Abstract: A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113).

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS switch having a free moving inductive element within in micro-cavity guided by at least one inductive coil. The switch consists of an upper inductive coil at one end of a micro-cavity; optionally, a lower inductive coil; and a free-moving inductive element preferably made of magnetic material. The coils are provided with an inner permalloy core. Switching is achieved by passing a current through the upper coil, inducing a magnetic field unto the inductive element. The magnetic field attracts the free-moving inductive element upwards, shorting two open conductive wires, closing the switch. When the current flow stops or is reversed, the free-moving magnetic element drops back by gravity to the bottom of the micro-cavity and the conductive wires open. When the chip is not mounted with the correct orientation, the lower coil pulls the free-moving inductive element back at its original position.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: An improved ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle with reverse wiring protection. If the power lines are incorrectly connected to the load end of the receptacle during installation, power output to both the input end of the receptacle and the insertion outlets on the faceplate is prevented. The GFCI receptacle includes two stationary terminals on two first output conductors electrically connected to the insertion outlet, two stationary terminals on two second output conductors adapted for electrically connecting to the load, and four moveable terminal on two moveable connector arm adapted for electrically connecting to the power lines. The four moveable terminals corresponds in position to the four stationary terminals, respectively, and operate to electrical connect or disconnect the power lines to and from the load and the insertion outlet in a manner controlled by a disconnecting mechanism assembly and a reverse wiring protection mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical relay in which a solid slug is moved within a channel and used to make or break an electrical connection. The solid slug is moved by electromagnets. In the preferred embodiment, the slug is wetted by a conducting liquid, such as liquid metal, that also adheres to wettable contact pads within the channel to provide a latching mechanism. The relay is amenable to manufacture by micro-machiningtechniques.

Abstract: An exposure method for exposing a pattern onto plural portions on an object includes the steps of obtaining first flatness information about the plural portions, specifying a portion among the plural portions, which has flatness information that meets a predetermined condition among the first flatness information, obtaining second flatness information that is more detailed than the first flatness information about the portion specified by the specifying step, and exposing, based on the second flatness information, the portion that has been specified.

Abstract: An impulse mercury relay with magnetic interlock switch is provided comprising a first electrode member containing a body of a liquid conductor therein, a second electrode member received and secured inthe first electrode member, and a displacement plunger movable in the first electrode member to cause contact between the liquid conductor and second electrode member. A magnet device is movable with the displacement plunger, and a magnetically-actuable switch externally disposed of the first electrode member is actuated by the magnet when moved with the displacement plunger. A holding device is also provided to magnetically hold the displacement plunger at the desired position when the coil device is deenergized.

Abstract: A multi-positional mercury switch (1, 2, 3) for use with miniature relays (4). The mercury switch apparatus has mercury wettable magnetic contact structures (11, 12, 211, 212, 221, 222, 311, 312) supported in a sealed envelope member (10, 20, 30) supporting the magnetic contact structures with ends thereof extending from the envelope member for interconnection with terminals of the relay. A mercury holding assembly (13, 14, 23, 24, 33, 34) is slidably located within the sealed envelope member adjacent the magnetic contact structures and is responsive to an external magnetic field generated by electrical signals in a coil (410) surrounding the sealed envelope member for engaging the magnetic contact structures and establishing an electrical conducting path between the magnetic contact structures.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mercury displacement relay and a method of making the same which utilizes a spring totally submerged within the mercury to support a movable displacement plunger. A cylindrical electrode contains the mercury, and the spring is uniquely connected to the bottom portion of the electrode. The spring opposite end is attached to a bottom portion of the displacement relay, which is received within the cylindrical electrode so that its bottom portion is submerged in the mercury. A pin electrode is also received within the cylindrical electrode and insulated therefrom. Adapted to the cylindrical electrode is a coil device, which, upon being energized, moves the plunger upwardly to cause the mercury to recede and break contact with the portion of the pin electrode in contact with the mercury. Upon deenergizing the coil device, the spring draws downwardly on the plunger to cause the mercury to rise and make contact again with the pin electrode.

Abstract: A position insensitive mercury relay switch includes a generally cylindrical hollow common contact assembly and a pair of stationary contacts disposed respectively at each end of the common contact assembly. An armature movably disposed within the common contact assembly establishes electrical contact between the common contact assembly and one of the stationary contacts, in dependence upon the position of the armature. Glass insulators are sealingly engaged to the ends of the common contact assembly and the stationary contacts to insulate the respective contacts from one another. The glass insulators also forms bearings which maintain the armature radially spaced from the common contact assembly. The common contact assembly includes an outer sleeve made from a magnetic material which forms a good seal with the glass insulators, and an inner sleeve made from a mercury wet material.

Abstract: In a switching device having first and second conductor elements and an operating mechanism shiftable to and from a first position wherein the conductor elements are electrically connected to each other to establish a conductive path therebetween. The device includes a body of mercury, and a mercury wettable porous member between the mercury body and the first conductor element so that the mercury from the body may be forced through the porous body to establish the above-mentioned electrical connection. When the shiftable mechanism is shifted into the first position, the mercury is withdrawn from the first conductor element by the wettable porous member to disconnect the electrical circuit.