Patents by Inventor Joseph J. Ekl, JR.

Joseph J. Ekl, JR. 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).

  • Reconfigurable robot end-effector assembly
    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.
  • RECONFIGURABLE ROBOT END-EFFECTOR ASSEMBLY
    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.
  • Reconfigurable end-effectors with articulating frame and indexable master boom
    Patent number: 8496425
    Abstract: The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos, Roland J. Menassa, Douglas R. Black, Joseph J. Ekl, Jr., Mark A. Cline
  • RECONFIGURABLE END-EFFECTORS WITH ARTICULATING FRAME AND INDEXABLE MASTER BOOM
    Publication number: 20100140969
    Abstract: The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos, Roland J. Menassa, Douglas R. Black, Joseph J. Ekl, JR., Mark A. Cline