Abstract: Disclosed is a switch. The switch housing has a cavity therein. In one embodiment a plunger has selected portions cut away so as to form, in combination with the side walls of the cavity, two contiguous chambers. Thus, the first chamber communicates with the second chamber. Mercury is placed in the larger chamber and remains there, irrespective of the position of the switch housing. Upon depression of the plunger, the mercury is forced into the smaller chamber. Upon removal of the plunger, the displaced mercury returns to the larger chamber. Electrical contacts are disposed in the two chambers. The mercury, displaced by the plunger, will couple the contacts and close the switch. It, upon operation of the switch at high frequencies, mercury is pumped out of the chambers and passes above the plunger and within the cavity, a channel of smaller dimension than either chamber, which extends the length of the plunger, acts to direct such mercury back to the first chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch housing having a cylindrically shaped cavity therein. An armature within the housing has a generally cylindrical shape and is movable with respect to the housing between two stable or quiescent positions. One end of the armature has a substantially hemispherical depression and forms, in combination with a matching depression in the base, a substantially spheroid portion of a chamber. Extending radially from the segment of the sphere within the base are two frusto-pyramidal depressions which extend downwardly to and in tangency with the spheroid segment in the base. Electrical conductors are adjacent the frusto ends of the pyramids and extend out of the base. Mercury is placed in the spheroid portion of the chamber. The armature has a collar of steel extending axially. A toroidal magnet is placed about the exterior of the cylindrical housing. A magnetically responsive keeper is secured to the housing top. The magnet is held by the metal keeper secured to the top of the housing.