Make-and-break composite electrical contacts

Claim 1

A make-and-break switch for selectively interrupting and permitting the passage of electric current comprising in combination first and second opposed relatively movable contacts, first and second electrically-conducting means supporting said first and second contacts, respectively, means effecting separation of said first and second contacts and means for bringing the outer faces of said contacts into direct contact relationship, in said make-and-break switch the improvement of having as said first contact a composite carbon/metal body presenting at the outer face thereof discrete areas of carbon and metal, the metal area being the outer end of at least one longitudinally-extending metal element (a) extending from a position recessed below the level of the carbon area to said first support in the ''''break'''' position of said make-and-break switch and (b) extending from the level of the carbon area itself to said first support in the ''''make'''' position of said make-andbreak switch.