Abstract: An elastomeric device for interconnecting two or more electrical components, comprising, an elastomeric matrix having one or more outer surfaces; one or more electrically conductive pathways through the matrix; and one or more electrically conductive contact pads, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the pads is flush with or extends outward from one or more of the outer surfaces of the matrix, and wherein at least a portion of the pad is in at least intimate contact with one or more of the pathways; and methods for making same.

Abstract: A very high bandwidth electrical interconnect for conducting signals at high frequency. The interconnect includes a number of separate fine wire structures. Each such fine wire structure is made up of a string of generally spherical elements, each such element having a ferromagnetic core and a conductive coating over the core. The interconnect also includes an insulating medium surrounding the wire structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to a compliant anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) electrical connector that electrically connects an electrical device to a first side of a two-sided substrate. The apparatus includes a backup plate against the second side of the substrate, a rocker plate against the backup plate, the rocker plate touching the backup plate only at the center of the backup plate, and a rigid member on the electrical device. A plurality of pins are mechanically coupled to the rocker plate and the rigid member, and there is at least one spring member mechanically coupled to at least one pin. The spring applies a variable force coupled through the at least one pin to the rocker plate, to urge the backup plate and rigid member together and thereby compress the ACE between the electrical device and the substrate.

Abstract: Devices and methods of stressing anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) sheet material that defines a plurality of electrical pathways through its thickness. The perimeter of the sheet is mechanically gripped, while leaving an interior portion of the sheet free. A surface over which the interior portion of the sheet is to be stretched is provided, and the sheet and the surface are contacted. The sheet and the surface are then relatively moved, to stretch the sheet over the surface, and thereby stress the interior portion of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to an assembly such as a compliant electrical connector that electrically connects an electrical device to a first side of a two-sided substrate. The apparatus includes a backup plate coupled to the second side of the substrate, a rocker plate behind the backup plate, the rocker plate touching the backup plate at only one location, and a rigid member coupled to the first side of the substrate. There are three or more pins mechanically coupled to the rocker plate and the rigid member. When there are four or more pins, a rocker member is mechanically coupled to two of the pins, and in contact with the rocker plate at a single pivot. A compressible spring, mechanically coupled to a pin, applies a force, coupled through the pin, to urge the backup plate and rigid member together and thereby compress the compliant electrical connector between the electrical device and the substrate to make the separable electrical connection.

Abstract: A pin-array, separable, compliant electrical contact member for separably, electrically interconnecting a first electrical device having electrical contacts to a second electrical device having electrical contacts. The inventive device includes a probe housing having a thickness, and defining a plurality of openings through the thickness, one or more pin probes, each pin probe located in and protruding from an opening in the probe housing, and each defining an enlargement larger than the opening in which the pin is located, to inhibit lateral pin motion, and also prevent the pins from being removed from their openings vertically in at least one direction, and a layer of Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer (ACE) adjacent to the probe housing and comprising a plurality of conductive chains of particles through the layer thickness and aligned generally perpendicularly to the layer's major surfaces.

Abstract: A compliant interconnect for compactly, releasably packaging vertically-spaced electrical devices. The compliant interconnect includes at least one substrate for supporting and electrically connecting to the electrical devices, a layer of anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) between each electrical device and each immediately adjacent electrical device, and a layer of ACE between the substrate and the electrical device closest to the substrate. The ACE layers provide electrical connection through the package, and also conduct heat from the electrical devices.

Abstract: A flexible tactile sensor, comprising a flexible distributed array of force sensors that generate electric signals in response to an applied load, a flexible, electrically-insulating matrix having outer faces, one face against the array of force sensors, and a plurality of spaced electrically conductive pathways through the matrix between its faces, with insulating matrix material between the pathways, to carry the electric signals generated by the force sensors to the other face of the matrix.

Abstract: A pin-array, separable, compliant electrical contact member for separably, electrically interconnecting a first electrical device having electrical contacts to a second electrical device having electrical contacts. The inventive device includes a probe housing having a thickness, and defining a plurality of openings through the thickness, one or more pin probes, each pin probe located in and protruding from an opening in the probe housing, and each defining an enlargement larger than the opening in which the pin is located, to inhibit lateral pin motion, and also prevent the pins from being removed from their openings vertically in at least one direction, and a layer of Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer (ACE) adjacent to the probe housing and comprising a plurality of conductive chains of particles through the layer thickness and aligned generally perpendicularly to the layer's major surfaces.

Abstract: A system for coupling a heat sink to an electrical device independently of a clamping member that is used to place a coupling force between the electrical device and a substrate to which the electrical device is to be electrically connected. The system includes a clamping member adapted to push the electrical device against the substrate, to assist in electrical connection between the electrical device and the substrate, the clamping member defining a through-hole leading to the electrical device. There is also a heat-conducting member in the clamping member through-hole and adapted to thermally contact the electrical device to conduct heat away from the electrical device. A heat sink is in thermal contact with the heat-conducting member, to dissipate heat from the electrical device.

Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN); enabling the ATMs to read access cards and accept PINs; in response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, displaying at the ATM information relating to the vote to be cast; allowing the user to cast votes using one or more ATM functions; identifying a particular ATM function as an indication of finalization of the vote; and in response, automatically tallying the finalized vote.

Abstract: An electrical connector for separably, electrically interconnecting an electrical device to a main circuit board using anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) as part of the interconnect, the electrical connector comprising an adapter board coupled to the main board on one side, the other side of the adapter board defining connecting lands; a layer of ACE on the other side of the adapter board, the other side of the ACE in contact with the device; and a mechanical compression structure coupled to the adapter board, and that provides a compressive load on the device, the ACE and the adapter board, to accomplish a separable electrical connection between the device and the main board, through the ACE and the adapter board.

Abstract: An Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer (ACE)—based electrical connector that interconnects two or more electrical circuit elements. The connector includes at least two layers of ACE separated by alternate interconnection elements that include conductive elements. The conductive elements provide void space for the ACE elastomer to move to during the interconnection process.

Abstract: An optically transparent elastomeric electrical interconnect, the interconnect made from an optically transparent elastomeric material, with a number of conductive elements embedded in the elastomeric material and defining conductive pathways through the material.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame defining an opening, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame spanning the opening, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN). This card may be a standard bank credit or debit card. ATMs are enabled to read access cards and accept PINs. In response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, information relating to the vote to be cast is displayed at the ATM. The user is allowed to cast votes using one or more ATM functions. A particular ATM function is identified as an indication of finalization of the vote. In response, the finalized vote is automatically tallied.

Abstract: A very high bandwidth electrical interconnect for conducting signals at high frequency, comprising a plurality of fine wire structures, each comprising a string of generally spherical elements, and an insulating medium surrounding the wire structures.

Abstract: A separable electrical connector for electrically interconnecting an electrical device to a substrate. The connector includes an adapter board electrically connected to the substrate, the adapter board having electrical contacts on both sides, and a layer of ACE between the electrical device and the adapter board. A mechanical structure is used to apply a compressive force on the ACE through the adapter board and the electrical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to a compliant anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) electrical connector that electrically connects an electrical device to a first side of a two-sided substrate. The apparatus includes a backup plate against the second side of the substrate, a rocker plate against the backup plate, the rocker plate touching the backup plate only at the center of the backup plate, and a rigid member on the electrical device. A plurality of pins are mechanically coupled to the rocker plate and the rigid member, and there is at least one spring member mechanically coupled to at least one pin. The spring applies a variable force coupled through the at least one pin to the rocker plate, to urge the backup plate and rigid member together and thereby compress the ACE between the electrical device and the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame defining an opening, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame spanning the opening, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.