Method and apparatus for switching an electrical circuit

Claim 1

An explosively actuated switch, comprising: a first conductive surface; a second conductive surface, said first and second conductive surfaces placed in generally opposing relation to one another; at least one wedge member operatively coupled to said first conductive surface to selectively cause movement of said first conductive surface toward said second conductive surface; a removable conductive member which, in a first state, is retained between said first and second conductive surfaces by a force applied, at least in part, by said wedge member, and which, in a second state, is moved from electrical contact with said first and second surfaces, wherein said first and second conductive surfaces define a gap, and wherein said gap is bridged by said removable member when said removable member is in said first state to establish a conductive path between said first and second conductive surfaces; and an explosive material proximate said removable member for selectively causing movement of said removable member upon detonation of said explosive material, wherein said explosive material comprises a length of detonating cord and wherein said length of detonating cord is located within said gap.