or chromium applied on that portion of the reed element which is in registration with the seal region of the glass envelope. Reed switch elements fabricated in this fashion display substantially improved glass-to-metal seal strength.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker having a trip solenoid assembly. The trip solenoid assembly includes a permanent magnet, plunger, trip coil and assist coil and is positioned adjacent to a phase conductor. At high current levels the phase conductor generates a flux that may cause the circuit breaker to nuisance trip. An assist coil is wound adjacent the trip coil. The assist coil is energized only when the current through the circuit breaker is of such a level so as to cause nuisance tripping. The assist coil is not energized during that time period when the trip coil is energized.

Abstract: A shock sensor has a mercury-wetted insert for supporting a mercury mass normally space from a terminal. The mercury and terminal are contained within a sealed housing. When the sensor is subjected to a shock, the mercury is redistributed and protrudes from the insert so as to contact the terminal and complete a circuit between that terminal and another terminal that is normally in communication with the mercury.

Abstract: A multi-positional mercury switch (1) for use with miniature relays (3). The mercury switch apparatus has magnetic contact structures (11, 13, 16, 17) supported in a sealed envelope member (10) with free ends thereof located in the envelope member and positioned to engage or disengage each other in response to a magnetic field generated by current appearing in a coil (310) externally surrounding the envelope member. A magnetic contact structure (11) has a mercury wetted surface (113) and an opening (111) at a free end (116) extending from the mercury wetted surface through the magnetic contact structure for forming a mercury contact (117) opposite the mercury wetted surface.

Abstract: A multi-positional mercury switch (1, 2) for use with miniature relays. The mercury switch apparatus has mercury wettable magnetic contact structures (11, 12, 13, 21, 22) supported in a sealed envelope member (10, 20) supporting the magnetic contact structures with free ends thereof positioned to engage or disengage each other in response to a magnetic field generated by current appearing in a coil (410) externally surrounding the envelope member. A mercury wettable member (3, 15, 23, 24) having a porous construction for holding mercury is mounted on ones of the magnetic contact structures within the sealed envelope member for wetting the magnetic contact structures.

Abstract: A multi-positional mercury switch (1, 2, 3) for use with miniature relays (4). The mercury switch apparatus has mercury wettable magnetic contact structures (11, 12, 211, 212, 221, 222, 311, 312) supported in a sealed envelope member (10, 20, 30) supporting the magnetic contact structures with ends thereof extending from the envelope member for interconnection with terminals of the relay. A mercury holding assembly (13, 14, 23, 24, 33, 34) is slidably located within the sealed envelope member adjacent the magnetic contact structures and is responsive to an external magnetic field generated by electrical signals in a coil (410) surrounding the sealed envelope member for engaging the magnetic contact structures and establishing an electrical conducting path between the magnetic contact structures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mercury containing reed switches and to methods of preparing switch blades for use in such switches. Heretofore such reed switches have been doped with mercury after the reed switch blades have been mounted in the envelope, the mercury migrating to the contact area of the switch blades, made of a mercury-wettable material, after sealing. The present invention avoids the expense and complexity of this procedure by improving the control of mercury dosing to enable improved performance of such reed switches in low power applications, for example in automatic test equipment, process control equipment and data processing terminals.

Abstract: A mercury wetted switch, controlled by a magnetic field produced from a discret semiconductor encapsulating box or case, whose base has a double or so-called "common" electrode and at least one other insulated electrode. A moving plate engages in fork-like manner in the double electrode and bears against another electrode. The liquid wetting the contacts forms a liquid hinge for the plate on the double electrode.Application to electrical relays, particularly for professional equipment and telecommunications.

Abstract: A mercury switch in which a magnetic armature and a magnetic pole having a fixed contact are inserted in a glass tube, mercury is introduced into the glass tube to wet the contact point, and both ends of the glass tube are sealed. A recessed portion is formed in a portion of the magnetic pole and the fixed contact is adhered into the recessed portion. A film of a metal oxide which will be only slightly wetted with mercury is formed on the surface of the magnetic pole except on the surface of the fixed contact.

Abstract: A reed switch comprising a sealed capsule which includes a movable armature consisting in a beam of magnetic material having two pole ends capable of alternate contacting engagement with a respective of two distinct stationary contacts when the armature is pivoting in a longitudinal axial plane. The armature is suspended symmetrically to the ends of a helicoidal spring which extends axially around the armature beam and which is fixedly positioned inside the capsule by means of a cylindrical annular electrode. The coacting surfaces of the pole ends and the stationary contacts are provided with spots made of a material which cannot be wetted by the mercury also included in the capsule. Magnetic means in various embodiments are also provided to create the initial magnetic condition according to the mode of switching operation desired.

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.

Abstract: The mercury contact comprises a solid metal base of beryllium, wetted with mercury. The method of manufacturing the mercury contact includes periodically dipping the cleaned solid metal base of beryllium into chemically pure mercury through a mixture of saturated water solution of chromic anhydride and a 40 percent solution of hydrofluoric acid water, taken in a 1:1 ratio by volume.

Abstract: A position insensitive mercury relay switch includes a generally cylindrical hollow common contact assembly and a pair of stationary contacts disposed respectively at each end of the common contact assembly. An armature movably disposed within the common contact assembly establishes electrical contact between the common contact assembly and one of the stationary contacts, in dependence upon the position of the armature. Glass insulators are sealingly engaged to the ends of the common contact assembly and the stationary contacts to insulate the respective contacts from one another. The glass insulators also forms bearings which maintain the armature radially spaced from the common contact assembly. The common contact assembly includes an outer sleeve made from a magnetic material which forms a good seal with the glass insulators, and an inner sleeve made from a mercury wet material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetically controlled switch with contacts wetted by a conductive liquid. It is characterized in that the wettable contact surfaces of the electrodes are selectively connected to one another by a wettable ferromagnetic moving element covered with mercury which is held solely by the surface tension forces of the mercury. The absence of any polarizing force and the lightness of the moving element enable the switch to operate with a minimal energy consumption and stabilize it against accelerations. Principal application to any low-power circuit and in particular to telephone circuits.

Abstract: A mercury switch has two spaced apart electrical contacts mechanically supported by its glass envelope and electrically connected to external terminals. A third conductor passes through the glass envelope at the opposite end. A housing for mercury is formed by divergent plates supported on the third conductor, which housing extends into the mercury reservoir near its support so as to draw mercury into the space between the divergent plates. A magnetic partition is supported from the third conductor by a flexible hinge which allows the partition to move back and forth between the divergent plates of the housing alternately into each of a pair of stops between said two spaced apart electrical contacts. Whichever wall of the housing the partition is closest to, the space is narrowed so that the mercury rises under capillary attraction and contacts the electrical contact between the wall and the partition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an armature suspended within a resilient means, wherein the resilient means also performs a capillary function in that a wetting agent, such as mercury, forms a captive reservoir which travels upon said resilient means to said armature and thereby performs a self-renewing wetting function with regard to the contact surfaces of said armature. The armature and resilient means are enclosed within an envelope. The envelope has secured therein one or more contacts which interact with the contact surfaces of the armature (in response to an electromagnetic stimulus) and are continually wetted by said interaction.

Abstract: A mercury-wetted relay construction is disclosed in which a substantially flattened "Z" shaped armature (20) is mounted by means of a flexible hinge (19), at one side of the stem (11) to extend in an overlapping and spaced-apart relation with a contact (16) mounted on the other side of a pole-piece (12), the armature (20) thereby crossing the common longitudinal axis of the stem and pole-piece. An armature oscillation dampening bumper (23) is affixed to the other side of the stem (11) which extends parallel and in a spaced relation with the armature (20) at the contact end. Because of the operating direction of armature (20), the latter member may be abutted against the stem (11) end to reduce to a minimum the magnetic reluctance at this juncture.

Abstract: A reed contact relay comprising within a capsule, reeds the coacting tips of which are provided with spots made of a material which can not be wetted with mercury. Two tubes in magnetic material are aligned in spaced apart relation around the reeds such that an axial gap is formed therebetween at the lenghtwise level of the coacting tips of the reeds. The inner wall of these tubes and the surface of the reeds, except the surface of the spots, are wetted with mercury.

Abstract: The magnetic elements of a mercury reed switch are supported within their non-magnetic capsule so that, instead of coming into contact in initially overlapping relationship, under the influence of a magnetic field they become essentially aligned with one another. The reeds are so constructed that by selection of the size or shape of their respective opposed ends, the magnetic flux pattern is modified to maintain desired relative alignment to achieve desired spacing between solid contacts. In a preferred form at least one of the magnetic elements carries a substantially non-magnetic conductive extension means, conductively affixed to its supporting element in position to complete an electrical circuit from its supporting element through intermediate conductive liquid and the other reed element in some switch condition.

Abstract: A miniature magnetic, mercury-wetted relay construction for achieving optimum magnetic reluctance in its operating flux path and thereby improving relay sensitivity. The dimensions of the armature of the relay are determined for maximum flux-carrying capacity without sacrifice of flexibility by mounting the armature to the relay stem by means of a thin, magnetic hinge. At the pole-piece end of the relay, a recess is provided within which the contact is mounted, the recess forming a flux concentrator projection of the pole-piece which extends outwardly therefrom toward the opposing face of the armature. Reluctance of the flux closure path is further reduced by providing an integral extension of the stem toward the end of the pole-piece which extension advantageously acts as a parallel flux path shunting the small gap presented at the armature end and an end of the stem. By forming the shunt extension integrally with the stem, joint reluctance is eliminated.

Abstract: The possibility of contact bounce in an electrical switch is minimized by transferring energy from an armature of the switch to a damping liquid. An arrangement for damping the armature by such a transfer is particularly suited for use with a mercury-wetted sealed contact switch. The switch includes first and second spaced terminals embedded at opposite ends of a cylindrical envelope. The armature is located in the space between the two terminals. It is hinged by a thin leaf spring at the first terminal and is normally positioned to form a gap with the second terminal. Operation of the switch to close and reopen the gap results from an application and a removal, respectively, of a magnetic field through the terminals and the armature. Mercury wets the contact points between the second terminal and the armature. The mercury is supplied from a pool located at the first terminal.

Abstract: The magnetic elements of a reed switch are supported within their non-magnetic capsule so that, instead of coming into contact in initially overlapping relationship, under the influence of a magnetic field they become essentially aligned with one another. The reeds may be so constructed that by selection of the size or shape of their respective opposed ends, the magnetic flux pattern is modified to maintain desired relative alignment to achieve desired contact. The invention relates to a mercury wetted switch which employs mercury to complete electrical contact between the non-contacting ends of the reeds.

Abstract: A switching device comprising a movable blade wetted with a liquid metal, and a stationary blade having a surfacelayer of a non-metallic material which is not wetted by the liquid metal.

Abstract: A linear mercury-wetted switch is housed within a hollow, elongated, sealed, cylindrical tube having a pair of mercury-wetted, spaced contacts which can be bridged by a conforming but spaced electromagnetically driven contact element in the form of a slider or armature which slides longitudinally inside the tube on the mercury on the surfaces of the contacts. The slider has a conductive surface for closing the electrical circuit through mercury films carried on and between the surfaces of the slider and the contacts. The slider does not go to the end of the cylinder to contact the end wall. The contacts and the armature are of conforming contour of appropriate dimensions in cross-section so that they slide one within the other. The usual armature slips over the exterior of the contacts. The envelope can also be an electrode connected to the armature by a layer of mercury and the armature can ride upon the support provided by the mercury riding on the interior of the sealed tube.