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Publication Number
US-8441782-B2
Publication Date
2013-05-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Computer workstation includes a mounting bracket for attachment to a wall, and a cabinet connected to the mounting bracket. A track, attached to the cabinet, is engaged with the mounting bracket to vertically guide the cabinet. A non-contacting sensor detects a computer operator. An input device tray is rotatably connected to the cabinet, and has i) an operating position that holds computer input device(s) in an input position and ii) a stowed position substantially preventing access. First electromagnet selectively retains the tray in the stowed position. Second electromagnet selectively retains the tray in the operating position. An electronic lock control panel accepts authentication input from the operator. An electronic lock control module, in a lockable compartment of the cabinet, is connected to the lock control panel and the sensor. The lock control module separately controls electric current flow through the electromagnets in response to authentication by the lock control module.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a wall-mounted computer workstation having a mounting bracket fixably attached to a wall and a cabinet with a front side to face away from the wall and a rear side to be adjacent to the wall. A track rigidly attached to the cabinet operably engages with the mounting bracket to guide the cabinet in a vertical direction. An input device tray is rotatably connected to the cabinet and has an operating position and a stowed position such that access to at least one computer input device is substantially prevented in the stowed position.
The workstation uses a non-contacting sensor operably disposed on the cabinet to detect a presence of a computer operator, together with an electronic lock control panel on an exterior surface of the cabinet to accept authentication input from the operator. An electronic lock control module disposed in a lockable compartment receives signals from the electronic lock control panel and the non-contacting sensor, and selectively controls electric current flow to first and second electromagnets. The first electromagnet selectively magnetically retains the input device tray in the stowed position and the second electromagnet selectively magnetically retains the input device tray in the operating position in response to authentication.
The disclosure further specifies that the input device tray is held and released through magnetically responsive strike plates and that the system operates to prevent access when authentication is not present. Additional mechanical and structural features are described, including a vertical track/bearing interface constraining cabinet motion and example sensor modalities for detecting operator presence. The electromagnet retention system includes example magnetic engagement zone behavior with self-aligning mount tolerances, and optional electric vertical drive and monitor power switching to support session and visual access prevention.
Further details describe example implementations of the tray movement and retention mechanisms, including an optional electric-powered linear drive assembly and a gas-spring driven closing mechanism with adjustable crank/leadscrew and cable loops to set closing torque. The disclosure also specifies a cooling fan for the electromagnet when the tray is stowed. Example ergonomic low tray operating height is described, along with the vertical mounting features and structural interfaces for guiding and constraining the cabinet motion.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim (clm-00001). Across the independent claim, there are inventive features including vertical guidance of the cabinet, operator-presence detection, an input device tray with an operating/stowed position, and electromagnet-controlled retention states responsive to authentication.
Vertical cabinet guidance on a wall-mounted bracket
A track rigidly attached to the cabinet and operably engaged with the mounting bracket to guide the cabinet in a vertical direction.
Non-contacting operator presence detection
A non-contacting sensor operably disposed on the cabinet to detect a presence of a computer operator.
Rotatable input device tray with operating and stowed positions
An input device tray rotatably connected to the cabinet, having an operating position that holds the at least one computer input device in an input position and having a stowed position such that access to the at least one computer input device is substantially prevented.
Dual electromagnets selectively retain tray in stowed vs operating
A first electromagnet disposed on the cabinet to selectively magnetically retain the input device tray in the stowed position and a second electromagnet disposed on the cabinet to selectively magnetically retain the input device tray in the operating position.
External authentication panel and lock control module controlling electromagnet current
An electronic lock control panel operably disposed on an exterior surface of the cabinet to accept authentication input from the operator, and an electronic lock control module disposed in a lockable compartment connected to receive signals from the electronic lock control panel and the non-contacting sensor and connected to separately control electric current flow through the first and second electromagnets in response to an authentication by the lock control module.
The independent claim defines a wall-mounted, vertically guided workstation in which operator presence and authentication are used by a lock control module to independently energize first and second electromagnets that magnetically retain a rotatable input device tray in either a stowed or operating position.
Stated Advantages
Prevents access to the at least one computer input device when the input device tray is in the stowed position.
Supports session/visual access prevention by preventing unauthorized access based on authentication and operator-presence sensing.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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