Patents by Inventor Gerald E. Ennis

Gerald E. Ennis 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).

  • Flat workpiece pickup
    Patent number: 4392775
    Abstract: Apparatus for picking up a flat workpiece from a flat surface by an industrial robot where vacuum and magnetic devices are not practicable. A tined end-effector is plunged into a unique compliant surface formed of upstanding bristle-like elements with the workpiece being positioned thereon. The end-effector is moved under the workpiece which is then rigidly grasped and lifted off the surface without disturbing the original orientation and presented at the goal site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Gerald E. Ennis, Mario Colombo, Jr.