Patents by Inventor Joerg Pohlers

Joerg Pohlers 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: 9808933
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot, an end-effector assembly disposed at a distal end of a main boom, rotatable parallel frame rails, and tool support branches. Tool modules are connected to a tool support branch and rotatable/translatable with respect to a respective branch axis. A configuration tool has a control block engaged by a wrist of the robot and a work tool. A controller commands the robot to automatically configure the end-effector assembly by adjusting the frame rails and/or tool support branches or tool modules using the work tool, doing so in response to an identified work task. Engagement of the wrist with the tool changer is commanded and the identified work task is executed using the end-effector assembly. A configuration stand may automatically flip the end-effector assembly to a configuration location, command engagement of the wrist with the tool changer, and configure the end-effector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Joerg Pohlers, Ken Dellach, Maurice Perlman
  • Publication number: 20160288322
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot, an end-effector assembly disposed at a distal end of a main boom, rotatable parallel frame rails, and tool support branches. Tool modules are connected to a tool support branch and rotatable/translatable with respect to a respective branch axis. A configuration tool has a control block engaged by a wrist of the robot and a work tool. A controller commands the robot to automatically configure the end-effector assembly by adjusting the frame rails and/or tool support branches or tool modules using the work tool, doing so in response to an identified work task. Engagement of the wrist with the tool changer is commanded and the identified work task is executed using the end-effector assembly. A configuration stand may automatically flip the end-effector assembly to a configuration location, command engagement of the wrist with the tool changer, and configure the end-effector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Joerg Pohlers, Ken Dellach, Maurice Perlman
  • Patent number: 9120231
    Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector assembly includes a master boom, a limb, and branches. The branches extend radially outward from the limb. Tandem branch joint assemblies connect the branches to the limb, and include a first and a second branch joint each having a cam lock. Tool modules mounted to the branches are translatable and rotatable with respect to the branches. The joint assemblies rotate and slide with respect to the longitudinal axis of the limb only when the cam lock is released. A configuration tool has an actuator and fingers. The branch joints define openings that are engaged via the fingers. The tool includes a latch which engages the cam lock, and clamps and unclamps the cam lock. A flexible dress package is mountable to the limb and configured to route lengths of conduit to each of the tool modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Roland J. Menassa, Joerg Pohlers, Lutz Renger, Joseph J. Ekl, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140356049
    Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector assembly includes a master boom, a limb, and branches. The branches extend radially outward from the limb. Tandem branch joint assemblies connect the branches to the limb, and include a first and a second branch joint each having a cam lock. Tool modules mounted to the branches are translatable and rotatable with respect to the branches. The joint assemblies rotate and slide with respect to the longitudinal axis of the limb only when the cam lock is released. A configuration tool has an actuator and fingers. The branch joints define openings that are engaged via the fingers. The tool includes a latch which engages the cam lock, and clamps and unclamps the cam lock. A flexible dress package is mountable to the limb and configured to route lengths of conduit to each of the tool modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Roland J. Menassa, Joerg Pohlers, Lutz Renger, Joseph J. Ekl, JR.