Utility distribution system for modular furniture and the like

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5530435
SERIAL NO

08165029

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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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.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
STEELCASE DEVELOPMENT INC A CORPORATION OF MICHIGANCD-4C PO BOX 1967 GRAND RAPIDS MI 49501

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Branc, Joseph R Grand Rapids, MI 29 1396
Brown, Steven M Grand Rapids, MI 15 427
Mikolajczak, Matthew M Novi, MI 9 349
Miller, William L Ada, MI 36 1661
Russell, Scott H Kalamazoo, MI 15 697
Sweeton, David C Cleveland Heights, OH 9 550
Toms, John S University Heights, OH 1 37
Weller, George V Grand Rapids, MI 19 850

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