Patents by Inventor Kevin D. Banta

Kevin D. Banta 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: 11585088
    Abstract: A movable partition system includes a movable partition, a floating jamb attached to an end of the movable partition and located within a pocket configured to retain the movable partition when in a retracted position, at least two base plates attached to the floating jamb, and at least two jamb stops attached to opposing interior walls of the pocket. Each of the at least two jamb stops are configured to engage a respective base plate of the floating jamb, wherein the floating jamb, the at least two base plates, and the at least two jamb stops are configured such that disengaging the floating jamb from a secure position within the pocket when the movable partition is in an extended position requires disengaging one of the at least two jamb stops from the respective base plate on each side of the movable partition. Methods of providing a security barrier are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, Matt Spear, Ivan W. Stewart, William Michael Coleman, R. Scott Smart, Michael D. George, Paul Saccomanno
  • Publication number: 20210246653
    Abstract: A movable partition system includes a movable partition, a floating jamb attached to an end of the movable partition and located within a pocket configured to retain the movable partition when in a retracted position, at least two base plates attached to the floating jamb, and at least two jamb stops attached to opposing interior walls of the pocket. Each of the at least two jamb stops are configured to engage a respective base plate of the floating jamb, wherein the floating jamb, the at least two base plates, and the at least two jamb stops are configured such that disengaging the floating jamb from a secure position within the pocket when the movable partition is in an extended position requires disengaging one of the at least two jamb stops from the respective base plate on each side of the movable partition. Methods of providing a security barrier are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, Matt Spear, Ivan W. Stewart, William Michael Coleman, R. Scott Smart, Michael D. George, Paul Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 11021873
    Abstract: A movable partition system includes a movable partition, a floating jamb attached to an end of the movable partition and located within a pocket configured to retain the movable partition when in a retracted position, at least two base plates attached to the floating jamb, and at least two jamb stops attached to opposing interior walls of the pocket. Each of the at least two jamb stops are configured to engage a respective base plate of the floating jamb, wherein the floating jamb, the at least two base plates, and the at least two jamb stops are configured such that disengaging the floating jamb from a secure position within the pocket when the movable partition is in an extended position requires disengaging one of the at least two jamb stops from the respective base plate on each side of the movable partition. Methods of providing a security barrier are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, Matt Spear, Ivan W. Stewart, William Michael Coleman, R. Scott Smart, Michael D. George, Paul Saccomanno
  • Publication number: 20200354953
    Abstract: A movable partition system includes a movable partition, a floating jamb attached to an end of the movable partition and located within a pocket configured to retain the movable partition when in a retracted position, at least two base plates attached to the floating jamb, and at least two jamb stops attached to opposing interior walls of the pocket. Each of the at least two jamb stops are configured to engage a respective base plate of the floating jamb, wherein the floating jamb, the at least two base plates, and the at least two jamb stops are configured such that disengaging the floating jamb from a secure position within the pocket when the movable partition is in an extended position requires disengaging one of the at least two jamb stops from the respective base plate on each side of the movable partition. Methods of providing a security barrier are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, Matt Spear, Ivan W. Stewart, William Michael Coleman, R. Scott Smart, Michael D. George, Paul Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 8757238
    Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta
  • Publication number: 20130248123
    Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta
  • Patent number: 8493033
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8448688
    Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110093095
    Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta
  • Publication number: 20110036513
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 7845385
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, William Michael Coleman
  • Publication number: 20100214709
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Duane O. Hall, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman, Kevin D. Banta
  • Patent number: 7782019
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 7740046
    Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta
  • Patent number: 7737860
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an automatic door system. In one embodiment, an automatic door system may include a door system controller coupled to one or more input devices. The door system controller may be configured to receive data representative of an operational parameter of the automatic door system. At least one monitor display may be operably coupled to the door system controller and configured to display information regarding the operational parameter of the input devices. A remote display device interface may be configured to operably couple at least one remote display device to the door system controller. The at least one monitor display may be configured to automatically change from a master configuration to a slave configuration when the at least one remote display device is operably coupled to the door system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: WON-DOOR Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20100102764
    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: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman, Duane O. Hall