Communications network for identifying the location of articles relative to a floor plan

• Main Authors: MILLER WILLIAM L, BROWN STEVEN M, WELLER GEORGE V, TOMS JOHN SHACKELFORD, MIKOLAJCZAK MATTHEW M, RUSSELL SCOTT H, SWEETON DAVID C, BRANC JOSEPH R
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 03.04.2001
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: CABINETS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTINGELECTRIC POWER; COFFEE MILLS; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER; DESKS; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; DRAWERS; ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; FURNITURE; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE; GENERATION; HUMAN NECESSITIES; INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINEDOPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES; OFFICE FURNITURE; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY; TABLES; TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHICCOMMUNICATION

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.