Patents by Inventor Jerry J. Herrin

Jerry J. Herrin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • One-time-close relay useful in spacecraft power systems
    Patent number: 5025119
    Abstract: A relay (30) has one or both current carrying relay contacts (12, 14) made of a soft, deformable, readily fusible metal, preferably indium, lead, cadmium, bismuth, or tin. When the relay (30) closes, the contacts (12, 14) deform or fuse together, ensuring good electrical conductance and eliminating chatter and accidental opening. The relay (30) is particularly useful in a bypass circuit (54) for a spacecraft battery system (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Howard H. Rogers, Jerry J. Herrin