Abstract: One aspect of the inventive technology may be generally described as a method for determining test object deformation response that comprises the steps of moving a deformation force deliverer 1 to deliver deformation force 24 to a test object 3; adjusting a deformation force deliverer affecting input so as to meet at least one constraint while performing the step of moving the deformation force deliverer 1; deforming the test object 3 with the deformation force 24; and determining test object response to the deformation force. Corollary apparatus, in addition to other inventive apparatus and method aspects relating variously to test object deformation response determination are part of the inventive technology. Such aspects may relate to the use of a linear actuator 15 in a test object deformation and to identity of motion of a deformation force deliverer 3 and a force deliverer drive component 75, as herein described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure switch that utilizes a dome switch having a flange surrounding the dome. The flange is anchored to a substrate such that the dome portion is in contact with a contact pad on the substrate. A pressure medium applied through passageways in the substrate flexes the dome in an elastic manner so that the dome does not contact the contact pad. When the pressure medium falls below a predetermined threshold level, the dome expands and contacts the contact pad to complete a circuit that indicates that the pressure of the pressure medium has fallen below the threshold level. Preloading force can be created between the dome and the contact pad to ensure a solid electrical connection. The preloading force can also be adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure switch that utilizes a dome switch having a flange surrounding the dome. The flange is anchored to a substrate such that the dome portion is in contact with a contact pad on the substrate. A pressure medium applied through passageways in the substrate flexes the dome in an elastic manner so that the dome does not contact the contact pad. When the pressure medium falls below a predetermined threshold level, the dome expands and contacts the contact pad to complete a circuit that indicates that the pressure of the pressure medium has fallen below the threshold level.

Abstract: Hand-held placement dispenser element (6) and automated dispenser elements (18) are provided for placement of items such as metal domes or the like onto a placement position (21), such as right-side-up or upside-down, perhaps by allowing only a single item or predetermined number of items to eject from a dispenser element at a time. A dispenser element may include a trigger (7) allowing for non-complication in use. A dispenser element could accept a cartridge (1), such as a slotted cartridge (3). A dispenser element and cartridge may be interchangeable. Once a cartridge is empty, it may be desirable to remove the empty cartridge and replace it with a full one.

Abstract: One aspect of the inventive technology may be generally described as a method for determining test object deformation response that comprises the steps of moving a deformation force deliverer 1 to deliver deformation force 24 to a test object 3; adjusting a deformation force deliverer affecting input so as to meet at least one constraint while performing the step of moving the deformation force deliverer 1; deforming the test object 3 with the deformation force 24; and determining test object response to the deformation force. Corollary apparatus, in addition to other inventive apparatus and method aspects relating variously to test object deformation response determination are part of the inventive technology. Such aspects may relate to the use of a linear actuator 15 in a test object deformation and to identity of motion of a deformation force deliverer 3 and a force deliverer drive component 75, as herein described.

Abstract: One aspect of the inventive technology may be generally described as a method for determining test object deformation response that comprises the steps of moving a deformation force deliverer 1 to deliver deformation force 24 to a test object 3; adjusting a deformation force deliverer affecting input so as to meet at least one constraint while performing the step of moving the deformation force deliverer 1; deforming the test object 3 with the deformation force 24; and determining test object response to the deformation force. Corollary apparatus, in addition to other inventive apparatus and method aspects relating variously to test object deformation response determination are part of the inventive technology. Such aspects may relate to the use of a linear actuator 15 in a test object deformation and to identity of motion of a deformation force deliverer 3 and a force deliverer drive component 75, as herein described.

Abstract: Tactile apparatus that, in electrical embodiments, comprises an electrically conductive dome; at least one outer edge portion of the electrically conductive dome that contacts a first electrical contact underlying the dome when the dome is in the electrically closed configuration; and an inner portion of the dome that contacts a second electrical contact underlying the dome when the dome is in the electrically closed configuration, wherein the dome is snap reconfigurable from the electrically open configuration to the electrically closed configuration, and wherein the dome includes a dome height enhancing protrusion at a top thereof. In particular embodiments, the at least one outer edge portion, the inner portion and the dome height enhancing protrusion are made of the same conductive material and/or the dome height enhancing protrusion is a non-interfacially integrated part of the dome.

Abstract: One aspect of the inventive technology may be generally described as a method for determining test object deformation response that comprises the steps of moving a deformation force deliverer 1 to deliver deformation force 24 to a test object 3; adjusting a deformation force deliverer affecting input so as to meet at least one constraint while performing the step of moving the deformation force deliverer 1; deforming the test object 3 with the deformation force 24; and determining test object response to the deformation force. Corollary apparatus, in addition to other inventive apparatus and method aspects relating variously to test object deformation response determination are part of the inventive technology. Such aspects may relate to the use of a linear actuator 15 in a test object deformation and to identity of motion of a deformation force deliverer 3 and a force deliverer drive component 75, as herein described.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may relate to an electrical switch apparatus, and related methods, that include a conductive contiguity, alone with which two sequential electrical contacts may be induced upon application of force by a user, thereby effecting two or more distinct electrical events. Embodiments of the inventive technology may more specifically include a conductive contiguity having a truncated leg that enables inducement of a first electrical contact before a second, subsequential contact is induced.

Abstract: Hand-held placement dispenser element (6) and automated dispenser elements (18) are provided for placement of items such as metal domes or the like onto a placement position (21), such as right-side-up or upside-down, perhaps by allowing only a single item or predetermined number of items to eject from a dispenser element at a time. A dispenser element may include a trigger (7) allowing for non-complication in use. A dispenser element could accept a cartridge (1), such as a slotted cartridge (3). A dispenser element and cartridge may be interchangeable. Once a cartridge is empty, it may be desirable to remove the empty cartridge and replace it with a full one.