Communications: electrical – Continuously variable indicating – With meter reading
Patent
1997-08-14
1999-08-24
Zimmerman, Brian
Communications: electrical
Continuously variable indicating
With meter reading
34031008, 34082549, 52239, 160135, 3122236, H04Q 100
Patent
active
059429844
ABSTRACT:
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4038648 (1977-07-01), Chesley
patent: 4060294 (1977-11-01), Haworth et al.
patent: 4354226 (1982-10-01), Flickinger et al.
patent: 4596982 (1986-06-01), Bahr et al.
patent: 4635192 (1987-01-01), Ceccon et al.
patent: 4682457 (1987-07-01), Spencer
patent: 4685255 (1987-08-01), Kelley
patent: 4792955 (1988-12-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 4916444 (1990-04-01), King
patent: 4918690 (1990-04-01), Markkula, Jr. et al.
patent: 4939728 (1990-07-01), Markkula, Jr. et al.
patent: 4941143 (1990-07-01), Twitty et al.
patent: 4947484 (1990-08-01), Twitty et al.
patent: 4955018 (1990-09-01), Twitty et al.
patent: 4969146 (1990-11-01), Twitty et al.
patent: 4969147 (1990-11-01), Markkula, Jr. et al.
patent: 4975831 (1990-12-01), Nilsson et al.
patent: 4979107 (1990-12-01), Advani et al.
patent: 4979183 (1990-12-01), Cowart
patent: 5018138 (1991-05-01), Twitty et al.
patent: 5029180 (1991-07-01), Cowart
patent: 5034882 (1991-07-01), Eisenhard et al.
patent: 5038320 (1991-08-01), Heath et al.
patent: 5086385 (1992-02-01), Launey et al.
patent: 5152698 (1992-10-01), Juhlin et al.
patent: 5157273 (1992-10-01), Medendorp et al.
patent: 5164609 (1992-11-01), Poppe et al.
patent: 5268666 (1993-12-01), Michel et al.
patent: 5272277 (1993-12-01), Humbles et al.
patent: 5277006 (1994-01-01), Ruster
patent: 5319363 (1994-06-01), Welch
patent: 5341615 (1994-08-01), Hodges et al.
patent: 5500854 (1996-03-01), Uotila
patent: 5530435 (1996-06-01), Toms et al.
patent: 5541586 (1996-07-01), Wise
Hanover, George, "Networking the Intelligent Home," IEEE, Oct. 1989, pp. 48 and 49.
Branc Joseph R.
Brown Steven M.
Mikolajczak Matthew M.
Miller William L.
Russell Scott H.
Steelcase Inc.
Zimmerman Brian
LandOfFree
Communications network for identifying the location of articles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Communications network for identifying the location of articles , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Communications network for identifying the location of articles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-470627