Abstract: A switch comprises a first wafer having a thin-film structure defined thereon, a second wafer having a plurality of features defined therein, and a seal between the first wafer and the second wafer forming a two-wafer structure having a liquid metal microswitch defined therebetween.

Abstract: A switch comprises an input contact and at least one output contact, a single droplet of conductive liquid located in a channel, the droplet being in constant contact with the input contact, and a heater configured to heat a gas. The heated gas expands to cause the droplet to translate through the channel.

Abstract: The multi-pole, conductive liquid-based switch device includes an elongate passage, a first cavity, a second cavity, at least four electrodes disposed along the length of the passage, channels that extend from the passage, non-conductive fluid located the cavities and conductive liquid located in the passage. The channels are one fewer in number than the electrodes and are interleaved with the electrodes along the length of the passage. The channels are numbered in order from one end of the passage. Odd-numbered ones of the channels extend to the first cavity while even-numbered ones of the channels extend to the second cavity.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system disconnect switch is disclosed which operates to disconnect the positive lead of the battery of a motor vehicle from its electrical system and to ground the positive lead of the vehicle alternator upon either the application of a decelerating impact force to the vehicle or a tilting of the vehicle by at least a minimum predetermined angle with the horizontal. The device includes a housing containing at least three hollow chambers, a first one of which normally carries an electroconductive liquid such as mercury. A pair of electrical terminals are mounted on opposing housing end walls which partially form the first chamber so that the terminals are normally electrically connected together through the liquid in the first chamber. When the terminals are so connected, the positive lead from the battery to the vehicle electrical circuit is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus for influencing the position of a boat in water, with trim flaps disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis of the boat, the flap angles of said trim flaps always being adjustable by a drive with a control device, which acts upon all the flap drives in dependence on a central control switch, which comprises several control contacts assigned to the tilting directions of the boat.In order to control the position of the boat in the water automatically, the apparatus is designed so that the control switch comprises at least one movable, gravity-dependent contact-making body, which automatically activates the control device via the control contacts when the boat tilts.

Abstract: A resettable impact switch is disclosed having a non-conductive body with a cavity therein. A pair of terminals extend from opposite sides of the body and have their reverse ends extending into the cavity. A pool of mercury is disposed in the cavity to electrically connect both terminals under normal operation. The pool of mercury is held in a contact-making position within the cavity by a plurality of concentrically disposed tubular members. Longitudinal, relative movement of the tubular members allows openings in their walls to be covered or uncovered to selectively position the mercury, thereby enabling opening or closing a circuit between the terminals. One cylindrical member is carried by a post member which is adjustable within the body. The post member also carries a second contact for making or breaking electrical contact between the terminals.

Abstract: A structure for switching electrical current, the structure comprising a switch having two pairs of terminals and two modes of operation. The structure, in addition, includes a first electrically conductive means for connecting the terminals of one pair together, and, a second electrically conductive means for connecting the terminals of the other pair together. Means are included for disconnecting the terminals of the above pairs, and a third electrically conductive means is provided for connecting one of the terminals of one pair to one of the terminals of the other pair.

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.

Abstract: Acceleration sensing apparatus comprises a casing having a pair of substantially perpendicular passages communicating with each other and accommodating spaced apart, normally open electrical contacts. One of the passages contains mercury which is operable to flow into the other passage in response to predetermined acceleration of the casing and bridge the conductors so as to establish a current path therebetween.