Patents by Inventor Lutz Renger

Lutz Renger 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.