Patent Publication Number: US-9843121-B1

Title: Communication connector having contact pads contacted by movable contact members

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed generally to communication connections and connectors, and more particularly, to communication outlets. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The popularity of the RJ-type connectors (plugs and jacks) motivates manufacturers to work to extend the market life of these types of connectors and the standards that control them. Later generations of Category RJ-45 connectors are designed to transfer data at higher bandwidths (equating to higher data transfer rates and higher operating frequencies). Unfortunately, these later generation connectors must mitigate particularly nagging problems inherent in the original design, which include near end crosstalk (“NEXT”), far end crosstalk (“FEXT”), and some lesser associated return loss (“Rloss”) issues. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a cable C 1  terminated by a conventional RJ-type connector includes a plurality of wires W- 1  to W- 8  that are substantially identical to one another. As is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, each of the wires W- 1  to W- 8  includes an electrical conductor  5  (e.g., a conventional copper wire) surrounded by an outer layer of insulation  6  (e.g., a conventional insulating flexible plastic jacket). The wires W- 1  to W- 8  are arranged in four twisted-wire pairs TP 1 -TP 4  (also known as “twisted pairs”). The first twisted pair TP 1  includes the wires W- 4  and W- 5 . The second twisted pair TP 2  includes the wires W- 1  and W- 2 . The third twisted pair TP 3  includes the wires W- 3  and W- 6 . The fourth twisted pair TP 4  includes the wires W- 7  and W- 8 . Each twisted pair may be described as being a transmission line. 
     Inside a conventional RJ-type connector, the wires W- 3  and W- 6  of the third twisted pair TP 3  are separated (or split) and straddle the wires W- 4  and W- 5  of the first twisted pair TP 1 . This causes a significant problem, namely unwanted NEXT inside the connector. Unfortunately, the wide straddle of the wires W- 3  and W- 6  of the third twisted pair TP 3  increases unwanted NEXT to the first, second, and fourth twisted pairs TP 1 , TP 2 , and TP 4  that must be mitigated by the RJ-type connector when operating at higher frequencies. The NEXT is greatest in the first twisted pair TP 1  and less in the second and fourth twisted pairs TP 2  and TP 4 . However, NEXT may be introduced into the second and fourth twisted pairs TP 2  and TP 4  in a common mode fashion that may in turn increase crosstalk to nearby cables. Signal coupling to cables outside of the cable C 1  is referred to as “alien crosstalk” and is especially difficult to negate or reduce in high-speed communications systems. 
     Generally speaking, a plug, and a portion of the outlet to which the plug is mated, introduce unwanted crosstalk among the number of transmission lines the plug and outlet connect. The outlet is configured to introduce additional crosstalk that cancels or reduces the unwanted crosstalk. When an unwanted crosstalk signal “jumps” from one transmission line to another, that crosstalk signal travels in both directions, at a speed that does not exceed the speed of light. The portion that travels away from the signal source end is called far end crosstalk (“FEXT”). FEXT can be negated with reasonable time delay, because there is a “reversed” image of (or inverted signal with respect to) the unwanted FEXT signal available that is propagating in-phase (in parallel) with the unwanted FEXT signal. The “reversed” image signal may be used to create a cancellation signal. 
     On the other hand, the portion of the unwanted crosstalk signal that travels toward the signal source end of the crosstalking transmission lines is called near end crosstalk (“NEXT”). The inverted signal available to cancel the NEXT signal travels in parallel with the NEXT signal and has changed since after the crosstalk occurred (or “jumped”). At low bandwidths (low frequencies), the rate of change of the signals is low enough to generally allow for a reasonable negation of the NEXT signal by remixing the NEXT signal with a portion of this inverted, slightly advanced compensation signal. However, this may become a problem at higher frequencies because the rate of change is large enough to not perfectly negate the NEXT signal due to the growing significance of any delay that causes a misalignment between the travelling NEXT (crosstalk) signal and the now-changed inverted (compensation) signal. This time misalignment is caused by the signal propagation time operating over the physical distance between the unwanted crosstalk insertion point and the negation point. 
     A key to negating (or reducing) NEXT at higher frequencies is to negate the NEXT from the signal at a location along the transmission lines that is as physically near as possible to the location where the unwanted crosstalk was introduced into the transmission lines. Thus, it is desirable to remove or reduce crosstalk introduced by the plug at a location (inside the outlet) that is as close to the plug contacts as possible. 
     Thus, a need exists for new communication connections and connectors configured to better reduce and/or negate unwanted crosstalk. Communication connections and connectors that remove such unwanted crosstalk at a location that is as physically near as possible to the region where the crosstalk was introduced are particularly desirable. The present application provides these and other advantages as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a lateral cross sectional view of a conventional communication cable. 
         FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a conventional communication jack and plug forming a conventional communication connection. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a conventional communication plug. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of a first embodiment of a plurality of exemplary contact assemblies forming electrical connections between a plurality of plug contacts and a plurality of contact pads mounted on a substrate. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of a second embodiment of a plurality of exemplary contact assemblies forming electrical connections between the plurality of plug contacts and the plurality of contact pads mounted on the substrate. 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of a communication connection formed by a first embodiment of a communication outlet and the communication plug. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the communication outlet of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged front perspective view of an outlet housing of the communication outlet of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the outlet housing of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9A  is an enlarged front perspective view of an underside of a substrate of the communication outlet of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9B  is an enlarged front perspective view of an upper side of the substrate of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged front perspective view of a biasing member of the communication outlet of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the biasing member of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the biasing member of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13A  is a first side view inside the outlet housing showing the biasing member, the substrate, a transverse stop portion of the outlet housing, and the plug when the plug first contacts the biasing member, which is shown in cross section taken between the fourth and fifth contact assemblies toward the fourth contact assembly. 
         FIG. 13B  is a second side view inside the outlet housing showing the biasing member, the substrate, the transverse stop portion of the outlet housing, and the plug when a plurality of contact assemblies of the biasing member first contact a plurality of contact pads on the substrate. 
         FIG. 13C  is a third side view inside the outlet housing showing the biasing member, the substrate, the transverse stop portion of the outlet housing, and the plug when the plug is fully inserted into the outlet. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a cover plate of the communication outlet of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a communication outlet that may be used to form the communication connection of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a communication outlet that may be used to form a communication connection with the plug of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 17A  is a first longitudinal cross sectional view of the outlet of  FIG. 16  (omitting its outlet housing) before the plug is inserted into the outlet. 
         FIG. 17B  is a second longitudinal cross sectional view of the outlet of  FIG. 16  (omitting its outlet housing) after the plug is partially inserted into the outlet such that the plug first contacts a biasing member. 
         FIG. 17C  is a third longitudinal cross sectional view of the outlet of  FIG. 16  (omitting its outlet housing) when the plug is fully inserted into the outlet. 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of embodiments of a biasing member and a substrate that may be used to construct a fourth embodiment of a communication outlet. 
         FIG. 19A  is a first longitudinal cross sectional view of the biasing member and the substrate of  FIG. 18  before the plug first contacts the biasing member. 
         FIG. 19B  is a second longitudinal cross sectional view of the biasing member and the substrate of  FIG. 18  when the plug first contacts the biasing member. 
         FIG. 19C  is a third longitudinal cross sectional view of the biasing member and the substrate of  FIG. 18  when a plurality of contact assemblies of the biasing member first contact a plurality of contact pads on the substrate. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a communication outlet that may be used to form a communication connection with the plug of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 21  is a partially exploded perspective view of the communication outlet of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a subassembly including a contact module, wire contacts, and first and second substrates of the communication outlet of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded view of the contact module of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the contact module coupled to the second (horizontal) substrate of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an upper portion of a spring carrier of the contact module of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a lower portion of the spring carrier of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a rearward facing portion of a retaining member of the contact module of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a side portion of a contact member of the contact module of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 29A  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of selected components of the communication outlet of  FIG. 20  illustrated before the plug of  FIG. 3  contacts the contact member of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 29B  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the selected components of  FIG. 29A  illustrated when the plug of  FIG. 3  first contacts the contact member of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 29C  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the selected components of  FIG. 29A  illustrated with the plug of  FIG. 3  inserted further into the communication outlet. 
         FIG. 29D  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the selected components of  FIG. 29A  illustrated with the plug of  FIG. 3  fully inserted into the communication outlet. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals have been used in the figures to identify like components. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a conventional RJ-type outlet or jack  10  that includes a housing or body  12  and a plurality of resilient contact tines  14  arranged in a parallel arrangement within an interior receptacle  16  of the body  12 . When a conventional plug  18  having a plurality of metal conductive plates or plug contacts  20  is inserted into the receptacle  16 , the contacts  20  physically contact corresponding tines  14 . The tines  14  each has a first end portion  22  fixedly attached to a printed circuit board (“PCB”)  24 , and a free second end portion  26  opposite the first end portion  22 . Between the first and second end portions  22  and  26 , each of the tines  14  includes a first contact portion  28 . The first contact portions  28  are arranged in the body  12  to be contacted by the plug contacts  20  when the plug  18  is inserted into the receptacle  16 . 
     When the plug contacts  20  contact the first contact portions  28  of the tines  14 , the contacted tines  14  flex downwardly. In other words, the tines  14  are moved by the plug contacts  20  in a generally downward direction, with a small rearward component. Each of the tines  14  is sufficiently resilient to produce a first generally upward force against the corresponding plug contact  20  in response thereto. This serves as a contact force between the tine  14  and the corresponding plug contact  20  to help provide good electrical contact. A spring assembly  32  may be mounted to the PCB  24  in a position below the tines  14 . The spring assembly  32  is configured to push the tines  14  upwardly and into engagement with the plug contacts  20 . The PCB  24  includes conductors (e.g., traces) that connect each of a plurality of wire contacts  30  to a corresponding one of the tines  14 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the conventional plug  18 , which has a housing  50  with apertures  51 - 58  formed therein. The apertures  51 - 58  are formed in a front portion  59  of the housing  50 . The housing has an upper surface  60  opposite a lower surface  62 . The apertures  51 - 58  extend inwardly from the upper surface  60 . In the embodiment illustrated, the apertures  51 - 58  extend from the front portion  59  of the housing  50  rearwardly. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the plug contacts  20  include plug contacts P 1 -P 8  that are positioned inside the apertures  51 - 58 , respectively. As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, each of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  may have an upper surface  64  and a forward facing surface  66 . One or more technical specifications may include a limit with respect to how far the upper surfaces  64  of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  may be positioned below the upper surface  60  of the housing  50 . For example, according to some technical specifications, the upper surfaces  64  of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  may be positioned about 0.0135 inches to about 0.0320 inches below the upper surface  60  of the housing  50 . 
     Inside the plug  18 , the plug contacts P 1  to P 8  are electrically connected to the wires W- 1  to W- 8  (see  FIG. 1 ), respectively. A conventional latch arm  70  may be attached to the housing  50 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a problem with the housing of conventional RJ-type outlets (like the body  12  of the jack  10 ) is the use of the tines  14  that are flexible enough to form connections with plug contacts  20  and are located in inexact positions. In addition to being flexible, the tines  14  must also be sufficiently stiff to create enough contact pressure to form a reliable galvanic connection with the plug contacts  20 . These design constraints cause the tines to be relatively long, which creates unnecessary distance between a first location (e.g., inside the plug  18 ) whereat crosstalk is introduced by the plug  18 , and secondary locations (e.g., the tines  14  and the PCB  24  inside the jack  10 ) whereat such crosstalk is at least partially negated or reduced. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a plurality of exemplary contact assemblies  128  in a substantially parallel arrangement configured to be used instead of the elongated tines  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) and similar structures. The contact assemblies  128  form electrical connections between the plug contacts  20  (of the plug  18  illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) and a plurality of corresponding contact pads  102  positioned on a substrate  100  (e.g., a printed circuit board). As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, different ones of the contact assemblies  128  form separate electrical connections between the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ) and the contact pads  102 . 
     Each of the contact assemblies  128  includes an outlet contact  130  mounted on a biasing assembly  132  that biases the outlet contact  130  into physical contact with one of the plug contacts  20  and one of the contact pads  102  on the substrate  100 . Each outlet contact  130  is configured to contact one of the plug contacts  20 . Each of the outlet contacts  130  is constructed from a substantially electrically conductive material (e.g., metal). It may be desirable for the outlet contacts  130  to be as small (e.g., electrically short) as possible because this may provide a desirable amount of NEXT cancellation at high frequencies. For example, each of the outlet contacts  130  may be characterized as being a granule of electrically conductive material that is just large enough not to pass through the gap defined between the contact pads  102  and the plug contacts  20 . 
     For example, it is desirable for the outlet contacts  130 , the plug contacts  20 , and the contact pads  102  to form a transmission line without any significant discontinuity of characteristic impedance or unfavorable geometry that may increase undesired crosstalk. It is further desirable that the outlet contacts  130 , the plug contacts  20 , and/or the contact pads  102  maintain positional relationship(s) that reduce or minimize unrepeatable electrical characteristics during successive cycles of mating and unmating. Thus, if the contact pads  102  and the plug contacts  20  are of a sufficiently small size to accomplish this, it may be desirable to construct the outlet contacts  130  with an even smaller size. In other words, the outlet contacts  130  may be smaller than these adjacent conductive elements that are connected by outlet contacts  130 . In such embodiments, the outlet contacts  130  may be considered to be of a satisfactory size when the outlet contacts  130  combined with the contact pads  102  have a relatively smaller size than the plug contacts  20 . 
     Alternatively, considering operating frequency and its related wavelength, and knowing that ¼ effective-wavelength (or quarter wavelength) features have extremely strong bandwidth narrowing frequency-selective resonant effects, the outlet contacts  130  may have a size that is less than the quarter wavelength of the signal being carried. A rule of thumb is that features smaller than about half of this quarter wavelength, or about ⅛ th  wavelength (e.g., approximately 19 mm in free space), tend to cause less significant perturbances. Thus, the outlet contacts  130  may have a maximum dimension (or maximum linear feature size) that is significantly less than the ⅛ th  of the wavelength of the signal being carried. In this instance, if the connection formed by the outlet contacts  130  is to support a proposed 25 Gb/s or 40 Gb/s data transfer rate and provide good electrical transmission performance to approximately 2 GHz, unmanaged features approaching 19 mm tend to become very significant artifacts that could cause unwanted good incipient resonances, delays/skew, crosstalk/couplings, and the like. Thus, in this example, when striving for good signal integrity in the ordinary sense, it is desirable that each of the outlet contacts  130  has a maximum dimension (or maximum linear feature size) that is far less than about 19 mm. However, when excessive NEXT occurs, such as exists in a standardized RJ plug, the distance from the source of the undesired but quantified crosstalk within the plug, that occurs just beyond the plug contacts  20 , to a crosstalk compensation network or region CCR 1  is even more critical than the other parameters involving signal integrity. For example at 2 GHz, each millimeter of distance creates at least 4.8 degrees of round-trip phase shift and may create as much as 7.4 degrees of round-trip phase shift in certain dielectric environments. This phase shift is not reversible. This means approximately, 8% to 13% per mm distance of path distance added by the outlet contacts  130 , the contact pads  102 , and any other incidental distances encountered between the crosstalk source and the crosstalk compensation region CCR 1 , is not cancellable specifically in regard to NEXT compensation. With RJ style standardized connectors, the maximum gap between the contact pads  102  and the plug contacts  20 , according to standard specifications, may be held to 0.032 inches. Thus, by way of a non-limiting example, the outlet contacts  130  may each have a maximum dimension (or maximum linear feature size) of approximately 1.3 mm (0.050 inches) which accounts for additional tolerances that widen the above mentioned gap and is well under the rule of thumb 19 mm dimension of concern, in this case. 
     In any event, each of the outlet contacts  130  need only be large enough to form a satisfactory electrical connection between one of the plug contacts  20  and one of the contact pads  102 . 
     The biasing assembly  132  is constructed from a substantially electrically non-conductive (or insulating) material (e.g., plastic). When the plug contacts  20  are positioned near the contact pads  102 , the biasing assemblies  132  of the contact assemblies  128  bias (e.g., push) the outlet contacts  130  (in a direction identified by an arrow “F 1 ”) against the plug contacts  20  and the contact pads  102 . The outlet contacts  130  may first contact the contact pads  102  and then slide along the contact pads  102  until the outlet contacts  130  encounter the plug contacts  20 . 
     As mentioned above, each of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ) may have the upper surface  64  and the forward facing surface  66 . At least one of these surfaces  64  and  66 , or adjacent surfaces such as the corner between the surfaces  64  and  66 , may be contacted by the outlet contact  130 . For example, according to some technical specifications, the upper surfaces  64  of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be positioned about 0.0135 inches to about 0.0320 inches below the upper surface  60  of the housing  50 . In such embodiments, each of the outlet contacts  130  may have a vertical dimension that is slightly larger than 0.0320. 
     As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the plug contacts  20  are positioned at approximately a vertical distance “D 1 ” away from the contact pads  102 . However, one or more of the plug contacts  20  may be at a distance slightly greater than or less than the vertical distance “D 1 .” At the same time, the plug contacts  20  are positioned at approximately a horizontal distance (orthogonal to the vertical distance “D 1 ”) away from the contact pads  102 . However, one or more of the plug contacts  20  may be at a distance slightly greater than or less than the horizontal distance. In other words, the plug contacts  20  may be positioned near the contact pads  102  but at uncertain vertical and horizontal distances therefrom. Thus, each of the outlet contacts  130  may be dimensioned to insure that an electrical connection is formed between the plug contacts  20  and the contact pads  102 . As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, conventional tines (e.g., the tines  14 ) are substantially longer than is required to effect these connections. 
     The substrate  100  may rest upon or contact the upper surface  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the plug housing  50  (see  FIG. 3 ). The outlet contacts  130  may be configured to rest upon portions of the housing  50 , for example the upper surface  60 , in an instance where any of the apertures  51 - 58  (see  FIG. 3 ) are not formed. Typically, each of the outlet contacts  130  are configured to fit within one of the apertures  51 - 58  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The biasing assembly  132  may include a substantially non-electrically conductive biasing member  134 . The biasing member  134  may be constructed using a variety of geometries. For example, the biasing member  134  may be a coil spring, an undulated spring, and the like. The biasing member  134  may be compressed to adapt to irregularities in the vertical distance “D 1 ” and/or in the plug contacts  20 . 
     A plurality of connectors  104  are mounted on the substrate  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, the connectors  104  may be implemented as insulation displacement connectors (“IDCs”), pins, and the like. A plurality of conductors  106  (e.g., circuit traces) mounted to, or positioned within, the substrate  100  form separate electrical connections between the contact pads  102  and the connectors  104  via an interdicting compensation network on or within the substrate  100 . In the embodiment illustrated, the connectors  104  are implemented as IDCs that are each positioned inside a plated through-hole  110 . Each plated through-hole  110  is connected to one of the conductors  106 , which is connected to one of the contact pads  102 . Thus, a different electrical connection is formed between each of the connectors  104  and a corresponding one of the contact pads  102 . 
     The substrate  100  may include the crosstalk compensation region CCR 1  configured to place crosstalk (“NEXT”) compensation components (not shown) as close as possible to the plug contacts  20 . The crosstalk compensation region CCR 1  may provide primary compensation and secondary compensation (not shown) may also be included. 
     While the plug contacts  20  have been illustrated as being approximately orthogonal to the contact pads  102 , this is not a requirement. In alternate embodiments, the plug contacts  20  may be positioned at an acute angle or an obtuse angle with respect to the contact pads  102 . By way of another non-limiting sample, the plug contacts  20  may be coplanar with the contact pads  102 . In such alternate embodiments, the contact assemblies  128  are configured to form separate electrical connections between the plug contacts  20  and the contact pads  102 . 
     In alternate embodiments, the connectors  104  may be extended and used in place of the substrate  100  and the conductors  106 . In such embodiments, the contact assemblies  128  connect the array of plug contacts  20  directly to the array of connectors  104 . 
     As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, when a plug  18  having a number of plug contacts other than eight is used, the outlet may include a different contact pad corresponding to each of the plug contacts, a different contact assembly for each contact pad, a different conductor for each contact pad, and a different connector for each contact pad. Further, these components need not be identical to one another to achieve desired electrical and transmission characteristics. 
     In an alternate embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4B , a plurality of contact assemblies  140  form electrical connections between the plug contacts  20  and the contact pads  102 . Each of the contact assemblies  140  includes an outlet contact  142  mounted on a biasing assembly  144 . The outlet contact  142  is substantially similar to the outlet contact  130  (see  FIG. 4A ). However, the biasing assembly  144  includes a substantially non-electrically conductive biasing member  146  that differs from the biasing member  134  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . While the biasing member  134  is configured to push the outlet contact  130 , the biasing member  146  is configured to pull the outlet contact  142 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the biasing assemblies  144  of the contact assemblies  140  pull the outlet contacts  142  (in a direction identified by an arrow “F 2 ”) against the plug contacts  20  and the contact pads  102 . The outlet contacts  142  may first contact the contact pads  102  and then slide along the contact pads  102  until the outlet contacts  142  encounter the plug contacts  20 . 
     First Embodiment of Communication Outlet 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a communication connection  200  formed by the conventional plug  18  and an outlet  210 . In this embodiment, the plug  18  terminates the cable C 1  and the outlet  210  includes a plurality of connectors  211 - 218  (e.g., pins) configured to form a connection with an external structure (e.g., printed circuit board). By way of a non-limiting example, the connectors  211 - 218  may be implemented as solder tail pins. The connectors  211 - 218  may be curled or gull-winged. The connectors  211 - 218  may be isolated from one another and/or arranged into four pairs corresponding to the four twisted pairs TP 1 -TP 4  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the cable C 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the outlet  210 . The outlet  210  includes an outlet housing  220 , a substrate  222 , a moveable biasing member  224 , and a cover plate  226 . Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the substrate  222  may include a crosstalk compensation network or region CCR 2  configured to place crosstalk (“NEXT”) compensation components (illustrated as PCB layers or conductive plates L 1 -L 4  in  FIG. 9B ) as close as possible to the plug contacts  20  (see  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). In the example illustrated, the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  provides primary compensation and the outlet  210  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may also include secondary compensation (not shown). In  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the substrate  222  has been illustrated as being transparent to provide a better view of the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the substrate  222  and the biasing member  224  are both configured to be positioned inside the outlet housing  220 . After the substrate  222  and the biasing member  224  have been positioned inside the outlet housing  220 , the cover plate  226  is slid into place to retain the biasing member  224  inside the outlet housing  220 . The connectors  211 - 218  (see  FIGS. 5, 9A, and 9B ) extend upwardly beyond an edge portion  227  of the substrate  222  and outwardly through the outlet housing  220 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the outlet housing  220 . The outlet housing  220  has a front portion  221  opposite a rear portion  223 . 
     The embodiment illustrated, the outlet housing  220  has a substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. Thus, the outlet housing  220  may be characterized as having a sidewall  228  with four sides  231 - 234 . The sides  231  and  233  are opposite one another, and the sides  232  and  234  are opposite one another. 
     The sidewall  228  defines an interior receptacle  230  with a plug receiving opening  235  configured to receive the plug  18  (see  FIG. 5 ). The plug receiving opening  235  is formed in the front portion  221  of the outlet housing  220  and configured to permit the front portion  59  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the plug  18  to pass therethrough unobstructed. The front portion  221  of the outlet housing  220  includes conventional latching lips  237 A and  237 B onto which the latch arm  70  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the plug  18  may latch. Thus, the plug  18  may be latched to the outlet  210 . 
     In the front portion  221  of the outlet housing  220 , a recess  240  extends from the side  231  into the sides  232  and  234 . The recess  240  is configured to slidably receive the cover plate  226  (see  FIG. 6 ). The recess  240  extends into and is continuous with the plug receiving opening  235 . Thus, before the cover plate  226  is slid into place, the plug receiving opening  235  is open along the side  231  of the sidewall  228 . A first guiderail  242  is formed in the side  232  within the recess  240 , and a second guiderail  244  is formed in the side  234  within the recess  240 . 
     Grooves  252  and  254  are formed in the sides  232  and  234 , respectively, of the sidewall  228  and extend from the front portion  221  of the outlet housing  220  into the interior receptacle  230 . The grooves  252  and  254  are open along the front portion  221  of the outlet housing  220 . In the embodiment illustrated, the grooves  252  and  254  are in communication with the recess  240 . However, this is not a requirement. 
     The outlet housing  220  includes a first support portion  262  positioned inside the interior receptacle  230  at the intersection of the sides  232  and  233 , and a second support portion  264  positioned inside the interior receptacle  230  at the intersection of the sides  233  and  234 . The outlet housing  220  includes a “stop” (not shown) that halts the insertion of the plug  18  into the outlet  210 . Gripping tabs  272  and  274  extend into the interior receptacle  230  from the side  231  of the sidewall  228 . The gripping tabs  272  and  274  are configured to grip the substrate  222  (see  FIG. 6 ) and hold the substrate  222  in a desired position within the interior receptacle  230 . 
     One or more supports  276 ,  277 , and  278  extend into the interior receptacle  230  from the side  231 . The support  276  may be characterized as being a forward support and the supports  277  and  278  may be characterized as being rear supports. When the substrate  222  is gripped by the gripping tabs  272  and  274 , the substrate  222  is positioned between the forward support  276  and the rear supports  277  and  278 . The supports  277  and  278  maybe substantially similar to one another and spaced apart laterally within the interior receptacle  230 . When the substrate  222  is gripped by the gripping tabs  272  and  274 , the supports  277  and  278  abut the substrate  222  and help prevent it from being pushed rearwardly by the plug  18  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a through-hole or slot  282  is formed in the side  231  of the sidewall  228  and positioned to receive the connectors  211 - 218  (see  FIGS. 5, 9A, and 9B ) and allow the connectors  211 - 218  to pass through the side  231  of the sidewall  228  of the outlet housing  220 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9A , electrical connections  301 - 308  (e.g., traces) are electrically connected to the connectors  211 - 218 , respectively. The electrical connections  301 - 308  are also connected to the contact pads  311 - 318 , respectively, via the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2 . Thus, the connectors  211 - 218  are connected by the electrical connections  301 - 308 , respectively, to the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2 . The crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  is connected to the contact pads  311 - 318 . Thus, the connectors  211 - 218  are connected to the contact pads  311 - 318 , respectively. In the embodiment illustrated, the substrate  222  includes apertures  322  and  324  configured to receive the gripping tabs  272  and  274  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), respectively, of the outlet housing  220 . In the embodiment illustrated, the substrate  222  is suspended from the side  231  of the sidewall  228  by the gripping tabs  272  and  274  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     The crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  is one embodiment and not intended to be limiting. The crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  may extend further into the volume of the substrate  222 , may be formed in any layered configuration or orientation, or may not be formed in or include layers at all (such as when the substrate  222  is not a PCB). Critical crosstalk compensation elements may be given priority locations within the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2 . Whether crosstalk compensation is achieved by a circuit board and possibly with multiple layers (e.g., the conductive plates L 1 -L 4  shown in  FIG. 9B ) formed within the substrate  222 , the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  may include a lead frame array of conductive and insulative portions. It may be desirable to position the most critical compensation elements immediately adjacent to the contact pads  311  to  318 . It may be particularly desirable to position the most critical compensation elements immediately adjacent to a subset of the contact pads  311 - 318 , such as the contact pads  313  to  316 , which relate to the most difficult crosstalk to compensate. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the biasing member  224  is configured to be slid inwardly by the plug  18  (see  FIGS. 13A-13C ) as the plug  18  is inserted into the interior receptacle  230  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the outlet  210  (see  FIG. 5 ). The biasing member  224  has side rails  352  and  354  configured to be received by and slide within the grooves  252  and  254  (see  FIG. 7 ), respectively, formed in the outlet housing  220 . 
     The biasing member  224  has one or more plug engaging members  362  and  364  configured to contact the plug  18  when the plug  18  is inserted into the interior receptacle  230  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the outlet  210  (see  FIG. 5 ). As the plug  18  is inserted into the interior receptacle  230 , the plug  18  presses against the plug engaging members  362  and  364  and pushes the biasing member  224  farther into the outlet housing  220  (see  FIG. 6 ). In the embodiment illustrated, the plug engaging members  362  and  364  are engaged by the front portion  59  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the plug  18 . Distal free end portions  366  and  368  of the plug engaging members  362  and  364 , respectively, rest upon the first and second support portions  262  and  264  (see  FIG. 7 ), respectively. Optionally, the distal free end portions  366  and  368  may include wrap-around hooks  369 A and  369 B. However, this is not a requirement. The wrap-around hook  369 A may help relieve a bending moment from a support member  372  and the plug engaging member  362  by converting any upward bow from the support member  372  into a frictional grabbing force between the top surface of the wrap-around hook  369 A and the plug  18  (see  FIG. 3 ). Similarly, the wrap-around hook  369 B may help relieve a bending moment from a support member  374  and the plug engaging member  364  by converting any upward bow from the support member  374  into a frictional grabbing force between the top surface of the wrap-around hook  369 B and the plug  18  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The side rails  352  and  354  are mounted on the support members  372  and  374 , respectively. The support members  372  and  374  are mounted by their first end portions  376  and  378 , respectively, to the plug engaging members  362  and  364 , respectively. The support members  372  and  374  extend forwardly toward the front portion  221  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the outlet housing  220  from the plug engaging members  362  and  364 , respectively. When the plug  18  is inserted into the interior receptacle  230  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the outlet  210  (see  FIG. 5 ), the support members  372  and  374  extend along the upper surface  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the plug  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the support members  372  and  374  have second end portions  386  and  388  opposite their first end portions  376  and  378 , respectively. A transverse support member  390  extends between the second end portions  386  and  388  of the support members  372  and  374  and couples them together. 
     A plurality of contact assemblies  400  are mounted to the transverse support member  390  and extend rearwardly therefrom toward the substrate  222  (see  FIG. 6 ) when the substrate  222  is gripped by the gripping tabs  272  and  274  (see  FIG. 7 ). In the embodiment illustrated, the contact assemblies  400  include eight contact assemblies  401 - 408 . Together the side rails  352  and  354 , the plug engaging members  362  and  364 , the support members  372  and  374 , and the transverse support member  390  form a movable sled configured to carry the contact assemblies  400  toward and away from the contact pads  311 - 318  (see  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , each of the contact assemblies  400  (see  FIG. 11 ) includes an undulating spring  410  and an outlet contact  412 . The outlet contact  412  is constructed from a substantially electrically conductive material (e.g., gold plating) and at least a portion of the spring  410  is constructed from a substantially electrically non-conductive (or insulating) material (e.g., plastic). The outlet contact  412  may be formed by plating an end portion  414  of the undulating spring  410  with a conductive material. Alternatively, the outlet contact  412  may be formed by crimping, threading, or insert molding conductive material onto the end portion  414  of the undulating spring  410 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the outlet contact  412  has a first surface  416  positioned to contact one of the contact pads  311 - 318  (see  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) formed on the substrate  222 , and a second surface  418  positioned to contact one of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the plug  18  when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  210  (see  FIG. 5 ). The undulating spring  410  is configured to press the first surface  416  of the outlet contact  412  against a corresponding one of the contact pads  311 - 318  (see  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  210  (see  FIG. 5 ) and travels a distance “D 2 ” (see  FIG. 13A ). As the plug  18  travels the distance “D 2 ” but before forward movement of the plug  18  is stopped, the undulating spring  410  may press the first surface  416  of the outlet contact  412  against the corresponding contact pad (e.g., the contact pad  314  illustrated in  FIG. 13A ) and toward the upper surface  60  of the plug  18 . This causes the outlet contact  412  to slide along the corresponding contact pad toward a corresponding one of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ). By the time the plug  18  has stopped (after having traveled from the end of the distance “D 2 ” to the maximum insertion of the plug  18 ), the undulating spring  410  is pressing the second surface  418  of the outlet contact  412  against the upper surface  64  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the corresponding plug contact or the rounded corner adjacent to the upper surface  64  of the corresponding plug contact. 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  depict the movement of the biasing member  224  with respect to the substrate  222  when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  210  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ).  FIGS. 13A-13C  show a cross-section of the biasing member  224  taken between the contact assemblies  404  and  405  toward the contact assembly  404 . 
     First, referring to  FIG. 13A , the plug  18  is inserted into the interior receptacle  230  until the front portion  59  of the housing  50  of the plug  18  contacts the plug engaging members  362  (see  FIG. 10 ) and  364  of the biasing member  224 . At this point, the biasing member  224  has not yet moved. Then, referring to  FIG. 13B , the plug  18  continues traveling further into the interior receptacle  230  pushing the biasing member  224  inwardly toward the substrate  222  until the first surfaces  416  of the outlet contacts  412  of the contact assemblies  401 - 408  (see  FIG. 11 ) physically contact and press against the contact pads  311 - 318  (see  FIGS. 9A and 9B ), respectively. At this point, the biasing member  224  has traveled the distance “D 2 ” (see  FIG. 13A ). Next, referring to  FIG. 13C , the plug  18  continues traveling further into the interior receptacle  230  until the plug  18  is stopped at full insertion, which halts the inward travel of the plug  18 . At this point, the undulating springs  410  of the contact assemblies  401 - 408  (see  FIG. 11 ) are pressing the second surfaces  418  of the outlet contacts  412  of the contact assemblies  401 - 408  (see  FIG. 11 ) through the apertures  51 - 58  (see  FIG. 3 ) in the housing  50  and against the upper surfaces  64  (see  FIG. 3 ) or the rounded corners adjacent to the upper surfaces  64  of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ). Although, in the embodiment illustrated, the first surface  416  initially touches one of the contact pads  311 - 318  (e.g., the contact pad  314 ) prior to the plug  18  being fully inserted, in alternate embodiments, the second surface  418  may touch one of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (e.g., the plug contact P 4 ) prior to the plug  18  being fully inserted. 
     When the plug  18  is removed from the outlet  210  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), the undulating springs  410  of the contact assemblies  401 - 408  (see  FIG. 11 ) may return the biasing member  224  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 13B . Thus, after the first time the plug  18  has been inserted into the outlet  210  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), the contact assemblies  401 - 408  (see  FIG. 11 ) may transition between the positions shown in  FIGS. 13B and 13C  when the plug  18  is removed and reinserted. Alternatively, when the plug  18  is removed from the outlet  210  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), the undulating springs  410  of the contact assemblies  401 - 408  (see  FIG. 11 ) may return the biasing member  224  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 13A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the cover plate  226  is generally planar and has a first side portion  430  opposite a second side portion  432 . A first groove  434  is formed in the first side portion  430  and a second groove  436  is formed in the second side portion  432 . Both the first and second grooves  434  and  436  are open along a lower surface  438 . As mentioned above, the recess  240  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the outlet housing  220  is configured to slidably receive the cover plate  226 . The first and second grooves  434  and  436  are configured to receive the first and second guiderails  242  and  244  (see  FIG. 7 ) as the cover plate  226  is slid into the recess  240  (see  FIG. 7 ). Referring to  FIG. 6 , after the substrate  222  and the biasing member  224  have been positioned inside the outlet housing  220 , the cover plate  226  is slid into the recess  240  and retains the biasing member  224  inside the outlet housing  220 . Friction and/or a bonding or latching means may help maintain the cover plate  226  inside the recess  240 . 
     Second Embodiment of Communication Outlet 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of an outlet  500  that may be used in place of the outlet  210  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to form the connection  200  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , the outlet  500  includes the outlet housing  220 , the biasing member  224 , the cover plate  226 , a substrate  510 , and wire connectors  520 . In the embodiment illustrated, the forward support  276  (see  FIG. 8 ) is spaced sufficiently from the rear supports  277  and  278  (see  FIG. 8 ) to permit the substrate  510  to be positioned therebetween. 
     The substrate  510  is configured to terminate a cable, like the cable C 1  (see  FIG. 1 ). The substrate  510  includes contact pads  514  that are substantially identical to the contact pads  311 - 318  (see  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) and correspond to the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ), respectively. Returning to  FIG. 15 , the wire connectors  520  include wire connectors  521 - 528  (e.g., IDCs) corresponding to the wires W- 1  to W- 8  (see  FIG. 1 ), respectively, of the cable like the cable C 1  (see  FIG. 1 ). The substrate  510  has a different plated through-hole  530  (like the plated through-hole  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) configured to receive and form electrical connections with each of the wire connectors  520 . The substrate  510  also includes electrical connections (not shown) that connect each of the contact pads  514  with both a different one of the plated through-hole  530  and crosstalk compensation components positioned immediately adjacent to the contact pads  514 . While not illustrated in the figures, the substrate  510  may include NEXT compensation components (e.g., like the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the substrate  510  includes a front substrate  532  surface mounted to a back substrate  534 . The contact pads  514  are mounted on a front face  536  of the front substrate  532  and the plated through-holes  530  are formed in the back substrate  534 . Thus, the electrical connections (not shown) that connect each of the contact pads  514  with a different one of the plated through-hole  530  extend between the front and back substrates  532  and  534 . 
     Third Embodiment of Communication Outlet 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of an outlet  600  that may be used in place of the outlet  210  (see  FIG. 5 ) to form the connection  200  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , the outlet  600  includes an outlet housing  620 , a biasing member  624 , a substrate  628 , and the wire connectors  520 . 
     The substrate  628  is substantially similar to the substrate  510  (see  FIG. 15 ) and configured to terminate a cable, like the cable C 1  (see  FIG. 1 ). The substrate  628  includes contact pads  630  that are substantially identical to the contact pads  311 - 318  (see  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) and correspond to the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ), respectively. Returning to  FIG. 16 , the substrate  628  has a different plated through-hole  631  (like the plated through-hole  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) configured to receive and form an electrical connection with each of the wire connectors  520 . The substrate  628  also includes electrical connections (not shown) that connect each of the contact pads  630  with a different one of the plated through-holes  631 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the substrate  628  includes a front substrate  632  surface mounted to a back substrate  634 . The contact pads  630  are mounted on a front face  636  of the front substrate  632  and the plated through-holes  631  configured to receive the wire connectors  520  are formed in the back substrate  634 . The wire connectors  520  extend rearwardly from the back substrate  634 . Thus, the electrical connections (not shown) that connect each of the contact pads  630  with a different one of the plated through-holes  631  extend between the front and back substrates  632  and  634 . While not illustrated in the figures, the front substrate  632  may include NEXT compensation components (e.g., like the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). 
     The substrate  628  includes cutouts  642  and  644  configured to allow portions of the biasing member  624  to pass therethrough. In the embodiment illustrated, the cutouts  642  and  644  are formed in the back substrate  634 . Further, the front substrate  632  is smaller than the back substrate  634  and does not obstruct the cutouts  642  and  644 . 
     The outlet housing  620  is configured to receive the plug  18  at an angle θ (see  FIGS. 17B and 17C ) with respect to the front face  636  of the front substrate  632 . By way of a non-limiting example, the angle θ may be within a range of about zero degrees to about ninety degrees. When the plug  18  encounters the biasing member  624 , the plug  18  pushes the biasing member  624  at the angle θ with respect to the front face  636  of the front substrate  632 . 
     Like the biasing member  224  (depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 10-13C ), the biasing member  624  is configured to be slid inwardly by the plug  18  as the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  600 . The biasing member  624  includes plug engaging members  652  and  654  configured to contact the plug  18  when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  600 . As the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  600 , the plug  18  presses against the plug engaging members  652  and  654  and pushes the biasing member  624  farther into the outlet housing  620 . In the embodiment illustrated, the plug engaging members  652  and  654  are engaged by the front portion  59  of the housing  50  of the plug  18 . 
     The plug engaging members  652  and  654  are connected to a generally U-shaped body portion  656 . When the plug  18  engages the plug engaging members  652  and  654 , the plug  18  may be adjacent and/or rest upon the body portion  656 . The body portion  656  has a first side portion  657  connected to a second side portion  658  by a base portion  659 . 
     The first and second side portions  657  and  658  extend forwardly (or away from the substrate  628 ) from the plug engaging members  652  and  654 , respectively. When the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  600 , the first and second side portions  657  and  658  extend along the upper surface  60  of the plug  18 . 
     A plurality of contact assemblies  660  are mounted to the base portion  659  and extend rearwardly therefrom toward the substrate  628 . In the embodiment illustrated, the contact assemblies  660  include eight substantially identical contact assemblies. Together the plug engaging members  652  and  654  and the body portion  656  form a movable sled configured to carry the contact assemblies  660  toward and away from the contact pads  630 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17C  are cross-sectional views of the plug  18  and the outlet  600  that omit the outlet housing  620  (see  FIG. 16 ) to provide a view of the biasing member  624 , the substrate  628 , and the wire connectors  520  inside the outlet housing  620 .  FIGS. 17A-17C  show a cross-section of the plug  18  taken through the plug contact P 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17A , each of the contact assemblies  660  includes an undulating spring  662  and an outlet contact  664 . As shown in  FIG. 17A , before the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  600 , the outlet contacts  664  of the contact assemblies  660  are in physical contact with the contact pads  630  formed on the substrate  628 . Each of the outlet contacts  664  is constructed from a substantially electrically conductive material (e.g., gold plating) and the remainder of the biasing member  624  is constructed from a substantially electrically non-conductive (or insulating) material (e.g., plastic). Each of the outlet contacts  664  may be formed by plating an end portion  668  of one of the undulating springs  662  with a conductive material (e.g., gold). The undulating springs  662  are configured to bias the outlet contacts  664  toward the contact pads  630  and the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the plug  18  when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  600 . 
       FIG. 17B  illustrates the plug  18  partially inserted into the outlet  600 . In  FIG. 17B , the plug  18  has been inserted far enough to contact the plug engaging members  652  (see  FIG. 16 ) and  654  but not far enough to slide the biasing member  624 . 
       FIG. 17C  illustrates the plug  18  fully inserted into the outlet  600 . In this embodiment, the plug engaging members  652  and  654  (see  FIG. 16 ) extend into the cutouts  642  and  644  (see  FIG. 16 ), respectively, formed in the back substrate  634  as the biasing member  624  gets closer to the front substrate  632 . Insertion of the plug  18  may be halted by a physical barrier (not shown) inside the outlet housing  620  (see  FIG. 16 ). For example, the plug  18  and/or the biasing member  624  may encounter a portion of the outlet housing  620  (see  FIG. 16 ) itself. 
     As the plug  18  is fully inserted into the outlet  600 , the biasing member  624  slides inwardly and presses the contact assemblies  660  against the contact pads  630 . This causes the outlet contacts  664  to slide along the contact pads  630  and toward the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ). By the time the plug  18  is fully inserted into the outlet  600  as illustrated in  FIG. 17C , the undulating springs  662  are pressing the outlet contacts  664  against the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ). In the embodiment illustrated, the outlet contacts  664  are each generally C-shaped allowing each of them to contact one of the contact pads  630  formed on the substrate  628 , and one of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (e.g., the plug contact P 4 ) at the same time. 
     When the plug  18  is removed from the outlet  600 , the undulating springs  662  of the contact assemblies  660  return the biasing member  624  to the position illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B . 
     Fourth Embodiment of Communication Outlet 
       FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of a biasing member  724  and a scalloped edged substrate  728  that may be positioned inside a suitable outlet housing (similar to the outlet housing  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 and 15 ) and used to construct an outlet (similar to the outlet  210  illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     The substrate  728  is substantially similar to the substrate  222  (see  FIGS. 6, 9A, 9B, and 13A-13C ) and includes connectors  730  (substantially similar to the connectors  211 - 218  illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 9A, and 9B ) mounted on a first edge portion  732  of the substrate  728 . Electrical connections  734  (e.g., traces) connect the connectors  730  with contact pads  740  (substantially similar to the contact pads  311 - 318  illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). The connectors  730  are configured to form a surface mount solder connection with an external structure (e.g., printed circuit board). By way of a non-limiting example, the connectors  730  may be implemented as solder tail pins. The connectors  730  may be curled or gull-winged. The connectors  730  may be isolated from one another and/or arranged into four pairs corresponding to the four twisted pairs TP 1 -TP 4  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the cable C 1  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The substrate  728  has a second edge portion  742  opposite the first edge portion  732 . The contact pads  740  are positioned on or near to the second edge portion  742 . The second edge portion  742  includes cutouts  744  positioned along both sides of each of the contact pads  740 . The cutouts  744  are configured to receive portions of the plug housing  50  (see  FIG. 3 ) positioned alongside the apertures  51 - 58  (see  FIG. 3 ) so that (as illustrated in  FIGS. 19B and 19C ) the contact pads  740  may extend at least partially into the apertures  51 - 58  of the plug housing  50 . Thus, the contact pads  740  may be positioned closer to the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ) inside the apertures  51 - 58 , respectively, of the plug housing  50 . While not illustrated in the figures, the substrate  728  may include NEXT compensation components (e.g., like the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). 
     Like the biasing member  624  depicted in  FIGS. 16-17C , the biasing member  724  is configured to be slid inwardly by the plug  18 . The biasing member  724  includes plug engaging members  752  and  754  configured to contact the plug  18  when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet (not shown). As the plug  18  is inserted, the plug  18  presses against the plug engaging members  752  and  754  and pushes the biasing member  724  farther into the outlet housing (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated, the plug engaging members  752  and  754  are engaged by the front portion  59  of the housing  50  of the plug  18 . 
     The plug engaging members  752  and  754  are connected to a generally U-shaped body portion  756 . When the plug  18  engages the plug engaging members  752  and  754 , the plug  18  may be adjacent and/or rest upon the body portion  756 . The body portion  756  has a first side portion  757  connected to a second side portion  758  by a base portion  759 . The first and second side portions  757  and  758  extend forwardly (or away from the substrate  728 ) from the plug engaging members  752  and  754 , respectively. When the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet (not shown), the first and second side portions  757  and  758  extend along the upper surface  60  of the plug  18 . 
     A plurality of contact assemblies  760  are mounted to the base portion  759  and extend rearwardly therefrom toward the substrate  728 . In the embodiment illustrated, the contact assemblies  760  include eight substantially identical contact assemblies. Together the plug engaging members  752  and  754  and the body portion  756  form a movable sled configured to carry the contact assemblies  760  toward and away from the contact pads  740 . 
       FIGS. 19A-19C  are cross-sectional views of the plug  18 , the biasing member  724 , and the substrate  728  that show the interaction between these components.  FIGS. 19A-19C  show a cross-section of the plug  18  taken through the plug contact P 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19A , each of the contact assemblies  760  includes an undulating spring  762  and an outlet contact  764 . As shown in  FIG. 19A , before the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet (not shown), the outlet contacts  764  of the contact assemblies  760  are in physical contact with the contact pads  740  formed on the substrate  728 . The outlet contacts  764  may be substantially identical to the outlet contacts  664 . The outlet contacts  764  are constructed from a substantially electrically conductive material (e.g., gold plating) and the remainder of the biasing member  724  is constructed from a substantially electrically non-conductive (or insulating) material (e.g., plastic). Each of the outlet contacts  764  may be formed by plating an end portion  768  of one of the undulating springs  762  with a conductive material (e.g., gold). The undulating springs  762  are configured to bias the outlet contacts  764  toward the contact pads  740  and the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the plug  18  when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet (not shown). 
       FIG. 19B  illustrates the plug  18  inserted far enough to contact the plug engaging members  752  (see  FIG. 18 ) and  754  but not far enough to slide the biasing member  724 .  FIG. 19C  illustrates the plug  18  fully inserted into the outlet (not shown). As the plug  18  is fully inserted, the biasing member  724  slides inwardly and presses the contact assemblies  760  against the contact pads  740 . This causes the outlet contacts  764  to slide along the contact pads  740  and toward the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ). By the time the plug  18  is fully inserted as illustrated in  FIG. 19C , the undulating springs  762  are pressing the outlet contacts  764  against the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ). In the embodiment illustrated, the outlet contacts  764  are each generally C-shaped allowing each of them to contact one of the contact pads  740  formed on the substrate  728 , and one of the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (e.g., the plug contact P 4 ) at the same time. 
     Fifth Embodiment of Communication Outlet 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an outlet  800  that may be used in place of the outlet  210  (see  FIG. 5 ) to form the connection  200  illustrated in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 21  is a partially exploded perspective view of the outlet  800 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the outlet  800  includes a contact module  802 . Other components of the outlet  800  may be conventional and/or substantially identical to components of any of the outlets illustrated and described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/289,320, which is incorporated herein by reference, or U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/883,415, 14/685,379, 14/883,267, and 15/135,870, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     By way of a non-limiting example, the outlet  800  has been illustrated as being implemented using components substantially similar to those of an outlet  120  (described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267). For example, referring to  FIG. 21 , the outlet  800  includes the following components:
         1. a housing  830  (that is substantially identical to a “housing  330 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267);   2. ground springs  840 A and  840 B (that are substantially identical to “ground springs  340 A and  340 B” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267);   3. an optional clip or latch member  856  (that is substantially identical to a “latch member  356 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267);   4. wire contacts  841 - 848  shown in  FIG. 22  (that are each substantially identical to a “wire contacts  1700 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/883,267);   5. returning to  FIG. 21 , a guide sleeve  870  (that is substantially identical to a “guide sleeve  370 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267);   6. a wire manager  880  (that is substantially identical to a “wire manager  380 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267); and   7. housing doors  890  and  892  (that are substantially identical to “housing doors  390  and  392 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267).       

     Instead, and in place, of a “substrate  354 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267, the outlet  800  includes a first (vertical) substrate  854  (see  FIGS. 21 and 22 ), which may be implemented as a PCB. Referring to  FIG. 22 , the first (vertical) substrate  854  has a first side  860  opposite a second side  862 . Like in the outlet  120  (described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267), the wire contacts  841 - 848  are mounted on the second side  862  of the first (vertical) substrate  854 . The contact module  802  is mounted on the first side  860  of the first (vertical) substrate  854 . 
     In the outlet  800 , the contact module  802  replaces outlet contacts (like “outlet contacts J1-J8” of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267), a spring assembly (like a “spring assembly  350 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267), and a contact positioning member (like a “contact positioning member  352 ” described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267). Additionally, the outlet  800  illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21  excludes a locking shutter subassembly (identified by reference numeral “320” in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267) and includes a face plate  810  instead and in place of a face plate (identified by reference numeral “310” in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/685,379 and 14/883,267) used with the locking shutter subassembly. However, alternative embodiments of the outlet  800  may include a locking shutter subassembly and/or a face plate designed for use with a locking shutter subassembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the contact module  802  includes a biasing or spring member  900 , a spring carrier  902 , a retaining member  904 , a plurality of movable contact members  911 - 918 , and a second (horizontal) substrate  920  (e.g., a PCB). 
     The spring member  900  includes a plurality of spring arms  931 - 938  that correspond (one each) to the contact members  911 - 918 , respectively. In the embodiment illustrated, the spring arms  931 - 938  are substantially identical to one another. The spring arms  931 - 938  may each be described as being generally hook-shaped. The spring arms  931 - 938  are connected together at one end by a transverse connecting portion  940 . In the embodiment illustrated, the connecting portion  940  includes a key portion  941 . However, this is not a requirement. Opposite the connecting portion  940 , each of the spring arms  931 - 938  has a curved free end  942 . The curved free ends  942  of the spring arms  931 - 938  are spaced apart from one another and configured to grip the contact members  911 - 918 , respectively. Between the connecting portion  940  and their curved free ends  942 , the spring arms  931 - 938  may be substantially planar and parallel to one another. 
     The spring carrier  902  has an upper portion  944  opposite a lower portion  946 . The upper portion  944  has a recess  948  formed therein configured to receive the connecting portion  940  of the spring member  900 . In the embodiment illustrated, the recess  948  includes upper and lower keyways  947 A and  947 B. The lower keyway  947 B is configured to receive the key portion  941  of the connecting portion  940 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , the spring carrier  902  has a first side portion  950  opposite a second side portion  952 . The recess  948  extends downwardly along each of the first and second side portions  950  and  952 . First and second stops  954  and  956  are positioned inside the recess  948  alongside the first and second side portions  950  and  952 , respectively. The first and second stops  954  and  956  are positioned along opposite sides of the connecting portion  940  (see  FIG. 23 ) when the connecting portion  940  is inside the recess  948  and help maintain the spring member  900  (see  FIG. 23 ) in a desired position with respect to the spring carrier  902 . The first and second stops  954  and  956  each have an outwardly facing tapered side surface  958 . The side surfaces  958  taper toward the upper portion  944  of the spring carrier  902 . 
     The spring carrier  902  includes dividers  951 - 957  configured to be positioned between adjacent ones of the spring arms  931 - 938  (see  FIG. 23 ) when the connecting portion  940  (see  FIG. 23 ) is positioned inside the recess  948 . The spring carrier  902  also has first and second stop walls  960  and  962  that are substantially parallel with the dividers  951 - 957 . The dividers  951 - 957  and the first and second stop walls  960  and  962  extend between forward and rearward portions  966  and  968  of the spring carrier  902 . 
     The dividers  951 - 957  define slots S 2 -S 7 . A slot S 1  is defined between the divider  951  and the first stop wall  960 . A slot S 8  is defined between the divider  957  and the second stop wall  962 . The slots S 1 -S 8  are configured to receive the spring arms  931 - 938  (see  FIG. 23 ), respectively, and help position them relative to the second (horizontal) substrate  920  (see  FIGS. 22 and 23 ). 
     A platform  970  extends transversely between the first and second stop walls  960  and  962 . The platform  970  extends forwardly from the rearward portion  968  partway toward the forward portion  966 . The platform  970  supports the connecting portion  940  (see  FIG. 23 ) of the spring member  900  (see  FIG. 23 ) and portions of the spring arms  931 - 938  (see  FIG. 23 ) near the connecting portion  940 . 
     An upwardly facing stop wall  976  extends between the first and second stop walls  960  and  962  at the forward portion  966 . The curved free ends  942  (see  FIG. 23 ) of the spring arms  931 - 938  (see  FIG. 23 ) are positioned adjacent to the stop wall  976 . However, as shown in  FIG. 24 , the curved free ends  942  (see  FIG. 23 ) of the spring arms  931 - 938  (see  FIG. 23 ) may be spaced apart from the stop wall  976 . In the embodiment illustrated, the platform  970  is spaced apart vertically from the stop wall  976  so that the platform  970  is closer to the upper portion  944  than the stop wall  976  is. 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , the lower portion  946  includes a recess  980 A configured to receive the second (horizontal) substrate  920  (see  FIGS. 22-24 ). One or more mounting pegs  982 A and  984 A extend downwardly from the recess  980 . Each of the mounting peg(s)  982 A and  984 A is configured to be received inside a corresponding aperture  982 B and  984 B (see  FIG. 23 ) formed in the second (horizontal) substrate  920  (see  FIGS. 22-24 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the retaining member  904  is configured to be received inside the recess  948  and to trap the connecting portion  940  of the spring member  900  against the spring carrier  902 . Portions of the spring arms  931 - 938  extend away from the retaining member  904  toward the forward portion  966  of the spring carrier  902 . Referring to  FIG. 24 , the curved free ends  942  of the spring arms  931 - 938  (see  FIG. 23 ) are free to move upwardly and downwardly within the slots S 1 -S 8  (see  FIGS. 24 and 25 ), respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the retaining member  904  has first and second downward extending gripping arms  990  and  992 . The gripping arms  990  and  992  are configured to grip or clip onto the first and second stops  954  and  956  (see  FIG. 25 ), respectively. The retaining member  904  has a rearwardly projecting key member  996  (see also  FIG. 27 ) configured to be received inside the upper keyway  947 A. As mentioned above, the lower keyway  947 B is configured to receive the key portion  941  of the connecting portion  940 . An upper portion of the lower keyway  947 B may also be configured to receive a lower portion of the key member  996 . 
     The contact members  911 - 918  are substantially identical to one another. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the contact member  911  will be described in detail. Referring to  FIG. 28 , the contact member  911  has an electrically non-conductive body  1000  and an electrical contact  1002 . The body  1000  has an upper portion  1012  opposite a lower portion  1014 . In the embodiment illustrated, the upper portion  1012  has a generally round outer shape. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the upper portion  1012  is configured to be gripped by the curved free end  942  of the spring arm  931  (see  FIG. 23 ). 
     Returning to  FIG. 28 , the contact  1002  is positioned on a lower surface  1016  of the lower portion  1014 . By way of non-limiting examples, the contact member  911  may be constructed by molding the body  1000  over the contact  1002 , snapping the contact  1002  onto the body  1000 , and the like. The lower surface  1016  and the contact  1002  both have a curved shape. A forward engagement surface  1018  extends upwardly from the lower surface  1016 . In the embodiment illustrated, the contact  1002  extends onto a lower portion of the forward engagement surface  1018 . The forward engagement surface  1018  is positioned to engage with the plug contact P 1  (see  FIGS. 29A-29D ) and slide along the plug contact P 1  as the plug  18  (see  FIGS. 29A-29D ) is inserted into the outlet  800  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ). As shown in  FIG. 29A , the spring arm  931  positions the contact member  911  such that the forward engagement surface  1018  is at an angle with respect to the upper surface  64  of the plug contact P 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the second (horizontal) substrate  920  has a forwardly facing surface  1020  with contact pads  1021 - 1028  positioned thereupon. The contact pads  1021 - 1028  are electrically connected by conductors (e.g., circuit traces, not shown) formed on the substrates  920  and  854  (see  FIGS. 21 and 22 ) to the wire contacts  841 - 848  (see  FIG. 22 ). While not illustrated in the figures, one or both of the substrates  920  and  854  (see  FIGS. 21 and 22 ) may include NEXT compensation components (e.g., like the crosstalk compensation region CCR 2  illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). As mentioned above, the second (horizontal) substrate  920  includes the aperture(s)  982 B and  984 B, which are configured to receive the mounting peg(s)  982 A and  984 A. 
     Opposite the forwardly facing surface  1020 , the second (horizontal) substrate  920  has a rearwardly facing surface  1030 . Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the rearwardly facing surface  1030  (see  FIG. 23 ) of the second (horizontal) substrate  920  is mounted to the first side  860  of the first (vertical) substrate  854 . The rearwardly facing surface  1030  may be mounted to the first side  860  of the first (vertical) substrate  854  using any method known in the art, including using welding, an adhesive, and the like. In the embodiment illustrated, the first and second substrates  854  and  920  are substantially orthogonally to one another. However, this is not a requirement. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the contact module  802  may be constructed by snapping the curved free ends  942  of the spring arms  931 - 938  onto the upper portion  1012  of the contact members  911 - 918  to form a first subassembly. Then, the first subassembly is inserted into the spring carrier  902  with the connecting portion  940  of the spring member  900  positioned inside the recess  948  and the spring arms  931 - 938  positioned inside the slots S 1 -S 8  (see  FIG. 25 ), respectively. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the contact members  911 - 918  extend downwardly from the spring carrier  902 . Returning to  FIG. 23 , the retaining member  904  is positioned inside the recess  948  and the gripping arms  990  and  992  are clipped onto the first and second stops  954  and  956  (see  FIG. 25 ), respectively, with the rearwardly projecting key member  996  (see also  FIG. 27 ) being received inside the upper keyway  947 A and optionally part of the lower keyway  947 B. 
     Returning to  FIG. 23 , after the contact module  802  has been assembled, the spring carrier  902  is attached to the second (horizontal) substrate  920  by inserting the mounting peg(s)  982 A and  984 A into the aperture(s)  982 B and  984 B. As mentioned above, the rearwardly facing surface  1030  of the second (horizontal) substrate  920  is mounted to the first side  860  of the first (vertical) substrate  854 . Then, referring to  FIG. 21 , the subassembly of the contact module  802  and substrates  920  and  854  is inserted into the housing  830  in a longitudinal direction identified by an arrow A 3 . Referring to  FIG. 22 , the wire contacts  841 - 848  may be inserted into the substrate  854  before the subassembly illustrated in  FIG. 22  is inserted into the housing  830  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ). Referring to  FIG. 21 , the spring carrier  902  limits lateral movement of the contact module  802  inside the housing  830 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 29A-29D , the operation of the contact module  802 , when the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  800  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ), will be described. For ease of illustration,  FIGS. 29A-29D  depict only the contact member  911  and the plug contact P 1 . However, the contact members  912 - 918  (which are arranged side-by-side in a parallel arrangement with the contact member  911 ) function in the same manner with respect to the plug contacts P 2 -P 8  as the contact member  911  functions with respect to the plug contact P 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 29A , before the plug contact P 1  contacts the contact member  911 , the contact member  911  is spaced apart from the contact pad  1021  of the second (horizontal) substrate  920 . Referring to  FIG. 29B , as the plug  18  is inserted into the outlet  800  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ) along an insertion direction (indicated by an arrow A 1 ), the electrically non-conductive forward engagement surface  1018  contacts the plug contact P 1 . The plug contact P 1  pushes the contact member  911  toward the second (horizontal) substrate  920  until the contact  1002  is positioned against (and forms an electrical connection with) the contact pad  1021  of the second (horizontal) substrate  920 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 29C , as the plug  18  is inserted further into the outlet  800  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ), the contact member  911  is pressed between the contact pad  1021  and the plug contact P 1  causing the forward engagement surface  1018  to slide along the plug contact P 1 . As the forward engagement surface  1018  slides, the spring arm  931  deflects along a direction (indicated by a curved arrow A 2 ) allowing the contact member  911  to move vertically with respect to both the second (horizontal) substrate  920  and the plug  18 . Thus, the contact member  911  is movable with respect to the contact pad  1021  and slides therealong. However, the contact member  911  remains in contact with the contact pad  1021  as the plug  18  is inserted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 29D , when the plug  18  is fully inserted into the outlet  800  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ) and movement in the insertion direction has halted, the electrical contact  1002  is in contact with the upper surface  64  of the plug contact P 1 . At the same time, the electrical contact  1002  is in contact with the contact pad  1021 . Thus, an electrical connection is formed between the plug contact P 1  and the contact pad  1021 . As mentioned above, the contact pad  1021  is connected to the wire contact  841  (see  FIG. 22 ). Thus, an electrical connection is formed between the plug contact P 1  and the wire contact  841 . Simultaneously, electrical connections are formed between the plug contacts P 2 -P 8  and the wire contacts  842 - 488 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the spring arms  931 - 938  push the contact members  911 - 918  toward the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ), and the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  push the contact members  911 - 918  toward the contact pads  1021 - 1028 . In this manner, the spring arms  931 - 938  and the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  provide sufficient normal contact forces (e.g., in directions identified by arrows X and Y in  FIG. 29D ) to maintain the electrical connections between the contact pads  1021 - 1028  and the plug contacts P 1 -P 8  (see  FIG. 3 ). By way of a non-limiting example, the normal contact forces may be at least 100 grams in each of the directions identified by the arrows X and Y in  FIG. 29D . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , like the other outlets described above, the outlet  800  omits the prior art long tine structures and decouples mechanical and electrical aspects of the design. In doing so, phase between first and subsequent compensation elements may be better tuned. For example, the phase of the outlet  800  may be maintained in a current phase quadrant allowing crosstalk cancelation to occur. Simulations have shown improvements in Return Loss due to better control of the conductors (e.g., circuit traces or transmission lines) formed on the substrates  920  and  854  compared to long metal tine structures. Simulations have also provided evidence of improved insertion loss due to more efficient crosstalk cancelation and improved Return Loss. While the various biasing members and contact assemblies discussed above have been described as being used to construct outlets, and particularly, RJ-type outlets, these structures could be used to construct other types of communication connectors and switches. For example, through application of the present teachings, one of ordinary skill in the art could construct a hermaphroditic connector or a switch component of a “switched” connector. In a switch embodiment, instead of the plug  18 , a different structure (e.g., a rod) may be used to slide the biasing member and cause the electrical connection to be formed. 
     The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). 
     Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.