Method, apparatus and system for controlling a movable...

Details Method, apparatus and system for controlling a movable... Method, apparatus and system for controlling a movable...

2007-04-27

2010-06-22

Johnson, Blair M. (Department: 3634)

Flexible or portable closure, partition, or panel

Plural strip, slat, or panel type

With mounting or supporting means

C280S124100

Reexamination Certificate

active

07740046

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.

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patent: 2005098189 (2005-10-01), None
PCT International Search Report for Application No. PCT/US2008/061167, dated Oct. 14, 2008.

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