Patent ID: 6479920
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: G21H,H01L

Abstract:
An activator comprising:(a) a base; (b) an elastically deformable element having a section spaced from the base that is free to be displaced toward the base from an initial position by elastic deformation of the deformable element; (c) an absorber of radioactively emitted particles formed on one of the displaceable section of the deformable element and the base; and (d) a material comprising a radioactive source formed on the other of the displaceable section of the deformable element and the base that faces the absorber across a gap, the radioactive source radioactively emitting charged particles, the deformable element capable of displacing in response to accumulated charge on the absorber such that at a sufficient charge the absorber effectively electrically contacts the source to discharge the absorber and allow the deformable element to return elastically to its initial position.