Abstract: In one aspect, an electromechanical switching device is illustrated. The electromechanical switching device includes a relay with at least one first conductive portion, at least one second conductive portion, and at least one actuation component that moves the at least one first conductive portion and the at least one second conductive portion into and out of conductive contact. The at least one first conductive portion includes a conductive stationary end coupled to a substrate and a conductive free-floating end. The at least one actuation component includes an actuation stationary end coupled to the substrate and an actuation free-floating end. The actuation free floating end, when the at least one actuation component is not energized, curls, which curls the conductive free floating end into or out of conductive contact with the at least one second conductive portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming an electrostatic MEMS plate switch include forming a deformable plate on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. The deformable plate may have at least one shunt bar located at a nodal line of a vibrational mode of the deformable plate, so that the shunt bar remains relatively stationary when the plate is vibrating in that vibrational mode. The hermetic seal may be a gold/indium alloy, formed by heating a layer of indium plated over a layer of gold. Electrical access to the electrostatic MEMS switch may be made by forming vias through the thickness of the second substrate.

Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.

Abstract: A MEMS switch including a substrate at least one fixed electrode formed on top of the substrate and at least one restoring electrode formed on top of the substrate and formed at a lateral surface of the fixed electrode. At least one signal line is formed on top of the substrate and has a switching contact part. A movable electrode is distantly connected from the top of the substrate at a predetermined space via an elastic connector on the substrate and at least one contact member formed on a bottom surface of the movable electrode or on a bottom surface of the elastic connector for attachment to or detachment from the switching contact part. At least one pivot boss is formed on either the bottom surface of the movable electrode or on the top of the substrate.

Abstract: To reduce the internal resistance of small electromagnetic relays of a one-circuit three-contact gap type in order to make it possible to allow large electric currents and at the same time to improve the connection between the fixed contacts and the moveable contacts. Fixed contacts on the fixed terminals are positioned at each apex of an approximate triangle on the upper surface of the insulation base. Moveable contacts are installed on the lower surface of the moveable plate, and are respectively placed in a position which corresponds to each of the fixed contacts. The moveable plate is fastened to the moveable spring whose both ends are held onto the sides of the insulation base, and moves at a specified distance from the fixed contacts due to the pressure of the moveable spring. The construction results in the movable contacts contacting their corresponding fixed contacts at the three positions with uniform contact strength.

Abstract: A magnetic switch includes a substrate having a recess therein. A rotor or rotors are provided on the substrate. The rotor includes a tail portion that overlies the recess, and a head portion that extends on the substrate outside the recess. The rotor may be fabricated from ferromagnetic material, and is configured to rotate the tail in the recess in response to a changed magnetic field. First and second magnetic switch contacts also are provided that are configured to make or break electrical connection between one another in response to rotation of the tail in the recess, in response to the changed magnetic field. Related operation and fabrication methods also are described.

Abstract: A central magnet of a plurality of magnets arranged to be different in polarities is detected by two hall ICs; therefore, reduction in size can be achieved by reducing the number of the magnets; and at the same time, the number of the hall ICs can be maintained and the reliability can be secured, as compared with a configuration in which the magnets and the hall ICs individually respond in one to one correspondence.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is provided which is capable of reducing a contact bounce at time of closing a contact. The electromagnetic relay is so configured that an opposed angle ? is 0°<?<45°, when viewed from a direction to which a normally open fixed contact and a movable contact slide before the normally open fixed contact comes into surface-contact with the movable contact spring.

Abstract: A micro-magnetic switch includes a permanent magnet and a supporting device having contacts coupled thereto and an embedded coil. The supporting device can be positioned proximate to the magnet. The switch also includes a cantilever coupled at a central point to the supporting device. The cantilever has a conducting material coupled proximate an end and on a side of the cantilever facing the supporting device and having a soft magnetic material coupled thereto. During thermal cycling the cantilever can freely expand based on being coupled at a central point to the supporting device, which substantially reduces coefficient of thermal expansion differences between the cantilever and the supporting device.

Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The MEMS switch includes a substrate; signal lines formed on the substrate; main electrodes spaced apart by a distance and formed over the substrate; an actuating beam installed above the main electrodes at a certain height; a support unit to support the actuating beam; and sub-electrodes formed above the actuating beam at a distance from the actuating beam and facing the corresponding main electrodes. The method includes depositing and patterning a metal layer on a substrate; depositing and patterning a sacrificial layer to form actuator beam support holes and first sub-electrode contact holes; depositing and patterning an actuating beam layer on the sacrificial layer, thereby forming spacers; depositing and patterning second sub-electrode contact holes from another sacrificial layer; depositing and patterning a sub-electrode layer on the sacrificial layer; and removing the two sacrificial layers.

Abstract: To provide a small-sized electromagnetic relay capable of reducing an internal resistance of a contact circuit as much as possible, and also capable of carrying a high current to the relay. The electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnetic driving block composed by a coil, an iron core, a yoke, and an armature; fixed contacts each provided on one end of each of a pair of terminals fixed to a base; and a movable spring having movable contacts provided at positions corresponding to the respective fixed contacts, the armature driving the movable spring depending on whether or not a current is carried to the coil, thereby opening or closing a contact circuit, wherein the movable spring has both ends supported by the base, the movable spring arranged in parallel to the terminals, and the movable contacts are provided on the movable spring.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) slotline switch includes a slotline transmission line structure defined on top of substrate, a doubly-anchored conductive beam disposed perpendicular to, and above slotline so that there is a certain spacing between the beam and the slotline, a second conductive contact attached to the beam directly above the slot of the slotline a bottom conductive contacts defined on bottom surface of substrate and forming parallel-plate capacitor with conductive beam, conductive traces defined on the bottom surface of the substrate forming a microstrip-to-slotline transition for coupling signals in microstrip line to the slotline, and beam and bottom conductive contacts being spaced apart, and the beam being continuously movable when a voltage is applied between the beam and the bottom conductive contacts.

Abstract: The actuation microsystem is produced on a flat substrate and comprises a pivoting arm mounted in rotation around a hinge, a stationary contact pad arranged on the substrate, and an end of opening travel stop of the pivoting arm. The end of travel stop comprises a top part, for example a head, arranged above and at a distance from the pivoting arm between an articulation end and a free end of the pivoting arm. The stop comprises a bottom part arranged laterally with respect to the pivoting arm, between the hinge and the stationary contact pad, and formed for example by a foot comprising a support pad formed on the substrate, a pedestal extending the support pad and a support portion of the head.

Abstract: A polarized electromagnetic relay including an electromagnet assembly, a contact section insulated from the electromagnet assembly, and a force transfer member disposed between the electromagnetic assembly and the contact section. The electromagnet assembly includes an electromagnet, an armature driven by the electromagnet, and a permanent magnet carried on the armature. The armature includes first and second electrically conductive plate elements holding the permanent magnet therebetween in a direction of magnetization of the permanent magnet and disposed to orient the direction of magnetization in parallel with the center axis of the coil. The armature is arranged linearly movably in a direction parallel with the center axis in a state where a part of the first electrically conductive plate element is inserted into a space between the outer peripheral region of the iron core head portion and the distal end region of the yoke major portion.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical switch is described. The switch comprises a substrate, with a signal transmission portion and an activation portion attached with the substrate. The activation portion includes an armature activation electrode positioned above a substrate activation electrode. The signal transmission portion includes a metal contact extending from a conducting transmission line and through a bottom insulating layer of the signal transmission portion, thereby being exposed for electrical contact. A mechanical linkage connects the activation portion with the signal transmission portion so that the activation portion and the signal transmission portion move in concert. When an activation signal is applied along the activation portion, both the activation portion and the signal transmission portion are drawn toward the substrate to a substantially closed position, where the metal contact of the signal transmission portion electrically contacts a signal transmission electrode.

Abstract: A latching micro magnetic switch includes a magnet located proximate to a supporting structure. The magnet produces a first magnetic field with field lines symmetrically spaced about a central axis or non-uniform field lines. The switch also includes a cantilever supported by the supporting structure. The cantilever has a magnetic material and a longitudinal axis. The magnetic material makes the cantilever sensitive to the first magnetic field, such that the cantilever is configured to move between first and second states. The switch further includes a conductor located proximate to the supporting structure and the cantilever. The conductor is configured to conduct a current. The current produces a second magnetic field, which causes the cantilever to switch between the first and second states.

Abstract: A bistable MEMS switch for use in selectively opening or closing electrical circuits included in an implantable medical device system is provided. The switch includes a central movable beam having a movable contact; a suspension system for supporting the movable beam and generating a contact force; an actuator for displacing the beam upon application of an activation signal, and a fixed contact for interfacing the movable contact when the switch is in a closed state. The switch is fabricated from a Si/SiO2/Si wafer using photolithography, DRIE and sacrificial oxide etching followed by metalization of electrical contact points with a wear-resistant metal or alloy. An actuation layer may be fabricated from the silicon substrate layer of the wafer and the signal layer may be fabricated from the top silicon layer. The actuation layer and signal layer are thereby electrically decoupled and mechanically coupled by the intervening SiO2 layer.

Abstract: To provide a small-sized electromagnetic relay capable of reducing an internal resistance of a contact circuit as much as possible, and also capable of carrying a high current to the relay. The electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnetic driving block composed by a coil, an iron core, a yoke, and an armature; fixed contacts each provided on one end of each of a pair of terminals fixed to a base; and a movable spring having movable contacts provided at positions corresponding to the respective fixed contacts, the armature driving the movable spring depending on whether or not a current is carried to the coil, thereby opening or closing a contact circuit, wherein the movable spring has both ends supported by the base, the movable spring arranged in parallel to the terminals, and the movable contacts are provided on the movable spring.

Abstract: The micromechanical switch comprises a deformable bridge (1), attached via its ends to a substrate (2), and actuating means (3) to deform the deformable bridge (1) so as to make an electric contact between a first conducting element (4) formed on the substrate (2), between the bridge (1) and the substrate (2), and a second conducting element (5), securedly affixed to a bottom face of the bridge. The second conducting element (5) is permanently connected, by means of a conducting line (6) securedly affixed to the bridge (1), to a third conducting element (7) arranged on the substrate (2) at the periphery of the bridge (1). The bridge (1) comprises a first insulating layer wherein a hole (10) is drilled, in which hole a conducting material is arranged salient from the bottom face of the bridge (1) so as to form the second conducting element (5).

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of self-sustaining center-anchor microelectromechanical switch driven by an electrostatic force used for controlling a signal transmission in an electronic system, which can suppress deformation of a movement plane generated during manufacturing and operation process by inserting the self-sustaining center-anchor, and improve a ground line contact phenomenon of an upper electrode, thereby enhancing reliability and signal isolation feature while maintaining an existing insertion loss feature compared to the microelectromechanical switch of the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS device which comprises at least one shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) layer and at least one stressed material layer. Examples of such MEMS devices include an actuator, a micropump, a microvalve, or a non-destructive fuse-type connection probe. The device exhibits a variety of improved properties, for example, large deformation ability and high energy density. Also provided is a method of easily fabricating the MEMS device in the form of a cantilever-type or diaphragm-type structure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is provided which is small in size and is capable of controlling two circuits of an ordinarily-open contact, which has a large current-carrying capacity and high interrupting capability, and which is excellent in resistance against shock and vibration. Movable contactors are held, through bow-shaped movable contactor springs, to two -shaped holding frames each being electrically separated and being mechanically connected via a card made of a highly heat-resistant resin in a card block. Thick-plate shaped movable contacts, which are attached to the movable contactors in a fixed manner, are electrically connected or disconnected to fixed contacts in a base block, in synchronization with operations of an armature of an electro-magnet block. In order to improve a current-carrying capability and interrupting capability, there are provided two pieces of ordinarily-open contacts which are connected in series to each other, and between which an interval is doubled, in each of two circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrical device and a latching micromagnetic switch that controls energy flow through the electrical device. The latching micromagnetic switch includes a cantilever, a permanent magnet, and a coil configured to latch the latching micromagnetic switch in one of two positions each time energy passes through the coil. The electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be integrated on a same substrate. Otherwise, the electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be located on separate substrates and coupled together. The electrical device can be a circuit, a filter, an antenna, a transceiver, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microsystem, comprising a magnetic microactuator (2, 2?), with a mobile element supported by a substrate (3) and controlled by magnetic effect between a first position and a second position for switching at least one electric circuit, whereby a permanent magnet or a solenoid subjects the mobile element to a first uniform magnetic field (B0) to hold the same in the first position, an energising coil (4, 6), external to the substrate (3), said energising coil (4, 6), on energising the above, submits the mobile element to a second magnetic field (BSi) to move the mobile element from the first position to the second position, the energising coil being of the solenoid type and surrounding the substrate supporting the mobile element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a contact switch, which may include a bottom electrode structure including a bottom actuation electrode and a top electrode structure including a top actuation electrode and one or more stoppers able to maintain a predetermined gap between the top electrode and the bottom electrode when the switch is in a collapsed state.

Abstract: A heavy duty relay can safely switch a current of 40 A to 1 kA. The heavy duty relay is provided with a changeover spring which can be resiliently deflected by means of a switching force and with a normally-open contact, against which a contact point of the changeover spring is electrically conductively pressed in a switching position. The normally-open contact is arranged on a normally-open spring contact, which exhibits a higher spring stiffness than the changeover spring and is resiliently deflected in the switching position, and the changeover spring and/or the normally-open spring contact comprises a deflection region at least partially surrounded by a weakened zone. The spring stiffness of the deflection region is reduced relative to the region of the changeover spring and/or the normally-open spring contact surrounding the weakened zone.

Abstract: A head electrode region for an electromechanical device is presented, comprising a first insulating layer having electrode region edges; and a head electrode, where the head electrode comprises a locking portion, with the locking portion surrounding the electrode region edges of the first insulating layer such that the head electrode is held fixed relative to the first insulating layer. The head electrode region can further comprise a top region residing above the first insulating layer and a contact region residing below the first insulator, the head electrode region further comprising a second insulating layer formed to cover at least a portion of the top region of the head electrode.

Abstract: A hinge type MEMS switch that is fully integratable within a semiconductor fabrication process, such as a CMOS, is described. The MEMS switch constructed on a substrate consists of two posts, each end thereof terminating in a cap; a movable conductive plate having a surface terminating in a ring in each of two opposing edges, the rings being loosely connected to guiding posts; an upper and lower electrode pairs; and upper and lower interconnect wiring lines connected and disconnected by the movable conductive plate. When in the energized state, a low voltage level is applied to the upper electrode pair, while the lower electrode pair is grounded. The conductive plate moves up, shorting two upper interconnect wirings lines. Conversely, the conductive plate moves down when the voltage is applied to the lower electrode pair, while the upper electrode pair is grounded, shorting the two lower interconnect wiring lines and opening the upper wiring lines.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch includes a bilayer with first and second stable curved states. A transformation of the bilayer from the first state to the second state closes the switch.

Abstract: A mechanical switch includes a pair of conducting contacts, metal located on and between the conducting contacts, a heater, and an electromechanical actuator. The heater is operable to apply heat that melts the metal. The electro-mechanical actuator is capable of moving one or both of the conducting contacts in a manner that causes the metal to either start physically bridging the conducting contacts or to stop physically bridging the conducting contacts.

Abstract: A deformable suspension bridge is attached to a substrate by two legs arranged in such a manner as to transversally subdivide the bridge into a medial segment arranged between the legs and into two outwardly projecting peripheral segments. Peripheral actuators and medial actuators enable the peripheral segments and the medial segment to be respectively and independently deformed perpendicularly to the substrate. As a result, an electrical contact between a first conductive element formed on the substrate, while being situated between the bridge and substrate, and a second conductive element, which is integrally secured to the underside of the bridge, can be made or broken, the switch whereby taking two mechanically stable positions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for magnetically-actuated relays/switches that suppress cantilever and/or hinge deformation. A permanent magnet produces a first magnetic field. A movable element is held between a pair of axially-aligned, rotationally flexible hinges. A space is present between the permanent magnet and the movable element. The space allows at least one end portion of the movable element to move toward the permanent magnet. A bar member is positioned in the space. A coil produces a second magnetic field to switch the moveable element between first and second stable states. At least the central portion of the movable element is magnetically attracted toward the permanent magnet. The bar member physically prevents the central portion of the movable element from flexing toward the permanent magnet due to the magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-electromechanical device is provided. The method comprises providing a substrate incorporating drive circuitry, and forming a drive member, a motion-transmitting member and a working member on the substrate as discrete components. The drive member is formed to have an electrical circuit in electrical contact with the drive circuitry for receiving an electrical signal therefrom, a fixed end fast with the substrate and a free end arranged to be displaced relative to the substrate on receipt of the electrical signal by the electrical circuit. The motion-transmitting member is formed to be fast with the free end of the drive member so that the motion-transmitting member is displaced together with the free end. The working member is formed to be fast with the motion-transmitting member so that the working member is displaced with the motion-transmitting member to perform work.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is provided which allows free design of arrangements of each external connecting terminal and is capable of effectively dissipating heat from a base and suppressing a rise in temperatures within the electromagnetic relay. The electro-magnetic relay includes a core, a coil, a yoke, an armature, an electromagnetic block made up of a movable spring having a movable contact mechanically coupled to the armature, a pair of fixed contacts made up of an ordinarily closed fixed contact and an ordinarily opened fixed contact both being contacted with the movable contact, a group of external connecting terminals, a base, and an armored cover, wherein the movable spring and the yoke make up part of a current-carrying path, and a yoke extended portion is in direct mechanical contact with the movable contact external connecting terminal and the ordinarily closed fixed contact is mechanically coupled to an ordinarily closed fixed contact external connecting terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for an electromagnet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnetizable stationary core having first and second end portions and a side portion, a magnetizable movable armature disposed proximate the core for establishing a magnetic circuit therebetween, and a permanent magnet disposed between the first portion of the core and a first end of the armature. The armature is movable between a first position and a second position, the first position resulting in the first end of the armature being proximate the first end of the core.

Abstract: An electronic type protective relay integrates the mechanical structure into a single operation rod to protect electric machinery. The electronic type protective relay includes an insulating shell, a tripping rod, a magnetic-force device and an operation device. The tripping rod is pivoted in the inner part of the insulating shell and conducts two pairs of connection pins. The tripping rod includes a control magnetic core. The magnetic-force device includes a tripping electromagnet, a reset electromagnet, and a permanent magnet installed between the tripping electromagnet and the reset electromagnet. The operation device includes an auxiliary rod located on one side of the tripping rod, an operation rod installed between the tripping rod and the auxiliary rod and protruding beyond the insulating shell. The operation rod can be located at four locations and in cooperation with the auxiliary rod to stop or reset.

Abstract: A micro-machined magnetic latching switch is described. A moveable micro-machined cantilever has a magnetic material and a longitudinal axis. The cantilever has a conducting layer. A permanent magnet produces a first magnetic field, which induces a magnetization in the magnetic material. The magnetization is characterized by a magnetization vector pointing in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the cantilever. The first magnetic field is approximately perpendicular to longitudinal axis. A three-dimensional solenoid coil produces a second magnetic field to switch the cantilever between a first stable state and a second stable state. The temporary current is input to the three-dimensional solenoid coil, producing the second magnetic field such that a component of the second magnetic field parallel to the longitudinal axis changes direction of the magnetization vector. The cantilever is thereby caused to switch between the first stable state and the second stable state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to provide a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) radio frequency (RF) switch module with a vertical via. The MEMS RF switch module includes a MEMS die coupled to a cap section. The vertical via passes through the cap section to electrically couple an RF switch array of the MEMS die to a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the MEMS die includes a trace ring surrounding at least a portion of the RF switch array so that a signal may enter or exit the MEMS RF switch module using the vertical via without crossing the trace ring.

Abstract: A simple and low-cost electronic function relay is specified, for example an overload relay with a bistable printed circuit board relay module. The relay includes an engagement point for mechanical operation. The relay further includes a separate reset mechanism, which can be coupled to the printed circuit board relay module, and a switching lever, which corresponds with the engagement point, for manual resetting of the printed circuit board relay module to a switched-on position.

Abstract: A micro-switch comprises at least one coil (22) of elongate electrically conductive material mounted on the support means (16). A movable actuator portion (20) of electrically conductive material is attached to the support means (16) so as to be movable against resilient means (10) of the micro-switch and so as to be adjacent to the coil (22). Pulse inductive circuitry (30, 32, 34, 36, 43a, 52, 54) is connected to the said at least one coil (22), and constructed to switch from one condition to another when the actuator portion (20) is moved against the force of the resilient means (10) beyond a predetermined threshold point as indicated by pulsoinductive monitoring effected by the pulse inductive circuitry (30, 32, 34, 36,43a, 52, 54). As a result of this construction, there are no physical contacts which are brought into and out of contact with one another to effect the change in the electrical condition of the micro-switch.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic relay which does not require a braided wire for securing a current capacity of a main contact unit. The electromagnetic relay includes a main contact unit inserted into a power supply path to a load and an arc contact unit connected in parallel to the main contact unit. An auxiliary contact unit is electrically independent of the main contact unit and the arc contact unit. The main contact unit includes a main fixed contact fixed to a frame body and a main contact spring made of a leaf spring and fitted with a main mobile contact which is attached to and detached from the main fixed contact. The arc contact unit and the auxiliary contact unit are arranged adjacent to each other. The main contact spring extends in a direction in which the arc contact unit and the auxiliary contact unit are arranged.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a micro-switching element. The switching element includes a substrate, two supporting members fixed to the substrate, and a movable beam bridging between the supporting members. The beam includes a membrane, a movable contact electrode and a movable driving electrode, both disposed on the membrane. The switching element also includes a pair of stationary contact electrodes facing the movable contact electrode, and a stationary driving electrode cooperating with the movable driving electrode for generation of electrostatic force. The method includes the steps of making a sacrifice layer on the substrate, making the membrane on the sacrifice layer, and subjecting the sacrifice layer to etching with the membrane intervening, so that the supporting members are formed as remaining portions of the sacrifice layer between the substrate and the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro-electromechanical relay that can produce low electrical contact resistance, and is capable of mechanical latching. More specifically, the present invention combines the clamping actions of cantilever beams with a movable shuttle-like spacer to generate high contact forces at the metal-metal contacts of the micro-electromechanical relay, thereby producing a very low electrical contact resistance and a mechanism for mechanical latching. Methods of fabricating the micro-electromechanical relay are also provided in this invention, which offer the advantages of both design and fabrication flexibilities by processing the top and bottom substrates separately prior to joining them together.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch is provided which includes a moveable electrode with an opening arranged over at least a portion of the signal trace. In some cases, the opening may include a notch arranged along a periphery of the moveable electrode. In particular, the opening may include a notch bound by two edges of the moveable electrode which are respectively arranged relative to opposing sides of the signal trace. In other embodiments, the opening may include a hole arranged interior to the peripheral edge of the moveable electrode. In some cases, the MEMS switch may include a plurality of contact structures coupled to signal traces. In such cases, the moveable electrode may include openings specifically arranged above a plurality of the signal traces.

Abstract: A high-frequency relay includes: a base block having fixed terminals insert-molded to expose fixed contacts; an electromagnetic block mounted on the base block and for rotating a movable iron piece due to excitation and demagnetization; and movable blocks interlocking with a rotation operation of the movable iron piece so as to be connected with and disconnected from the fixed contacts of the base block. A push-in spring for pushing one of the movable blocks is provided in the movable iron piece. The push-in spring includes a fixed portion fixed to the movable iron piece, a pressure portion for applying pressure to the movable block, and foot portions each extending substantially perpendicularly to the movable block wherein extending directions of the foot portions cane be adjusted.

Abstract: An exemplary securing means has an electromagnet which has a core, a coil and a yoke which can be moved away from the core and which closes the magnetic circuit of the electromagnet. This securing means is provided with an electrical or electronic switching device which responds to a magnetic field for monitoring of the magnetic field in the magnetic circuit. This switching device taps the core or the yoke at two sites which are spaced apart from one another in the lengthwise direction of the magnetic flux. Thus, the switching device reacts distinctly to the gap width between the core and the yoke. For example, a reed switch drops out at a gap width of 0.02 mm, but is clearly activated when the magnetic circuit is closed.

Abstract: A buckling actuator has a connecting section of a supporting beam that is provided with a rotatable supporter for allowing a movable member to be stably maintained at one of two switch positions. A substrate, stationary members, rotatable supporters, and supporting beams support a movable member in a shiftable manner in a y-axis direction, such that the movable member can be shifted between first and second switch positions. Moreover, the rotatable supporters are each provided with arm portions which extend in a radial fashion and support the corresponding supporting beam in a rotatable manner. When the movable member is being shifted, each supporting beam can be rotated without having to bend a corresponding end by a significant amount. Thus, a large barrier ?E of potential energy of the movable member is set between the first and second switch positions. The movable member can therefore be stably maintained at each of the switch positions even when electric power is not supplied to electrodes.

Abstract: An actuator and a two dimensional scanner. The actuator and the two dimensional scanner include a base plate, a movable plate pivoted around at least one of a first imaginary axis or a second imaginary axis which are perpendicular to each other, a magnetic field-producing portion forming a magnetic force which acts in a direction parallel to the second axis and has a minimum size at a position of the first axis, a support member disposed coaxially with at least one of the first axis and the second axis, connecting the base plate and the movable plate, and forming a pivoting axis of the movable plate, and a driving coil portion to which a driving power of the movable plate is applied and disposed on the movable plate so as to have a point symmetry shape with respect to an intersecting point of the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: An electrical relay includes a magnetic system, a contact system and a slider. The magnetic system includes an armature. The contact system includes a moveable spring contact and a fixed spring contact. The moveable spring contact is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The moveable spring contact is in electrical contact with the fixed spring contact in the closed position. The slider connects the moveable spring contact to the armature. The slider transfers movement of the armature to the moveable spring contact. The slider has at least one contact opening element extending there from. The contact opening element strikes the moveable spring contact during movement of the moveable spring contact to the open position to break any existing weld between the moveable spring contact and the fixed spring contact.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) device is disclosed that includes a shuttle suspended for movement above a substrate. A plurality of permanent magnets in the shuttle of the MEM device interact with a metal plate which forms the substrate or a metal portion thereof to provide an eddy-current damping of the shuttle, thereby making the shuttle responsive to changes in acceleration or velocity of the MEM device. Alternately, the permanent magnets can be located in the substrate, and the metal portion can form the shuttle. An electrical switch closure in the MEM device can occur in response to a predetermined acceleration-time event. The MEM device, which can be fabricated either by micromachining or LIGA, can be used for sensing an acceleration or deceleration event (e.g. in automotive applications such as airbag deployment or seat belt retraction).