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.

Abstract: An electrical switch of the liquid contact type having a housing divided into three compartments: (1) a power compartment having electrodes, (2) a control compartment containing a resistor and (3) an intermediate compartment communicating with the power compartment through a lower channel and communicating with the control compartment through an upper channel containing a wick. The wick prevents liquid flow but permits gaseous flow.A body of electrically conductive liquid is normally contained in the intermediate compartment so that when the resistor is heated, the gas in the control compartment is expanded and passes into the intermediate compartment thereby forcing the conductive liquid into the power compartment to establish a circuit between the two electrodes.