초록 ▼

A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect con

A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect connectors are provided at the opposite ends of each of the signal conductors, and mate with like quick-disconnect connectors in adjacent furniture units to create a communications network through the workstations. Each furniture unit has a signaler physically associated therewith, which is connected with an associated signal conductor at a coupler. A network controller is operably connected to the network to evaluate the network and/or the associated furniture units. The furniture units may be equipped with one or more utility ports, which are connected with the coupler, and service utility appliances, such as personal computers, telephones, facsimile machines, switches, power outlets, data receptacles, and the like. The utility appliances preferably have memory capability to internally store operating instructions for the same, which are transmitted to the network controller when the utility appliance is initialized.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of self-configuring a utility distribution system in an office environment, including: providing a plurality of furniture units, each furniture unit having a communication module including a signaler physically associated with that furniture unit, particular ones of said furniture units fur

A method of self-configuring a utility distribution system in an office environment, including: providing a plurality of furniture units, each furniture unit having a communication module including a signaler physically associated with that furniture unit, particular ones of said furniture units further including a coupler in the associated communication module connected with said signaler and at least one utility appliance connected with said coupler for distributing utilities; providing a network controller adapted to transmitting control signals to each said communication module and receiving control signals from at least the communication modules associated with said particular ones of said furniture units; interconnecting each said communication module and said network controller into a communication network with at least one signal conductor; configuring said communication modules according to the physical location of each of said furniture units in the office environment; and automatically evaluating said communications network and said furniture units to facilitate the distribution of utilities to the utility appliances by transmitting control signals to said communication modules and receiving control signals from at least the communication modules associated with said particular ones of said furniture units wherein said network controller evaluates said communications network and said furniture units based upon said control signals.