Patent ID: 6121561
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A hermetically sealed electrical switch, comprising:(a) a housing;(b) a bellows having a closed end and an open end, with said open end sealingly attached to said housing such that a first volume defined by interior surfaces of said housing and exterior surfaces of said bellows is hermetically sealed from external environment and such that a second volume defined at least in part by interior surfaces of said bellows is in communication with said external environment;(c) switching means disposed in said first volume;(d) switch actuator means at least partially disposed in said second volume;(e) wherein depression of said switch actuator means against said closed end of said bellows causes said closed end of said bellows to press against and actuate said switching means; and(f) wherein no element other than said bellows causes said switch actuator means to return from an actuating position to a non-actuating position.