Patent Publication Number: US-8991320-B2

Title: Workstation having automated and powered height, depth and rotational adjusters

Description:
FIELD 
     This application relates to the field of office workstations. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     Seated work in a climate controlled environment has been viewed as preferable to physically intense work. Work stations tend to be designed to minimize movement and conserve energy. However, sedentary work environments may contribute to increase rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative disks. Each of these maladies can lead to decreased productivity, lower employee morale and increased health care costs. 
     Much of the workforce in developed countries works seated at a computer. However, sitting burns fewer calories than standing which may contribute to increased rates of obesity, mortality, and in particular cardiovascular disease mortality. The World Health Organization has associated increased obesity with rising rates of type II diabetes, hypertension, stroke, sleep apnea, cholelithiasis, degenerative arthritis and certain cancers (e.g. colon cancer). 
     While the etiology of obesity can be complex, it may generally occur when daily energy intake exceeds total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Human TDEE may be subdivided into three components: basal metabolic rate (BMR), thermic effects of food (TEF) and activity thermogenesis (AT). BMR is the energy required for core body function during rest, which may account for approximately 60% of a sedentary individual&#39;s daily energy expenditure. TEF is the energy required during digestion, absorption and fuel storage after a meal, which may account for approximately 10% of a sedentary individual&#39;s daily energy expenditure. AT can be further subdivided into exercise AT (i.e. bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness), and non-exercise AT (NEAT) (i.e. energy expenditure that occurs while performing routine daily activities such as, for example, climbing stairs at home and walking in the office). Increasing an individual&#39;s AT may help reduce the risk of obesity and related maladies. 
     Some studies suggest that people who are predominantly seated while working (e.g. bus drivers and telephone operators), may have twice the chance of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as compared to people who are able to stand throughout the day such as bus conductors or mail carriers. In fact, it has been reported that an individual&#39;s risk of suffering from metabolic syndrome as well as uncontrolled metabolic risk factors (e.g. CVD, types II diabetes, NBP, cholesterol, plasma glucose, plasma triglycerides, central adiposity and waist girth) may be directly related to the time the individual has spent sitting and inversely related to the individual&#39;s NEAT level. 
     Standing and transitioning from sitting to standing regularly may provide significant health benefits. Some studies have found that increases in muscle activity in the quadriceps during standing, as well the transition from sitting to standing, may affect specific cellular signals and regulate health risk factors, possibly better than intense exercise activities like running 35 miles/week or taking hour-long brisk walks 5 days/week. Workers who stand on a regular basis (e.g. a shop assistant) may expend up to 1400 kcal/day without engaging in any strenuous physical activity. In contrast, workers who are chair-bound may expend as little as 300 kcal/day. 
     Lower back pain is a common problem among seated workers. Some studies suggest that prolonged static sitting and reduced lumbar lordosis may be two significant risk factors associated with occupational lower back pain. It has been reported that workers with jobs that require prolonged sitting may be 3.2 times more likely to develop lower back pain within the first year of employment. 
     Some manufacturers have introduced walking workstations and cycling workstations to address the problems of sedentary workplaces. However, some studies suggest that these workstations may contribute to reduced productivity relative to standing or seated workstations. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one embodiment, there is provided a workstation including a tabletop, a powered height adjuster coupled to the tabletop and configured to move the tabletop vertically between at least a first height and a second height. The workstation may also include a powered depth adjuster coupled to the tabletop, the depth adjuster configured to automatically move the tabletop horizontally while the height adjuster moves the tabletop between the first height and the second height. 
     In at least one embodiment, while the height adjuster moves the tabletop between the first height and the second height, the depth adjuster may be configured to automatically move the tabletop in a first horizontal direction and in a second horizontal direction opposite the first horizontal direction. 
     In at least one embodiment, the depth adjuster may be configured to automatically move the tabletop continuously in a first horizontal direction while the height adjuster moves the tabletop between the first height and the second height. 
     In at least one embodiment, the workstation may include a controller that is configured to automatically actuate the powered height adjuster and the powered depth adjuster according to a user profile. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller may include a processor, and a user device reader for reading a user device. The user device may store at least a user ID that is associated with the user profile. 
     In at least one embodiment the controller may be configured to determine, from a user profile associated with the user ID, a speed and actuation periodicity for each of the powered height adjuster and the powered depth adjuster. The controller may be further configured to automatically actuate the powered height adjuster and the powered depth adjuster at the respectively determined speed and actuation periodicity. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller may be further configured to determine a termination condition, and in response to the determined termination condition, actuate the powered height adjuster to move the tabletop vertically to a default height, and actuate the powered depth adjuster to move the tabletop horizontally to change the distance between the tabletop and a user position to a default distance. 
     According to another embodiment, there is a workstation including a tabletop, a first platform, a vertical support coupled to the tabletop and the first platform for supporting the tabletop vertically above the first platform, and a powered rotator coupled to the first platform. The powered rotator may be configured to pivot the first platform and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. 
     In at least one embodiment, the workstation may also include a chair support coupled to the first platform, the chair support being securable to a chair. 
     In at least one embodiment, the chair support may be adapted to prevent a chair mounted thereto from rotating. 
     In at least one embodiment the chair support may be adapted to delimit forward and backward movement of a chair mounted thereto. 
     In at least one embodiment, the workstation may also include a powered height adjuster for adjusting a vertical height of the tabletop, and a powered depth adjuster for adjusting a distance between the forward edge of the tabletop and a user position. 
     In at least one embodiment, the powered rotator, the powered height adjuster and the powered depth adjuster may be configured to operate automatically and concurrently to move the tabletop in three dimensions at the same time. 
     According to another embodiment, there is a workstation including a tabletop, a powered height adjuster coupled to the tabletop and configured to move the tabletop vertically between at least a first height and a second height, and a controller. The controller may be configured to detect a connection to a user device, and in response to detecting the connection, automatically access a user profile corresponding to the user device and operate the powered height adjuster based upon the user profile. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller may be further configured to in response to detecting the connection, determine a standing height and a seated height based on the user profile, and operate the powered height adjuster to move the tabletop vertically to alternate the height of the tabletop between the seated height and the standing height. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller may be further configured to in response to detecting the connection, determine a periodicity of movement based on the user profile, and operate the powered height adjuster to move the tabletop vertically to alternate the height of the tabletop between the seated height and the standing height at the periodicity of movement. 
     In at least one embodiment, accessing the user profile corresponding to the user device comprises accessing the user profile stored on the user device. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller may be further configured to detect a manual request to temporarily stop the tabletop, in response to detecting the request, stop the tabletop, after a predetermined time after stopping the tabletop, resume operation of the height adjuster based on the user profile. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller may be further configured to detect a disconnection of the user device, and in response to detecting the disconnection, operate the height adjuster to move the tabletop to a predetermined default height. 
     In at least one embodiment, the workstation may also include a first platform, a vertical support coupled to the tabletop and the first platform for supporting the tabletop vertically above the first platform, and a powered rotator coupled to the first platform. The powered rotator may be configured to pivot the first platform and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path about a user location. The controller may be further configured to in response to detecting the connection, operate the powered rotator to pivot the first platform at a speed based on the user profile. 
     According to another embodiment, there is a method of moving a tabletop of a workstation in one or more dimensions relative to a user position, the method being performed by a controller that is configured to send control signals to one or more actuators to move the tabletop. The method may include moving the tabletop automatically between a first height and a second height, and moving the tabletop automatically and concurrently horizontally toward or away from the user position. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method may further include: detecting a connection to a user device, accessing a user profile associated with the user device, moving the tabletop automatically, at a speed and a range of motion vertically or horizontally toward or away from the user position based on the user profile. 
     In at least one embodiment, in response to detecting the connection, the method may further include determining a standing height and a seated height based on the user profile, and moving the tabletop vertically to alternate a height of the tabletop between the seated height and the standing height. 
     In at least one embodiment, in response to detecting the connection, the method may further include determining a periodicity of movement based on the user profile, and moving the tabletop vertically to alternate the height of the tabletop between the seated height and the standing height at the periodicity of movement. 
     In at least one embodiment, accessing the user profile corresponding to the user device may include accessing the user profile stored on the user device. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method may further include: detecting a manual request to temporarily stop the tabletop, stopping the tabletop in response to detecting the request, and resuming movement of the tabletop based on the user profile after a predetermined time after stopping the tabletop. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method may further include: detecting a disconnection of the user device, and moving the tabletop to a predetermined default position in response to detecting the disconnection. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method may further include: pivoting the tabletop automatically horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to the user position. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method may further include: receiving user tolerance measures for speed and range of motion, determining an adjusted speed and an adjusted range of vertical and horizontal motion based on the user profile and the user tolerance measures, and moving the tabletop automatically, at the adjusted speed and the adjusted range of motion vertically or horizontally toward or away from the user position. 
     According to another embodiment, there is a method of moving a tabletop of a workstation in one or more dimensions relative to a user position. The method may be performed by a controller that is configured to send control signals to one or more actuators to move the tabletop. The method may include determining a range and speed of motion according to a user profile for a user of the workstation, and pivoting the tabletop automatically horizontally at the speed of motion along an arcuate path extending across the range of motion with respect to the user position. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method may further include moving the tabletop automatically and concurrently between a first height and a second height. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method may further include moving the tabletop automatically and concurrently horizontally toward or away from the user position. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a workstation in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a workstation in use in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  shows a partial cutaway perspective view of the workstation of  FIG. 1  in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a first platform and an arm in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a powered rotator in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the arm of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows a partial perspective view of a chair support in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the workstation of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a second platform in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  shows a rear elevation view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a partial perspective view of a tabletop assembly base in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a tabletop in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  shows a partial perspective view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a powered depth adjuster in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  shows a schematic of a controller in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for configuring user settings in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for operating a workstation in accordance with at least one embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 19A-19C  show the workstation of  FIG. 1  with a tabletop assembly transitioning from a first height to a second height. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of the claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or processes described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. 
     Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of up to ±10% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies. 
     As used herein, the term “connected” means a direct physical or electrical connection between the elements that are connected, without any intermediary elements connected in between. As used herein, the term “coupled” means either a direct connection between the elements that are connected, or an indirect connection through one or more intermediary elements. As used herein, the term “actuator” is used to refer to a powered height adjuster, a powered rotator, or a powered depth adjuster. 
     As used herein, the term “automatic” means without human interaction. For example, a controller may automatically operate a height adjuster to raise a tabletop based upon custom settings, as opposed to manually in response to a user pressing a button. In contrast, as used herein, the term “manual” means with human interaction. For example, a controller may stop the height adjuster in response to a manual request (e.g. a user pressing a button), as opposed to automatically based on programmed timing. 
     As used herein, the term “intermittent”, “periodic” or “periodicity” means occurring in intervals that are separated by periods of pause. For example, a controller may periodically adjust the height of a tabletop such that it rises to a standing height, and stays at the standing height for 15 minutes, then lowers to a sitting height and stays at the sitting height for 15 minutes, and repeats. 
     Furthermore, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term “about.” The term “about” means up to ±10% of the number to which reference is being made. 
     In the following passages, different aspects of the embodiments are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with at least one other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous. 
     While it has been found that lumbar supports can help to decrease intracranial pressure and paraspinal muscle hyperactivity, the use of lumber support alone may be insufficient to control lower back pain. However, it has been determined that the risk of developing lower back pain may be reduced by regular thoracic and lumbar spinal rotation, which may increase joint mobility throughout the spine thus allowing for the hydration of intervertebral discs and improving joint nutrition. At least one embodiment described herein provides a workstation that has a rotatable portion to rotate a table top about a user so that the user rotates their torso. 
     Furthermore, some studies suggest that workers tend not to alternate between standing and sitting often enough to relieve static musculoskeletal loading. At least one embodiment described herein provides a workstation having a controller that operates a height adjuster for automatically alternating a tabletop between a seated height and a standing height so that the user of the workstation moves from a sitting position to a standing position and vice-versa at a predefined periodicity of movement that is set for the user when the user is using the workstation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a workstation  100  is shown, in accordance with at least one embodiment. In the example shown, workstation  100  includes a tabletop assembly  102 , a first platform  104 , and a powered height adjuster  106 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of workstation  100 . In at least one embodiment, first platform  104  may be configured to move along an arcuate path  116 . In the example shown, first platform  104  carries tabletop assembly  102  and height adjuster  106  as it moves along arcuate path  116 . As shown, height adjuster  106  is a vertical support connected to each of first platform  104  and tabletop assembly  102  for supporting tabletop assembly  102  above first platform  104 . 
     In the example shown, workstation  100  includes a second platform  108  and a chair support  110 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , chair support  110  is configured to support a chair  166  in an upright position above second platform  108 . In at least one embodiment, chair support  110  may also prevent chair  166  from rotating, as described in more detail below. Therefore, a user  111  may sit on chair  166  and rotate their upper torso, as shown, to follow tabletop assembly  102  as it moves along arcuate path  116 . In at least one embodiment, this may provide thoracic and lumbar spinal rotation, which may increase joint mobility throughout the spine thus allowing for the hydration of intervertebral discs and improving joint nutrition. 
     In the example shown, the arc radial center of path  116  is proximate to the position of user  111 . In some cases, the user position may coincide with the position of chair support  110  and chair  166  (e.g. when the user  111  is seated). Depending on the proximity of the user position to the radial center of path  116 , the distance between tabletop assembly  102  and the user position may remain substantially constant as tabletop assembly  102  moves along path  116 . In at least one embodiment, this may permit tabletop assembly  102  to remain at a comfortable distance from user  111  as tabletop assembly  102  moves along path  116 . This may reduce the need for user  111  to adjust their position as tabletop assembly  102  moves along path  116  thereby limiting any disruption and lost productivity caused by the rotation. 
     In some cases, a user&#39;s center of gravity may be substantially coincident with the arc radial center of path  116 . The torso rotation, of a user so positioned following tabletop assembly  102 , would most likely occur throughout the thoracic and cervical spine. 
     In some cases, a user may move away from the arc radial center of path  116  to be closer or further from tabletop assembly  102 , or to stand up, for example. For a user to follow the movement of tabletop assembly  102  while so positioned may require additional movement of the hips, lumbar spine and lower extremity. This may result in an increase in movement of several body parts, an increase in muscle contractions and an increase in energy expenditure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a partial cutaway perspective view of workstation  100  is shown, in accordance with at least one embodiment. As shown, first platform  104  is connected to second platform  108  by an arm  120 .  FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of first platform  104  and arm  120  in isolation. As shown, arm  120  may include a pivot mount  122  at a distal end  124  of arm  120 . Referring again to  FIG. 4 , arm  120  is shown connected to second platform  108  at pivot mount  122  (obscured from view). In the example shown, first platform  104  can pivot about pivot mount  122  to travel along path  116 . The arc radial center of path  116  coincides with the location of pivot mount  122 . 
     Arm  120  is shown extending through a slot  126  in subframe  118 . In the example shown, subframe  118  includes stops  130   a , and  130   b . Stops  130   a  and  130   b  may define the terminal ends of path  116 . For example, first platform  104  may pivot counterclockwise until arm  120  contacts stop  130   a , and first platform  104  may pivot clockwise until arm  120  contacts stop  130   b . In other cases, arm  120  may be controlled so that it does not travel along the entire length of path  116  but rather only travels along a portion of path  116 . 
     In the example shown, arcuate path  116 , as terminated by stops  130   a  and  130   b , extends through a range of motion of about 90 degrees. Generally, a range of motion may be selected which does not overstretch a user&#39;s thoracic spine thereby increasing pressure in their lumbar spine and risk of injury. Users with limited flexibility or back-related medical conditions may benefit from ranges of motion of 90 degrees or less. However, in alternative embodiments, arcuate path  116  may extend through from 10 degrees up to 180 degrees. 
     Slot  126  may be defined in part by surfaces  128   a  and  128   b  of subframe  118 . In at least one embodiment, subframe  118  may not include stops  130   a , and  130   b  because surfaces  128   a  and  128   b  may define the terminal ends of path  116 . In that case, first platform  104  may pivot counterclockwise until arm  120  contacts surface  128   a , and first platform  104  may pivot clockwise until arm  120  contacts surface  128   b . In other cases, arm  120  may pivot along a portion of path  116 . 
     In the example shown, first platform  104  is shown including a base  132 . Support wheels  134 , and a powered rotator  136  are shown mounted to base  132 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , powered rotator  136  may include a motor  138  and a drive wheel  140 . In the example shown, motor  138  drives drive wheel  140  indirectly via drive belt  142 . Drive belt  142  is connected drive gear  144  and output gear  146 . Drive belt  142  transfers the rotary power applied to output gear  146 , by motor  138 , to drive gear  144 . In the example shown, output gear  146  is coaxially connected to output shaft  148  of motor  138 . 
     Drive gear  144  is shown having a larger diameter than output gear  146  to increase the torque to drive wheel  140 . However, in alternative embodiments, drive gear  144  and output gear  146  may be the same size or drive gear  144  may have a smaller diameter than output gear  146  depending on the force required to rotate arm  120  and the strength of motor  138 . 
     The figures show one example of a powered rotator  136 . Other embodiments may include different suitable powered rotators, which may include, for example, a directly driven drive wheel  140 . In this example, drive wheel  140  may be coaxially connected with output shaft  148  of motor  138 . In at least one embodiment, powered rotator  136  may comprise a gearbox (not shown) to vary the torque applied to drive wheel  140 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , drive wheel  140  is shown oriented generally perpendicularly to arm  120 . Also, drive wheel  140  is shown sized and positioned to extend through an opening  149  in base  132  to make contact with floor  112  beneath first platform  104 . In operation, powered rotator  136  may be operable so that motor  138  engages drive wheel  140 . Wheel  140  may frictionally engage floor  112  as it rotates to move first platform  104  along arcuate path  116 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of arm  120  is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment. In the example shown, arm  120  includes pivot mount  122  at a distal end  124  and mounting brackets  150  at a proximal end  152 . Mounting brackets  150  are configured with through-holes  154  for receiving fasteners  156  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) for securing base  132  of first platform  104  to arm  120 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  FIG. 8  shows a partial perspective view of chair support  110  in accordance with at least one embodiment.  FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of workstation  100 , chair  166  and user  111  in accordance with at least one embodiment. In the example shown, chair support  110  includes a base  158  to which a post  160 , a support  162  and track rollers  164  are connected. A rod  163  is connected to and extends from support  162 . 
     In the example shown, chair  166  is an office chair from which the wheels have been removed. The pneumatic chair post  168  is shown received in an opening  170  in the post  160 . In the example shown, post  160  and opening  170  are sized and shaped to receive chair post  168 . In at least one embodiment, post  160  and opening  170  are sized and shaped to accommodate a standard sized chair post  168 . This may permit a user to use a chair of their choosing with workstation  100  (e.g. a chair they may already own). In at least one embodiment, chair post  168  may not be able to rotate with respect to post  160 . For example, post  160  and may be sized to form an interference fit with chair post  168  when chair post  168  is inserted into post  160 . 
     As shown, chair support  110  includes a clamp  172 . Clamp  172  may provide a rigid connection between chair  166  and support  162 . This may prevent the rotation of chair  166  and also support chair  166  in the upright position. Clamp  172  is shown clamped onto post  160  and rod  163 . As shown, clamp  172  includes a first portion  174  and a second portion  176  which are connected by fasteners  178 . First and second portions  174  and  176  define first and second openings  180  and  182 . 
     As shown, post  160  may be received in first opening  180 , and rod  163  may be received in second opening  182 . Afterwards, fasteners  178  may be tightened to urge the interior surfaces (not shown) of first and second openings  180  and  182  against post  160  and rod  163  respectively. This may increase friction between clamp  172  and post  160  such that post  160  cannot rotate with respect to clamp  172 . Therefore, any rotation of post  160  about its longitudinal axis would require clamp  172  to move. However, because clamp  172  is attached to two stationary members (post  160  and rod  163 ), it is unable to move in the example shown. Therefore, in this example, clamp  172  effectively prevents post  160 , chair post  168  and chair  166  from rotating with respect to base  158 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , receptacle  161  and support  162  are shown secured to base  158  by fasteners  184 . However, receptacle  161  and support  162  may each be secured to base  158  by any suitable means including by adhesive, magnetic attraction, bolts, screws, nails, rivets, welding or by integrally molding any one or more of receptacle  161 , support  162  and base  158 . 
     Chair support  110  is shown including track rollers  164 . In the example shown, track rollers  164  are secured to base  158  by brackets  186 . As shown, each track roller  164  is secured to a bracket  186  at a position spaced from base  158 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 8 , chair support  110  may be slidably connected to second platform  108  to permit chair  166  to move forward and backwards relative to second platform  108 . In at least one embodiment, this may provide an increase in muscle contractions throughout a user&#39;s lower extremity and torso. 
     In the example shown, each track roller  164  is positioned to make contact with a track  190  of subframe  118 . As shown, track rollers  164  can slide forward and backward along tracks  190  as chair support  110  moves forward and backwards in the direction of arrow  188 . This may permit a user  111  sitting in a chair  166  mounted to chair support  110  to easily adjust their horizontal distance to tabletop assembly  102 . 
     Chair support  110  may be limited in its ability to move forward and rearward with respect to second platform  108 . In the example shown, chair support  110  can slide forward until one or more track rollers  164  contacts a front end  192  of track  190 . Similarly, chair support  110  can slide backwards until one or more track rollers  164  contacts a rear end  194  of track  190 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 and 10 .  FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of second platform  108 , in accordance with at least one embodiment. As shown, second platform  108  includes a slot  196  through which post  160  and support  162  may extend. In at least one embodiment, slot  196  may be covered by covers  198   a  and  198   b . Covers  198   a  and  198   b  may hide the interiors of second platform  108  and prevent objects and body parts from entering second platform  108 . 
     In the example shown, covers  198   a  and  198   b  are configured to extend and contract as chair support  110  moves forward and rearwards. For example, when chair support  110  moves forward, cover  198   a  may contract and cover  198   b  may extend, and vice versa. In some embodiments, each of covers  198   a  and  198   b  may be made from a loose length of fabric or another suitable material. Alternatively or in addition, one or both of covers  198   a  and  198   b  may be made from an elastic material which may be held in tension as they contract and expand. In some embodiments, covers  198   a  and  198   b  may be formed from a solid material. For example, one or both of covers  198   a  and  198   b  may be made from a plurality of rigid elements connected by hinges to form an accordion structure, which can extend and contract. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a rear elevation view of workstation  100  is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment. In the example shown, workstation  100  includes powered height adjuster  106 . Height adjuster  106  may be secured at one end to first platform  104  and secured at the other end to tabletop assembly  102  by any suitable method including using fasteners (e.g. bolts, screws, nails, rivets), welding, or by integrally molding height adjuster  106  with one or both of first platform  104  and tabletop assembly  102 . 
     In the example shown, height adjuster  106  is operable to move tabletop assembly  102  vertically in the direction of arrow  200 . Height adjuster  106  may include a worm, a complementary threaded opening and a driving motor (not shown). The worm and the driving motor may be secured to the first platform  104 . Tabletop assembly  102  may include the complementary threaded opening. The worm may extend through and mesh with the complementary threaded opening. Rotation of the worm by the driving motor may cause relative movement between the worm and the complementary threaded opening (in a manner similar to a nut and bolt). In this manner, rotation of the worm by the driving motor may cause the tabletop assembly  102  to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the first platform  104 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, height adjuster  106  may be substituted by another suitable mechanism such as, for example, an electric gear system. In at least one embodiment, height adjuster  106  may include a rack and pinion and a driving motor (not shown). The rack may be secured to one of the first platform  104  and the tabletop assembly  102 . The pinion and driving motor may be secured to the other of the first platform  104  and the tabletop assembly  102 . With the pinion meshed with the rack, the motor may drive the pinion to cause relative vertical movement of the pinion and the rack. 
     Tabletop assembly  102  includes a tabletop  250  and a base  252 , in the example shown. In at least one embodiment, tabletop  250  may be horizontally moveable relative to base  252 . In the example shown, a powered depth adjuster  254  is connected to table base  252  for moving tabletop  250  horizontally relative to base  252 . 
     In the example shown, second platform  108  includes an entry  202  for cables (not shown). The cables may include one or more power cables, and one or more network communication cables, for example. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of base  252  in accordance with at least one embodiment.  FIG. 13  shows a partial perspective view of tabletop  250  in accordance with at least one embodiment. In the example shown, track rollers  256  are connected to an upper side  257  of base  252  by brackets  258 . Tracks  259  are shown connected to a bottom side  261  of tabletop  250 . In at least one embodiment, track rollers  256  may be configured to make contact with tracks  259  to slidably connect tabletop  250  and base  252 . In the example shown, tracks  259  include a recess  263  configured to receive rollers  256 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , base  252  is shown including powered depth adjuster  254 . In the example shown, depth adjuster  254  includes a motor  260  that directly drives a drive gear  264  to indirectly drive a pinion  266 . Drive gear  264  is shown meshed with pinion  266  to transfer the rotary power applied to drive gear  264  by motor  260  to pinion  266 . In the example shown, pinion  266  has a diameter that is larger than drive gear  264  to increase the torque from motor  260 . However, in alternative embodiments, pinion  266  may have an equal or smaller diameter than drive gear  264  depending on the strength of motor  260  and the amount of force needed to move tabletop  250 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-15 , motor  260  and drive gear  264  are shown connected to the lower side of base  252 . In the example shown, pinion  266  is sized to protrude through an opening  268 . When upper side  257  of base  252  is coupled to the lower side  261  of tabletop  250 , pinion  266  may engage rack  269 . This may permit motor  260  drive pinion  266  along rack  269  to cause horizontal movement of tabletop  250  with respect to base  252 . For example,  FIG. 9  shows tabletop  250  after actuating depth adjuster  254  to move tabletop  250  forward toward user  111 . 
     The figures illustrate one example of powered depth adjuster  254 . Alternative embodiments may include different suitable powered depth adjusters. For example, in at least one embodiment, motor  260  may instead drive a wheel which makes frictional contact with the underside of tabletop  250  for moving tabletop  250  horizontally with respect to base  252 . In another alternative embodiment, motor  260  may spin a spindle to wind a cord that is connected to the underside of tabletop  250  for moving tabletop  250  horizontally with respect to base  252 . In still another alternative embodiment, depth adjuster  254  may use a pump to drive a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, connected at one end to base  252  and at the other end to tabletop  250 , for moving tabletop  250  horizontally with respect to base  252 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , workstation  100  is shown including a lower skirt  270  and an upper skirt  272 . In the example shown, lower skirt  270  is connected to first platform  104  and upper skirt  272  is connected to tabletop assembly  102 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , first platform  104  may include one or more brackets  274  for connecting lower skirt  270  to first platform  104 . As best shown in  FIG. 12 , base  252  of tabletop assembly  102  may include one or more brackets  276  for connecting upper skirt  272  to tabletop assembly  102 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , lower skirt  270  and upper skirt  272  are shown overlapping. When height adjuster  106  moves tabletop assembly  102  vertically upwards, lower skirt  270  and upper skirt  272  may telescope with respect to the other thereby reducing the overlap between the two. This allows the interior of workstation  100  under tabletop  250  to be hidden from view as tabletop  250  is moved up and down during operation. 
       FIG. 16  shows a block-diagram of a controller  500  in accordance with at least one embodiment. Controller  500  is electrically connected, which may be done via a wired or wireless connection depending on the embodiment, to powered depth adjuster  254 , powered height adjuster  106  and powered rotator  136  for controlling these elements. During operation, the controller  500  sends control signals to one or more of powered depth adjuster  254 , powered height adjuster  106  and powered rotator  136  to achieve certain movements of the tabletop with respect to the user position according to the predefined parameters of the user profile associated with the user that is using the workstation  100 . The predefined parameters include at least one of periodicity, speed and range of motion for the tabletop of the workstation  100 . 
     In the example shown, controller  500  includes at least one processor  512 , a display  514 , a user interface  516 , a data interface  518 , Input/Output (I/O) hardware  520 , a wireless module  522 , a power source  524  and a memory  526 . Memory  526  includes software code for implementing one or more of an operating system  528 , a file system  530 , various programs  532 , and a database  536 . In at least one embodiment, controller  500  can be a dedicated hardware device with associated software and firmware that is configured to control powered depth adjuster  254 , powered height adjuster  106 , and powered rotator  136 , as described herein. In alternative embodiments, controller  500  can be a desktop computer, a laptop, a mobile device, a smart phone, a cell phone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant, and the like. 
     Processor(s)  512  controls the operation of the controller  500  and can be any suitable processor depending on the configuration of the controller. Display  514  can be any suitable display that provides visual information depending on the configuration of the controller. For instance, display  514  can be a cathode ray tube monitor, a flat-screen monitor and the like if controller  500  is a computer. In other cases, display  514  can be a display suitable for a laptop, tablet or handheld device such as an LCD-based display and the like. In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may not include a display  514 . 
     User interface  516  can include one or more of a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, a thumbwheel, a track-pad, a track-ball, a card-reader, voice recognition software and the like again depending on the particular implementation of controller  500 . In some cases, some of these components can be integrated with one another. In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may not include a user interface  516 . 
     The data interface  518  can be any interface that allows the controller  500  to communicate with other devices or computers. In some cases, data interface  518  can include at least one of a serial port, a parallel port or a USB port that provides USB connectivity. Data interface  518  can also include at least one of an Internet or local area network connection through an Ethernet, Firewire or modem connection or through a digital subscriber line. Various combinations of these elements can be incorporated within data interface  518 . 
     The data interface  518  also includes elements to allow the controller  500  to communicate with the actuators such as at least one Digital to Analog converter (DAC) and at least one Analog to Digital converter (ADC). This communication includes sending control signals from the controller  500  to the actuators to move the tabletop in a certain dimension at a predefined speed and periodicity of movement. In some embodiments, the controller  500  may also receive information from the actuators or the tabletop such as position and speed information to keep track of the tabletop position as it is moved. 
     I/O hardware  520  can include one or more of a speaker, a card scanner, a camera and a printer, for example. In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may not include I/O hardware  520 . Wireless module  522  is optional and can be a radio that communicates utilizing the CDMA, GSM, GPRS or Bluetooth protocol according to standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n for example. Power source  524  can be any suitable power source that provides power to controller  500  as well as to the actuators and may be a power adaptor or a rechargeable battery pack depending on the implementation of controller  500 . 
     Memory  526  can include RAM and flash memory elements as well as other storage elements such as disk drives and hard drives. Memory  526  is used to store one or more of operating system  528 , file system  530  and programs  532 . For instance, operating system  528  and file system  530  may provide various basic operational processes for controller  500 . 
     Memory  526  may also store a control module  534 . Control module  534  can control the operation of powered depth adjuster  254 , powered height adjuster  106  and powered rotator  136  based on user information received via data interface  518  for example. 
     Memory  526  may also store one or more databases  536 . Databases  536  can be used to store user profile data for one or more users. Databases  536  can also store other information required for the operation of programs  532  or operating system  528  such as dynamically linked libraries and the like. 
     Controller  500  may include one or more user interface and processor(s)  512  may communicate with one or more of these user interfaces to receive a user profile for a user. This can be through user interface  516 , data interface  518  or wireless module  522 . For instance, the user profile can be inputted by someone through user interface  516  or it can be received through data interface  518  from a user memory device (e.g. a USB storage device). 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  can be a computer that acts as a web server and provides content for a web site. One of the webpages on the website can be a webpage for configuring a user profile as described herein. In this case, a user can interact with the webpage to directly enter the information required for the processor to generate and store the user profile. The user can interact with the web server and provide the required information using a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smart phone or any other suitable electronic device. 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may be remotely controlled and/or configured (e.g. by another computer, desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet). 
       FIG. 17  shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method  1700  for configuring user settings in accordance with at least one embodiment. A computing device such as controller  500 , or another computing device (e.g. a remote server computer, or an administrator&#39;s desktop computer) having features similar to those described above with respect to controller  500  may perform method  1700 . 
     At  1702 , a user interface display is displayed on a display (e.g. display  514 ) of the computing device. The user interface display may correspond with software (e.g. programs  532 ) stored on a memory (e.g. memory  526 ) of the computing device. In at least one embodiment, the user interface may correspond with a website accessed through a data interface (e.g. data interface  518 ) and/or a wireless module (e.g. wireless module  522 ). In at least one embodiment, the user interface display may update to convey information to or request information from a user. 
     In at least one embodiment, the user interface display may display a prompt for credentials, such as, for example, a login and password, a biometric credential (e.g. fingerprint or facial image), a Personal Identification Number (PIN), or combinations thereof. The credentials may verify the identity of the user accessing the computing device. If the user&#39;s identity is verified and if the user has permissions to edit user settings, the method may proceed to  1704 . Optionally, permission to edit user settings may be exclusive to an administrator (e.g. an office manager). 
     At  1704 , the computing device receives a user profile selection. The user profile selection may include a request to make a new profile or a selection of an existing profile. 
     In at least one embodiment, the user interface display may display a prompt for a user profile selection. The prompt may include a list of user profiles stored in a memory (e.g. in database  536  of memory  526 ) of the computing device or stored elsewhere. 
     In some embodiments, receiving a user profile selection may include reading a user device using a user device reader. A user device may be any mobile device that can store or be used to identify a particular user profile. For example, a user device may be a user ID card that includes a user ID encoded onto a magnetic strip. The user ID can be used to identify a user profile corresponding to that user ID. In this case, the user device reader may be a card reader. In another example, a user device may be a user memory device (e.g. a USB memory key or a memory card) that can store a user profile. In this case, the user device reader may be a USB interface along with a processor, or memory card reader. 
     In at least one embodiment, the user interface display may display a prompt requesting a user profile ID (e.g. a name or a number). The user profile ID may correspond to a user profile stored in the memory of the computing device or stored elsewhere. In at least one embodiment, receiving a user profile selection may include reading data from a user ID card (e.g. via a card scanner of I/O hardware  520 ). The data from the user ID card may correspond to a specific user profile, so that the computing device can interpret the data as a user profile selection. 
     In at least one embodiment, receiving a user profile selection may include detecting the insertion of a user memory device (e.g. a USB storage key, or a memory card such as an SD card, or a compact flash card for example) and identifying a user profile stored on the user memory device or the lack thereof. If a user profile is stored on the user memory device, then the computing device may receive the selection of that user profile upon insertion of the user memory device. If a user profile is not stored on the user memory device, then the computing device may receive a selection for a new user profile upon insertion of the user memory device. 
     Generally, a user profile may include a plurality of user settings. The user settings may be specific to the user to whom the user profile corresponds. In at least one embodiment, the user profile may include one or more of anthropometric measures, physiological and demographic information, and workstation positions and measures. 
     Anthropometric measures may include, for example, a seat height of the chair  166 , a user&#39;s sitting and standing elbow height, and a user&#39;s eye height (all when wearing usual footwear), minimum and maximum horizontal depth positions of tabletop  250  (e.g. as controlled by powered depth adjuster  254 ), and maximum rotation of first platform  104  in clockwise and counterclockwise directions for each of the seated and standing positions (e.g. as controlled by powered rotator  136 ). In at least one embodiment, some of the anthropometric measures may be calculated using body measurements (e.g. forearm length, knee height, etc). 
     The anthropometric measures may also include a frequency of movement (e.g. “active”, “moderately active”, “somewhat active”, or “personalized”) corresponding to a periodicity of movement. For example, a workstation  100  configured to an “active” frequency of movement may rotate and change height more frequently (and possibly more quickly) than a workstation  100  configured to a “somewhat active” frequency of movement. In at least one embodiment, there may be a “personalized” frequency of movement, wherein the periodicity of vertical movement (e.g. by powered height adjuster  106 ) and the periodicity of rotational movement (e.g. by powered rotator  136 ) may be specified independently. Furthermore, a user profile may include custom variable periodicity of movement patterns such as a standing duration and a separate seating duration before transitioning to the other may as part of a personalized frequency of movement. 
     In at least one embodiment, a user profile may include physical, demographic and physiological information which may be useful for determining a user&#39;s energy expenditure and for fine tuning the operational parameters of workstation  100 . The physical, demographic and physiological information may include one or more of height, weight, age, gender, blood pressure, glucose values, cholesterol level, and an activity level. In at least one embodiment, this information may be used to determine the individual&#39;s overall health and to set the default speed and frequency preferences. In at least one embodiment, this information may be collected regularly to track and present a user&#39;s progress on display  514 . 
     In at least one embodiment, a user profile may include workstation positions and measures such as elbow height when standing when wearing usual footwear and seated, and a horizontal depth position of the tabletop  250  in the seated and standing positions (e.g. to maintain the user&#39;s upper arms in a relaxed position hanging down from the shoulders). 
     At  1706 , the computing device may receive updated user settings. For example, the user interface display may update to prompt for one or more of the anthropometric measures, physiological and demographic information or workstation positions and measures described above. In at least one embodiment, the computing device may display (e.g. on a display  514 ) text, images, audio or other multimedia content to provide instructions on how to determine or measure the information for the user profile. For example, the computing device may display instructions that the chair height should be measured while a seated user&#39;s thighs are approximately level with the floor while wearing usual footwear. 
     At  1708 , the computing device may store the user profile including the updated user settings. In at least one embodiment, the computing device may store the user profile in response to input from an input device (e.g. user interface  516 ) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen. 
     In the case of an existing user profile, storing the user profile may include overwriting or updating the existing user profile. In the case of a new user profile, storing the user profile may include storing the new user profile. In at least one embodiment, storing the user profile may include copying the user profile to a user memory device. In at least one embodiment, storing the user profile may include copying the user profile to or updating a user profile on a memory of the computing device, or a remote memory (e.g. a memory  526  of a controller  500  of a workstation  100 , or a memory of a remote server computer). 
       FIG. 18  shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method  1800  for operating a workstation  100  in accordance with at least one embodiment. Although method  1800  is described with reference to controller  500 , another computing device (e.g. a remote server computer, or an administrator&#39;s desktop computer) having features similar to those described above with respect to controller  500  may perform method  1800 . 
     At  1802 , controller  500  may monitor for a new user. In some embodiments, controller  500  may detect a connection to a user device (e.g. a USB memory key or a user ID card). For example, controller  500  may detect whether a user memory device (e.g. a USB memory key or a memory card) has been connected to controller  500  by a data interface  518  (e.g. a USB port or a memory card reader). In another example, controller  500  may detect whether a card scanner  520  has read data from a user ID card (e.g. a card having data encoded in a barcode, a magnetic strip or a wirelessly accessible memory). 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may detect input of an ID (e.g. a name, number or alphanumeric string) into a user interface device  516  (e.g. a keyboard or keypad). In another example, controller  500  may recognize the face of a user in a camera  520  or the voice of a user in a microphone  520 . 
     If a new user is not detected at  1802 , controller  500  may continue to wait for a positive detection. If a new user is detected at  1802 , controller  500  may automatically access the user profile corresponding to the new user, to operate the workstation  100  according to the user settings within. For example, when controller  500  detects a new user (e.g. when a user connects a user memory device to controller  500 ), controller  500  may automatically retrieve the user profile and begin operating the workstation  100  according to the user settings. This may minimize the actions required for a new user to start a workstation  100  (e.g. they may only need to insert their user memory device). 
     The user profile corresponding to the new user may be stored on the user memory device connected to controller  500 , on a memory of controller  500 , or on a remote memory (e.g. of a server or office manager&#39;s computer). In the case of a user profile stored on a remote memory, controller  500  may access the remote memory over a network using a data interface  518  and/or a wireless module  522 . 
     In some embodiments, controller  500  may copy the user profile to a database  536  in memory  526  of controller  500 . In some embodiments, controller  500  may read the user profile from its storage location (e.g. on the user memory device, or on a remote memory of a server or office manager&#39;s computer). 
     At  1806 , controller  500  may begin operating workstation  100  according to a routine based upon the user settings of the user profile. Generally, controller  500  may operate one of more of the powered height adjuster  106 , powered depth adjuster  254  and powered rotator  136  in an ergonomic pattern of speed and range of motion, with speeds and ranges of motion that are predefined for the user, at least in part, in the user profile. 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may operate one or more of the powered height adjuster  106 , powered depth adjuster  254  and powered rotator  136  intermittently according to a periodicity of movement (e.g. which may correspond to a user&#39;s profile settings). For example, operating the powered adjusters  106 ,  254  and  136  at a period of 20 minutes (i.e. with 20 minute pauses between movements) may provide a user with 20 minutes in a stable posture before the workstation changes position. 
     In at least one embodiment, a periodicity of movement of 20 minutes may impart a desirably reduced muscular cyclical activity. However, in alternative embodiments, controller  500  may operate powered adjusters  106 ,  254  and  136  with a periodicity of movement of between 1 minute and 1 hour, for example. Furthermore, controller  500  may operate each powered adjuster  106 ,  254  and  136  at different periodicities of movement, such that one or more of the powered adjusters  106 ,  254  and  136  may be activated while others of the powered adjusters  106 ,  254  and  136  are paused. 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may operate one or more powered adjuster  106 ,  254  and  136  at a variable periodicity of movement which changes over the course of a user&#39;s session with workstation  100 . For example, controller  500  may operate the powered adjusters  106 ,  254  and  136  more frequently during times of day when users normally feel tired (e.g. 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-3 pm). 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may begin by operating the powered height adjuster  106  to raise the tabletop assembly  102  to a seated height based upon the user&#39;s elbow height in the seated position in the user settings. Controller  500  may also operate the powered depth adjuster  254  to move the tabletop  250  to a horizontal depth position for a seated position based upon the seated horizontal depth position in the user settings. 
     Controller  500  may continuously or intermittently operate the powered rotator  136  to rotate the first platform  104  clockwise and counterclockwise at a speed, periodicity and range based upon the actuation speed, periodicity of movement and the rotation range of motion that is specified in the user settings. For example, controller  500  may operate powered rotator  136  to rotate first platform  104  at between 10 and 540 degrees per minute, across an arcuate range of between 10 and 180 degrees, and at a periodicity of movement of 20 minutes (e.g. with 20 minute pauses between sequential rotations). 
     In one example, controller  500  may be configured to gradually increase the range, and speed for a user (e.g. a rehab patient) over the course of many days according to the user&#39;s tolerances. Controller  500  may receive a user&#39;s tolerance measures through user interface  516 , data interface  518  or wireless module  522 , for example. In at least one embodiment, a user&#39;s tolerance measure may be reflected in the user&#39;s settings of the user&#39;s profile. 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may be configured to gradually increase range, and speed for a user over the course of many days according to a rehabilitation schedule. A user (or their doctor, for example) may input the rehabilitation schedule through user interface  516 , data interface  518  or wireless module  522 , for example. 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may store the rehabilitation schedule in memory  526 . The rehabilitation schedule may indicate the speed, range and/or periodicity for a user, by day or session for example. Accordingly, the controller  500  may determine one or more of the speed, range and/or periodicity of movement for one or more of the powered adjusters  106 ,  254  and  136  by reference to the rehabilitation schedule and the current date or session. 
     Controller  500  may also continuously or intermittently operate the powered height adjuster  106  to alternate the position of the tabletop assembly  102  between a first height (e.g. a seated height) and a second height (e.g. standing height), based upon the periodicity of movement, speed, and height settings in the user settings. For example, controller  500  may operate powered height adjuster  106  to raise the height of tabletop assembly  102  after 10 minutes of sitting, and to lower tabletop assembly  102  after 20 minutes of standing. Alternatively, controller  500  may operate powered height adjuster  106  to raise the height of tabletop assembly  102  soon after it is at a seated height, and to lower tabletop assembly  102  soon after it reaches standing height. Other periodicities of movement may also be used. 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may operate height adjuster  106  to adjust the height of tabletop assembly  102  to correspond to the natural speed the user stands up and sits down. This may permit a user to more naturally stand and sit, and continue working while the table changes height. In some cases, controller  500  may operate height adjuster  106  to raise or lower tabletop assembly  102  at a variable speed which closely matches the natural standing and seating speed of a user. In some cases, controller  500  may operate height adjuster  106  to raise or lower tabletop assembly  102  at a uniform speed which approximates the standing or seating speed of a user (e.g. an average speed). The height adjustment speed(s) may be based upon the user settings. 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may operate powered height adjuster  106  concurrently with powered depth adjuster  254  to change the horizontal depth position of tabletop  250  with respect to the user&#39;s position while changing the height of tabletop assembly  102  between a first height and a second height. In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may operate powered depth adjuster  254  to adjust the horizontal position of tabletop  250  to correspond with the user&#39;s hand position (e.g. while the user&#39;s elbows are flexed at 90 degrees and the user&#39;s arms are hanging relaxed from the shoulders) corresponding to the height of tabletop assembly  102 . 
     In at least one embodiment, controller  500  may occasionally operate powered depth adjuster  254  and powered height adjuster  106  at coordinated speeds to cause joint movement and stretching. For example, while operating powered height adjuster  106  to raise tabletop  250 , controller  500  may operate powered depth adjuster  254  to move tabletop  250  inwardly and outwardly at an increased speed to cause forward flexion of a user&#39;s trunk and hips as they follow tabletop  250 &#39;s movements. 
     For example,  FIGS. 19A ,  19 B and  19 C show tabletop assembly  102  as it is raised from a seated height to a standing height. In the example shown, tabletop  250  is moved horizontally in a first direction (i.e. left in the figure or away from a user position) between  FIGS. 19A and 19B , and then horizontally in a second direction opposite the first direction (i.e. right in the figure or toward the user position) between  FIGS. 19B and 19C  as the tabletop  250  is raised. In the example shown, the movement pattern generally corresponds to an arc having a “C” shape (as illustrated by arrows  1902  and  1904 ). This may complement the natural standing movements of a user, which may include (i) leaning the torso forward to transfer weight to above the feet, and then (ii) extending the spine backward to align the spine vertically above the feet and maintain the center of gravity over the feet for balance. 
     In at least one embodiment, tabletop  250  may have the same horizontal position when at a standing height and when at a seated height. However, in alternative embodiments (as shown in  FIGS. 19A-19C ), tabletop  250  may be adjusted horizontally further away from a user position when at a standing height. In some cases, a further horizontal position may better correspond to the user&#39;s hand position when the user is standing with their elbows at 90 degrees and arms hanging relaxed at the shoulders. Generally, the difference between the horizontal position at the seated height and the horizontal position at the standing height may be approximately equal to the length of a user&#39;s femur. 
     A vertical movement pattern including concurrent height and depth adjustment that complements a user&#39;s natural movement from sitting to standing (and vice versa) may reduce the disruption to a user in concentrating or doing their work as the height position changes. 
     In some embodiments, controller  500  may operate powered height adjuster  106  concurrently with powered depth adjuster  254  to move tabletop  250  continuously in a first direction while changing the height of tabletop assembly  102  between a first height and a second height. In effect, this may produce a diagonal line pattern, as opposed to the “C” shaped pattern described above. In at least one embodiment, this may cause a user&#39;s arm to move in the saggital (front-back) plane, moving an otherwise static shoulder posture. 
     At  1808 , controller  500  determines whether a temporary stop is manually or automatically requested. For example, an example of a manual temporary stop may be when controller  500  detects an input from a button or other element on the user interface  516  requesting a temporary stop. In some embodiments, a manual temporary stop may be requested where a user may require fine motor skills (e.g. permanently marking an original copy of a document) or where a user wishes to step away from workstation  100  briefly (e.g. to use the washroom). In some embodiments, manual temporary stops may not be permitted, and therefore, controller  500  may not determine whether a manual temporary stop is requested. 
     If controller  500  determines a temporary stop has been requested, then controller  500  temporarily stops the operational routine at  1810 . In some embodiments, controller  500  may resume the operational routine of workstation  100  at  1812  after a predetermined delay. For example, controller  500  may resume the operational routine of workstation  100  at  1812 , after between 1 and 30 minutes. This may encourage users to continue the operational routine of workstation  100 . This may also make it inconvenient for users to permanently halt the movements of workstation  100 . It may be in the best interests of a user&#39;s health to continue with the routine, even if they do not personally enjoy it. In an alternative embodiment, the operational routine of workstation  100  is resumed after a command is received from the user (e.g. a “resume” button is pressed). 
     If a temporary stop is not requested at  1808 , then the method  1800  may proceed to  1814 . At  1814 , controller  500  determines a termination condition. For example, controller  500  may detect an input from a button or other element of the user interface  516  requesting an end to the routine. In another example, controller  500  may detect that the current time corresponds to the end of the user&#39;s working hours. In another example, controller  500  may detect the withdrawal of a user memory device. In another example, controller  500  may detect a potentially unsafe situation (e.g. resistance to movement which may indicate something is caught between moving parts). These are all examples of termination conditions. 
     If controller  500  determines a termination condition, then controller  500  may reset workstation  100  to a default configuration. For example, controller  500  may operate powered rotator  136 , powered height adjuster  106  and powered depth adjuster  254  to rotate first platform  104  to a default rotational position, to move tabletop assembly  102  to a default height and to move tabletop  250  to a default horizontal depth position. 
     After returning workstation  100  to a default configuration, controller may monitor for a new user at  1802 . 
     At least some of the elements of controller  500  that are implemented via software as well as control module  534  may be written in a high-level procedural language such as object oriented programming or a scripting language. Accordingly, the program code may be written in C, C ++ , or any other suitable programming language and may comprise modules or classes, as is known to those skilled in object oriented programming. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, at least some of the elements of controller  500  that are implemented via software as well as control module  534  may be written in assembly language, machine language or firmware as needed. In either case, the program code can be stored on a storage media or on a computer readable medium that is readable by a general or special purpose programmable computing device having a processor, an operating system and the associated hardware and software that is necessary to implement the functionality of at least one of the embodiments described herein. The program code, when read by the computing device, configures the computing device to operate in a new, specific and predefined manner in order to perform at least one of the methods described herein. 
     Furthermore, at least some of the methods described herein are capable of being distributed in a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in various forms such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes, chips, USB keys, external hard drives, wire-line transmissions, satellite transmissions, internet transmissions or downloads, magnetic and electronic storage media, digital and analog signals, and the like. The computer useable instructions may also be in various forms, including compiled and non-compiled code. 
     It should also be noted that “non-transitory” computer-readable media comprise all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal and therefore the term “non-transitory” is not intended to exclude computer readable media such as a volatile memory or RAM, where the data stored thereon is only temporarily stored, or stored in a “transitory” fashion. 
     While the applicant&#39;s teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant&#39;s teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the applicant&#39;s teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without generally departing from the embodiments described herein.