Patents by Inventor E. Carl Goodman

E. Carl Goodman 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).

  • Patent number: 8443866
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition coupled to and movable along a track. The movable partition may comprise at least two accordion folding sheets of panels, a motor carried by the movable partition, and at least one electronic component unit configured to control the motor. The electronic component unit may be carried by the movable partition and disposed between the sheets of folding panels. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling an electronic component box to a floating door jamb within a movable partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8368340
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for controlling a motor are disclosed. A method may include determining a rotational direction of a motor from a pair of quadrature signals sent to a microprocessor. The method further includes adjusting an internal count stored in the microprocessor at each edge of each of the pair of quadrature signals. The method further includes adjusting an external count stored in the microprocessor and transmitting an interrupt to a main controller after the first phase signal and the second phase signal have transitioned through each combinational logic state in one of a forward rotational direction and a reverse rotational direction. The method further includes transmitting a signal comprising the rotational direction of the motor and the external count from the microprocessor to a main controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman, Duane O. Hall
  • Publication number: 20130008618
    Abstract: A movable partition system includes a movable partition including coupled panels and a lead post engaged with and movable along a track. A motor control system includes a motor coupled to the movable partition and a switching circuit coupled to the motor and for selectively coupling the motor to a positive power source and a negative power source responsive to one or more PWM signals. An encoder is configured for generating one or more rotation signals indicative of operational direction and operational speed of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the switching circuit and is configured for improving airflow around the panels of the movable partition when the lead post of the movable partition is between a predefined position and a fully retracted position indicative of a billowing effect for the panels by adjusting pulse widths of the PWM signals to control rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
  • Publication number: 20120325412
    Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
  • Publication number: 20120304541
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling lateral displacement of a movable partition includes a bracket, a roller assembly, a first attachment bracket, and a second attachment bracket. The roller assembly is coupled to the bracket and includes a roller element. The first attachment bracket attaches to a first panel of the movable partition and is configured for hinged coupling to a first side of the bracket such that a first pivot line substantially coincides with a centerline of the first panel. The second attachment bracket attaches to a second panel of the movable partition and is configured hinged coupling to a second side of the bracket such that a second pivot line substantially coincides with a centerline of the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20120305201
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling lateral displacement of a movable partition includes a bracket, a roller assembly, a first attachment bracket, and a second attachment bracket. The roller assembly is coupled to the bracket and includes a roller element. The first attachment bracket attaches to a first panel of the movable partition and is configured for hinged coupling to a first side of the bracket such that a first hinge axis substantially coincides with a centerline of the first panel. The second attachment bracket attaches to a second panel of the movable partition and is configured hinged coupling to a second side of the bracket such that a second hinge axis substantially coincides with a centerline of the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Anthony Moss
  • Patent number: 8278862
    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 an 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 an operation of an electric motor and of monitoring for an obstruction of a folding partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
  • Patent number: 8279565
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing overcurrent circuit protection are disclosed. A method of providing overcurrent circuit protection may include setting a threshold current value according to an operational state of a motor and sensing an amount of current being supplied to the motor. The method may further include electrically isolating the motor from a current source if the sensed current amount is greater than the threshold current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door corporation
    Inventors: Duane O. Hall, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman, Kevin D. Banta
  • Publication number: 20120187703
    Abstract: Partition systems comprise a first post member attached to a foldable partition, a securing mechanism attached to the first post member and comprising at least one permanent magnet switch configured to selectively apply a significant attractive magnetic force, and at least another post member comprising a material responsive to the applied significant attractive magnetic force of the at least one permanent magnet switch. Methods of securing a partition system comprise bringing a first post member of a foldable partition proximate at least another post member; and manipulating at least one permanent magnet switch attached to the first post member to selectively apply a significant attractive magnetic force to the at least another post member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Ronald A. Smart, Craig G. Bell
  • Publication number: 20120180390
    Abstract: Monitoring systems for automatic doors comprise at least one input device configured for sensing at least one characteristic of at least one operational parameter of an automatic door system, a door system controller coupled to the at least one input device, at least one monitor display comprising a first interface operatively coupled to the door system controller, and at least another interface operatively coupled to the monitor display and configured to be operatively coupled to at least one remote display device. The at least one monitor display is configured to continuously request information representative of the at least one operational parameter characteristic from the door system controller and display the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Duane O. Hall
  • Publication number: 20120133319
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for controlling a motor are disclosed. A method may include determining a rotational direction of a motor from a pair of quadrature signals sent to a microprocessor. The method further includes adjusting an internal count stored in the microprocessor at each edge of each of the pair of quadrature signals. The method further includes adjusting an external count stored in the microprocessor and transmitting an interrupt to a main controller after the first phase signal and the second phase signal have transitioned through each combinational logic state in one of a forward rotational direction and a reverse rotational direction. The method further includes transmitting a signal comprising the rotational direction of the motor and the external count from the microprocessor to a main controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman, Duane O. Hall
  • Publication number: 20120124923
    Abstract: Movable partition systems comprise a movable partition. A track may be configured to engage with the movable partition such that the movable partition is extendable along the track. A first mass of intumescent material may be positioned adjacent the track on a first side of a gap defined by the track. A second mass of intumescent material may be positioned adjacent the track on a second, opposing side of the gap defined by the track. At least one shroud may at least partially surround the track and may be configured to confine expansion of the first and second masses of intumescent material toward one another across the gap. An intumescent material may be sandwiched in a gap between a leading end of a lead post at a distal end of the movable partition and a cap at least partially surrounding the leading end to define the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell
  • Publication number: 20120085501
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20120055638
    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 at 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: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell, Michael Hazlett, William Michael Coleman
  • Publication number: 20120055004
    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 at 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: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell, Michael Hazlett, William Michael Coleman
  • Patent number: 8115427
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for controlling a motor are disclosed. A method may include determining a rotational direction of a motor from a pair of quadrature signals sent to a microprocessor. The method further includes adjusting an internal count stored in the microprocessor at each edge of each of the pair of quadrature signals. The method further includes adjusting an external count stored in the microprocessor and transmitting an interrupt to a main controller after a first phase signal and a second phase signal have transitioned through each combinational logic state in one of a forward rotational direction and a reverse rotational direction. The method further includes transmitting a signal comprising the rotational direction of the motor and the external count from the microprocessor to a main controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman, Duane O. Hall
  • Patent number: 8100164
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition and an intumescent material positioned to seal a gap at a periphery of the partition. In some embodiments, masses of intumescent material may be shaped and positioned to expand toward one another, contact one another, and form a seal therebetween at a periphery of the partition when the movable partition is exposed to fire. A fire barrier may be provided by extending a partition along a track assembly, and heating an intumescent material to cause the intumescent material to expand, char, and form a seal extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the movable partition. Upon installing a movable partition, at least one mass of intumescent material may be positioned to seal at least a section of a gap at a periphery of the movable partition when the at least one mass of intumescent material is exposed to fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell
  • Publication number: 20120012259
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition coupled to and movable along a track. The movable partition may comprise at least two accordion folding sheets of panels, a motor carried by the movable partition, and at least one electronic component unit configured to control the motor. The electronic component unit may be carried by the movable partition and disposed between the sheets of folding panels. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling an electronic component box to a floating door jamb within a movable partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8087444
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20110259532
    Abstract: Movable partitions and systems are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having sheets of folding panels. In one embodiment, the movable partition may include at least two hinge panels indirectly connecting adjacent folding panels. The hinge panels may have laterally space the adjacent folding panels from one another such that a compartment is formed upon retraction or folding of the sheets of folding panels. One or more control devices, such as an actuation device or a display panel, may be mounted on at least one of the hinge panels, or on the panel disposed between hinge panels such that, when the movable partition is in a retracted or folded state, the actuation devices are housed within the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: R. Scott Smart, E. Carl Goodman