Abstract: A compliant electrical probe device. The device has an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material-based layer defining two opposing faces, and having a series of conductive pathways extending between the faces. The device further includes at least two flexible circuit elements, each flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces, one face of one of the flexible circuit elements in electrical and physical contact with one face of the ACE-based layer, and one face of the other flexible circuit element in electrical and physical contact with the other face of the ACE-based layer, the other face of each of the flexible circuit elements carrying one or more electrically-conductive pads that define the device contacts, the flexible circuit elements each further comprising a series of conductive pathways extending between its faces. The ACE-based layer and the flexible circuit elements make up the device.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect circuit device, comprising an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material defining two opposing faces and a series of conductive columns extending between the faces, at least some of such pads defining an annular receiving surface. Also included is a flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces, one face of the flexible circuit element in electrical contact with one face of the ACE, the flexible circuit element defining a series of conductive pathways extending between its faces. The ACE material and flexible circuit element together provide an interconnect with low inductance.

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: A compliant electrical probe device. The device has an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material-based layer defining two opposing faces, and having a series of conductive pathways extending between the faces. The device further includes at least two flexible circuit elements, each flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces, one face of one of the flexible circuit elements in electrical and physical contact with one face of the ACE-based layer, and one face of the other flexible circuit element in electrical and physical contact with the other face of the ACE-based layer, the other face of each of the flexible circuit elements carrying one or more electrically-conductive pads that define the device contacts, the flexible circuit elements each further comprising a series of conductive pathways extending between its faces. The ACE-based layer and the flexible circuit elements make up the device.

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: 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 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: 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 electrical interconnect circuit device, comprising an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material defining two opposing faces and a series of conductive columns extending between the faces, at least some of such pads defining an annular receiving surface. Also included is a flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces, one face of the flexible circuit element in electrical contact with one face of the ACE, the flexible circuit element defining a series of conductive pathways extending between its faces. The ACE material and flexible circuit element together provide an interconnect with low inductance.

Abstract: A creepless snap acting bimetallic switch having flexible contact members.

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: A bimetallic switch comprising a bimetallic element having an outer edge and being adapted to snap between an open mode and a closed mode; a movable contact disposed on the bimetallic element; a first terminal in electrically conductively coupled to the movable contact; a fixed contact disposed adjacent the movable contact such that, when the switch is in a closed position, the fixed contact and the movable contact are in engagement with one another, and when the switch is in an open position, the fixed contact and the movable contact define an open contact gap therebetween; a second terminal electrically conductively coupled to the fixed contact; a step disposed adjacent the outer edge of the bimetallic element such that a clearance is defined therebetween when the bimetallic element is in its closed mode, the clearance being positioned and dimensioned such that, when the outer edge of the bimetallic element deforms prior to a snapping open thereof, the clearance isolates a deformation of the outer edge ther