Abstract: Several features are disclosed that improve the operating performance of MEMS switches such that they exhibit improved in-service life and better control over switching on and off.

Abstract: An interactive astronomical model includes a geocentric module, a heliocentric module, and a housing. The geocentric module has a central body configured to represent Earth. The heliocentric module has a central axis configured to represent the sun. A housing is used to couple both the geocentric module and the heliocentric module. The invention also includes a method for generating an interactive astronomical model comprising the steps of providing a geocentric module having a central body configured to represent Earth, providing a heliocentric module having a central axis configured to represent a sun; and coupling the geocentric module with the heliocentric module with a shared housing. A horizon apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive astronomical model includes a geocentric module, a heliocentric module, and a housing. The geocentric module has a central body configured to represent Earth. The heliocentric module has a central axis configured to represent the sun. A housing is used to couple both the geocentric module and the heliocentric module. The invention also includes a method for generating an interactive astronomical model comprising the steps of providing a geocentric module having a central body configured to represent Earth, providing a heliocentric module having a central axis configured to represent a sun; and coupling the geocentric module with the heliocentric module with a shared housing. A horizon apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orrery for teaching a user about the solar system. The orrery includes a generally hollow sphere and has an outer surface and an inner surface. The sphere is generally transparent. Each of plurality of rings has consecutively descending smaller diameter from a largest ring to a smallest ring. A plurality of pair of couplers couple the rings to each other and couple the largest ring to the inner surface of the sphere such that the rings are positioned within each other in order of descending lengths of diameters and are concentric. Each of a plurality of globes represents a planet of the solar system and each is attached to one of the rings such that the globes are extendable along the rings. An orb, being generally coaxial with the smallest ring, is attached to the smallest ring by a plurality of fasteners. The orb represents the sun.

Abstract: An interactive astronomical model includes a geocentric module, a heliocentric module, and a housing. The geocentric module has a central body configured to represent earth. The heliocentric module has a central axis configured to represent the sun. A housing is used to couple both the geocentric module and the heliocentric module. The invention also includes a method for generating an interactive astronomical model comprising the steps of providing a geocentric module having a central body configured to represent earth, providing a heliocentric module having a central axis configured to represent a sun; and coupling the geocentric module with the heliocentric module with a shared housing.