Electrical generator or motor structure – Non-dynamoelectric – Piezoelectric elements and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2005-04-26
2005-04-26
Dougherty, Thomas M. (Department: 2834)
Electrical generator or motor structure
Non-dynamoelectric
Piezoelectric elements and devices
C200S182000, C200S214000, C200S215000, C335S047000, C335S049000, C335S058000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06885133
ABSTRACT:
An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of moveable switching contacts is attached to the free end of a piezoelectric actuator and positioned between a pair of fixed electrical contact pads. The electrical connections to the switching contacts and the fixed electrical contact pads are ground shielded. A surface of each contact supports a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. The piezoelectric actuator is energized to deform in a bending mode and move the pair of switching contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contact pads and one of the switching contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact pad and the other switching contact is increased, causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The piezoelectric actuator is then de-energized and the switching contacts return to their starting positions. The volume of liquid metal is chosen so that liquid metal droplets remain coalesced or separated because of surface tension in the liquid. The relay is amenable to manufacture by micro-machining techniques.
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Agilent Technologie,s Inc.
Dougherty Thomas M.
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