Patent · US Expired

Formation of signal paths to increase maximum signal-carrying frequency of a fluid-based switch

US6894237B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
79References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 14, 2003
Grant dateMay 17, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 14, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H2029/008
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A switch has a channel plate that defines at least a portion of a number of cavities. A switching fluid is held within one or more of the cavities, and is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. A plurality of planar signal conductors extend from edges of the switch to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and are in wetted contact with the switching fluid. Corners in paths of the planar signal conductors may be limited to greater than 90°, about 135°, or equal to or greater than 135°. In one embodiment, signal path corners are so limited, but the planar signal conductors do not extend to the edges of the switch. In another embodiment, the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid are at least partly defined by a bent switching fluid channel.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.