U.S. patent application number 10/815184 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for emergency dispatch workstation.
Invention is credited to Novak, Daniel A..
Application Number | 20050217540 10/815184 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35052852 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050217540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Novak, Daniel A. |
October 6, 2005 |
Emergency dispatch workstation
Abstract
A workstation (100) has a motor-driven, height-adjustable back
work surface (102), an independently adjustable front work surface
(104), optionally dimmable work lights (114, 116), free-standing
fans (118), and heated floor pad (120). The fans are pivotable and
free-standing units that may be positioned to provide optimal
comfort. The motor drives, work lights, fans, and heated floor pad
connect to central control box (150), and a single point user
interface (130) is operatively connected to allow the user to
controlling all of these devices from a single device. One or more
digital displays (137, 139) may be provided to indicate the work
surface elevations. An optional activity sensor (122) may be
provided to power down the lights, fans and heater when the
workstation is not in use.
Inventors: |
Novak, Daniel A.;
(Suquamish, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Family ID: |
35052852 |
Appl. No.: |
10/815184 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/050.01 |
International
Class: |
A47B 037/00; E04G
003/00 |
Claims
1. A workstation comprising: a first work surface having a first
lift mechanism for selectively adjusting the height of the first
work surface; a second work surface having a second lift mechanism
for selectively adjusting the height of the second work platform; a
work light and a fan, each movably disposed on the workstation; and
a single point user interface having a first input control
operatively connected to the first lift mechanism for adjusting the
height of the first work surface, a second input control
operatively connected to the work light for controlling the
intensity of the work light, and a third input control operatively
connected to the fan for controlling the speed of the fan.
2. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a fourth input
control operatively connected to the second lift mechanism for
adjusting the height of the second work surface
3. The workstation of claim 2, wherein the single point user
interface further comprises a first indicator that indicates the
relative height of the first work surface and a second indicator
that indicates the relative height of the second work surface.
4. The workstation of claim 3, further comprising a radiant heating
unit, and wherein the single point user interface further comprises
a fifth input control operatively connected to the radiant heating
unit for controlling the heat output of the radiant heating
unit.
5. The workstation of claim 4, wherein the radiant heating unit is
a heated floor pad.
6. The workstation of claim 2, further comprising a control box
that is operatively connected to the single point user interface,
the first lift mechanism, the second lift mechanism, the work
light, and the fan, and wherein the control box receives input
signals from the single point user interface and sends
corresponding output signals to one or more of the first lift
mechanism, the second lift mechanism, the work light, and the
fan.
7. The workstation of claim 6, further comprising an activity
sensor that is operatively connected to the control box, the
activity sensor adapted to detect when a person is near the
activity sensor and to transmit an input signal to the control box
indicating detection of the person.
8. The workstation of claim 7, wherein the activity sensor is a
motion detector.
9. The workstation of claim 2, further comprising a switch disposed
at a forward portion of the workstation, wherein the switch is
operable to signal the first and second lift mechanisms to move to
a lowered position.
10. The workstation of claim 2, wherein the first lift mechanism
comprises a plurality of linear actuators, each linear actuator
having a servomotor and a pair of telescoping tubes.
11. The workstation of claim 2, wherein the second lift mechanism
comprises a linear actuator and a lever mechanism, and further,
wherein the second lift mechanism attaches the second work surface
to the first work surface.
12. An emergency dispatch workstation comprising: a back work
platform having an upper work surface and a lower surface; a front
work platform having an upper work surface and a lower surface; a
plurality of first linear actuators connected to the lower surface
of the back work platform and operable to selectively raise and
lower the back work platform; a lift mechanism including a second
linear actuator and a lever system, the lift mechanism operable to
selectively raise and lower the front work platform relative to the
back work platform, and wherein the lift mechanism connects the
front work platform to the back work platform; a fan that is
movably positionable on the upper work surface of the back work
platform; a heating unit disposed below the front work platform; a
work light disposed over the back work platform; a control box
operably connected to the first and second linear actuators, the
fan, the heating unit, and the work light; and a single point
controller operably connected to the control box, the single point
controller having a plurality of controls for generating signals
for selectively adjusting the first and second linear actuators,
the fan, the heating unit, and the work light; wherein the control
box receives the signals from the single point controller and
generates corresponding output signals to control the first and
second linear actuators, the fan, the heating unit, and the work
light.
13. The emergency dispatch workstation of claim 12, wherein the
single point user interface further comprises a first indicator
that indicates the relative height of the first work platform and a
second indicator that indicates the relative height of the second
work platform.
14. The workstation of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of
work lights that are controllable from the single point controller,
and a plurality of fans that are controllable from the single point
user interface.
15. The workstation of claim 12, wherein the heating unit is a
heated floor pad.
16. The workstation of claim 12, wherein the control box is
attached to the lower surface of the back work platform.
17. The workstation of claim 12, further comprising an activity
sensor that is operatively connected to the control box, the
activity sensor adapted to detect when a person is near the
activity sensor and to transmit an input signal to the control box
indicating detection of the person.
18. The workstation of claim 17, wherein the activity sensor is a
motion detector.
19. The workstation of claim 12, further comprising a switch
disposed at a forward portion of the workstation, wherein the
switch is operable to signal the first and second lift mechanisms
to move to a lowered position.
20. The workstation of claim 12, wherein the plurality of first
linear actuators comprises at least four linear actuators, each
linear actuator having a servomotor and a pair of telescoping
tubes.
21. A workstation comprising: a first work surface having a first
lift mechanism for selectively adjusting the height of the first
work surface; a second work surface having a second lift mechanism
for selectively adjusting the height of the second work platform; a
plurality of sound-dampening walls disposed in a generally C-shaped
configuration surrounding a portion of the first work surface; a
plurality of pivotable fans, each fan movably positionable on the
first work surface; and a single point user interface having a
first input control operatively connected to the first lift
mechanism for adjusting the height of the first work surface, and a
second input control operatively connected to the second lift
mechanism for adjusting the height of the second work surface, and
a third input control operatively connected to the plurality of
fans for controlling the speed of the fans.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to workstations and, in
particular, to an ergonomic workstation having more than one
vertically adjustable work surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Although desks and workstations in use today for office
workers are predominantly conventionally designed furniture having
a relatively large, flat, and fixed horizontal working surface,
recent research into the health implications of a one-size-fits-all
approach to such furniture has generated a certain amount of
concern. Much of the progress in this area has been directed to the
user's chair, basically allowing the user to adjust his or her
position relative to the workstation to achieve a comfortable fit.
More recently, ergonomically designed workstations have become
available wherein the workstation itself is designed to provide a
better fit to the user rather than requiring the user to
accommodate to the workstation. Such ergonomic improvements have
included, for example, angled work surfaces or forward portions of
work surfaces that are designed to comfortably support the user's
arms, height-adjustable work surfaces, foot supports, and the like.
Such ergonomic improvements are all generally directed to
increasing the user's comfort, particularly over longer periods of
time, and to preventing injuries such as repetitive motion
injuries.
[0003] In addition to the ergonomic comforts that may be achieved
by appropriate design of the geometry of the workstation, it may
also be desirable to have environmental accoutrements to improve a
user's comfort. For example, users frequently place fans and/or
heating units on or near the workstation to control the local
temperature and air flow. Users may also place lighting,
particularly adjustable lighting, onto a workstation in order to
control lighting about the workstation area.
[0004] Dispatch operators, such as emergency dispatch operators who
answer "911" call lines have special needs. Frequently, for
example, dispatch operator stations include a number of different
display monitors, connected to one or more computer systems, that
display different information, such as caller identification (ID)
information, emergency services information, local map information,
referral information, and the like. The dispatch operator may have
one or more input devices, for example, to contemporaneously log
information relating to an emergency call or to retrieve specific
information to appropriately respond to a call. It is important
that the display monitors be positionable at a desired height and
that the input device be independently positionable at a desired
height.
[0005] The dispatch operator often works in a very high-stress,
time-critical, multitasking situation where minor delays or
mistakes can have significant negative consequences. The dispatch
operator may have to deal with multiple, concurrent calls and
accurately assess the criticality of each call to appropriately
prioritize the calls. It is therefore particularly important that
the dispatch operator be able to provide full attention to the
dispatcher's duties, without unnecessary external distractions or
influences. Also, dispatch operators are generally highly-trained
professionals, and it is desirable to provide an environment that
is comfortable and healthful to reduce absenteeism and
turnover.
[0006] In addition, because the duties of the dispatch operator
typically require a significant amount of expensive equipment, the
dispatch workstation may be used by many different dispatchers--for
example, during different shifts and to provide coverage during
breaks. It is therefore desirable that the dispatch workstation be
flexible and adjustable to accommodate different users. In
particular, workstation adjustment must be convenient and quickly
achieved, so that the adjustment itself is less likely to become a
distraction when calls come in. For example, a first dispatch
operator may be more effective and prefer to work standing, whereas
a second dispatch operator is more effective sitting. If they both
use the same dispatch workstation (at different times) then the
workstation must be sufficiently adjustable to accommodate users
either standing or sitting. Similarly, a given operator may
alternate between sitting and standing.
[0007] It should also be appreciated that emergency dispatch rooms
frequently include a number of different workstations and more than
one dispatcher at a time. The emergency nature of the calls and the
inherent stress frequently result in the dispatch room taking on
the ambiance of a war room, with generally little extraneous noise
and low or subdued lighting levels that facilitate the dispatchers'
reading of the various display devices. It is therefore common to
have one or more individual lights at the workstations that can be
positioned to not cause glare in the display devices, while
providing the dispatcher with adequate lighting.
[0008] What is needed, therefore, is a workstation that is easily
and quickly adjustable to accommodate different dispatchers and
that also provides convenient and less distracting environmental
controls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A workstation is disclosed having a number of
comfort-enhancing aspects that are particularly suited for use in
emergency dispatch applications. The workstation has a
height-adjustable back work surface that may support, for example,
a plurality of monitors, and a separately height-adjustable front
work surface that may support, among other things, a user input
device, such as a keyboard. A movable work light and movable fan
are also provided. A single point user interface having controls
for adjusting the work surface heights and controlling the light
and the fan is also provided. The single point user interface
provides a simple, readily accessible control system whereby a user
can achieve a desired level of comfort with minimal
distraction.
[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the back work surface is
attached to a plurality of linear actuators for selectively
adjusting the height of the work surface and wherein each actuator
includes a servo motor and a pair of telescoping tubes.
[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the front work surface is
connected to the back work surface with a height-adjustment
mechanism including a separate linear actuator, whereby the front
work surface height is selectively adjustable relative to the
height of the first work surface.
[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, a radiant heating unit,
such as a heated floor pad, is also provided.
[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, a control box receives
input signals from the single point user interface and generates
corresponding output signals to the linear actuators, lights, fans,
and/or heater, to achieve the desired function. The control box may
be conveniently mounted to an undersurface of the back work
surface.
[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, an activity sensor is
provided for detecting when a user is in proximity to the activity
sensor, such that at least some of the powered devices of the
workstation may be powered down when the workstation is not in
use.
[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, a separate switch is
conveniently mounted near the front of the workstation such that a
user can move the work surfaces to a lower position--for example,
to allow limited-mobility users to access the single point user
interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispatch
operator workstation according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates, in block diagram form, the control box
for the workstation shown in FIG. 1 and the devices connected to
the control box;
[0019] FIG. 2B is a fragmentary view of the underside of the
workstation shown in FIG. 1, showing a location installing the
control box;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the workstation of FIG. 1,
with some components removed for clarity, and exposing the lifting
legs for adjusting the height of the back work surface, and the
mechanism for adjusting the height of the forward work surface;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a partial, cross-sectional side view of the
workstation of FIG. 1, showing the mechanism for adjusting the
height of the forward work surface;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the systems controller for
the workstation of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 5B shows a partially exploded view of the systems
controller shown in FIG. 5A;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the single point user
interface for the workstation shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6B is a partially exploded view of the single point
user interface shown in FIG. 6A;
[0026] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of one of the fan units for
the workstation shown in FIG. 1; and
[0027] FIG. 7B is a partially exploded view of the fan unit shown
in FIG. 7A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] A particular embodiment of the present invention will now be
described, with reference to the figures, wherein like numbers
indicate like parts. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dispatch
operator workstation 100 made in accordance with the present
invention. The workstation 100 includes a vertically-adjustable
back work surface 102 adjacent to a vertically-adjustable front
work surface 104. The work surfaces 102, 104 are generally
supported by left and right pedestal components 106, 108. The
pedestal components 106, 108 may include, for example, equipment
shelves, drawers, and/or other convenient storage areas, as are
known in the art. The workstation 100 may be partially surrounded
with a plurality of upright walls 110, which may be supported, at
least in part, with a plurality of elongate upright members 112.
The walls 110 may have a sound-deadening outer layer, such as a
natural or synthetic fabric sheet material. As shown in FIG. 1, the
back work surface 102 may support one or more monitors 90 (four
shown) or other dispatch equipment such as radios, computers,
control panels, or the like. The forward work surface 104 may
support one or more user input devices such as a keyboard(s) 92,
mouse, microphone, or the like. Obviously, in addition to the
system components that will be described below, the work surfaces
102, 104 will also, in general, support other devices such as
telephones, reference materials, and the like.
[0029] As discussed in more detail below, the back work surface 102
is height-adjustable to accommodate the preferences of a particular
user, and the front work surface 104 is also, and independently,
height adjustable. The workstation 100 includes a first work light
114, and a second work light 116, although more or fewer work
lights may alternatively be utilized. The work lights 114, 116 may
be of different types to suit the desires of different users. For
example, the first work light 114 may be a halogen-type work light,
and the second work light 116 may be a fluorescent- or
incandescent-type work light. A plurality of free-standing fans
118, preferably low voltage DC fans, are movably disposed on one or
both of the work surfaces 102, 104. A heating unit, such as a
heated floor pad 120, is disposed below the workstation 100. The
workstation 100 also includes a single point user interface 130
that includes a plurality of controls that permit the user to
adjust the work surface 102, 104 height, and the operation of the
lights 114, 116, fans 118, and heated floor pad 120, as discussed
in more detail below. In the disclosed embodiment, an activity
sensor 122, such as a motion detector, is also disposed near the
front portion of the workstation 100 for detecting the proximity of
a user, and a separate ADA switch 124 for moving the work surfaces
102, 104 up or down is also provided.
[0030] Refer now to FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A illustrates in block
diagram form the interconnection of the active components of the
workstation 100 into a central control box 150. The "black box," or
control box 150, is mounted to the workstation 100, preferably to
an underside of the back work surface 102 (see FIG. 2B), such that
the control box 150 is accessible to the user, but not intrusive or
in the way of the user. The control box 150 is operatively
connected to the single point user interface 130, lift mechanisms
(discussed below) for the back and front work surfaces 102, 104,
the first and second work lights 114, 116, the fans 118, the heated
floor pad 120, and the activity sensor 122. The operative
connection may be, for example, by cables or by other suitable
systems including, for example, wireless connection systems, as are
well known in the art. The control box 150 is adapted to receive
input signals from the single point user interface 130, generally
resulting from a user action on the controls of the single point
user interface 130, and to generate output signals in response to
the input signals, to control the operatively connected devices
described above.
[0031] If an activity sensor 122 is utilized, the control box 150
will also monitor an input signal from the activity sensor 122 and
generate an output signal after a predetermined period of
inactivity--for example, to turn off the work lights 114, 116, fans
118, and/or heated floor pad 120 when the workstation 100 has been
vacant. In a preferred embodiment, the activity sensor 122
continues to monitor to detect if a user approaches and
re-energizes the work lights 114, 116, fans 118, and/or heated
floor pad 120 at their previously-set levels when a person is
detected within a predetermined proximity to the activity monitor
122. Also, the ADA switch 124 provides a readily accessible control
for lowering the work surfaces 102, 104. The ADA switch provides a
convenient mechanism for a user with limited mobility to lower the
work surfaces 102, 104 in order to gain access to the single point
user interface 130. In a preferred embodiment, the ADA switch 124
may also be used to raise the work surfaces 102, 104 to their
uppermost position. This has been found to be convenient, for
example, when access to the underside of the workstation 100 is
desired--for example, for maintaining the system or reconfiguring
the control box 150.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows the workstation 100 with much of the structure
removed to expose the lifting leg assemblies 200. The lifting leg
assemblies 200 utilize conventional linear actuators to raise and
lower the back work surface 102 to a desired height. In the
disclosed embodiment, four vertical lifting leg assemblies 200 are
positioned to lift the back work surface 102. The lifting leg
assemblies 200 include an outer tube portion 202 and a telescoping
inner tube portion 204 that slidably engages the outer tube portion
202. The outer tube portion 204 is fixedly attached to the work
station 100 with brackets 203. A motor 206 is disposed at the upper
end of each inner tube portion 204 and attached to the underside of
back work surface 102. The inner tube portion 204 engages a screw
assembly (not shown), that is rotatably driven by the corresponding
motor 206, thereby raising or lowering the inner tube portion 204
and the back work surface 102. Although an electric, screw-type,
linear actuator is described, it will be readily apparent that any
suitably controllable linear actuator mechanism may be used.
Suitable linear actuators may be obtained, for example, from LINAK
U.S. Incorporated in Louisville, Ky. It will be appreciated that
more or fewer lifting leg assemblies may be used, without departing
from the present invention--for example, to accommodate larger or
smaller movable work surfaces. It will also be appreciated that the
operation of the lifting leg assemblies 200 must be coordinated to
maintain the generally horizontal orientation of the back work
surface 102. In the present embodiment, the motors 206 are
servomotors that output position and/or rotation information to a
supplemental controller (not shown), such that the operation of the
motors may be determined with suitable precision to achieve the
desired coordination to keep the back work surface 102 horizontal.
It is contemplated that stepper motors might alternatively be used,
or feedback from independent electronic levels might alternatively
be used, to achieve the desired coordination between the lifting
leg assemblies 200.
[0033] The lift mechanism 210 for the front work surface 104 can
also be seen in FIG. 3, and more clearly in the cross-sectional
side view of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of
the work station with some structure removed for clarity, and
illustrates the lift mechanism 210 for adjusting the height of the
front work surface 104 relative to the back work surface 102. The
lift mechanism 210 attaches with first brackets 211 to the
underside of the back work surface 102, and with second brackets
213 to the underside of the front work surface 104. Left and right
pivotable lever mechanisms 214 are disposed therebetween,
configured to allow the front work surface 104 to move vertically,
while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation. A shaft
218 interconnects the left and right pivotable lever mechanisms 214
(see FIG. 3), such that the lever mechanisms 214 pivot together. A
linear actuator 216 is drivably connected to the shaft 218, and is
operable to rotate the shaft 218 such that the front work surface
104 may be selectively moved upwardly or downwardly. The linear
actuator 216 may be of any suitable type as is well known in the
art, and may be purchased, for example, from LINAK U.S.
Incorporated, of Louisville, Ky. In the disclosed embodiment, the
front work surface 104 may be moved between a position vertically
lower that the back work surface 102, to a position above the back
work surface 102.
[0034] Refer now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which show an embodiment of
the control box 150. The control box 150 is a relatively low
profile component, having a box portion 151 and an upper panel 152
attachable to the box portion 151--for example, with a plurality of
machine screws 153. The upper panel 152 includes a plurality of
attachment apertures 154 for attaching the control box 150 to the
underside of the back work surface 102--for example, with screws or
bolts (not shown). It will be readily appreciated that the control
box 150 may be alternatively installed on the work station 100--for
example, by placement on a shelf, bracket assembly, bonding, or the
like--without departing from the present invention. The control box
150 includes a front panel 155 supporting a plurality of various
sockets for interfacing with the components discussed above. A
power socket 156 is adapted to receive a power cord (not shown) for
providing power to the control box 150. A power switch 158 may be
provided to allow the user to turn off the control box 150. A
plurality of controlled power sockets 160 (five shown) is provided
and adapted to selectively provide power to the heated floor pad
120 the work lights 114, 116. It will be appreciated that the work
lights 114, 116 may be dimmable (for example, a halogen-type light)
or simply switchable (for example, a fluorescent-type light), and
different sockets may be desired, depending upon the type of
light.
[0035] The control box 150 also includes a plurality of low voltage
DC fan sockets 170 (three shown), two or more work surface actuator
sockets 172 (three shown), a first input socket 174 for connecting
the single point user interface 130, and a second input socket 176
for connecting the activity sensor 122. An ADA switch socket 178 is
also provided that receives input from the ADA switch 124, such
that a user can conveniently lower the work surfaces 102, 104--for
example, to gain access to the single point user interface 130.
Modifications of the present embodiment will be readily apparent to
persons of skill in the art if alternative connection systems, such
as wireless connections, are utilized rather than cables.
[0036] The control box 150 receives input signals from the single
point user interface 130 and from the activity sensor 122, and uses
those input signals to generate control signals and/or to control
the power supplied to the various devices connected to the control
box 150. It will now be appreciated that this configuration allows
the user to adjust the work surface height, the lighting, the
heating, and the fans, from the single point user interface 130,
with very little effort.
[0037] An embodiment of the single point user interface 130 is
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The user interface 130 may be
approximately the size of a conventional computer mouse, and
includes control input elements for the components described above.
In this embodiment, a push button control 135 is provided for
turning on or off the work lights 114, 116, fans 118, and heated
floor pad 120 with a single action. This may be useful, for
example, if a particular workstation is to be left unused for a
long period of time, e.g., overnight. First and second rotary
switches 131, 132 are provided for controlling the first and second
work lights 114, 116. The rotary switches 131, 132 switch the work
lights 114, 116 on and off and/or adjust the brightness level of
the work lights 114, 116 if the controlled light is dimmable. It
will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the rotary switches
131 and/or 132 may control more than one work light. A third rotary
switch 133 controls the speed of the fan(s) 118. In the current
embodiment, up to three fans 118 may be incorporated into the
system. A fourth rotary switch 134 controls the heated floor pad
120, allowing the user to adjust the temperature of the heated
floor pad 120.
[0038] A first rocker switch 136 is provided for moving the back
work surface 102 either up or down, depending on which direction
the first rocker switch 136 is depressed. In this embodiment, a
digital display 137 is provided that displays a number
corresponding to the current height of the back work surface 102,
such that a user can easily and repeatably achieve a preferred
height. A second rocker switch 138 is similarly provided for moving
the front work surface 104 up or down. A second digital display 139
is also provided to indicate the relative height of the front work
surface 104. As seen in FIG. 6B, the single point user interface
130 includes a base 140 having side walls 141, a printed circuit
board 142 containing the switches and associate circuitry, a top
cover 144 that attaches to the base 140 to generally enclose the
printed circuit board 142, and a face plate 145 bearing appropriate
markings (not shown) identifying the controls. A cable 146 attaches
the single point user interface 130 to the control box 150, as
discussed above. Four non-skid feet 147 are affixed to the bottom
of the base 140.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fan 118 of the disclosed
embodiment is a free-standing unit having left and right inlet
grills 180 and a front end outlet louver 182. A squirrel-cage type
fan and motor assembly 188 is drivably disposed in a two-piece
housing 187. The fan 118 is preferably a low-voltage DC fan, so as
to avoid interference with any other electronic equipment on the
workstation 100. A supporting base 184 includes an upright
stanchion 185 for pivotable attachment to the fan 118, such that
the outlet louver 182 of the fan 118 may be directed in a range of
positions in a vertical plane. The cable 186 is preferably long
enough to allow the user to place the fans 118 in a convenient
orientation and position on the workstation 100. An optional filter
181 may be provided at the air inlet, which may be attached by any
convenient method--for example, with adhesive strips 183. Four
non-skid feet 189 are affixed to the bottom of the base 184.
[0040] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be readily appreciated that
various changes can be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is contemplated
that the back work surface 102 may comprise a plurality of separate
portions, and that only a single portion, or less than all of the
portions, may be height adjustable. It is also contemplated that
the workstation may include more than two independently adjustable
work surfaces.
* * * * *