Apple receives SIM insertion/replacement patent

Apple has received a SIM card-related patent, specifically for inventions that would prevent the connectors in SIM cards from being damaged or improperly inserted while being removed or replaced. The patent includes the ejection of a SIM card via a “plunger rod,” similar to the tools Apple has included with some iPhones and cellular-capable iPads; the patent discusses using the rod to put pressure on a lever that releases the SIM card inside of a housing, as the SIM trays have worked on prior Apple devices. Apple’s patent was originally filed on Sept. 30, 2010. [via Patently Apple]