Current control device

Abstract

A current control device is described wherein a pressure conduction composite is compressed and decompressed to alter its conductivity and thereby current conduction through the device. The pressure conduction composite is composed of a nonconductive matrix, a conductive filler, and an additive. The invention consists of electrodes, a nonconducting isolator, and pressure plates contacting the composite. Electrically activated actuators apply a force onto pressures plates. Each actuator is a piezoelectric, piezoceramic, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, or piezo-controlled pneumatic element, capable of extending and/or contracting thereby altering pressure and consequently resistivity within the composite.

1 . A current control device comprising: 
 (a) two electrodes;    (b) an electrically nonconductive isolator;    (c) at least one pressure plate electrically nonconductive and movable;    (d) at least one actuator wherein said actuator is a piezoelectric element, a piezoceramic element, an electrostrictive element, a magnetostrictive element or a piezo-controlled pneumatic element, said actuator fixed at one end and attached at a second end to said pressure plate; and    (e) a pressure conduction composite, said pressure conduction composite and said isolator disposed between said electrodes, said pressure conduction composite contacting said electrodes, said isolator, and said at least one pressure plate.