Patent ID: 6706980
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
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 moveable amount of liquid gallium within the cavity of the housing to electrically connect and disconnect any two of said at least two electrodes as a result of movement of the housing; and d) an oxide separating agent within the cavity in an amount necessary to cover the gallium or gallium alloy in all positions of the housing so as to separate any oxides from the gallium and to maintain the gallium substantially oxide free thereby maintaining the gallium in a liquid ball that does not wet the material of the housing and that flows readily within the housing in response to changes in the orientation of the housing.