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).
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Publication number: 20150167371Abstract: A leading end assembly for a movable partition may include a frame, an exterior skin coupled to the frame for covering a leading surface and two opposing side surfaces of the frame, the exterior skin including a leading member forming at least a portion of a leading surface of the leading end assembly and at least two side members, each side member being formed separately from the leading member and forming at least a portion of a lateral side portion of the leading end assembly. Movable partitions may include leading end assemblies and leading end assemblies may be formed by related methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: William Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Paul Saccomano
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Patent number: 8967225Abstract: A leading end assembly for a movable partition may include a frame, an exterior skin coupled to the frame for covering a leading surface and two opposing side surfaces of the frame, the exterior skin including a leading member forming at least a portion of a leading surface of the leading end assembly and at least two side members, each side member being formed separately from the leading member and forming at least a portion of a lateral side portion of the leading end assembly. Movable partitions may include leading end assemblies and leading end assemblies may be formed by related methods.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: William Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Paul Saccomano
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Publication number: 20140224433Abstract: Automatic drive systems for movable partitions may comprise a floating jamb configured to attach to panels of a movable partition and glide within a pocket. A motor may be configured to extend the movable partition. The motor may be configured for mounting in the pocket on a back side of the floating jamb opposing a front side of the floating jamb to which the panels of the movable partition are configured to attach. An electronics enclosure may be sized and configured to contain electronics to connect to the motor. The electronics enclosure may be configured for positioning in the pocket on the backside in a location offset from a location where the motor is configured to be positioned. A depth of the electronics enclosure, as measured in a direction in which the floating jamb is mounted to glide, may be less than or equal to a depth of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, W. Michael Coleman
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Publication number: 20140190091Abstract: Panel assemblies for movable partitions include a panel and a protective clip covering at least a portion of a bottom surface of the panel. The panel includes channels defined between lateral edge portions and a back side surface of the panel. Tabs of the protective clip are positioned within corresponding channels. Movable partitions include at least one panel and at least one protective clip, which is assembled with the at least one panel and is coupled to a back side surface of the at least one panel. Tabs of the back portion of the at least one protective clip are inserted at least partially within two opposing channels of the at least one panel. Methods of attaching a protective clip to a panel of a movable partition include positioning tabs extending from longitudinal ends of the back portion of the protective clip within channels of the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: Michael D. George, William Michael Coleman
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Publication number: 20140116633Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
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Publication number: 20140013685Abstract: Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Won-Door CorporationInventors: W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III, Paul Saccomanno, Michael D. George
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Patent number: 8627618Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, William Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
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Publication number: 20130240160Abstract: A leading end assembly for a movable partition may include a frame, an exterior skin coupled to the frame for covering a leading surface and two opposing side surfaces of the frame, the exterior skin including a leading member forming at least a portion of a leading surface of the leading end assembly and at least two side members, each side member being formed separately from the leading member and forming at least a portion of a lateral side portion of the leading end assembly. Movable partitions may include leading end assemblies and leading end assemblies may be formed by related methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: William Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Paul Saccomano
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Patent number: 8534341Abstract: Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III, Paul Saccomanno, Michael D. George
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Patent number: 8522853Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
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Patent number: 8387322Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventor: Michael D. George
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Patent number: 8356654Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Mark B. Laraway
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Publication number: 20120325414Abstract: Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III, Paul Saccomanno, Michael D. George
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Patent number: 8322095Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventor: Michael D. George
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Patent number: 8278862Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
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Patent number: 8240354Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Mark B. Laraway
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Patent number: 8235085Abstract: 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 structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along a lower edge of the two 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George
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Publication number: 20120055003Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Mark B. Laraway
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Publication number: 20120055638Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell, Michael Hazlett, William Michael Coleman
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Publication number: 20120055004Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Won-Door CorporationInventors: Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman, Craig Bell, Michael Hazlett, William Michael Coleman