Patents by Inventor Albert W. Mitchell
Albert W. Mitchell 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).
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Patent number: 7874342Abstract: A door system (20) having a door (21) movable between a closed position and an open position, a plurality of panels (40-43; 140-143; 240-243), a facer (45; 145; 245) generally defining the configuration of the panels, hinges (50; 150; 250) joining adjacent of the panels for articulation in moving between the closed position and the open position, a reinforcing member (65; 165; 265) associated with the facer extending substantially the longitudinal length of at least one of the panels, a roller assembly (80; 180; 280) mounted on the reinforcing member, and a track system (31, 32; 131, 132; 231, 232) operatively interrelated with the roller assembly, whereby forces imparted to the facer are transferred to the track system through the reinforcing member and the roller assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Willis J. Mullet, Thomas B. Bennett, III, Albert W. Mitchell
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Patent number: 7289014Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers including a controller associated with at least one access barrier and a transceiver associated with the controller for transmitting and receiving operational signals. The system also includes at least one proximity device capable of communicating operational signals with the transceiver based upon a position of the proximity device with respect to the barrier, wherein the controller monitors the operational signals and controls the position of the access barrier based upon the operation signals. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. Ground loop detectors and a global positioning system may also be incorporated into the system. And the system may be used to control the directional flow of traffic on a one-way road.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J Mullet, Thomas B Bennett, III, Albert W Mitchell, Richard Bardin, Jason Mamaloukas
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Patent number: 7134471Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21)joined for moving between open and closed positions of the door and having pinch resistant panel-to-panel interfaces (41), said panels having a body portion (21?) spacing said interfaces, an inner surface (23) and an outer surface (22) of said body portion, and decorative components (31, 32) arranged in a patterned design upon said outer surface of said body portion, said decorative components being positioned on said panels proximate to said panel-to-panel interfaces and attached to said panels for movement of said decorative components to provide a pinch resistant interface between decorative components on adjacent of said panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Thomas B. Bennett, III, Albert W. Mitchell
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Patent number: 7061197Abstract: A system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the barrier, wherein at least a portion of the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly biases the motor assembly in the operating position and allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force or when the barrier is moved to a closed limit position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. The biasing force may be adjusted by moving posts on the motor assembly that are engaged by the bias assembly. A disengagement feature may also be provided that allows pivotable movement of the motor assembly even when in a locking position. And the pivoting motor assembly may be used as a secondary entrapment input to an operator controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, David B. Davies, Paul J. VanDrunen, James S. Murray, Derek S. Paquette, Michael Cognevich
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Patent number: 7014386Abstract: A secure connection (10) of a component to a sheet material including, an extent of thin sheet metal (20) having an attaching surface (36), a component (30) having a mating surface (37) abutting the attaching surface, an aperture (35) in the mating surface, and a tapping screw (40) threaded in the aperture and penetrating the attaching surface, the aperture sized relative to the size of the screw as a function of the thickness of the component, whereby the tapping screw has portions of the sheet metal clamped between the tapping screw and the component for establishing retentive forces between the component and the sheet-metal material.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell
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Patent number: 6843300Abstract: A door system comprising, a plurality of sections pivotally joined to each other by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being pivotally supported on one of the sections and having a leg that extends from the one of the sections to an adjacent section to attach thereto, a stop assembly including a stop member extending forwardly from the leg toward a stop receiver carried on the one of the sections, whereby interaction of the stop member and the stop receiver ensure alignment of the sections.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, Thomas B. Bennett, III
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Publication number: 20040182529Abstract: A door system comprising, a plurality of sections pivotally joined to each other by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being pivotally supported on one of the sections and having a leg that extends from the one of the sections to an adjacent section to attach thereto, a stop assembly including a stop member extending forwardly from the leg toward a stop receiver carried on the one of the sections, whereby interaction of the stop member and the stop receiver ensure alignment of the sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: WAYNE-DALTON CORP.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, Thomas B. Bennett
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Patent number: 6644378Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a door system, which includes an upwardly acting door supported by a frame and connected to a counterbalance system having a counterbalance spring, the tensioning assembly including a rotatable tension plate coupled to the counterbalance spring and rotatable relative to the counterbalance spring, the tension plate being selectively moveable between a disengaged position where the tension plate is freely rotatable and an engaged position where the tension plate is rotationally fixed to the frame; and a spring adapted to urge the tension plate toward the engaged position, whereby when in the disengaged position the tension plate is rotatable to adjust tension in the counterbalance spring and the tension plate is returned to the engaged position to maintain the tension.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: Albert W. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20030116253Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain is disclosed and claimed. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. Strips are attached to the edges of the curtain. The strips may be attached to the curtain by first heating them followed by compressing them to form a welded or bonded construction. The heating may be accomplished by direct heat transfer, electromagnetic excitation, or ultrasonic excitation. Compressing the materials together is accomplished with rollers having cylindrical laminating surfaces to join the excited materials and form a welded or bonded construction. Alternatively, the materials may be glued or stitched together. Preferably the curtain and strips are thermoplastic materials. Semi-crystalline polymer strips may be joined to a thermoplastic curtain to add rigidity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Harry E. Asbury, Donald B. Kyle, Kelly R. Green, Albert W. Mitchell, Mark S. Hudoba
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Publication number: 20030094248Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a door system, which includes an upwardly acting door supported by a frame and connected to a counterbalance system having a counterbalance spring, the tensioning assembly including a rotatable tension plate coupled to the counterbalance spring and rotatable relative to the counterbalance spring, the tension plate being selectively moveable between a disengaged position where the tension plate is freely rotatable and an engaged position where the tension plate is rotationally fixed to the frame; and a spring adapted to urge the tension plate toward the engaged position, whereby when in the disengaged position the tension plate is rotatable to adjust tension in the counterbalance spring and the tension plate is returned to the engaged position to maintain the tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: WAYNE-DALTON CORP.Inventor: Albert W. Mitchell
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Patent number: 6019269Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21,22,23,24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement. A panel (22) for sectional door (20) having a generally rectangular foam core (140, 240, 340), an inner surface (145, 245, 345) extending the longitudinal length of said foam core, and a recess (150,250,350) in the inner surface and the foam core extending the longitudinal length of the foam core.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, Thomas B. Bennett, III
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Patent number: 5836499Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, Thomas B. Bennett, III, William S. Wilson
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Patent number: 5745921Abstract: A sweat band for absorbing and transferring moisture from the brow of a wearer's head including, an elongate body (10) having a generally tubular medial portion (11) for engaging the brow of a wearer's head and extending ends (12, 13) for securing the band about the wearer's head with the medial portion thus positioned, the medial portion of the elongate body formed of a porous cloth cover (15) on the outer surface thereof, a layer of porous batting material (25) disposed internally of the porous cloth cover in a generally tubular configuration, a surface skin (30, 31) on each side of the layer of porous batting material providing retention of and travel of moisture longitudinally of the layer of porous batting material, and securing elements (40, 41) retaining the layer of porous batting material and the surface skin in a predetermined position relative to the porous cloth cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Inventors: Albert W. Mitchell, Mark Gifford
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Patent number: 5566740Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell
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Patent number: 5562141Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, Thomas B. Bennett, III
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Patent number: 5522446Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell
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Patent number: 5495640Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1995Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, Thomas B. Bennett, III
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Patent number: 5481076Abstract: An astragal (10; 310; 410; 510) for attachment between a movable closure member (11; 111; 311; 411; 611) and a fixed surface having a sealing device and having an electrical switching device to signal engagement with an object including a retainer (15; 115; 315; 415; 615) secured to one of the closure member and the fixed surface, an elongate arcuate sealing member (30; 330; 430; 530; 630; 730; 830; 930) for engaging the other of the closure member and the fixed surface when in close proximity, the arcuate sealing member selectively affixed to the retainer, a resilient carrier (45; 345; 445; 545; 645; 745; 850; 950) disposed within the arcuate sealing member, and at least one electrically conductive strip (46; 346; 447; 547; 651; 746; 846; 946) attached to the carrier in unobstructed facing relation to an electrically conductive contact (20; 120; 320; 448; 548; 620) and temporarily movable into engagement with the electrically conductive contact when an object displaces the arcuate sealing member and the resiType: GrantFiled: March 30, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, Joseph D. Hudson, Eric J. Wiborg, II
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Patent number: 5409051Abstract: A track system (110) for a door (120) having a plurality of panels including a top panel (121) and a hinge connected adjacent panel (122), having an inner side for attaching mounting hardware and being movable between a closed vertical position proximate a door frame and an open horizontal position including, substantially vertical track (111) adapted to be displaced from the door frame (F) a distance sufficient for receiving a plurality of rollers (142, 152, 162, 165) attached to and spaced from the inner side of the door, transition track (112) commencing at the upper extremity of the vertical track and curving through an angle of substantially ninety degrees for receiving a top roller (132) positioned proximate the upper extremity of the top panel and spaced from the inner side thereof a distance greater than any of the plurality of spaced rollers, and horizontal track (114) extending from the transition track and having a curvilinear configuration for maintaining the top panel and the adjacent panel of thType: GrantFiled: May 3, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell
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Patent number: D413055Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell