Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber in the shape of a 360 degree torus having a circular cross-section 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 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: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with an inner wall in the shape of a convex hemisphere and an outer wall in the shape of a concave hemisphere 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 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: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with an inner wall in the shape of a convex hemisphere, an electrically conductive outer wall in the shape of a concave hemisphere, a magnet disposed within the inner wall which retains a gravity responsive metal ball abutting the inner wall, an electrically conductive liquid connecting the metal ball to the outer wall, and the chamber having a conductive pathway defined on its inner wall, 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: A shock sensor comprises a housing defining an interior space. The space includes a cylindrical side surface and an end surface, the surfaces being formed of an electrically conductive material. An insert is positioned in the space and includes an electrically conductive support surface which defines a recess facing the conductive end surface. A volume of mercury is contained in the recess. The support surface is wetted to the liquid, and the end and side surfaces are not wetted to the liquid, so that the liquid moves into electrical contact with the end surface and/or side surface in response to shocks and is thereafter restored.

Abstract: A mercury tilt switch having a hollow metal housing with opposite open ends. An insulating glass member is disposed at, makes a glass-to-metal compression seal with, and closes, one of the open housing ends. A metal end cap is disposed at, resistance welded to, and sealably closes, the other of the open housing ends. The housing has an outer wall portion defining a single chamber therewithin which extends between the insulating glass member at the one housing end and the metal end cap at the other housing end. At least one electrical electrode is sealably mounted through the insulating glass member and projects from opposite sides thereof to the outside of and into the housing chamber. A quantity of mercury is disposed in the single housing chamber and is flowable between and contactable with the electrode at the one housing end and the metal end cap at the other housing end upon tilting and countertilting of the housing.

Abstract: A rotary housing is provided including relatively electrically insulated and electrically conductive inner and outer peripheral portions with which electrical contacts are electrically engaged. The housing is hollow and encloses a quantity of electrically conductive liquid which, when the housing is rotating below a predetermined low speed of rotation or is stationarily positioned with at least a first predetermined peripheral portion lowermost, establishes electrical contact between the inner and outer peripheral portions and which, when the housing is rotating above the aforementioned predetermined low speed of rotation or is stationary with a second predetermined peripheral portion lowermost, is ineffective to establish electrical contact between the inner and outer peripheral portions.

Abstract: An omnidirectional tilt switch includes an enclosure for a gravity response conductive ball. An annular shelf surrounds a central depression where at least one switch contact passing into the housing is exposed. The shelf is operable to support the ball in a position resting against a cup-shaped portion of the switch housing, with the ball centroid located within a imaginary right cylinder having the inner shelf periphery as a base. In response to tilting of the switch, the ball is movable away from the cup-shaped housing to the depression where it engages the aforementioned contact and closes a circuit between that and another contact.A switch holder mounts the switch on a substrate located, for example, in an electro-optical display-type watch. The holder includes a base with a positioning edge or surface and tabs for securing the base to the substrate. Remote from the positioning edge or surface, the switch is supported at an angle relative to the positioning edge or surface.

Abstract: A centrifugal switch employing the fluent and electrical conducting properties of mercury to open or close an electrical circuit. The mercury is confined within an enclosed chamber and is used as an electrical conducting connector between spaced contact members. Rotating and nonrotating conditions of the switch are relied upon for electrical conduction through the mercury for switch operation.

Abstract: An electric switch for a wrist-watch equipped with electric or electronic circuitry requiring a on/off switching at will. An enclosure assembly defines an enclosed chamber wherein an electrically conductive liquid can move responsive to different positions given to the watch. Two electrically conducting parts, structurally isolated from one another, are exposed inside and outside the enclosed chamber. The conductive liquid establishes an electrical connection between these two parts only when it is in a predetermined location within the enclosed chamber, which occurs only when the watch is held in a predetermined vertical or slanting position. The enclosed space is annular and is provided with baffle elements for preventing the liquid from reaching the aforementioned location by simple inertia when the watch is subject to shaking, shocks, or acceleration.Such an electric switch is suitable for controlling the illumination of the display of the watch.