Patent Publication Number: US-2022211170-A1

Title: Height adjustable workstation with zero idle power

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This patent application claims the benefit of priority of Del Vecchio, et al. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/838,488, entitled “HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE WORKSTATION WITH ZERO IDLE POWER,” filed on Apr. 25, 2019 (Attorney Docket No 5983.443PRV), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to height adjustable workstations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Workstations can be freestanding (e.g., supported by a floor or by a desktop), coupled to a structure (e.g., a wall), or mobile (e.g., attached to a wheeled base). The workstation can include a work surface, and the work surface can allow a user to accomplish one or more tasks (e.g., writing, typing, manufacturing operations, or the like). The workstation can include either a mechanical height adjustment mechanism (e.g., a linkage, a gas spring, an extension spring, or the like), or a motorized height adjustment mechanism (e.g., an electric motor). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one example of a height adjustable workstation. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another example of a height adjustable workstation. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of yet another example of a height adjustable workstation. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of yet another example of a height adjustable workstation in an elevated position. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the height adjustable workstation of  FIG. 4  in a contracted position. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the height adjustable workstation of  FIG. 5 , with illustration of some of the electrical components and an example of a mechanically actuated connector for height adjustment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the height adjustable workstation of  FIG. 6 , with illustration of sample desktop electronic devices. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a section of a height adjustable workstation with another example of a mechanically actuated connector for height adjustment. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are a perspective view of a section of a height adjustable workstation with yet another example of a mechanically actuated connector for height adjustment. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are a perspective view of a section of a height adjustable workstation with yet another example of a mechanically actuated connector for height adjustment. 
         FIG. 11  is a representation of the process flow to connect the power to the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the height of the work surface. 
         FIG. 12  is a representation of the process flow to disconnect the power from the height adjustment mechanism when the height adjustment mechanism is idle. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram representing various components of the electrical system for height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 14  is a circuit diagram of the electrical system for the height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 15  is the circuit diagram of the electrical system for the height adjustment mechanism, with details of the controller. 
     
    
    
     OVERVIEW 
     This disclosure is directed to a motorized height adjustable workstation. More particularly, the workstation can include a connector to disconnect power from the height adjustment mechanism when the height adjustment mechanism is idle to eliminate any power consumption. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives. 
     A height of a work surface can be adjustable with respect to a user (e.g., the user is able to raise and lower the work surface). A height adjustment mechanism (e.g., a mechanical counterbalance mechanism such as a spring/cam assembly or a linkage assembly, or an electrical mechanism such as an electric motor) can be connected to the work surface. The height adjustment mechanism can support the work surface, such as by helping the user adjust the work surface height, and thereby reducing the effort required by the user to adjust the work surface height. 
     In some example configurations, an electric motor can be connected to the work surface to provide height adjustment for the work surface. As discussed in further detail in this disclosure, a mechanically actuated connector assembly can be connected to a controller for the electric motor to selectively connect and disconnect the power to the electric motor. The mechanically actuated connector assembly can engage the powered configuration to connect power to the electric motor to move the worksurface, and the mechanically actuated connector assembly can disengage the powered configuration to disconnect power to the electric motor to prevent any power loss when the work surface is idle. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one example of a height adjustable platform  100 . The height adjustable platform  100  can include a work surface  110  and can include a support leg. The support leg can be a fixed height riser  120  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The riser  120  can be adapted to couple with a support structure  130  (e.g., a wall, a cubicle wall, a free-standing frame, or the like). The riser  120  can define mounting holes adapted to couple the riser  120  with the support structure  130 . The work surface  110  can be coupled with the riser  120  such that the work surface  110  is able to translate with respect to the riser  120 . 
     The height adjustable platform  100  can include a sliding bracket  200 . The sliding bracket  200  can be moveably coupled with the riser  120  such that the sliding bracket  200  is adapted to translate with respect to the riser  120 . 
     The height adjustable platform  100  can further include a support bracket  210 . The support bracket  210  can be coupled with the sliding bracket  200 . The support bracket  210  can be adapted to couple with the work surface  110 . Coupling the work surface  110  to the support bracket  210  can help the work surface  110  translate with respect to the riser  120 . 
     A portion of the sliding bracket  200  can engage with a portion of the riser  120 , and thereby movably couple the sliding bracket  200  with the riser  120 . As described in this disclosure, the sliding bracket  200  can translate with respect to the riser  120 , e.g., linear translation, which can change the height of the sliding bracket  200  (and components attached to the sliding bracket, such as the work surface  110  of  FIGS. 1-2 ). 
     In an example configuration, riser  120  can include an electric motor (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The electric motor can be coupled to a linear actuator (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The linear actuator can be connected to the sliding bracket  200 . The electric motor can be adapted to drive the linear actuator to move the sliding bracket  200 . A controller (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be connected to the workstation  100 . The controller can include an AC/DC converter, a height adjustment controller, and a timer controller. The controller can be adapted to control the power distribution within the workstation  100  and control the height adjustment of the work surface  110 . 
     At least one mechanically actuated connector  220  can be connected to the work surface for operational control of the electric motor. The mechanically actuated connector  220  can be coupled to the controller. The connection between the power source and the controller can be provided via the mechanically actuated connector  220 . The mechanically actuated connector  220  can be in a connected state to connect the power source to the controller, and in a disconnected state to disconnect the power source from the controller. For example, the user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  220 , such as sliding the connector  220  in a first direction  230  to establish a first state, e.g. a connected state, and the user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  220 , such as sliding the connector  220  in a second direction opposite the first direction  220 , to establish a second state, e.g., a disconnected state. It will be apparent from this disclosure that other techniques can be used to manipulate the mechanically actuated connector to alternate between the connected state and the disconnected state. When the mechanically actuated connector  220  is in the connected state, a height adjustment user interface  240  can also be exposed, e.g., simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust the height of the worksurface  110 . For example, the height adjustment user interface  240  can be coupled to the mechanically actuated connector  220 , e.g., a top surface of the connector  220 , such that when the connector  220  is pulled or slid in the direction  230 , the user interface is revealed to the user. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example of a mobile workstation that can implement various techniques of this disclosure. The mobile workstation  300  can include a base  310 , e.g., a wheeled base, a support leg  320 , e.g., a telescoping head unit riser, a head unit assembly  330 , and a display riser  340 , e.g., for mounting electronic display to the mobile workstation. In the example configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the head unit riser  320  can be a two-member telescoping column, including a first member  322 , and a second member  324 . The first member  322  can be attached to the wheeled base  310 , and the second member  324  can be slidingly engaged with the first member  322 . The head unit assembly  330  can be connected to the upper end of the telescoping column formed by members  322 - 324 . A height of the worksurface  332  can be changed by extending and retracting the second member  324  relative to the first member  322 . In the example configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the telescoping column  320  is shown in an extended configuration. 
     The head unit assembly  330  can include a planar work surface  332  having an upper surface  334  and a lower surface  336 . The display riser  340  can be coupled to the worksurface  332 . Display riser  340  can include a display mount  342  to hold a display  344  above the worksurface  332 . A keyboard tray  338  can be connected to the lower surface  336 . In some example configurations, the keyboard tray  338  can be slidingly engaged with the worksurface  332 , and it can be height adjustable relative to the worksurface  332 . 
     In an example configuration, the telescoping riser  320  can include an electric motor (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). The electric motor can be connected to the first member  322  and coupled to a linear actuator (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). The linear actuator can be connected to the second member  324 . The electric motor can be adapted to drive the linear actuator to move the second member  324 . A controller (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) can be connected to the workstation  300 . The controller can include an AC/DC converter, a height adjustment controller, and a timer controller. The controller can be adapted to control the power distribution within the workstation  300  and control the height adjustment of the worksurface  334 . At least one mechanically actuated connector  360  can be connected to the work surface  332  for operational control of the electric motor. In other example configurations, the mechanically actuated connector  360  can be connected to the keyboard tray  338 . 
     The mechanically actuated connector  360  can be coupled to the controller. The connection between the power source (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the controller can be provided via the mechanically actuated connector  360 . The mechanically actuated connector  360  can be in a connected state to connect the power source to the controller, and in a disconnected state to disconnect the power source from the controller. The user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  360 , such as sliding the connector  360  in a first direction  370  to establish a first state, e.g. a connected state, and the user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  360 , such as sliding the connector  360  in a second direction opposite the first direction  370  to establish a second state, e.g., a disconnected state. Other techniques can be used to manipulate the mechanically actuated connector to alternate between the connected state and the disconnected state, as described below. When the mechanically actuated connector  360  is in the connected state, a height adjustment user interface  365  can also be exposed, e.g., on a top surface of the connector  360 , thereby allowing the user to adjust the height of the worksurface  332 . In some example configurations, the user of the workstation can expose the height adjustment user interface  365  simultaneously when the user of the workstation manipulates the mechanically actuated connector  360 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another example of a height adjustable workstation. The height adjustable workstation  400  can include a work surface  410  and a foot assembly  420 . The foot assembly  420  can be adapted to rest upon a foundation (e.g., a floor, a desktop, or the like). The height adjustable workstation  400  can implement various techniques of this disclosure. 
     The height adjustable workstation  400  can include at least one support leg  430 , e.g., a linkage assembly. In some example configurations, the linkage assembly  430  can include a first linkage arm  432 , a second linkage arm  434 , and a transverse linkage arm  436 . At least one linkage assembly  430  can couple the work surface  410  to the foot assembly  420 . The linkage assembly  430  can be configured such that displacement of the linkage assembly  430  can adjust a height of the work surface  410  relative to the foot assembly  420 . 
     The work surface  410  can define a top surface  412  and an underside  414 . At least one gliding bracket  440  can be slidingly coupled to the underside  414  of the work surface  410 . The first linkage arm  432  and the second linkage arm  434  can be rotatingly coupled to the foot assembly  420  on one end and rotatingly coupled to the gliding bracket  440  on the other end. One end of the transverse linkage arm  436  can be rotatingly coupled to the underside  414  of the work surface  410 , and the other end of the transverse linkage  436  can be rotatingly coupled to the first linkage arm  432 . The gliding bracket  440  can be configured to slide relative to the work surface  410  as the first and second linkage arms are displaced. 
     A keyboard tray  450  can be connected to the underside  414  of the worksurface  410 . In some example configurations, the keyboard tray  450  can be slidingly engaged with the work surface  410 , and it can be height adjustable relative to the work surface  410 . 
     In an example configuration, the height adjustable workstation  400  of  FIG. 3  can include an electric motor (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). The electric motor can be attached to the underside  414  of the work surface  410 , and the electric motor can be coupled to a linear actuator (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). The linear actuator can be connected to the gliding bracket  440 . The electric motor can be adapted to drive the linear actuator to move the gliding bracket  440 . A controller (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) can also be connected to the workstation  400 . The controller can include an AC/DC converter, a height adjustment controller, and a timer controller. The controller can be adapted to control the power distribution within the workstation  400  and control the height adjustment of the work surface  410 . At least one mechanically actuated connector  460  can be connected to the keyboard tray  450  for operational control of the electric motor. In other example configurations, the mechanically actuated connector  460  can be connected to the underside  414  of the work surface  410 . 
     The mechanically actuated connector  460  can be coupled to the controller. The connection between the power source and the controller can be provided via the mechanically actuated connector  460 . The mechanically actuated connector  460  can be in a connected state to connect the power source to the controller, and in a disconnected state to disconnect the power source from the controller. The user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  460 , such as sliding the connector  460  in a first direction  470  to establish a first state, e.g., a connected state, and the user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  460 , such as sliding the connector  460  in a second direction opposite the first direction  470  to establish a second state, e.g., a disconnected state. It will be apparent from this disclosure that other techniques can also be possible to manipulate the mechanically actuated connector to alternate between connected state and disconnected state. When the mechanically actuated connector  460  is manipulated to connect the power source to be in the connected state, a height adjustment user interface  465  can also be exposed, e.g., simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust the height of the work surface  410 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of another example of a height adjustable workstation. The height adjustable workstation  500  can include a base  510 , at least one support leg  520 , e.g., a telescoping riser, and a work surface  530 . The base  510  can be adapted to rest upon a foundation (e.g., a floor, a desktop, or the like). The height adjustable workstation  500  can implement various techniques of this disclosure. 
     In the example configuration, at least one riser  520  can be a three-member telescoping column as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The riser  520  can including a first member  522 , a second member  524 , and a third member  526 . The third member  526  can be attached to the base  510 , the second member  524  can be slidingly engaged with the third member  526 , and the first member  522  can be slidingly engaged with the second member  526 . 
     The work surface  530  can be connected to the upper end of the telescoping riser  520  formed by members  522 ,  524 , and  526 . A height of the work surface  530  can be changed relative to the base by expanding and contracting the riser  520 . In example configurations shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , telescoping riser  520  is shown in expanded and contracted configurations, respectively. An example of a three-member telescoping configuration is shown and described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,232,855 to Mustafa Ergun et al., the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference, specifically the portions related to  FIGS. 1-8B  and  FIGS. 39-42 . 
     In an example configuration, the riser  520  can include an electric motor  600 . The electric motor  600  can be attached to the first member  522  and coupled to a linear actuator (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). The linear actuator can be connected to the second member  524 . The electric motor can be adapted to drive the linear actuator to move the second member  524  relative to the first member  522 . A controller (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) can be connected to the workstation  500 . The controller can include an AC/DC converter, a height adjustment controller, and a timer controller. The controller can be adapted to control the power distribution within the workstation  500  and control the height adjustment of the work surface  530 . At least one mechanically actuated connector  540  can be connected to the work surface  530  for operational control of the electric motor. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the workstation  500  of  FIG. 5 . Two sets of legs including telescoping risers  520  and bases  510  can be connected to the work surface  530  to form the height adjustable workstation  500 . An electric motor  600  can be connected to each of the telescoping legs  520 . A linear actuator (not shown) can be contained inside each of the telescoping risers  520 . The electric motors  600  can drive the linear actuators to expand or contract each telescoping riser  520  simultaneously to adjust a height of the work surface  530  relative to the base  510 . 
     A mechanically actuated connector  540  can be connected to the workstation  500 . In an example configuration, the mechanically actuated connector  540  can be slidingly connected to an underside  535  of the work surface  530  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The workstation  500  can further include a controller  700 . The controller can include an AC/DC converter, a height adjustment controller, and a timer controller. The controller can be adapted to control the power distribution within the workstation  500  and control the height adjustment of the work surface  530 . 
     The workstation  500  can further include a power plug  810 . The power plug  810  can be connected to a power source to provide power to the workstation  500 . In some sample configurations, the workstation  500  can include an outlet box  800 . The outlet box can be connected to the power source through the power plug  810 . The outlet box  800  can include at least one socket. One or more electronic devices located on the workstation can be connected to the sockets located on the outlet box  800  to receive power as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     In an example configuration, the mechanically actuated connector  540  can receive electric power through the first power line  720 . In some configurations, the first power line  720  can be connected to the outlet box  800 , or in other configurations, the first power line  720  can be directly connected to the power plug  810 . The mechanically actuated connector  540  can be connected to the controller  700  to provide electric power to the controller  700 , and to provide a first signal to activate the electric motor  600 . Electric power can be provided to the controller  700  via the second power line  730 , and the first signal to activate the electric motor can be sent to the controller via the first signal line  750 . Electric power can be provided to the electric motor  600  via a third power line  760  which can be connected between the controller  700  and the electric motor  600 . 
     The mechanically actuated connector  540  can be in a connected state to connect the power source to the controller  700 , and the mechanically actuated connector  540  can be in a disconnected state to disconnect the power source from the controller. The user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  540 , such as sliding the connector  540  in a first direction  550  to establish a first state, e.g., a connected state, and the user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  540 , such as sliding the connector  540  in a second direction opposite the first direction  550 , to establish a second state, e.g., a disconnected state. The mechanically actuated connector  540  can be slidably connected at an underside  535  of the work surface  530 . When the mechanically actuated connector  540  is retracted (e.g., slide in a second direction opposite the first direction  550  to be stowed under the work surface  530 ), the mechanically actuated connector  540  can be in a disconnected state. In the disconnected state, no power can be supplied to the controller  700 . When the mechanically actuated connector  540  is extracted (e.g., slide in the first direction  550  to be at least partially pulled out from under the work surface  530 ), the mechanically actuated connector  540  can be in a connected state. In the connected state, electric power can be supplied to the controller  700 . It will be apparent from this disclosure that other techniques can also be possible to manipulate the mechanically actuated connector  540  to alternate between connected state and disconnected state. 
     When the mechanically actuated connector  540  is manipulated (for example slid in a first direction  550 ) to achieve a connected state, a height adjustment user interface  545  can also be exposed, e.g., simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust a height of the work surface  530 . The height adjustment user interface  545  can include a first button and a second button. The first button can be used to move the work surface  530  away from the base  510  by expanding the telescoping riser  520 , and the second button can be used to move the work surface  530  towards the base  510  by contracting the telescoping riser  520 . When the user interacts with the height adjustment user interface  545 , a first signal can be sent to the controller  700  via the first signal line  750 . The controller  700  then can supply power to the electric motor  600  via the third power line  760  to move the work surface  530  in a desired direction (e.g., up or down). 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another example of a mechanically actuated connector. A section of a height adjustable workstation  900  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The height adjustable workstation  900  can have at least one leg assembly including a base  910 , a support leg  920 , and a work surface  930 . The workstation  900  can have a mechanically actuated connector  940 . The mechanically actuated connector  940  can be attached to an underside  935  of the work surface  930 . The mechanically actuated connector  940  can be rotatingly coupled to the work surface  930 . The rotation axis  955  of the mechanically actuated connector  940  can be perpendicular to the work surface  930 . The mechanically actuated connector  940  can rotate in a first direction  950  to be in a connected state and rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction  950  to be in a disconnected state. 
     When the mechanically actuated connector  940  is retracted (e.g., rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction  950  to be stowed under the work surface  930 ), the mechanically actuated connector  940  can be in the disconnected state. In the disconnected state, no power can be supplied to the controller  700 . When the mechanically actuated connector  940  is extracted (e.g., rotate in the first direction  950  to be at least partially pulled out from under the work surface  930 ), the mechanically actuated connector  940  can be in the connected state. In the connected state, electric power can be supplied to the controller  700 . When the mechanically actuated connector  940  is manipulated (e.g., rotated in a first direction  950 ) to achieve a connected state, a height adjustment user interface  945  can also be exposed, e.g., simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust a height of the work surface  930 . For example, the height adjustment user interface  945  can be coupled to the mechanically actuated connector  940 , e.g., a top surface of the connector  940 , such that when the connector  940  is rotated in the direction  950 , the user interface  945  is revealed to the user. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are perspective views of another example of a mechanically actuated connector. A section of a height adjustable workstation  1000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . The height adjustable workstation  1000  can have at least one leg assembly including a base  1010 , a support leg  1020 , and a work surface  1030 . The workstation  1000  can have a mechanically actuated connector  1040 . The mechanically actuated connector  1040  can be attached to the work surface  1030 . The mechanically actuated connector  1040  can be rotatingly coupled to the work surface  1030 . The rotation axis  1055  of the mechanically actuated connector  1040  can be parallel to an edge of the mechanically actuated connector  1040 , and the rotation axis  1055  can be located on a plane parallel to the work surface  1030 . The mechanically actuated connector  1040  can rotate in a first direction  1050  to be in a connected state and rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction  1050  to be in a disconnected state. 
     When the mechanically actuated connector  1040  is retracted (e.g., rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction  1050  to be stowed), the mechanically actuated connector  1040  can be in the disconnected state. In the disconnected state (e.g., the stowed position of the mechanically actuated connector  1040 ), a surface of the mechanically actuated connector  1040  can be leveled with the work surface  1030  as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . In the disconnected state, no power can be supplied to the controller  700 . When the mechanically actuated connector  1040  is extracted (e.g., rotated in the first direction  1050  to be at least partially exposed above the work surface  1030  as illustrated in  FIG. 9B ), the mechanically actuated connector  1040  can be in the connected state. In the connected state, electric power can be supplied to the controller  700 . When the mechanically actuated connector  1040  is manipulated (e.g., rotated in a first direction  1050 ) to achieve a connected state, a height adjustment user interface  1045  can also be exposed, e.g., simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust a height of the work surface  1030 . For example, the height adjustment user interface  1045  can be coupled to the mechanically actuated connector  1040 , e.g., a front surface of the connector  1040 , such that when the connector  1045  is rotated in the direction  1050 , the user interface  1045  is revealed to the user. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are perspective views of another example of a mechanically actuated connector. A section of a height adjustable workstation  1100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . The height adjustable workstation  1100  can have at least one leg assembly including a base  1110 , a support leg  1120 , and a work surface  1130 . The workstation  1100  can have a mechanically actuated connector  1140 . The mechanically actuated connector  1140  can be attached to the work surface  1130 . The mechanically actuated connector  1140  can be slidingly coupled to the work surface  1130 . The mechanically actuated connector  1140  can slide in a first direction  1150  to be in a connected state and slide in a second direction opposite the first direction  1050  to be in a disconnected state. The first direction  1150  can be in general perpendicular to the work surface  1130 . 
     When the mechanically actuated connector  1140  is retracted (e.g., slide in a second direction opposite the first direction  1050  to be stowed), the mechanically actuated connector  1140  can be in a disconnected state. In the disconnected state (i.e., in stowed position of the mechanically actuated connector  1140 ), a surface of the mechanically actuated connector  1040  can be leveled with the work surface  1130  as illustrated in  FIG. 10A . In the disconnected state, no power can be supplied to the controller  700 . When the mechanically actuated connector  1140  is extracted (e.g., slide in the first direction  1050  to be at least partially exposed above the work surface  1130  as illustrated in  FIG. 10B ), the mechanically actuated connector  1140  can be in a connected state. In the connected state, electric power can be supplied to the controller  700 . When the mechanically actuated connector  1140  is manipulated (e.g., slide in a first direction  1150 ) to achieve a connected state, a height adjustment user interface  1145  can also be exposed, e.g., simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust a height of the work surface  1130 . For example, the height adjustment user interface  1145  can be coupled to the mechanically actuated connector  1140 , e.g., a front surface of the connector  1140 , such that when the connector  1140  is moved in the direction  1150 , the user interface  1145  is revealed to the user. 
       FIG. 11  is an example of a flow diagram to connect power and to activate the height adjustment mechanism of a height adjustable workstation in accordance with various techniques of this disclosure. These process steps can be applicable to any of the example workstations using any of the examples of mechanically actuated connectors described in this disclosure. At block  1200 , a user of a height adjustable workstation can manipulate a mechanically actuated connector located on the workstation to a functional position, where the functional position can correspond to a connected state. At block  1210 , in the connected state, the connector can engage and can provide power to a controller connected to the height adjustable workstation. The controller can include an AC/DC converter, a height adjustment controller, and a timer controller. When the mechanically actuated connector is moved to a functional position or connected state, a user interface comprising a pair of height adjustment control buttons can be exposed. At block  1220 , the user interface can be connected to the height adjustment controller and power can be supplied to the controller. At block  1230 , the user of the workstation can interact with the height adjustment control buttons to adjust a height of the worksurface. 
       FIG. 12  is a flow diagram depicting an example of a process of disconnecting the power to the height adjustment mechanism of a height adjustable workstation in accordance with various techniques of this disclosure. At block  1220  (also shown in  FIG. 11 ), the power is connected to the controller. At block  1230  (also shown in  FIG. 11 ), the user of the workstation can interact with the user interface to adjust a height of the worksurface. 
     At block  1240 , if the height adjustment mechanism is idle or inactive for a pre-set period of time, a user interface idle timer starts a countdown at block  1250 . In some example applications, a user of the workstation can have additional interactions with the user interface (block  1230 ) before a limit of the idle timer countdown is reached. In such applications when user interacts with the user interface, the allowed pre-set inactive period and the subsequent user interface idle timer countdown restarts. 
     At block  1260 , if there are no additional interaction with the user interface before the limit of the user interface idle timer countdown is reached, the connector and the user interface can auto-retract to a non-functional position, where the non-functional position can correspond to a disconnected state. At block  1280 , in the disconnected state, the connector can disengage. At block  1300 , in response to the connector disengaging, all the electric power to the controller can be removed or cut-off. 
     In some example applications, after the power is connected to the height adjustment controller (block  1220 ) and the user of the workstation interacted with the user interface to adjust a height of the worksurface (block  1230 ), at block  1290  the user can manually retract the connector and the user interface to a non-functional position, where the non-functional position can correspond to a disconnected state. At block  1280 , in the disconnected state, the connector can disengage. At block  1300 , in response to the connector disengaging, the power supply to the controller can be removed or cut off. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating various components of an example of an electro-mechanical system  1400  that can adjust a height of the worksurface. The electro-mechanical system  1400  can include an AC power supply  1405 , a mechanically actuated connector  1410 , a controller  1420 , an electric motor  1430 , and a position assurance relay  1440 . Power and various signals can flow among components of the electro-mechanical system  1400  to provide power to the electric motor  1430  and interact with the electric motor to drive a linear actuator to selectively adjust a height of a workstation. 
     The mechanically actuated connector  1410  can include a mechanical actuator  1416  and a power connector, where the power connector can have two sides including a power connector side A  1412  and a power connector side B  1414 . At least one of the power connector side A or the power connector side B can be coupled to the mechanical actuator  1416 . The user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanical actuator, e.g., slide, rotate, or elevate, or the like, to move at least one of the power connector side A or the power connector side B. 
       FIG. 14  is an example of a block diagram showing connections between a mechanically actuated connected, an AC power source, and a motor. In the example configuration illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the AC power source  1405  can be connected to the power connector side B  1412  via a power line  1450 , and the power connector side A  1414  can be coupled to the mechanical actuator  1416 . The user of the workstation can manipulate the mechanical actuator  1416  to move the power connector side A  1414  to create contact between the power connector side A  1414  and the power connector side B  1412 . The connector can further include a connector interlock ( 1413 ). The connector interlock  1413  can mechanically secure the connection between side A and side B, and can prevent unintentional detachment of the power connector side A from the power connector side B. The connector interlock  1413  can be a mechanical attachment including, but not limited to, a latch, a friction connection, or others. In some examples, the connector interlock  1413  can require a high force, e.g., 1 to 5 kilograms, or manipulation of a feature, e.g. a tab, to separate. When the power connector side A  1414  and side B  1412  contact each other, the connector interlock  1413  can engage and the AC power can flow from power connector side B  1412  to side A  1414 . When the AC power flows to the power connector side A. AC power can also be provided to the controller  1420  via the power line  1452 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , the controller  1420  of the electro-mechanical system  1400  can include an AC/DC converter  1423 , a height adjustment controller  1422 , and a timer controller  1424  according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. When the connector interlock  1413  engages (e.g., in the connected state), AC power can be supplied to the AC/DC converter  1423 , and it can be converted to a DC power. The AC/DC converter  1423  can provide DC power to the height adjustment controller  1422 , and the timer controller  1424 . 
     The mechanically actuated connector  1410  of  FIG. 13  can further include a user interface  1418 . The user interface  1418  can be coupled to the mechanical actuator  1416 . When the user of the workstation manipulates the mechanical actuator  1416  to connect power connector side A  1414  and side B  1412 , the user interface  1418  can also move, e.g., simultaneously, with the mechanical actuator  1416 . Movement of the mechanical actuator  1416  can expose the user interface  1418 . Once the user interface  1418  is exposed, the user of the workstation can interact with the user interface  1418  to send signals to the controller  1420  to operate the motor  1430  for adjusting the height of the worksurface. 
     The height adjustment controller  1422  can receive a control signal from the user interface  1418  via a signal line  1454 . The control signal can indicate which direction the user wants to move the work surface (e.g., up or down). In response to the control signal received, the height adjustment controller  1422  can supply power to the motor  1430  via a power line  1455  to drive a linear actuator (not shown) connected to the motor  1430  and move the work surface in a desired direction (e.g., up or down). 
     The timer controller  1424  can monitor, e.g., periodically or continuously, if the user has interacted with the user interface  1418  to adjust the height of the work surface. If there has been no interaction with the user interface for a pre-set period of time, the timer controller  1424  can initiate a timer countdown. When a limit of the timer countdown is reached, the timer controller  1424  can start auto-retracting the mechanically actuated connector  1410  to a non-functional position to disconnect power from the controller  1420 . The non-functional position of the mechanically actuated connector  1410  can correspond to a disconnected state. In the disconnected state, power connector side A  1414  can be disconnected from the power connector side B  1412 , thereby removing the AC power from the controller  1420 . 
       FIG. 15  is another block diagram illustrating various additional components of the electro-mechanical system  1400  that can adjust a height of the worksurface. The electro-mechanical system  1400  of  FIGS. 13 and 14  can further include a position assurance relay  1440 , a position sensor  1470 , and a DC motor as illustrated in  FIG. 15  according to an example configuration of the current disclosure. The position sensor  1470  can be connected to the timer controller  1424 , and it can detect the position of power connector side A  1414  and power connector side B  1412  relative to each other to determine when they are disconnected. The DC motor  1480  can be connected to the mechanically actuated connector  1410 . When it is powered by the timer controller  1424  via a power line  1460 , the DC motor  1480  can retract the mechanically actuated connector  1410  to the disconnected position. 
     When the limit of the timer countdown is reached, the timer controller  1424  can initiate auto-retraction of the mechanically actuated connector  1410  to a non-functional position to disconnect power from the controller  1420 . In some example configurations, the timer controller  1424  can also activate the position assurance relay  1440 . The position assurance relay  1440  can be connected to the AC power source via the power line  1458 . Once the position assurance relay  1440  is activated, AC power can be provided to the AC/DC converter via a power line  1459  during auto-retraction of the mechanically actuated controller  1410  to the non-functional position. 
     The timer controller  1424  can continuously monitor the position of the power connector side A  1414  and power connector side B  1412  during the auto-retraction of the mechanically actuated controller  1410  using the position sensor  1470 . When it is determined that power connector side A  1414  and side B  1412  are in a fully retracted position, the timer controller  1424  can deactivate the position assurance relay  1440  to remove the remaining power to the controller  1420  via the position assurance relay  1440 . 
     ADDITIONAL NOTES AND ASPECTS 
     Aspect 1 may include or use subject matter (such as an apparatus, a system, a device, a method, a means for performing acts, or a device readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the device, may cause the device to perform acts), such as may include or use a height adjustable workstation, comprising: a worksurface; a support leg coupled to the worksurface; an electric motor coupled to the support leg, wherein the electric motor is configured to translate a movable portion of the support leg relative to a stationary portion of the support leg; a mechanically actuated connector comprising: a connector interlock, wherein the connector interlock is engaged when first and second sides of the mechanically actuated connector contact each other, and wherein the connector interlock is disengaged when the first and second sides do not contact each other, a controller configured to be connected to a power source via the mechanically actuated connector, the controller comprising: a height adjustment controller connected to an electric motor, wherein the controller is connected to the power source when the connector interlock is engaged, and wherein the controller is disconnected from the power source when the connector interlock is disengaged, and wherein the height adjustment controller is configured to control the electric motor to drive the movable portion to change a height of the worksurface when the connector interlock is engaged. 
     Aspect 2 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the support leg is a fixed height riser. 
     Aspect 3 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the support leg is a telescoping riser. 
     Aspect 4 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1 through 3, to optionally include or use wherein the stationary portion is supported by a structure, wherein the movable portion is slidingly engaged with the stationary portion. 
     Aspect 5 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1 through 4, to optionally include or use a base, wherein the stationary portion is supported by the base, and wherein the movable portion is slidingly engaged with the stationary portion. 
     Aspect 6 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1 through 5, to optionally include or use wherein the electric motor is coupled between the stationary portion and the movable portion, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the movable portion to change a height of the worksurface. 
     Aspect 7 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1 through 6, to optionally include or use a timer controller configured to cause the connector interlock to disengage when the timer reaches a limit. 
     Aspect 8 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1 through 7, to optionally include or use wherein the support leg is a linkage assembly coupled between a base and the worksurface. 
     Aspect 9 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 8, to optionally include or use wherein the stationary portion is a worksurface, wherein the movable portion is a moving bracket, and wherein the linkage assembly further comprises: a parallel linkage assembly having a proximal end and a distal end; a transverse linkage having a first end and a second end; and the moving bracket slidingly engaged with the worksurface, wherein the parallel linkage assembly is rotatingly coupled with the base at the proximal end, and rotatingly coupled with the moving bracket at the distal end, and wherein the transverse linkage is rotatingly coupled to the worksurface at the first end of the transverse linkage, and rotatingly coupled with the parallel linkage assembly at the second end of the transverse linkage. Aspect may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 9, to optionally include or use an electric motor connected to the worksurface and the moving bracket. 
     Aspect 11 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the first side of the mechanically actuated connector is configured to move in a first direction to engage with the second side of the mechanically actuated connector, and is further configured to move in a second direction opposite the first direction to disconnect from the second side of the mechanically actuated connector. 
     Aspect 12 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the first side of the mechanically actuated connector is configured to rotate in a first direction to engage with the second side of the mechanically actuated connector, and further configured to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction to disconnect from the second side of the mechanically actuated connector. 
     Aspect 13 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the mechanically actuated connector further includes a user interface. 
     Aspect 14 may include or use, or may optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include or use wherein the user interface is exposed when the mechanically actuated connector is in the connected state and hidden when the mechanically actuated connector is in the disconnected state. 
     Aspect 15 may include or use subject matter (such as an apparatus, a system, a device, a method, a means for performing acts, or a device readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the device, may cause the device to perform acts), such as may include or use a height adjustable workstation, comprising: a worksurface; a riser coupled to the worksurface; an electric motor coupled to the riser, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive a second member of the riser slidingly engaged with a first member of the riser to change a height of the worksurface; a mechanically actuated connector comprising: a connector interlock, wherein the connector interlock is engaged when first and second sides of the mechanically actuated connector contact each other, and wherein the connector interlock is disengaged when the first and second sides do not contact each other, a controller configured to be connected to a power source via the mechanically actuated connector, the controller comprising: a height adjustment controller connected to an electric motor; and a timer controller including a timer, wherein the controller is connected to the power source when the connector interlock is engaged, and the controller is disconnected from the power source when the connector interlock is disengaged, wherein the timer controller is configured to cause the connector interlock to disengage when the timer reaches a limit, and wherein the height adjustment controller is configured to control the electric motor to drive the second member to change a height of the worksurface when the connector interlock is engaged. 
     Aspect 16 may include or use subject matter (such as an apparatus, a system, a device, a method, a means for performing acts, or a device readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the device, may cause the device to perform acts), such as may include or use a height adjustable workstation, comprising a worksurface; a base; a telescoping riser coupled to the worksurface; an electric motor coupled to first and second members of the telescoping riser, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the second member to change a height of the worksurface; a mechanically actuated connector comprising: a connector interlock, wherein the connector interlock is engaged when first and second sides of the mechanically actuated connector contact each other, and wherein the connector interlock is disengaged when the first and second sides do not contact each other, a controller comprising: a height adjustment controller connected to the electric motor, and a timer controller including a timer, wherein the controller is connected to a power source via the mechanically actuated controller, wherein the controller is connected to the power source when the connector interlock is engaged, and the controller is disconnected from the power source when the connector interlock is disengaged, wherein the timer controller is configured to cause the connector interlock to disengage when the timer reaches a limit, and wherein the height adjustment controller is configured to control the electric motor to drive the second member to change a height of the worksurface when the connector interlock is engaged. 
     Aspect 17 may include or use subject matter (such as an apparatus, a system, a device, a method, a means for performing acts, or a device readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the device, may cause the device to perform acts), such as may include or use a height adjustable workstation, comprising: a worksurface; a base; a leg assembly coupled to the worksurface, the leg assembly comprising: a parallel linkage assembly having a proximal end and a distal end; a transverse linkage having a first end and a second end; and a moving bracket slidingly engaged with the work surface, wherein the parallel linkage is rotatingly coupled with the base at the proximal end, and rotatingly coupled with the moving bracket at the distal end, wherein the transverse linkage is rotatingly coupled to the work surface at the first end of the transverse linkage, and rotatingly coupled with the parallel linkage assembly at the second end of the transverse linkage, an electric motor connected to the worksurface and the moving bracket, a mechanically actuated connector comprising: a connector interlock, wherein the connector interlock is engaged when first and second sides of the mechanically actuated connector contact each other, and wherein the connector interlock is disengaged when the first and second sides do not contact each other, a controller configured to be connected to a power source via the mechanically actuated connector, the controller comprising: a height adjustment controller connected to the electric motor; and a timer controller including a timer, wherein the controller is connected to the power source when the connector interlock is engaged, and the controller is disconnected from the power source when the connector interlock is disengaged, wherein the timer controller is configured to cause the connector interlock to disengage when the timer reaches a limit, and wherein the height adjustment controller is configured to control the electric motor to drive the moving bracket to change a height of the work surface when the mechanically actuated controller is in the connected state. 
     Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other examples. 
     The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present subject matter can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventor also contemplates examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. 
     In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. 
     In the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first.” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the present subject matter should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.