US3876850A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid type modular electrical switch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-06-15
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Granted: 1975-04-08
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Expires: 1993-06-15
Abstract
Abstract A modular electrical switch includes a fluid-tight enclosure into which conductive contacts extend to provide selective switching in cooperation with a conductive liquid, such as mercury, contained within a cavity in the enclosure, depending on the position of the switch module. The contacts and the connections thereto are formed by metallic deposits on a dielectric substrate. The cavity can be of several different shapes including polygonal and toric, the liquid resting, due to gravity, in the lowermost corner of the cavity in the former embodiment.
Inventors
- 👤 Phillippe Paul Amberny
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 11:21
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H29/00; H01H29/02; H01H29/04; H01H1/00; H01H1/12; H01H1/36; H01H1/40; H01H1/403
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A modular electrical switch comprising a dielectric substrate, electrical contacts located on said substrate, a fluid-tight insulating enclosure secured to said substrate and containing a conductive liquid and said electrical contacts extending into said enclosure, said contacts comprising thin metallic layer deposits on said dielectric substrate and said conductive liquid, in the switching position thereof, providing a conductive path between a pair of neighboring electrical contacts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
A modular electrical switch comprising a dielectric substrate, electrical contacts located on said substrate, a fluid-tight insulating enclosure secured to said substrate and containing a conductive liquid and said electrical contacts extending into said enclosure, said contacts comprising thin metallic layer deposits on said dielectric substrate and said conductive liquid, in the switching position thereof, providing a conductive path between a pair of neighboring electrical contacts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure defines a toric cavity therein, said contacts comprising radial contacts located about the periphery of said toxic cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosures defines a cavity of polygonal shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dielectric substrate includes a concave face, said enclosure being mounted on said concave face.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said contacts provide plural connection areas each including at least two contacts positioned relative to one another such that the liquid completes an electrical connection therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said contacts include a conductive deposit thereon capable of wetting by the conductive liquid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said thin layers comprise printed circuits.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is filled with a neutral gas.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein a partial vacuum is provided within said enclosure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-07 | 1978-10-07 | 1979-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-07 | 1982-10-07 | 1983-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-07 | 1986-10-07 | 1987-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |