# US 12,763,505 B2 · Connector for memory stick > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,763,505 B2 - Document ID: US12763505B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/647,559 - Filed: 2024-04-26 - Published: 2025-10-30 - Granted: 2026-10-13 - Earliest claimed: 2024-04-26 - Assignees: SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. - Applicants: SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. - Inventors: Roshan Muralidharan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12763505B2 ## CPC - H01R 12/87: acting automatically by insertion of rigid printed or like structures - H01R 12/737: {Printed circuits being substantially perpendicular to each other (for printed connections H05K3/366)} - H01R 13/6273: {comprising two latching arms} - H01R 43/26: for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device (structural association with two-part coupling device H01R13/629) - H01R 13/24: resilient; resiliently-mounted - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS ## Abstract Connectors for memory sticks are disclosed. In one aspect, a connector or receptacle that is configured to couple to a first laminate structure, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), may include lateral jaws, which are opened to receive a second laminate structure, such as a memory stick. As the memory stick is pressed down into the connector, pressure on a trigger causes the jaws to close around the second laminate structure holding the second laminate structure in place. Because placing the second laminate in the connector in this fashion does not immediately force contacts on the second laminate structure against contacts in the connector, wear to both the second laminate structure and the connector is reduced, allowing for repeated insertions and withdrawals without damaging the second laminate structure and/or the connector. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A connector configured to be coupled to a first laminate structure, the connector comprising: a base comprising a longitudinal axis; a pair of end pieces on either end of the base on the longitudinal axis; a cradle comprising a pair of opposing jaws that open and close along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the jaws comprises an interior face comprising contacts configured to couple electrically to a workpiece, each of the jaws also coupled to a plunger configured to move up and down in a track on a first one of the pair of end pieces; and a latch handle pivotably coupled to the plunger and configured to cause the plunger to move up or down in the track. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, further comprising a second plunger movably positioned in a second track on a second one of the pair of end pieces. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The connector of claim 2, further comprising a second latch handle pivotably coupled to the second plunger and configured to cause the second plunger to move up or down in the track. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the workpiece comprises a second laminate structure. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The connector of claim 4, wherein the second laminate structure comprises a memory stick. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The connector of claim 4, wherein the second laminate structure comprises a dual in-line memory module memory (DIMM) stick. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, further comprising second contacts electrically coupled to the contacts and configured to couple the connector electrically to the first laminate structure. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the contacts are formed from a flexible material forming part of the jaws. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the contacts are embedded in a flexible substrate or formed of continuous compliant material to couple the connector electrically to the first laminate structure. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein when the jaws are closed, the cradle is configured to hold the workpiece vertically and securely. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch handle comprises a generally U-shaped handle. ### Claim 12 A method of operating a connector, comprising: placing a workpiece in an open cradle; operating a latch handle to drive a plunger down; and responsive to the plunger moving down, closing jaws of the open cradle around the workpiece such that contacts on the jaws form an electrical connection with the workpiece. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein placing the workpiece in the open cradle comprises placing a memory stick in the open cradle. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein placing the workpiece in the open cradle comprises placing a dual in-line memory module memory (DIMM) stick in the open cradle. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising forming an electrical connection with a laminate structure by attaching the connector to the laminate structure. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein closing the jaws comprises using a cantilever arrangement. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein operating the latch handle comprises rotating the latch handle downwardly thereby driving the plunger down. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17, wherein driving the plunger down comprises driving the plunger down in a track on an end piece of the connector. ### Claim 19 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising locking the latch handle. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method of claim 19, wherein locking is enabled by a toggle mechanism.