Patent ID: 7322844

Claim:
A pin grid array socket comprising a plurality of sub-socket components used in combination, the plurality of sub-sockets including at least two exterior sub-socket components and at least one interior sub-socket component, each of the plurality of sub-socket components comprising: a plurality of apertures configured to receive corresponding pins of an integrated circuit (IC); and a plurality of contact members, each of the contact members corresponding to a respective one of the apertures, wherein the contact members movably engage with corresponding pins of the IC upon respective movement of the plurality of apertures so as to provide electrical and mechanical contact between the contact members and corresponding pins of the IC; wherein each exterior sub-socket component in the pin grid array has a lever attached thereto; wherein the levers of oppositely facing exterior sub-socket components are connected to a common lever arm; and wherein each of the sub-socket components in the pin grid array socket mechanically engages at least one of the other sub-socket components such that when the lever attached to at least one exterior sub-socket component is actuated, rotational motion is transferred through the at least one exterior sub-socket component to at least one interior sub-socket component such that the plurality of contact members in each of the sub-socket components are capable of electrically connecting to corresponding pins of the IC substantially simultaneously.