Worksurface power modules powered by fuel cells

#1. Field of the Invention.

#The present invention relates to worksurface power modules, and, more particularly, to worksurface power modules powered by fuel cells.

#2. Description of the Related Art.

#The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially fragmentary view of an embodiment of a modular furniture unit of the present invention illustrating a hardwired version of a fuel cell power module;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially fragmentary view of another embodiment of a modular furniture unit of the present invention illustrating a plug connected version of a fuel cell power module; and

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

#Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a workspace in an office environment including modular furniture unit 10 generally having at least one modular wall panel 12, at least one electrical distribution unit 14 and at least one power module 16.

#Modular wall panel 12 includes at least one worksurface 36 attached therewith. A plurality of modular wall panels 12 can be interconnected as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and all panels 12, or any subset thereof, can have at least one worksurface 36 attached therewith. Modular wall panel 12 includes raceway 40 in which electrical distribution unit 14 and receptacles 38 are installed. Raceway 40 is shown as being at the bottom of modular wall panel 12, alternatively, raceway 40 can be at other positions in modular wall panel 12, for example, adjacent worksurface 36 or in a vertical edge of modular wall panel 12 (both not shown). Electrical distribution unit 14 is electrically connected to receptacles 38 via conductors (not shown) to provide electrical power to receptacles 38, and therefore worksurface 36.