Gregory L Michel

US Patent:

20210354312, Nov 18, 2021

Filed:

Jul 30, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/444151

Inventors:

- Franklin TN, US
Gregory Michel - Brentwood TN, US
Travis Fritsche - Lascassas TN, US
David Calvert - Wartrace TN, US
Terry Cox - Smyrna TN, US

International Classification:

B25J 15/00
B05B 13/02
B25J 19/02

Abstract:

An end effector is disclosed that is configured for connection to a robotic unit used to manipulate a door of a vehicle (e.g., during vehicle painting). The end effector includes a base plate; a sensor that is supported by the base plate; and a piston that is configured for engagement with the door. The piston is operatively connected to an interrupter such that movement (displacement) of the piston causes corresponding movement (displacement) of the interrupter between a first position, in which the interrupter is positioned in alignment with a signal transmitted across the sensor to interfere with the signal and thereby interrupt circuit completion, and a second position, in which the interrupter is out of alignment with the signal transmitted across the sensor to permit circuit completion and thereby inform the robotic unit that the door is present and engaged with the end effector.