Patents by Inventor Dalong Gao
Dalong Gao 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: 20180154426Abstract: A method for joining a plurality of workpieces includes providing a rotating drive tool. A fastener is secured to the drive tool. The drive tool is then rotatably driven such that a distal end of the fastener rotates against a surface of the plurality of workpieces. A heated material zone is then generated on the plurality of workpieces as caused by friction from the rotation of the fastener against the surface of the plurality of workpieces. The distal end of the fastener is rotatably and axially driven through the heated material zone. Finally, the drive tool is removed from the fastener, such that when the heated material zone cools, a portion of the heated material zone is fused to the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Guoxian XIAO, Dalong GAO, Jorge F. ARINEZ, Ningjian HUANG, Pei-chung WANG
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Publication number: 20180141158Abstract: A method of laser welding a workpiece stack-up (10) that includes at least two overlapping steel workpieces (12, 14) comprises directing a laser beam (40) at a top surface (26) of the workpiece stack-up to form a keyhole (56) surrounded by a molten steel weld pool (58). The laser beam is conveyed along a predefined weld pattern that includes one or more nonlinear inner weld paths (66) and an enclosed outer peripheral weld path (68) surrounding the one or more nonlinear inner weld paths. During conveyance of the laser beam along the one or more nonlinear inner weld paths, the keyhole fully penetrates through the workpiece stack-up from the top surface of the stack-up to the bottom surface (28) of the stack-up. The method produces weld joints between the steel workpieces that do not have an intentionally imposed gap formed between their faying surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2015Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: David S. Yang, Justin Allen Wolsker, Jing Zhang, Wu Tao, Dalong Gao
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Publication number: 20180029180Abstract: An adaptable assembly line work-piece processor for use at a work station includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor further includes, but is not limited to, a reconfigurable interface assembly attached to the work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor still further includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece manipulator attached to the reconfigurable interface assembly. The work-piece supporter, the reconfigurable interface assembly, and the work-piece manipulator are configured to cooperate to sequentially support and manipulate a plurality of differently configured work-pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dalong Gao, Lance T. Ransom, Richard C. Janis, Rodney L. Smith
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Patent number: 9850108Abstract: A movement device is moved along an X axis and a Y axis by providing a sensor configured to measure angle of rotation of at least one of a first and a second kinematic link about a respective axis of rotation. A force is imparted on the first and second kinematic links such that an angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is achieved. The angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is determined. The movement device is moved along the X axis and/or the Y axis in response to the determination of the angle of rotation of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation until first and second kinematic links are vertical.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite LavalInventors: Dalong Gao, Alexandre Lecours, Thierry Laliberte, Simon Foucault, Clement Gosselin, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Roland J. Menassa, Pierre-Luc Belzile
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Patent number: 9796134Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods by which a warped workpiece is reconfigured in a pre-determined manner to reduce a separation between the warped workpiece and a joining workpiece. The warped workpiece is reformed/reshaped, prior to joining, by softening material of the warped workpiece through application of a predetermined amount of energy at or near warping and using a directional force applied to a first surface of the warped workpiece, thus reducing a separation space at a joining interface of the warped workpiece and joining workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Neil David McKay, Pei-Chung Wang, Dalong Gao, Bradley J. Blaski
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Patent number: 9770993Abstract: A vehicle charging station includes a track configured to extend across a plurality of vehicle parking spaces and a movable charging apparatus supported by the track. The movable charging apparatus is translatable along the track between the plurality of vehicle parking spaces to charge one or more vehicles. The movable charging apparatus includes a base slidably coupled with the track, an end effector in mechanical communication with the base and configured to electrically couple with an electric vehicle disposed within one of the plurality of vehicle parking spaces, and a power delivery circuit configured to receive an electrical charge from a power source and to controllably provide the electrical charge to the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiang Zhao, Dalong Gao, Roland J. Menassa
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Patent number: 9700976Abstract: A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dalong Gao, Lance T. Ransom, Richard C. Janis, Rodney L. Smith
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Publication number: 20170183202Abstract: A movement device is moved along an X axis and a Y axis by providing a sensor configured to measure angle of rotation of at least one of a first and a second kinematic link about a respective axis of rotation. A force is imparted on the first and second kinematic links such that an angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is achieved. The angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is determined. The movement device is moved along the X axis and/or the Y axis in response to the determination of the angle of rotation of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation until first and second kinematic links are vertical.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Univesite LavalInventors: Dalong Gao, Alexandre Lecours, Thierry Laliberte, Simon Foucault, Clement Gosselin, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Roland J. Menassa, Pierre-Luc Belzile
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Patent number: 9630815Abstract: A movement device is moved along an X axis and a Y axis by providing a sensor configured to measure angle of rotation of at least one of a first and a second kinematic link about a respective axis of rotation. A force is imparted on the first and second kinematic links such that an angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is achieved. The angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is determined. The movement device is moved along the X axis and/or the Y axis in response to the determination of the angle of rotation of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation until first and second kinematic links are vertical.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite LavalInventors: Dalong Gao, Alexandre Lecours, Thierry Laliberte, Simon Foucault, Clement Gosselin, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Roland J. Menassa, Pierre-Luc Belzile
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Publication number: 20170036314Abstract: A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: DALONG GAO, LANCE T. RANSOM, RICHARD C. JANIS, RODNEY L. SMITH, YHU-TIN LIN
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Patent number: 9486928Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicolas Lauzier, Clement Gosselin, Dalong Gao, Martin Grenier, Robin Stevenson
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Publication number: 20160279859Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods by which a warped workpiece is reconfigured in a pre-determined manner to reduce a separation between the warped workpiece and a joining workpiece. The warped workpiece is reformed/reshaped, prior to joining, by softening material of the warped workpiece through application of a predetermined amount of energy at or near warping and using a directional force applied to a first surface of the warped workpiece, thus reducing a separation space at a joining interface of the warped workpiece and joining workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2015Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: NEIL DAVID MCKAY, PEI-CHUNG WANG, DALONG GAO, BRADLEY J. BLASKI
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Patent number: 9359176Abstract: A movement device is configured for moving a payload. The movement device includes a first support, a second support, and an intermediate support. The intermediate support is operatively disposed between the first support and the second support. The intermediate support is jointed to the first support at two first joints and jointed to the second support at two second joints. The second support is configured for supporting the payload. The intermediate support is jointed to the second support at two second joints. The first joints are pivotable about a respective first axis of rotation such that the intermediate support moves relative to the first support. The second joints are pivotable about a respective first axis of rotation such that the second support moves relative to the intermediate support. Each of the first axes of rotation are in spaced and generally parallel relationship to one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dalong Gao, Robert J. Scheuerman
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Publication number: 20160121491Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: May 5, 2016Applicants: Universite Laval, GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicolas Lauzier, Clement Gosselin, Dalong Gao, Martin Grenier, Robin Stevenson
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Patent number: 9308645Abstract: A method of inferring intentions of an operator to move a robotic system includes monitoring the intention of the operator, with a controller. The intention of the operator is inferred to be one of a desired acceleration and a desired deceleration. The intention of the operator is also as a desired velocity. Admittance parameters are modified as a function of at least one of the inferred acceleration, deceleration, and velocity.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite LavalInventors: Alexandre Lecours, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Clement Gosselin, Dalong Gao
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Patent number: 9266440Abstract: A robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle includes a base plate, a riser coupled with the base plate and extending substantially transverse to the base plate, and a robotic arm. The robotic arm extends from the riser and supports an end effector. The end effector includes a plurality of electrical contacts configured to couple with a receptacle disposed on the electric vehicle. The robotic arm is configured to move the end effector in three degrees of motion.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite LavalInventors: Dalong Gao, Neil David McKay, Matthew J Reiland, Simon Foucault, Marc-Antoine LaCasse, Thierry Laliberte, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Alexandre Lecours, Clement Gosselin, David E. Milburn, Linda Y. Harkenrider
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Publication number: 20160039093Abstract: A system for assisting an operator in a manual assembly task includes a base assembly, end-effector, and controller. The base assembly has joint actuators providing three or more degrees of freedom (DOF). The end-effector is in series with the base assembly and has additional joints providing one or more additional DOFs. The base assembly and end-effector support a task load, including a weight and/or a reaction torque of an object. Sensors measure joint positions. The controller receives the measured positions, controls the joint actuators to support the task load, and extends a range of motion of the object. A method includes receiving the position signals as the operator manipulates the object, generating an output signal using the measured positions, and transmitting the output signal to the joint actuators to control the joint actuators, support the task load, and extending a range of motion of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicants: UNIVERSITE LAVAL, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Muhammad E. Abdallah, Dalong Gao, Clement Gosselin, Jacques Hache, Pascal Labrecque, Jianying Shi
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Patent number: 9085308Abstract: A movement system includes a rail, a trolley, and a braking system. The trolley is movably attached to the rail and configured to support the payload. The braking system is operatively attached to the rail. The braking system includes a braking module having a base, operatively attached to the trolley, and a wheel assembly, operatively attached to the base. The wheel assembly has a shaft, a clutch, and a braking wheel. The clutch is rigidly attached to the shaft and configured for rotation with the shaft about the rolling axis. The braking wheel axially surrounds the clutch and is in continuous rolling contact with a surface of the rail. The clutch is configured to selectively allow rotation of the braking wheel relative to the shaft in only one direction of rotation to decelerate movement of the trolley along the rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite LavalInventors: Thierry Laliberte, Clement Gosselin, Dalong Gao, Marc-Antoine Lacasse, Roland J. Menassa
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Publication number: 20150114165Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicants: Universite Laval, GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicolas Lauzier, Clement Gosselin, Dalong Gao, Martin Grenier, Robin Stevenson
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Patent number: 8998191Abstract: A support pin assembly for supporting and/or locating a fixture on a tooling plate is provided. The support pin assembly includes a stanchion with a bore configured to secure the support pin assembly to a locating surface on the tooling plate. A sleeve is included within the stanchion bore, such that the sleeve is infinitely adjustable between two positions and lockable with respect to the stanchion. The assembly additionally includes a locator pin engaged at a first end thereof with the sleeve, and configured to mate at a second opposing end thereof with the fixture. Furthermore, the assembly includes a stopper pin operatively connected to the sleeve and configured to selectively extend and retract relative to the locator pin. The locator pin is free to displace relative to the locating surface when the stopper pin is retracted and is blocked from displacing when the stopper pin is extended.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dalong Gao, Roland Menassa