Steelcase Inc.

William L Miller

Joseph R Branc

Joel D Stanfield

George V Weller

Matthew Mark Mikolajczak

Scott H Russell

David C Sweeton

Steven M Brown

John Shackelford Toms

Mark A Baloga

Thomas G Feldpausch

Mitchell Niewiadomski

Carl V Forslund, Iii

Michell Niewiadomski

John Schackelford Toms

A file tracking system including a processor, which maintains and interfaces with a database, a plurality of file folder retainers, and a plurality of file folders. The file tracking system actively maintains and updates the database, which includes file information, file location, and unique file address for the plurality of files, by providing interactive communication between the processor, the folder retainers, and the file folders. Each file folder may include an indicator light, such as an LED, which a user may cause to blink when trying to locate the file folder at a location accessed from the database.

Electronic system, components and method for tracking files

A workspace display for open plan spaces includes a partition with a plurality of freestanding partition walls configured to divide a building space into at least one workspace. The workspace has an opening permitting user ingress and egress, and the partition has a height lower than a ceiling height to form a gap between a top edge of the partition and a ceiling. The workspace display includes a dry erasable whiteboard secured to the partition, and a video device is mounted to the partition in a generally overhead position in optical communication with the whiteboard, such that an occupant of the workspace can electronically manipulate images on the whiteboard.

Workspace display

A workspace display comprises a sidewall partition defining a workspace with a portal opening and a door partition to selectively close the portal. A first display screen is disposed on the interior side of the door partition for individual viewing from inside the workspace. A second display screen is disposed exterior of the sidewall partition and positioned a spaced apart distance in general alignment therewith, without substantial interference with user ingress and egress through the portal opening. A video device is positioned overhead in optical communication with the first display screen when the door partition is in its fully closed position to support individual activities. The video device is in optical communication through the portal opening with the second display screen when the door partition is in its fully open position to support group activities. An image on the second display screen can be viewed on either the interior or exterior screen surfaces. The first display screen and the interior and exterior screen surfaces of the second display screen form dry erasable markerboards.

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 operable 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.

Furniture unit having a modular communication network

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.

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

An optical access system is shown for use in an office setting including a workstation providing for communication between a network and a computing device, the workstation having a worksurface and at least one network access point coupled to an optical network port. The computing device has a device access point coupled to an optical device port for direct optical communication with the optical network port. The optical access system includes an access station containing the optical network port so that the optical network port is selectively adjustable in a vertical direction by manually repositioning with respect to the computing device and the worksurface. Direct optical communication between the optical network port and the optical device port can be maintained notwithstanding the presence of objects that may obstruct direct optical communication. The optical access system may include a portable computer having a base and a covering lid to which the optical device port is mounted. A workstation providing for direct optical communication between a network and a computing device having a remote port is also disclosed. The workstation includes an article of furniture and an access station installed within the article of furniture providing at least one network access point and including a plurality of optical network ports. At least one network access point is coupled to the network and to each of the plurality of optical network port. The computing device is selectively adjustable in position relative to the article of furniture to establish a network connection within the workstation between the computing device and the network through the network access point by establishing direct optical communication between the remote port and at least one of the plurality of optical network ports.

Integrated optical ports

Communications network for identifying the location of articles relative

A file tracking system including a processor, which maintains and interfaces with a database, a plurality of file folder retainers, and a plurality of file folders. The file tracking system actively maintains and updates the database, which includes file information, file location, and unique file address for the plurality of files, by providing interactive communication between the processor, the folder retainers, and the file folders. Each file folder may include an indicator light, such as an LED, which a user may cause to blink when trying to locating the file folder at a location accessed from the database.

Growing community of inventors

Ada, MI, United States of America

William L Miller