Multilayer switchdome systems and methods are presented that may enable improved tactile and strength properties and enhanced action. Embodiments may utilize a first layer of spring material (1) and at least a second layer of spring material (2) to form a switchdome component (4). In certain embodiments, the spring material layers may be conjoined by utilizing a switchdome bond (3) to create an integrated bonded composite spring sheet material (7). Various forming processes (8) may be employed in performing the varying embodiments of a method of switchdome component (4) forming. The varying forming processes (8) may improve the physical properties of the tactile switchdome component (4). The varying processes, spring materials, and switchdome bond types may be optimized for a particular application.
H01H 13/48 - Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using buckling of disc springs
H01H 13/70 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
H01H 13/78 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
Multilayer switchdome systems and methods are presented that may enable improved tactile and strength properties and enhanced action. Embodiments may utilize a first layer of spring material (1) and at least a second layer of spring material (2) to form a switchdome component (4). In certain embodiments, the spring material layers may be conjoined by utilizing a switchdome bond (3) to create an integrated bonded composite spring sheet material (7). Various forming processes (8) may be employed in performing the varying embodiments of a method of switchdome component (4) forming. The varying forming processes (8) may improve the physical properties of the tactile switchdome component (4). The varying processes, spring materials, and switchdome bond types may be optimized for a particular application.
Multilayer switchdome systems and methods are presented that may enable improved tactile and strength properties and enhanced action. Embodiments may utilize a first layer of spring material (1) and at least a second layer of spring material (2) to form a switchdome component (4). In certain embodiments, the spring material layers may be conjoined by utilizing a switchdome bond (3) to create an integrated bonded composite spring sheet material (7). Various forming processes (8) may be employed in performing the varying embodiments of a method of switchdome component (4) forming. The varying forming processes (8) may improve the physical properties of the tactile switchdome component (4). The varying processes, spring materials, and switchdome bond types may be optimized for a particular application.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Power-operated electronic component placement machines;
automated electronic apparatus used in connection with
placement of electronic components, namely, high-speed,
automated dome placement robots for industrial or commercial
use. Handheld hand-operated device for placing electrical
components. Electric contacts; electric switches; electric current
switches; electronic components in the nature of connectors,
switches, integrated circuits, and switch contacts; printed
circuit boards; housing for printed circuit boards; software
for the control of dome placement apparatus; force
displacement and measurement test station used to conduct
tests on switches, metal domes, polydomes, membrane switches
and switch assemblies; testing apparatus for testing printed
circuit boards.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Power-operated electronic component placement machines; automated electronic apparatus used in connection with placement of electronic components, namely, industrial, high-speed, automated dome placement robots Handheld device for placing electrical components Electric contacts; electric switches; electric current switches; electronic components in the nature of connectors, switches, integrated circuits, and switch contacts; printed circuit boards; housing for printed circuit boards; software for the control of dome placement apparatus; force displacement and measurement test station used to conduct tests on switches, metal domes, polydomes, membrane switches and switch assemblies; testing apparatus for testing printed circuit boards
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. Another aspect of the inventive technology relates more broadly to tactile apparatus that are not limited to merely electrical switch applications.
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.
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.
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.
H01L 21/677 - Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereofApparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components for conveying, e.g. between different work stations
The invention provides efficient delivery and placement of metal domes onto surfaces comprising the steps of: providing a cartridge having at least one dispenser end; holding a plurality of arranged metal domes in said cartridge; locating said dispenser end of said cartridge and said plurality of arranged metal domes above at least one metal dome placement position; rotating one of said arranged metal domes about a dome central axis before dispensing said one rotated metal dome from said dispenser end; unidirectionally dispensing said one rotated metal dome from said dispenser end of said cartridge onto said at least one metal dome placement position; and moving said plurality of arranged metal domes towards said dispenser end of said cartridge in preparation for a next dispensing step.
