Abstract: An electrical switch element for a relay includes a base, a compensating element, and an actuating device. The base is provided with fixed contacts. The compensating element includes first and second switch contact carriers provided with switch contacts that correspond to the fixed contacts. The first and second switch contact carriers are connected by a rigid body joint arranged there between such that the first and second switch contact carriers are pivotable about a pivot axis. The rigid body joint has a support surface. The actuating device is in contact with the support surface. The actuating device applies a switching force to the support surface to cause the first and second switch contact carriers to pivot about the pivot axis to move the switch contacts into or out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A high-frequency MEMS switch comprises a signal conductor which is arranged on a substrate and an oblong switching element which has a bent elastic bending area and is fastened on the substrate in a cantilevered manner. An electrode arrangement generates an electrostatic force which bends the switching element toward the signal conductor. The switching element is arranged longitudinally parallel to the signal conductor, and has a contact area which extends transversely to the switch element over the signal conductor. Under the effect of the electrostatic force, the elastic bending area of the switching element progressively approaches the electrode arrangement in a direction parallel to the signal line. The switching element has, for example, two mutually parallel extending switching arms, which are mutually connected by a bridge as the contact area and are arranged on both sides of the signal line and parallel thereto.

Abstract: A switch includes a movable portion, a first electrode and a second electrode. The movable portion is provided on a substrate and moves with respect to the substrate. The first electrode is provided on the movable portion. The second electrode is able to contact with the first electrode and is fixed to the substrate. f×Ro×C?1.6×10?4 when an operation frequency is represented as “f” (Hz), a transmission impedance is represented as “Ro” (?), and a capacitance in “OFF” state between the first electrode and the second electrode is represented as “C” (F).

Abstract: An electromechanical relay employing a movable first magnet and a nearby switching electromagnet is disclosed. The movable first magnet is permanently magnetized with a magnetic moment and has at least a first end. The switching electromagnet, when energized, produces a switching magnetic field which is primarily perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first movable magnet and exerts a magnetic torque on the first magnet to force the first magnet to rotate and closes an electrical conduction path at the first end. Changing the direction of the electrical current in the switching electromagnet changes the direction of the switching magnetic field and thus the direction of the magnetic torque on the first magnet, and causes the first magnet to rotate in an opposite direction and opens the electrical conduction path at the first end. Multiple magnetic layers can be arranged to form closed magnetic circuits to facilitate switching and maintaining switched states.

Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) actuator having electrically conductive coils that create first magnetic fields that are opposed by a second magnetic field is disclosed. The actuator includes two coils having dual, interspersed Archimedean spirals. Within an actuator, one coil is arranged with spirals that proceed clockwise, while the other coil is provided with spirals that proceed counterclockwise. An electrically conductive bridge mechanically couples the two coils of each actuator to a mirror. Opposing magnetic fields are created to provide a force that urges the coils to expand so that the outermost portions of the coil extend upward, away from the substrate, and lift the bridge and mirror. Control current may then be modulated to increase and decrease the coil's magnetic field strength thereby increasing and decreasing the coil's extension to raise and lower relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A plurality of pairs of a movable contact point and a fixed contact point, which are opposite so that they can be contacted with and separated from each other, are provided in parallel and connected in series so that an electrical current flows in the same direction between the movable contact point and the fixed contact point, which are simultaneously closed. Permanent magnets are disposed on lateral sides of the movable contact point and the fixed contact point a so that a magnetic field, which extends an arc generated between the contact points in either an upward or downward direction, is formed.

Abstract: A life and electrical properties enhanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch apparatus in which a combined nanoparticle and ionic fluid lubricant is used to prolong switch elements operating lifetime and desirable electrical characteristics during this lifetime. Nanoparticle materials such as noble metal particles are combined with ionic corona producing liquid organic materials to achieve a desirable contact lubricant material serving to delay the onset of several disclosed classic contact failure mechanisms. Improvement over other contact lubricant materials and favorable contact testing results are included.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a casing, and a relay core member sealed in the casing and including an electromagnetic unit and a terminal unit. The electromagnetic unit includes a spool frame set having an engagement portion, a coil unit wound on the spool frame set, and a pair of coil winding pins. Each of the coil winding pins has a conductive portion exposed from one of opposite first sides of the spool frame set, and a coil winding portion extending along one of opposite second sides of the spool frame set. The terminal unit includes an engaging block having an engagement portion connected to the engagement portion of the spool frame set for preventing separation of the terminal unit from the electromagnetic unit, a terminal set, and an armature component.

Abstract: A relay comprises a movable body placed in a cavity which is formed on a substrate and surrounded by a spacer layer and sealed by a cover layer. The movable body comprises a first magnet which is permanently magnetized and has at least a first end. A nearby switching electromagnet, when energized, produces a switching magnetic field which is primarily perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet and exerts a magnetic torque on the first magnet to force the first magnet and said movable body to rotate and close an electrical conduction path at the first end. Changing the direction of the electrical current in the switching electromagnet changes the direction of the switching magnetic field and thus the direction of the magnetic torque on the first magnet, and causes the first magnet and said movable body to rotate in an opposite direction and opens the electrical conduction path at the first end.

Abstract: A pneumatic micro electro mechanical system switch includes a substrate, a pneumatic actuating unit disposed on the substrate; the pneumatic actuating unit having a plurality of variable air cavities communicating such that when one of the plurality of variable air cavities is compressed, the rest are expanded; a signal line having a plurality of switching lines, each of which passes through a corresponding one of the plurality of variable air cavities and has switching ends disposed in a spaced-apart relation with each other in the corresponding one of the plurality of variable air cavities; a movable switching unit to connect the first and the second switching ends of each of the plurality of switching lines if one of the plurality of variable air cavities is compressed; and a driving unit to drive the pneumatic actuating unit so as to selectively compress the plurality of variable air cavities.

Abstract: An electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, comprising an elongate electrical switching element, a contact end of which is disposed between two opposite contact elements that are transversally spaced apart from each other. The switching element can be selectively moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction thereof towards one or the other opposite contact element by two adjusting elements that are located on both sides next to the switching element. In order to eliminate or at least reduce frictional processes and the risk of the electrical contact being damaged by abrasion, the switching element is made at least in part of magnetic material while the adjusting elements are formed by two magnet assemblies, the magnetic force of one magnet assembly or the other magnet assembly being selectively reducible or increasable.

Abstract: A micro-switching device includes a movable electrode provided on a movable support having an end fixed to a fixing member. The switching device also includes first and second stationary electrodes. The movable electrode includes first and second contact portions. The first stationary electrode includes a third contact portion facing the first contact portion of the movable electrode. The second stationary electrode includes a fourth contact portion facing the second contact portion of the movable electrode. The distance between the first and the third contact portions is smaller than the distance between the second and the fourth contact portions. The switching device further includes a driving mechanism having a driving force generation region provided on the movable support. The center of gravity of the driving force generation region is closer to the second contact portion than to the first contact portion.

Abstract: A switch structure substantially reduces the effect of contact resistance by placing two mechanical switches in parallel between a source and a load, and sequentially closing and opening the mechanical switches so that one switch closes before the other switch, and opens after the other switch. The switch structure with the two mechanical switches can be realized with standard micro machined switches or as a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever switch.

Abstract: An electrical switching device including a plurality of magnetic microswitches organized in a matrix on a substrate and each includes a mobile element driven between two stable positions held under the effect of a magnetic field, the device being characterized in that it includes a network of crossed conducting lines, wherein magnetic microswitches are positioned near to intersections formed by the conducting lines. The passage of an electrical current, through two conducting lines commands a change in position of the mobile element of the magnetic microswitch situated at the intersection of the two conducting lines.

Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device is provided. The MEMS device includes: a stage which operates in a vibration mode; an axle which supports the stage and allows rotation of the stage; and a capacitive sensor which detects rotation of the stage. The capacitive sensor includes: a sensing arm which extends from the stage; driving combs which extend from the sensing arm and rotated together with the stage; fixed combs which are fixedly supported for engagement with the driving combs, the fixed combs including surfaces overlapping opposite surfaces of the driving combs in accordance with the rotation of the driving combs; and a capacitance sensing portion which detects a capacitance change of the driving combs and the fixed combs. Therefore, the MEMS device performs precise scanning by structurally preventing deformation of the stage having a light reflecting surface.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a base including a fixed contact piece and a movable contact piece. The movable contact piece includes a movable contact point that is moved to contact and be separated from the fixed contact piece at a fixed contact point by driving the movable contact piece. The movable contact piece includes a terminal portion held in the base and partially protruding from the base, a first contact piece portion connected to the terminal portion and protruding from the base at a different position from the terminal portion, a bent portion connected to the first contact piece portion and changing a protruding direction gradually, and a second contact piece portion connected to the bent portion, extending in a different direction from a base portion, and provided with the movable contact point.

Abstract: A microswitch which is electrostatically actuated, which has a first open position and a second closed position in which said switch closes at least a contact line (30); the microswitch comprising a movable part (10) which has at least a first actuated portion (11) and a second contact portion (12), which are mechanically connected by means of at least a connection element (13); said contact line/s (30) being placed between said first and second portions; wherein in the rest position of the microswitch the actuated portion is at a first distance d1 from the contact line and the contact portion is at a second distance d2 from the contact line; wherein the operation of the microswitch is the following: the first actuated portion is actuated by at least an actuating electrode (20), and in response to said actuation and via the connection element (13) the second contact portion (12) is arranged to contact said contact line (30) reducing said second distance d2 to zero.

Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical system switch is presented. The switch includes a base substrate having a support surface. An actuating surface having a notch and an electrical contact surface having an extension is provided. The extension is disposed within the notch. A beam is attached to the base substrate. The beam includes an actuatable free end that is configured to flex upon actuation and to make contact with at least a portion of the extension and carry current therethrough.

Abstract: A micro-machined switching system for equalizing an electrical property, such as charge due to parasitic capacitance formed at an input and an output of a micro-machined switching device. The micro-machined switching device may be a MEMS relay or a MEMS switch. In addition to the micro-machined switching device, the switching system also includes a balancing module for equalizing the electrical property between the input and the output of the micro-machined switching device. In certain embodiments, the balancing module includes a switch operable in a first state causing charge due to the parasitic capacitance on the input and the output of the micro-machined switching device to substantially balance. The switch is also operable in a second state wherein parasitic capacitance can separately accumulate at the input and the output of the micro-machined switching device.

Abstract: Apparatus including a substrate and a mechanical switch, the mechanical switch located over the substrate, the mechanical switch including: a first electrical contact over the substrate; a support over the substrate, the support including a region moveable relative to the first electrical contact, the moveable region having a second electrical contact, the second electrical contact located over the first electrical contact; and a self-assembled molecular layer between the substrate and the second electrical contact. Method including placing into operation an apparatus, and applying a coulomb force causing the second electrical contact to move relative to the first electrical contact such that the switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: Apparatus including substrate, pusher assembly, and flexor assembly adjacent to pusher assembly. Pusher assembly includes hot and cold pusher arms. First ends of hot and cold pusher arms are anchored over substrate. Second ends of hot and cold pusher arms are coupled together and suspended for lateral displacement over substrate. Flexor assembly includes flexor arm, and conductor having actuator contact. First end of flexor arm is anchored over substrate. Pusher assembly is configured for causing lateral displacement of second end of flexor arm and of actuator contact over the substrate. Method includes providing apparatus and causing pusher assembly to laterally displace second end of flexor arm and actuator contact over substrate.

Abstract: A microsystem, including a magnetic microactuator, with a mobile element supported by a substrate and controlled by magnetic effect between a first position and a second position for switching at least one electric circuit. A permanent magnet or a solenoid subjects the mobile element to a first uniform magnetic field to hold the mobile element in the first position. An energizing coil external to the substrate, on energizing, subjects the mobile element to a second magnetic field to move the mobile element from the first position to the second position, the energizing coil being of solenoid type and surrounding the substrate supporting the mobile element.

Abstract: An actuating apparatus for operating a drive or retardation means of a motor vehicle, comprising a signal converter (26; 60) which produces a control signal dependent on the actuating travel, wherein the signal converter (26; 60) comprises an elastic and conductive shaped body having a first and second outside surface which are arranged at a spacing relative to each other, which is provided with a first electrical contact region (29; 62) which extends over the first outside surface of the shaped body and which is galvanically conductively connected on the one hand to the shaped body and on the other hand to a first feed line (30; 64) and a second electrical contact region (29?; 63) which extends along the second surface of the shaped body and is galvanically conductively connected on the one hand to the shaped body and on the other hand to a second feed line (30?; 65), and wherein the electrical resistance of the shaped body between the two contact regions (29, 29?; 62, 63) is dependent on the spacing of the

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes: a casing formed with an opening; a relay core member adapted for generating an electromagnetic field and inserted into the casing through the opening; an actuating set that is inserted into the relay core member, that is exposed from the casing, and that can be driven by a magnetic attraction force attributed to the electromagnetic field; a terminal set disposed on the casing and adapted to be actuated by the actuating set to thereby act as a switch mechanism; and a housing accommodating the casing, the relay core member, the actuating set and the terminal set.

Abstract: A lockable MEMS switching architecture provided having a clutch assembly, a switching member, and an actuator. The clutch assembly has one or more engagement features located in proximity to the switching member—particularly one or more receiving features located upon the switching member. The clutch assembly is actuated to disengage the engagement features from the receiving features. The switching member is actuated to move in relation to the clutch assembly. Once the switching member is in a desired position, the clutch assembly is de-actuated, causing the engagement features to re-engage with the switching member, thereby restricting its further movement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay enables current to pass through switch termini and comprises a coil assembly, a rotor or bridge assembly, and a switch assembly. The coil assembly comprises a coil and a C-shaped core. The coil is wound round a coil axis extending through the core. The core comprises core termini parallel to the coil axis. The bridge assembly comprises a bridge and an actuator. The bridge comprises medial, lateral, and transverse field pathways. The actuator extends laterally from the lateral field pathway. The core termini are coplanar with the axis of rotation and received intermediate the medial and lateral field pathways. The actuator is cooperable with the switch assembly. The coil creates a magnetic field directable through the bridge assembly via the core termini for imparting bridge rotation about the axis of rotation. The bridge rotation displaces the actuator for opening and closing the switch assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy transducer comprising a permanent magnet (1), a soft-magnetic element (9), an electrical coil (6) and stop points (8a-8d). The electrical coil surrounds a part of the magnetic circuit, wherein the permanent magnet (1) and the soft-magnetic element (9) are arranged to form a magnetic circuit with a first flux direction. At least one of the soft-magnetic element (9) and the permanent magnet (1) is mounted for rotary movement about an axis (4) with respect to the other. End points of the rotary movement are formed by the stop points (8a-8d).

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 round 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: An electromagnetic relay has an overtravel adjustment to set the gap in the contact arrangement. The armature is actuated by a relay coil and linked to a pusher to drive the pusher to operate the contact system. The pusher includes a rotary dial disposed in a slot on the pusher adjacent to the armature. The rotary adjustment increases or decreases a gap of the contacts to provide an over-travel adjustment. The pusher includes bifurcated tines defining the slot for receiving an armature linkage and the rotary adjustment. The rotary adjustment includes a head and a post depending from the head. The post is disposed within the slot and the head portion in contact with the armature linkage portion. The rotary adjustment sets the distance between the forward edge and the armature to achieve the desired overtravel for the contact arrangement.

Abstract: A micro switch device includes a switch substrate, an electrostatic cover which is separated from the switch substrate, and a bezel which limits a movable area of the electrostatic cover. An input terminal, an output terminal, a first driving electrode, and a second driving electrode are formed on the switch substrate, and the electrostatic cover is physically separated from the switch substrate. In this instance, since the electrostatic cover is physically separated from the switch substrate, the electrostatic cover is not supported by the switch substrate and is able to move within a range, predetermined by the bezel. The electrostatic cover is electrically connected to the second driving electrode, and is able to easily operate with an electrostatic force at a lower power.

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: Problems with the short lifetime of MEMS devices, low actuation forces, contaminant build-up on contacts, etc. are minimized by a MEMS device with an improved cantilever design that enables high force while maintaining large gaps. The improved cantilever design both allows for high force and fast switching while minimizing damage to contacts. The improved design can be fabricated on one or two substrates, which are bonded together with a seal ring to provide a packaged MEMS device.

Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.

Abstract: A contact electrode for a device is made using an etching process to etch the surface of the contact electrode to form a corrugated contact surface wherein the outer edges of at least one grain is recessed from the outer edges of adjacent grains and is recessed by at least about 0.05 ?m from the contact plane. By having such a corrugated surface, the contact electrode is likely to contact another conductor with at least one pure metal grain. This etching treatment reduces contact resistance and contact resistance variability throughout many cycles of use of the contact electrode.

Abstract: A MEMS RF-switch is provided for controlling switching on/off of transmission of AC signals. The MEMS RF-switch of the present invention includes: a first electrode coupled to one terminal of the power source; a semiconductor layer combined with an upper surface of the first electrode, and forming a potential barrier to become insulated when a bias signal is applied from the power source; and a second electrode disposed at a predetermined distance away from the semiconductor layer, and being coupled to the other terminal of the power source, wherein the second electrode contacts the semiconductor layer when a bias signal is applied from the power source. Therefore, although the bias signal may not be cut off, free electrons and holes are recombined in the semiconductor layer, whereby charge buildup and sticking can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromechanical switch enabled to achieve a high-speed switching response at a low driving voltage. An electromechanical switch body 10, which is an MEMS switch, has a first movable electrode 14 and a second movable electrode 16, both ends of each of which are respectively fixed to and laid on a first anchor 12 and a second anchor 13 formed on a silicon substrate 2, and also has a fixed electrode 18 that faces these movable electrodes. A first electromechanical switch 22 enabled to be driven at a low voltage is constituted by the first movable electrode 14, which has a relatively weak spring force, and the fixed electrode 18. A second electromechanical switch 24 enabled to be latched at a low voltage is constituted by the second movable electrode 16, which has a relatively strong spring force, and the fixed electrode 18.

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 contactor with modular connection of the coil according to the invention comprises an insulating body, an operating coil housed in the insulating body, and means of modular connection of the coil to an external circuit so that the coil can be powered. The coil connection means comprise a connection arrangement, internal to the body, comprising at least two pairs of contact pieces positioned near at least two faces of the insulating body, these two faces being chosen from the front face and two opposed side faces running transversely between the front face and the rear face, each contact piece facing an opening in the body, and at least one removable connection module comprising a pair of connection terminals, which is connected to a second pair of contacts which are intended to collaborate with a first pair of contact pieces of the internal connection arrangement.

Abstract: A MEMS switch according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a substrate; a fixing portion formed on the substrate; a movable beam including a lower electrode, a first insulation layer formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the first insulation layer, the movable beam having one end fixed by the fixing portion, the lower electrode and the first insulation layer having an opening going through both of the lower electrode and the first insulation layer; a fixed electrode formed on the substrate facing to a bottom surface of the other end of the movable beam, the fixed electrode facing to the opening; a contact electrode formed in the opening so as to project below the bottom surface of the movable beam and to be electrically connected to the upper electrode as well as to be insulated from the lower electrode; and a second insulation layer formed on the fixed electrode and having an opening facing to the contact electrode so as to insulate the lower electrode from the fixed

Abstract: An integrated passive device (20) includes a first wafer (22), a first integrated device (28) formed on a first surface (24) of the wafer (22), and a second integrated device (30) formed on a second surface (26) of the wafer (22), the second surface (26) opposing the first surface (24). A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device (72) includes a second wafer (74) having a MEMS component (76) formed thereon. The integrated passive device (20) and the MEMS device (72) are coupled to form an IPD/MEMS stacked device (70) in accordance with a fabrication process (90). The fabrication process (90) calls for forming (94) the second integrated device (30) on the second surface (26) of the wafer (22), constructing (100) the MEMS component (76) on the wafer (74), coupling (104) the wafers (22, 74), then creating the first integrated device (28) on the first surface (24) of the first wafer (22).

Abstract: A membrane actuator includes a magnetically actuatable membrane and a magnetic trigger. The membrane includes a shape memory alloy (SMA), and the magnetic trigger is configured to induce a martensitic transformation in the SMA, to produce a larger force than would be achievable with non-SMA-based materials. Such a membrane actuator can be beneficially incorporated into a wide variety of devices, including fluid pumps, shock absorbing systems, and synthetic jet producing devices for use in an aircraft. The membrane/diaphragm can be formed from a ferromagnetic SMA, or a ferromagnetic material can be coupled with an SMA such that the SMA and the ferromagnetic material move together. A hybrid magnetic trigger, including a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, is preferably used for the magnetic trigger, as hybrid magnetic triggers are easy to control, and produce larger magnetic gradients than permanent magnets or electromagnets alone.

Abstract: It is an objective to achieve a MEMS switch which can be mounted with a CMOS circuit and has a contact point with high reliability, both mechanically and electrically. An insulator having a compatibility with a CMOS process is formed at the contact surface of a cantilever beam constituting a MEMS switch and a fixed contact 2 opposite thereto. When the switch is used the cantilever beam is moved by applying a voltage to the pull-in electrode and the cantilever beam. After the cantilever beam makes contact with the fixed contact, a voltage exceeding the breakdown field strength of the insulator is applied to the insulator, resulting in dielectric breakdown occurring. By modifying the insulator once, the mechanical fatigue concentration point of the switch contact point is protected, and a contact point is achieved as well in which electrical signals are transmitted through the current path formed by the dielectric breakdown.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch array for power switching includes an input node, an output node, and a plurality of MEMS switches, wherein the input node and the output node are independently in electrical communication with a portion of the plurality of MEMS switches, and wherein a failure of any one of the plurality of MEMS switches does not render ineffective another MEMS switch within the MEMS switch array.

Abstract: A bi-stable magnetic switch assembly comprises a stator having an axis and first and second magnetic portions angularly disposed there around, and a rotor having at least one magnetic region attracted to the first and second portions. The rotor is configured for rotation about the axis between (1) a first latched position wherein the region resides proximate to, but is spaced apart from, the first portion; and (2) a second latched position wherein the region resides proximate to, but is spaced apart from, the second portion. A spring biases the rotor to a position where the region resides intermediate the first and second portions. A coil, which is associated with at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the region, may be energized to reduce the force of attraction between the region and the first and second portions when in the first and second latched positions, respectively.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS switch that is fully integratable in a semiconductor fabrication line. The method consists of forming two posts, each end thereof terminating in a cap; a rigid movable conductive plate having a surface terminating in a ring in each of two opposing edges, the rings being loosely connected to guiding posts; forming upper and lower electrode pairs and upper and lower interconnect wiring lines connected and disconnected by the rigid movable conductive plate. 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 electromagnetic relay enables current to pass through switch termini and comprises a coil assembly, a rotor or bridge assembly, and opposing, balanced switch assemblies. The coil assembly comprises a coil and a C-shaped core. The coil is wound round a coil axis extending through the core. The core comprises core termini parallel to the coil axis. The bridge assembly comprises a bridge and a pair of actuators. The bridge comprises medial, lateral, and transverse field pathways. The actuators extend laterally from the lateral field pathway. The core termini are coplanar with the axis of rotation and received intermediate the medial and lateral field pathways. The actuators are cooperable with the switch assemblies. The coil creates a magnetic field directable through the bridge assembly via the core termini for imparting bridge rotation about the axis of rotation. The bridge rotation displaces the actuators for opening and closing the switch assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for fabricating a micro-electro-mechanical switch. The switch has a cantilever arm disposed on a substrate that can be moved in orthogonal directions for latching and unlatching. For latching, the cantilever arm is moved back by a comb-drive actuator and then pulled down by electrodes disposed on the substrate and the cantilever arm. The comb-drive actuator switch is then released and the cantilever arm moves forward to be captured by a dove-tail structure on the substrate. When the voltage is removed, the cantilever arm is held in place by the dove-tail structure. The switch is unlatched by actuating the comb-drive actuator to move the cantilever arm away from the dove-tail structure. The cantilever arm will then pop up once it is released from the dove-tail structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator assembled from a minimum number of parts. The solenoid actuator includes a coil bobbin carrying an excitation coil, a core extending through the coil bobbin, and an armature having an actuator leg and an angled anchor leg. The core has a first pole end and a second pole end respectively at its opposite ends. A hinge support is provided to pivotally support the armature to the core, and is formed as an integral part of the coil bobbin and is disposed at one axial end of the core to place the anchor leg in close relation to the first pole end, and at the same time to place a portion of the actuator leg in close relation to the second pole end. The hinge support is configured to make the anchor leg in direct supporting contact with the first pole end.

Abstract: A relay reset assembly for use with a relay including first and second support members and a bi-stable armature forming an armature bearing surface and carried by the first support member for pivotal movement between first and second stable positions when force is applied to the armature bearing surface, the assembly for resetting the armature in the first position after the armature is tripped into the second position, the assembly comprising an operator forming an operator bearing surface and carried by one of the first and second support members for movement between an activated position and a deactivated position and a push arm forming first and second arm bearing surfaces, the push arm carried by the second support member and juxtaposed such that each of the first and second arm bearing surfaces is proximate one or the other of the operator and armature bearing surfaces wherein, one of the first and second arm bearing surfaces engages one of the operator and armature bearing surfaces and the other of the