The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 15, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 18, 1998
Harvey C Nathanson, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Thomas J Smith, Jr, Greensburgh, PA (US);
Carl B Freidhoff, Murrysville, PA (US);
F William Hopwood, Severna Park, MD (US);
James E Degenford, Ellicott City, MD (US);
J Douglas Adam, Murrysville, PA (US);
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A switch having spaced apart conductors with a high resistivity gate member therebetween. First and second mercury droplets are respectively connected to the ends of the conductors. When a control signal is applied to the gate member, the mercury droplets are drawn to it and establish electrical connection between the conductors to close the switch. Upon removal of the control signal the mercury droplets separate and assume their initial droplet form thus opening the switch.