Abstract: A permanent magnet is pivotally mounted in a top spacer layer of a switching device and rests on a flex arm created in an underlying flex circuit layer. The underside of the flex arm rests on a thin bar formed in a lower spacer layer beneath which lies a base layer including an electromagnet. Activation of the electromagnet causes rotation of the flex arm to thereby close and open electrical contacts formed respectively on the underside of the flex arm and on the top surface of the base layer.

Abstract: A high frequency relay has at least two drive terminal units arranged at an outer peripheral brim portion of at least two regions of three regions divided from a plane region of a base with a signal line. The base may be a plane triangle, plane square, plane hexagon, or a plane circle.

Abstract: An electromechanical switch may be actuated in a plurality of modes. A base portion of the electromechanical switch includes first and second electrical ports adapted to be electrically coupled in a plurality of modes. A first electromagnetic coil defines a longitudinal axis and is adapted to receive a first energizing current. A second electromagnetic coil extends along the longitudinal axis in spaced apart relationship with the first electromagnetic coil. The second electromagnetic coil is adapted to receive a second energizing current. The first and second ports are selectively coupled in any one of open-terminated mode, attenuation mode, and a short circuit mode based on the energy state of the first and second electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: A relay includes a contact point block having a support shaft with both ends spanning a contact point base, a plunger having a movable contact at a lower end thereof, and a movable iron piece configured to drive the plunger and to have a plate spring. The relay also includes an electromagnetic unit and a base block having a fixed contact point at a position opposite to the movable contact point. The movable iron piece is supported on the supporting shaft. The plunger is inserted through an operation hole of the contact point base. Upper and lower surfaces of the contact point block are held by the electromagnetic unit and the base block. The electromagnetic unit directly fixes the iron core to an upper surface of the contact point base.

Abstract: A relay driving a plunger includes a movable iron piece, and a movable contact point, and position restricting means. The movable iron piece is configured to rotate around a horizontal shaft center between a contact point base and an electromagnetic unit based on excitation and nonexcitation of an electromagnetic unit placed above the contact point base. The movable contact point is fixed to a lower end portion of the plunger protruding from a lower surface of the contact point base. The movable contact point is contacted with and separated from a fixed contact point. The position restricting means is provided on an upper surface side of the contact point base.

Abstract: An improved electromechanical switch designed to operate at frequencies from DC through microwave has terminal probe tips that are formed from an alloy of noble metal and contoured with a pattern of peaks and valleys in order to provide better contact wiping operation and capture of wear debris. The switch incorporates damper elements to reduce switching contact bounce, thus providing increased contact life as well as higher quality signal switching.

Abstract: A relay driving a plunger includes a movable iron piece, and a movable contact point, and position restricting means. The movable iron piece is configured to rotate around a horizontal shaft center between a contact point base and an electromagnetic unit based on excitation and nonexcitation of an electromagnetic unit placed above the contact point base. The movable contact point is fixed to a lower end portion of the plunger protruding from a lower surface of the contact point base. The movable contact point is contacted with and separated from a fixed contact point. The position restricting means is provided on an upper surface side of the contact point base.

Abstract: An improved electromechanical RF switch provides enhanced reliability and lifespan by incorporating a middle plate between the case and base elements for locating the guide pins, reed holders and reeds to increase accuracy in critical component alignment. The middle plate reduces required precision during assembly of the switch, thus increasing assembly accuracy while reducing labor cost. The guide pins are made of a hard insulator such as glass to generate less wear particles, and the reed holder has a groove filled with lubricant to trap any wear particles that result from sliding friction during switch operation. Optionally, a low-friction bushing is used within the case bore to further reduce sliding friction during reed holder travel. The reeds are made of thin, flexible metal and have ends shaped so that when the ends contact switching terminals, a wiping action removes any surface contamination from both the reed ends and the terminals.

Abstract: A relay includes a movable iron piece, a plate spring fixed to the one surface of the movable iron piece, a shaft hole formed by the one surface of the movable iron piece and the plate spring, and a supporting shaft inserted through the shaft hole. The movable iron piece is rotated around the supporting shaft based on excitation and nonexcitation of a magnetic unit. Both end portions of the plate spring alternately drive a contact point unit. The shaft hole is formed by a flat portion of the one surface of the movable iron piece and a bearing portion formed by subjecting the plate spring to bending work. The movable iron piece is supported so as to be rotatable.

Abstract: A relay driving a plunger includes a movable iron piece, and a movable contact point, and position restricting means. The movable iron piece is configured to rotate around a horizontal shaft center between a contact point base and an electromagnetic unit based on excitation and nonexcitation of an electromagnetic unit placed above the contact point base. The movable contact point is fixed to a lower end portion of the plunger protruding from a lower surface of the contact point base. The movable contact point is contacted with and separated from a fixed contact point. The position restricting means is provided on an upper surface side of the contact point base.

Abstract: A three dimensional microwave switch having a plurality of waveguide transmission lines configured in an octahedral shape having microwave I/O ports at the corners. Individual actuators selectively move respective reeds within the waveguide transmission lines between a signal-attenuating position abutting the interior surface of the waveguide transmission line and a signal-conducting position substantially coaxial with the waveguide transmission line and abutting the signal lines of the I/O microwave ports couple to opposite ends of the waveguide transmission line.

Abstract: A multipole, multiposition switching relay is provided. The switching relay includes an electromagnetic drive coil having a spring-biased plunger slidably mounted therein. The plunger is operably connected to a switching apparatus for connecting and disconnecting terminals of coaxial connectors. The drive coil pulls the plunger into its hollow center when an electric current is applied to the drive coil. A magnet located near the drive coil creates a magnetic field which maintains the plunger in the drive coil after the electric current has been disconnected from the drive coil, and the switching relay will remain in the chosen state. A second drive coil may be provided which shunts, or reverses, the magnetic field, allowing the plunger to return to its original position due to the biasing force provided by the spring. Energizing the second drive coil automatically resets any previously selected position of the first drive coil to its original position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch with a rocker, which has an affixed magnet, capable of being reliably opened or closed by a mechanical operation of a magnetized rocker. The present invention comprises of a supporting plate and a plurality of electromagnets occurring a magnetic force when a power is supplied thereto and being disposed in a bottom surface of the supporting plate. Further, the present invention has a rocker made of a magnetic substance, magnetized in order to occur repulsion with the electromagnet and then rotated by a predetermined angle. Furthermore, the present invention at least one magnet for magnetizing the rocker and retaining an inclined state of the rocker by the if occurred attraction with the electromagnet, and being disposed on the rocker.

Abstract: A microwave switch includes a housing having at least three spaced coaxial conductor terminals extending from the housing; an electrical conductor extends inwardly from each of the terminals to a housing interior; and a housing cover effectively seals the housing and includes a pair of bearing apertures. A pair of switch operators, each having a headed top confines return springs between an underside of the headed top and a top surface of the cover, a central guide portion passes through said bearing apertures and a distal end protrudes from an underside surface of the cover into the housing interior toward the electrical conductors. A switch reed is fixedly attached to the distal end of each of the operators within said housing, each switch reed including reed distal ends which electrically interconnect, upon alternative operation of said operators by a rocker assembly, a pair of the electrical conductors including a common electrical conductor.

Abstract: A microwave switch comprising a connection assembly which has multiple positions and a drive assembly which places the connection assembly into a selected one of the positions at a time. The microwave switch may, for example, be a microwave T-switch or another type of microwave switch. The drive assembly includes an actuator plate which is mechanically coupled to reeds of the connection assembly and places the connection assembly into the selected position. During operation of the switch, a magnetic force of the permanent magnet is substantially the only holding force that holds the actuator plate in place in at least one direction. In another aspect, the drive assembly further comprises multiple movable links which mechanically couple arms of the actuator plate to various reeds. Each movable link comprises first and second generally flat members. Within each respective one of the movable links, the first member and second members are spaced by different amounts from the actuator plate.

Abstract: A coaxial "M" switch having three coaxial input connectors (A, B, C) spaced evenly from each other, and three coaxial output connectors (1, 2, 3) identically arranged. In a cylindrical barrel embodiment (10) the input and output connectors are located at opposite ends of a cylindrical configuration. In one planar embodiment (30), the input and output connectors alternate with each other and define a hexagonal configuration (40). In another planar embodiment, the input connectors (A, B, C) define an inner triangular configuration (70) that is surrounded by the output connectors (1, 2, 3) defining an outer triangular configuration. In each embodiment, reeds are actuated in predetermined configurations to define three switch positions.

Abstract: A 3D microwave switch having a plurality of waveguide transmission lines configured in a polyhedron and with I/O microwave ports at the corners. An actuator selectively moves respective reeds in the waveguide transmission lines between a signal-attenuating position abutting the interior surface of the waveguide transmission line and a signal-conducting position substantially coaxial with the waveguide transmission line and abutting the signal lines of the I/O microwave ports coupled to opposite ends of the waveguide transmission line. Preferably, the transmission lines and ports are formed in a tetrahedral-shaped conductive cavity with a single 4-pole magnet at its center for actuating the reeds or in an octahedral-shape with different actuators for each reed.

Abstract: Microwave switches are shown which can route signals in an operating frequency band along selectable signal paths between a plurality of microwave ports. The switches are especially suited for forming switching systems that can substitute redundant components for failed components. In one embodiment, waveguide transmission lines and microwave ports are serially coupled in a closed loop with other waveguide transmission lines arranged transversely across the loop. In another embodiment, waveguide modules are formed of three waveguides coupled to a microwave port and the waveguide modules are serially arranged. In each waveguide of these embodiments, conductive reeds are movable between a signal-attenuating position abutting the interior surface of the waveguide and a signal-conducting position substantially coaxial with the waveguide and coupled to the microwave ports at each waveguide end.

Abstract: A dual switch for coupling a waveguide microwave switch to a coaxial microwave switch. The waveguide microwave switch has a waveguide hollow member and a waveguide rotating section rotatably mounted about a rotational axis within the waveguide hollow member at one end. The coaxial microwave switch has a coaxial hollow member adjacent to the one end of the waveguide hollow member and a coaxial rotating section rotatably mounted within the coaxial hollow member about an axis coaxial with the rotational axis. The waveguide microwave switch is coupled to the coaxial microwave switch by at least one set of cooperating magnets fastened at a given radial distance from the rotational axis to the waveguide rotating section and the coaxial rotating section respectively, such that any rotation of the waveguide rotating section about the rotational axis will be followed by a corresponding rotation about the rotational axis of the coaxial rotating section.

Abstract: A switch has a carrier sheet with electrodes formed on an internal side thereof to form switch contacts. An armature is held in slidable contact with the internal side of the carrier and the electrodes by a magnet disposed on the external surface of the carrier. The magnet is carried in a knob mounted on the external side of the membrane carrier for rotary, linear or complex motion. When a user manipulates the knob the magnet drags the armature either into or out of shorting relation with the electrodes. A magnetic detent gear can be incorporated to provide tactile feedback. A pushbutton version of the switch can be made with a pivotable armature normally held spaced from electrodes on the substrate by a magnet. A membrane and spacer may be added to protect and seal the electrodes and armature.

Abstract: A switch includes switching elements which are mounted within a sealed radio frequency cavity. The switching elements provide electrical contact paths between contact portions of connectors which project into the cavity. The switching elements are urged against the contacts by magnetic forces. During operation, unselected paths have their switching elements grounded out by the action of external magnets which attract the unselected switching elements to a ground plate with a magnetic force which overcomes the magnetic forces urging the switching elements against the contacts.

Abstract: A radio frequency switch operates by permanent magnets located in a rotatable actuator. The permanent magnets of the actuator are arranged in groups so that there is at least one magnet in each group that has an opposite polarity to another magnet in the same group. The permanent magnets within the same group are located adjacent to one another. Conductors within an RF cavity have permanent magnets mounted thereon where all of the magnets have the same polarity. The switch can be moved from a first position to a second position by moving the actuator a distance not exceeding 40.degree. and, preferably from 10.degree. to 30.degree.. In the first position, one permanent magnet of one group interacts with the magnet on the conductor to move the conductor. In the second position, another magnet of the same group interacts with the magnet of the conductor to move the conductor.

Abstract: A microwave switch employs a slender reed contact which bridges across a pair of microwave probe ends to permit microwave signals to pass therebetween. The reed contact is connected to one end of a dielectric actuator post and a permanent magnet is affixed to a headed end of the post, a medial portion of the post extending through a microwave housing wall. A cup-shaped bushing preferably made of a polyimide plastic and a lubricating filler such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, surrounds the edge and bottom periphery of the magnet and the post head and reciprocates on an inner periphery of a steel ring clamping an iron washer in a housing wall counterbore. The magnet is statically magnetically attracted to the iron washer moving the attached post and reed contact into bridging contact with the microwave probes to form a path for microwave signals between the probes. A solenoid is positioned above the permanent magnet.

Abstract: C-, T- and S-switches have a connector or reed in each conducting path. The connector or reed contains a support for a permanent magnet. All of the magnets of the connectors have the same polarity. The connectors, supports and permanent reed magnets in the supports are contained within an RF cavity housing, which can be completely sealed from an actuator or, alternatively, the housing can be open to the actuator. The actuator has a circular shape and contains permanent magnets that correspond in their configuration to the reed magnets of the housing. At least two magnets of the actuator have different polarities. The actuator can be rotated by a motor to two or more positions. In one position, one or more of the reed magnets are attracted and one or more of the reed magnets are repelled. The switch is designed so that when a reed magnet is attracted, the conducting path in which the connector is located is interrupted and when a reed magnet is repelled, the conducting path is connected.

Abstract: A mechanical switch for switching microwave signals and the like from one coaxial-type connector to another includes a housing to which are mounted three coaxial-type connectors with their inward ends located adjacent first and second jumpers. The first jumper is supported at one end of a first slider which is movable between a closed position at which two connector ends are electrically connected by the first jumper and an isolated position at which the two connector ends are not electrically connected by the first jumper. The second jumper is supported at one end of a second slider which is movable between a closed position at which two others of the connector ends are electrically connected by the second jumper and an isolated position at which the two other connector ends are not electrically connected together by the second jumper. A spring moves the second slider to its isolated position when the first slider is moved to its closed position and visa versa.

Abstract: The rotating coaxial switch first lifts the switching circuitry, including portions of the ground plane, rotates it to a new position, and then lowers the switching circuitry in the new position to make new connections. Rotation is by a stepper motor. Lifting is by any convenient solenoid. Both these functions (lift and rotate) can be combined in a single actuator module. Development and use of a combination actuator module reduces the size and weight of the switch.

Abstract: This invention concerns a magnetic switch assembly used for switching input and output signals between coaxial transmission lines connected to a body having a closed cavity in which terminals of the lines are exposed. One or more conductive contact members, which are the only moving parts in the cavity, bridge one or more pairs of line terminals in closed circuit portion. The contact members are moved magnetically from open to closed position, and are latched or held failsafe by stationary permanent magnets or pulsed electromagnets. The contact members are moved to open position by pulsed electromagnets or rotatable permanent magnets. The contact members comprise magnetized strips, magnetic strips, or nonmagnetic strips carrying magnets or magnetic members. The assembly can be arranged for single or multiple pole, single or multiple throw switching.

Abstract: A matrix switch is provided having a plurality of input and output conductors adjacent each other such that an input connector may be connected to one of many output connectors upon actuation of a single movable conductor. Transfer conductors disposed adjacent to the input and output connectors allows the input connector to be electrically coupled to the remaining output connectors.

Abstract: A coaxial switch assembly includes a conventional reed switch (10) having a somewhat irregular enclosure (11) and protruding leads (20, 21). R.F. connectors (24, 25) are mounted at the ends of the leads, which are surrounded by predetermined lengths of dielectric tubular material (23). Electrically conductive flowable material (39) is injected within a surrounded shell (36) to fill the space remaining in a shell aperture (37) to rigidify the assembly and provide a continuous coaxial electrical conductor joining the outer body (27, 31) of the R.F. connectors to one another.

Abstract: A switch arrangement for interrupting signal flow on a microstrip transmission line includes an electromagnetically actuated conductive plunger extending through a hole in the dielectric plate on which the microstrip is formed. The strip conductor end adjacent the hole, and a spring conductive bridging element extends across the hole, fixed to one strip conductor and free to make contact with the other. The plunger is supported by a conductive diaphragm spring connected to the ground plane of the microstrip, thereby eliminating sliding contacts. When actuated, the plunger simultaneously lifts the bridging element free from the one strip conductor and short-circuits the other.

Abstract: In a multi-position microwave switch, a terminating impedance is associated with the center conductor of each port of the switch. When a port is selected, the resistor is pushed into the conductor by the blade completing the RF path to the selected position. When the position is not selected, the resistor is pushed out of the conductor until it contacts a grounded portion of the switch. An alternate embodiment of the invention employs a flexible terminating impedance secured to the blade.

Abstract: A switching network for coaxial transmission lines switches both the center conductors and the shields to allow floating measurements and eliminate the effects of ground loops. The shields are switched even though the coaxial relays used to switch the center conductors do not themselves also switch the shields. This is accomplished by using two coaxial relays having connected center conductors, each of which coaxial relay is itself shielded, and a third relay to selectively connect and disconnect the shields of the coaxial relays. All three relays open and close in unison. Although this arrangement provides excellent isolation when open within the circuit where it is used, there is unfortunately a coupling mechanism between pairs of such circuits having such relay arrangements that are closed. This coupling mechanism produces crosstalk between such pairs of circuits. The crosstalk current tends to flow in a resonant circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a coaxial jack having a make before break switch in a first conductive path between signal-in mechanism and first signal-out mechanism. The switch is functioned on insertion of a plug is second signal-out mechanism which forms a second conductive path between said signal-in mechanism and said second signal-out mechanism. The jack not only matches impedances with the coaxial cables, but does so by equalizing inductive and capacitive reactances and by maintaining an impedance match at each structural support between a conductor in the jack and the housing of the jack. The housing of the jack is modular thereby providing superior versatility with respect to various configurations and applications.

Abstract: A multiposition microwave switch with a cavity comprising a center and a plurality of spaced radial portions which are narrowed at one end contiguous with the center. For a given number of radial portions, or switch positions, the diameter of the center is thereby made smaller than that which could be achieved by the prior art, and thereby extending the frequency range of the prior art.

Abstract: A switch (10) of the type comprising a rectangular arrangement of ports (21, 22, 23 and 24) includes a diagonally extending connector bar (35) disposed on one side of the rectangular arrangement opposite four laterally extending connector bars (31, 32, 33 and 34). The diagonally disposed connector bar is actuatable independently of the other bars. Electromagnetically driven rockers (79) or other means are provided to actuate the rods. In one realization of the switch, the ports are coaxial connectors for a microwave network. Each connector bar resides within a corresponding groove (51, 61) in a conductive housing and is independently actuatable. When actuated, a bar contacts the center conductors of two ports. The actuated bar cooperates with the walls of the containing groove to form an air-line microwave connection between the contacted ports. When the contained bar is unactuated, the groove becomes a waveguide-beyond-cutoff to isolate the respective ports.

Abstract: A relay for switching of ultra high frequency circuits has three spaced-apart coaxial type contacts including a central or common contact. Two contact blades are disposed in opposed relation to the coaxial contact for alternate movement from a first position in which one rigid contact engages the central coaxial contact and one side contact while the other rigid contact is grounded, and a second position in which the other rigid contact engages the central contact and another coaxial contact and the first rigid contact is grounded. Pusher elements connected to the respective rigid contacts are connected to opposite sides of a leaf spring supported at its center. A pivotal armature alternately presses on one end or the other of a leaf spring to drive one rigid contact against its two coaxial contacts and to permit the other end of the leaf spring to pull the other rigid contact into engagement with the ground plane.

Abstract: A high frequency R-F switch includes a switch body or housing made from a conductive material or a non-conductive resin having a conductive layer plated on the body surfaces. The switching device includes a first external connector, a first conductor having a switching contact member connected to the first external connector for switching a connection with the switch contact member. A conductive housing supports the first conductor, a second external connector and second conductor. The switch body or housing is in electrical connection with the second external conductor.

Abstract: An electromechanical T-switch is achieved by connecting a bistable reed switch between each of the four ports of the T-switch to form a coaxial transmission line between ports. Each electromechanical reed switch is realized by a pair of contacts constituting the input and output ports of the switch, a reed conductor bridging the gap between the two contacts, a first permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor against the contacts, a second permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor away from the contacts, and electromagnetic coils around each of the first and second permanent magnets for changing the state of the switch.

Abstract: A multiposition microwave switch with a cavity comprising a center and a plurality of radial portions with acutely extended legs. The central coaxial connector selectively communicates with one of a plurality of peripheral connectors, the others being terminated by impedance matching resistors housed in the legs and isolated and shielded from the central connector. The cavity is housed beneath a plurality of pivotal rockers responsive to magnetic actuating means. First and second conductive reeds are spring loaded in the radial portions and legs, respectively, of the cavity and are mechanically responsive to the rockers such that when a first reed is conducting between central and peripheral connectors, its complimentary second reed is shorted to the housing. When the first reed is shorted to the housing, its complimentary second reed terminates the peripheral connector by conducting between it and the resistor.

Abstract: A reed relay having pin diodes connected in parallel therewith and forward biased for conduction when the reed relay is actuated, said pin diodes being reversed biased once the reed relay closes so that they are removed from the circuits.

Abstract: A magnetically-locked switch assembly includes a switch unit having internal contact means positioned by an actuator arm between open and closed positions. Unauthorized actuation of the actuator arm is prevented by a locking pin which is displaced to release the actuator arm only in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field. The actuator arm is mechanically actuated from outside the switch housing through a slip-clutch to prevent damage to the actuator arm by application of excessive force when the actuator arm is locked.

Abstract: A coaxial 2-of-n relay transfer switch has reed contacts arranged in electrically conductive, non-magnetic tubes. The reed contacts (reed switches) are arranged in two groups of n reed switches in each group in a star configuration with the reed switches of each group forming the edges of a pyramid. One end of each reed switch of a group is connected to the like end of the other reed switches of that group to form a first branching point to a respective coaxial input line. The other end of each reed switch is connected to a like end of a reed switch in the other group to form a respective second branching point to a respective coaxial output line.

Abstract: A coaxial 1-of-n relay transfer switch has reed switches arranged in electrically conductive, non-magnetic tubes. The reed switches are arranged in a star configuration in such a way that one terminal of each reed switch is connected to a branching point within a metallic head enclosing the branching point, and are connected to the inner conductor of a coaxial input line at the metallic head. The other end of each reed switch is connected to a coaxial output line. The metallic head and the metallic tubes which enclose the reed switches are constructed, with respect to their interiors, that, viewed electrically, they add inductances between the inner conductor of the coaxial input line and the branching point, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, between the branching point and the reed switches.

Abstract: A coaxial cable switch comprising a plurality of sealed reed, magnetically responsive switches serially connected in alternating directions which switches act as the inner signal path of a coaxial conductor. The outer coaxial conductor consists of a copper "corrugated" sheet within the adjacent and oppositely facing channels of which the individual switches are respectively positioned. The open sides of the channels are covered with metallic tape by means of a conductive adhesive and a single winding encircles the structure for the simultaneous operation of the reed springs.

Abstract: A small size high voltage relay package for low voltage control of high voltage lines. The relay package includes a reed switch surrounded by a polytetrafluroethylene tube around which is wound a coil for operating the reed relay. The entire structure is positioned within a casing which is potted with a polyurethane potting material which also extends over the coils and into the space between the sleeve and relay to provide complete encapsulation. The system is capable of handling voltages in the vicinity of 20kv utilizing a 24 volt switching source.

Abstract: A high frequency R-F switch includes a switch body of housing made from a conductive material or a non-conductive resin having a conductive layer plated on the body surfaces. The switching device includes a first external connector, a first conductor having a switching contact member connected to the first external connector for switching a connection with the switch contact member. A conductive housing .[.supports.]. .Iadd.houses .Iaddend.the first conductor, .Iadd.and connects to .Iaddend.a second external connector and second conductor. The switch body or housing is in electrical connection with the second external conductor.