Position insensitive mercury relay switch
US4260970A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1979 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H1/08
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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. The armature includes an internal or external channel which provides for mercury communication between the common contact assembly and the stationary contacts. The armature can also include permanent magnets for maintaining the armature in one of its two end positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.