Patent ID: 6320145
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A magnetostatic switch comprising:at least one substrate formed from a nonconductive or semiconductive material;a springing beam formed on the substrate; andtwo electrically conductive elements, one formed on the springing beam, that together define at least two switching states, including an open state in which the conductive elements are physically separated from each other, and a closed state in which the conductive elements physically contact each other;wherein the springing beam includes a magnetic material which, based on a magnetic field, creates an actuation force that causes the electrically conductive elements to switch from the closed state when the actuation force is not present in which the electrically conductive elements touch one another, and are in the open state when the actuation force is present, in which the electrically conductive elements do not touch one another.