Abstract: A power transfer apparatus includes: a casing into which liquid is injected; two metal plates disposed so as to come into contact with the liquid within the casing; and a power source configured to emit a current into the liquid with each of the two metal plates as an electrode; with power being supplied from the power source to a functional module to be mounted within the casing through the liquid such that each of two electrodes comes into contact with the liquid; and with the functional module being mounted such that the liquid can flow from one of the two metal plates to the other.

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 piezoelectric relay is disclosed in which a liquid metal droplet is moved within a switching channel formed in relay housing. A signal path passing through the switching channel is blocked or unblocked by motion of the liquid metal droplet that coalesces with one of two additional liquid metal droplets. Motion of the liquid metal droplets is controlled by piezoelectric pumps that control the flow of actuation fluid between a fluid reservoir and the switching channel. The liquid metal droplets are held in place by surface tension acting on wettable contact pads within the switching channel. The surface tension of the liquid provides a latching mechanism for the relay.

Abstract: A piezoelectric optical relay is disclosed in which a solid slug moves within a switching channel formed in relay housing. An optical path passing through the switching channel is blocked or unblocked 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 a liquid, such as a liquid metal, that wets between the solid slug and at least one fixed contact pad in the switching channel. The surface tension of the liquid provides a latching mechanism for the relay.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with a spherical inner wall and a spherical outer wall which retains a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional sensing pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with a spherical inner wall and a spherical outer wall which retains a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional sensing pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber to retain a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the gravity responsive member and pathway are conductive, either electrically or optically, such that a circuit is completed when the gravity responsive member contacts the pathway, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: The specification discloses an electromechanical time delay combination for gradually applying power to the filament of an incandescent lamp. Following actuation to the "on" state, the conduction angle gradually changes from zero to 360.degree.. Following deactuation, the conduction angle lingers at 180.degree. for several seconds before returning to the non-conduction state. A set of mechanical contacts and a potentiometer may be added to effect proportional dimming.

Abstract: An inertial switch device, for installation in an electrical circuit of an automotive vehicle, to signal excessive rates of acceleration, deceleration and turning for the purpose of preventing abusive driving which wastes gasoline. The switch device comprises a housing having a closed chamber with a concave bottom surface containing a globule or drop of mercury and a plurality of circular contacts supported therein so that the drop of mercury successively contacts them when a momentum force causes the drop of mercury to climb a side of the dish. The circular contacts are of increasingly larger diameter as the drop climbs the side of the dish with increasing inertia and are arranged in circuit-closing relation to a warning signal device, either audible or visible.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which, in response to forces acting upon it, such as gravity, inertia, magnetic fields and the like, opens or closes electric circuits or otherwise generates signals which may be used to control predetermined functions.