Patent ID: 7098412
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A latching switch comprising: a chamber containing an electrorheologic fluid, said chamber having first, second, third and fourth terminals and having an opening capable of receiving a pressurized fluid; at least a pair of spaced apart electrodes located within said chamber and with one of said electrodes connected to said first terminal; and at least a pair of switches each having first and second fixed contacts operatively interconnectable therebetween by a movable contact, each of said switches being located in said chamber and being responsive to said received pressurized fluid so as to be rendered operable, one of said pair of switches having first and second fixed contacts respectively connected to said second and third terminals, the other of said pair of switches having a first contact fixed connected to said fourth terminal and a second contact connected to the other electrode of said pair of spaced apart electrodes; and first and second diaphragms respectively and completely covering each of said pair switches, each of said first and second diaphragms being flexibly responsive to said pressurized fluid.