Patent ID: 7560847
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A two-stage eutectic-metal brush assembly comprising; a first slip ring coupled to a shaft, said first slip ring electrically coupled to first voltage polarity, at least one brush coupled to a second slip ring and slidingly engaged to said first slip ring, a stationary ring disposed around the second slip ring forming an annulus between the stationary ring and the second slip ring, eutectic metal at least partially filling the annulus between said second slip ring and the stationary ring, for conducting electricity between the second slip ring and the stationary ring when the eutectic metal is in either a solid state or a liquid state, for allowing the second slip ring to rotate relative to the stationary ring when the eutectic metal is liquid and for holding the second slip ring stationary when the eutectic metal is solid, at least one conductor rigidly coupled to said stationary ring and electrically coupled to a second voltage polarity, wherein electrical continuity is maintained between said first voltage polarity and said second voltage polarity, wherein the stationary ring and the second slip ring are configured to provide first periodic rotational motion between said stationary ring and said second slip ring when the shaft is rotating and the eutectic metal is in a liquid state, and wherein the first slip ring and the second slip ring are configured to provide second periodic rotational motion between said at least one brush and said slip ring when the shaft is rotating and the eutectic metal is in a solid state.