Patents by Inventor Michael D. George

Michael D. George has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20120042573
    Abstract: Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, William Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
  • Publication number: 20120018104
    Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael D. George
  • Publication number: 20120018101
    Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael D. George
  • Patent number: 8051616
    Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. George
  • Publication number: 20110247764
    Abstract: Movable partition systems may include a chain guide structure extending along a curved path. The chain guide structure may have a specified maximum width, and may include attachment flanges that project laterally from a central beam beyond laterally outward ends of chain guide members of the chain guide structure by a specified minimum distance. Overhead support systems for movable partition systems may include such chain guide structures. Methods of forming overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include stretch forming a bent chain guide structure. Methods of installing overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include inserting fasteners at least substantially perpendicularly through attachment flanges of a chain guide structure to secure the chain guide structure to an overhead structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Mark B. Laraway
  • Publication number: 20110186249
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along a lower edge of the two laterally spaced structures. The cable is maintained in tension, at least while the partition is in a deployed condition, to prevent or minimize the lateral displacement of one or both of the structures such as when a draft or other external force acts on the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, the cable may be operatively associated with one or more drive components used to displace the movable partition. In another embodiment, the cable may be coupled to a take-up mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George
  • Publication number: 20110088322
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a closure assembly for a fire door, including a first lead post having a longitudinal cavity located therein, an opening extending through a wall of the first lead post into the longitudinal cavity and a locking member may be positioned within the longitudinal cavity that is configured to obstruct the opening into the longitudinal cavity upon reaching a predetermined temperature, is disclosed. In additional embodiments, fire doors including such closure assemblies and methods of locking fire doors are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
  • Patent number: 7926538
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along the lower edge of the two laterally spaced structures. The cable is maintained in tension, at least while the partition is in a deployed condition, to prevent or minimize the lateral displacement of one or both of the structures such as when a draft or other external force acts on the structures. In one embodiment, the cable may be operatively associated with one or more drive components used to displace the movable partition. In another embodiment, the cable may be coupled to a take-up mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George
  • Publication number: 20110061820
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for visual inspection across a barrier such as a fire door. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first movable partition is disposed adjacent, and laterally spaced from, a second movable partition. A first vision panel is disposed in the first partition and a second vision panel is disposed in the second partition in substantial alignment with the first vision panel. The position of the first vision panel is substantially constrained with respect to the position of the second vision panel along a first longitudinal direction. The first vision panel and the second vision panel are enabled to exhibit a desired amount of lateral displacement relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 7886804
    Abstract: Folding partitions and related methods and components are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having multiple folding panels. In one embodiment, a folding partition includes one or more baffling devices. A baffling device may include an elongated enclosure having a first opening proximate a first longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, a second opening proximate a second longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, and a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber may be disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, one or more baffling devices may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, a jamb component of the partition. In another embodiment, one or more baffling devices may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, the hinged connection of panel sections of a partition panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, Michael E. Hazlett, Craig G. Bell, Ronald A. Smart, Jaren R. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7874341
    Abstract: A movable partition having hinged connections and related methods are disclosed. The partition may include one or more movable structures wherein each movable structure has a plurality of panels and a plurality of hinged structures arranged in an alternating pattern. The panels may include pockets formed along the ends thereof and the hinge structures may include rods formed on the ends thereof. The rods are disposed within the pockets such that a hinged joint is formed. Retainers are removably disposed over a portion of the joint or coupling formed by the rod and associated pocket. The retainer may include a clip having a first member disposed adjacent the pocket, a second member disposed within an interior space of the rod, and a transition member coupling the first and second members and also spanning a portion of the rod and pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, Michael D. George
  • Publication number: 20110005689
    Abstract: Motor control systems comprise a motor control circuit, a processing circuit operably coupled to the motor control circuit, and a current sensor operably coupled to the processing circuit. The current sensor may be configured to sense a current and to convey a signal to the processing circuitry proportional to the amount of current sensed. The processing circuitry may be configured to sample the signal to obtain a plurality of current values, to store the plurality of current values and to generate an operation profile from the plurality of current values. Folding partitions comprising motor control systems are also disclosed, as well as methods of monitoring the operation of an electric motor and of monitoring for an obstruction of a folding partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
  • Publication number: 20110000625
    Abstract: A leading end assembly for a movable partition may include a jamb plate for coupling the leading end assembly to at least one panel of a movable partition and a leading end cover coupled to the jamb plate and being movable relative to the jamb plate. The leading end assembly may include an at least substantially planar leading surface having a size and shape configured to at least substantially cover an opening to a storage pocket for a movable partition. A movable partition assembly may include a leading end structure configured to at least substantially cover an opening to a storage pocket. Methods of installing a movable partition assembly include forming a leading end structure to at least substantially cover an opening to a storage pocket. Methods of using a movable partition include covering an opening to a storage pocket with a leading end structure coupled to the movable partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael D. George
  • Patent number: 7854248
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for visual inspection across a barrier such as a fire door. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first movable partition is disposed adjacent, and laterally spaced from, a second movable partition. A first vision panel is disposed in the first partition and a second vision panel is disposed in the second partition in substantial alignment with the first vision panel. The position of the first vision panel is substantially constrained with respect to the position of the second vision panel along a first longitudinal direction. The first vision panel and the second vision panel are enabled to exhibit a desired amount of lateral displacement relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20100299889
    Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael D. George
  • Publication number: 20100257793
    Abstract: Protective clips for movable partitions include a guard portion that protrudes from a top major surface of a base portion. The guard portion extends along the top major surface proximate to a front side of the base portion. The guard portion also may extend along the top major surface proximate to at least one end side surface a longitudinal end of the base portion. Movable partitions include one or more such protective clips. The protective clips optionally may be used to attach a sweep strip to panels of a movable partition. Methods of forming such protective clips include molding the clips within a mold cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell, Michael Hazlett, William Michael Coleman
  • Publication number: 20090188633
    Abstract: Folding partitions and related methods and components are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having multiple folding panels. In one embodiment, a folding partition includes one or more baffling devices. The baffling device may include an elongated enclosure having a first opening proximate a first longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, a second opening proximate a second longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, and a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber may be disposed adjacent the at least one insulative channel disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, the baffling device may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, a jamb component of the partition. In another embodiment, the baffling device may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, the hinged connection of panel sections of a partition panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, Michael E. Hazlett, Craig G. Bell, Ronald A. Smart, Jaren R. Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20080244991
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for visual inspection across a barrier such as a fire door. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first movable partition is disposed adjacent, and laterally spaced from, a second movable partition. A first vision panel is disposed in the first partition and a second vision panel is disposed in the second partition in substantial alignment with the first vision panel. The position of the first vision panel is substantially constrained with respect to the position of the second vision panel along a first longitudinal direction. The first vision panel and the second vision panel are enabled to exhibit a desired amount of lateral displacement relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20080169069
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along the lower edge of the two laterally spaced structures. The cable is maintained in tension, at least while the partition is in a deployed condition, to prevent or minimize the lateral displacement of one or both of the structures such as when a draft or other external force acts on the structures. In one embodiment, the cable may be operatively associated with one or more drive components used to displace the movable partition. In another embodiment, the cable may be coupled to a take-up mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George
  • Patent number: 5638639
    Abstract: An emergency door, such as a fire door which closes automatically in case of fire, includes a nose piece which moves to an extended position when the door is closed to provide a seal of the gap otherwise present between the forward edge of the door and an adjacent door frame or door, and generally also interlocks with a mating portion of the adjacent frame or door. An addition latching element may be provided to extend from the top edge of the door and be received in a keeper when the door is closed. Door operating hardware, preferably all mounted interiorly of the door except for a push bar on one side of the door and a door handle on the other side, is operable to retract the nose piece and latching element when it is desired to open the door. The nose piece and latching element are held in retracted position when the door is open. A release device releases the latching element and nose piece to extend to extended position when the door is moved to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Wallace D. Pack, Michael D. George, Ronald A. Smart, Ronald L. Richardson, Craig Bell, Michael Hazlett, James D. Porter