Abstract: A lamp unit having an electromechanical ball including first and second electrically-conductive hemispheres separated by an insulator region, the ball being pop-fit insertable and removable anywhere along a guide track apparatus providing first and second oppositely-disposed conductor strips, the lamp unit being rotatable with respect to the conductor strips to provide on-off switching. The lamp unit-track combination provides the multiple capabilities of aiming and on-off switching, as well as lamp insertion and removal, while eliminating conventional fixturing.

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: The present invention relates to a mercury switch (10) including an outer metal housing (12) having a closed end and an open end. A baffle member (14) is positioned in the housing (12) immediate of the closed and open ends. The baffle member (14) defines a first bore (32), a second bore (34) of increasing diameter in a direction toward the open end of the housing (12), and a third bore (36). An electrode assembly (16) is partially inserted into the open end of the housing (12). The electrode assembly includes a solid electrode (40) having a stem portion (42) and a head portion (44) with a truncated conical configuration of decreasing diameter in a direction toward the closed end of the housing (12) and having a recessed surface 102 providing a mercury wetting reservoir. The baffle member (14) and the truncated conical head portion (44) cooperate to provide contact between a first supply of mercury (30a) and the solid electrode (40) at a location removed from an insulating member (46).

Abstract: An alarm intended to alert the operator of dangerous equipment, such as the driver of an automobile, when his head tilts as from drowsiness or sleep. Intended to be of utmost convenience so as to encourage its use, the device is gripped between the teeth by a mouthpiece. Vibration concomitant with making the sound it emits is partially transmitted through the bone structure of the head, reducing the needed noise level and so the disturbance of nearby persons. The preferred embodiment is sensitive to tilt in any direction, and may be stored inverted in which position it tolerates large tip angles without sounding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury switch (10) including an outer metal housing (12) having a closed end and an open end. A baffle member (14) is positioned in the housing (12) immediate of the closed and open ends. The baffle member (14) defines a first bore (32), a second bore (34) of increasing diameter in a direction toward the open end of the housing (12), and a third bore (36). An electrode assembly (16) is partially inserted into the open end of the housing (12). The electrode assembly includes a solid electrode (40) having a stem portion (42) and a head portion (44) with a truncated conical configuration of decreasing diameter in a direction toward the closed end of the housing (12). The baffle member (14) and the truncated conical head portion (44) cooperate to provide contact between a first supply of mercury (30a) and the solid electrode (40) at a location removed from an insulating member ( 46).