Patent ID: 6621019
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An apparatus for making and breaking an electrical connection in an electrical circuit, the apparatus comprising:a) a housing of an electrically non-conducting material, the housing defining a sealed cavity; b) at least two spaced electrodes, each electrode extending through the housing into the cavity; c) a contact member within the cavity, the contact member comprising a core member having a layer of liquid gallium alloy surrounding and wetted to the core member to pull the gallium alloy meniscus away from the housing, the contact member being moveable within the cavity of the housing in response to movement of the housing to electrically connect any two of said at least two electrodes by positioning the gallium alloy layer in contact with said any two of said at least two electrodes, and to electrically disconnect said any two of said at least two electrodes by positioning the gallium alloy layer out of contact with any one of said any two of said at least two electrodes.