Patents by Inventor Tracy M. Knight
Tracy M. Knight 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: 20220154506Abstract: Movable partitions may include leading end assemblies comprising an articulated leading member. The articulated leading member may be coupled to a support trolley, and at least one coupling between the articulated leading member and the trolley enables the articulated leading member to move relative to the support trolley. Methods of operating a movable partition include displacing a portion of a leading end assembly to align a majority of at least one surface of the leading end assembly with a portion of an adjacent structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: William Michael Coleman, R. Scott Smart, Tracy M. Knight, Ivan W. Stewart
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Publication number: 20180100344Abstract: Drive assemblies for partition systems may include a motor and a power transmission mechanism operably coupled to a drive shaft of the motor. The power transmission mechanism may include a first bevel gear rotatable by the drive shaft and a second bevel gear positioned for engagement with the first bevel gear. The second bevel gear may include an axis of rotation oriented at least substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the first bevel gear. A disengagement mechanism may be coupled to at least one of the first bevel gear or the second bevel gear and configured to selectively engage and disengage the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, R. Scott Smart, Duane O. Hall
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Patent number: 9752332Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
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Patent number: 9470024Abstract: 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: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
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Patent number: 9353568Abstract: Movable partition systems include an elongated, fixed drive member extending along a track, a partition that is automatically and manually movable along the track, and a motor carried by the movable partition configured to drive a rotatable drive member that is engagable with the elongated, fixed drive member. The rotatable drive member may be engaged with, and disengaged from, the fixed drive member. Methods of moving a partition along a track include actuating a motor carried by a movable partition to drive rotation of a drive member while the drive member is engaged with an elongated, fixed drive member, and manually moving the partition along the track while the rotatable drive member is disengaged from the fixed drive member. Methods of installing a movable partition system include configuring a rotatable drive member to be capable of engagement with, and disengagement from, an elongated, fixed drive member.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael E. Hazlett
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Publication number: 20160010344Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
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Patent number: 9145723Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
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Patent number: 9103152Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
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Patent number: 8910695Abstract: A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventor: Tracy M. Knight
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Patent number: 8763672Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: R. Scott Smart, Tracy M. Knight
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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: 20140041813Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Won-Door CorporationInventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
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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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Patent number: 8544524Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
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Publication number: 20130220558Abstract: A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventor: Tracy M. Knight
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Publication number: 20130014907Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
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Publication number: 20120325412Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Won-Door CorporationInventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
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Publication number: 20120325413Abstract: Movable partition systems includes a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: R. Scott Smart, Tracy M. Knight
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Patent number: 8316914Abstract: Movable partitions and movable partition system include a header assembly and a movable partition. The header assembly may comprise an elongated overhead track including a first channel, a second channel, and a central channel between the first and second channels. A plurality of support bracket attachment features may be included with at least one support bracket attachment feature on each of an outer surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the second channel. A support bracket may be coupled to each of the support bracket attachment features. The movable partition may comprise a plurality of panels connected to one another with hinge-like member and may be suspended from the overhead track. Embodiments of overhead tracks and methods of forming header assemblies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: Craig Bell, Tracy M. Knight, Jaren R. Dickenson
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Publication number: 20120042573Abstract: 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: August 18, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, William Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III