Patents by Inventor Gerald Little

Gerald Little 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).

  • Patent number: 12285968
    Abstract: An automated greeting card conveyance system is disclosed that includes a first conveyor configured to transport pre-decorated greeting cards along a first conveyance path and a second conveyor configured to transport envelopes along a second conveyance path. A control system controls customization of each greeting card and envelope by (a) determining a card identifier of the greeting card, (b) identifying customized content associated with an order for the greeting card having the card identifier, and (c) causing the customized content to be printed on the greeting card and envelope. A coupling system may also be used to automatically insert the greeting card into the envelope. In addition, a sealing system may be used to automatically seal envelope having a pointed envelope flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald Little, Stephen Eikos, Dennis Evans, Timothy Lien
  • Publication number: 20240270513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting and packing articles are disclosed. The systems can include an article picking device coupled to a multi-axis movement mechanism and a high-density storage system for holding a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge can house a plurality of articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Gerald Little, Robert F. McAnany, Jalyn C. Stanley
  • Patent number: 12012293
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting and packing articles include an article picking device coupled to a multi-axis movement mechanism, and a high-density storage system for holding a plurality of cartridges, with each cartridge housing a plurality of articles. The article picking device can include one or more suction mechanisms, one or more gripping mechanisms, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald Little, Robert F. McAnany, Jalyn C. Stanley
  • Patent number: 8297800
    Abstract: A decorative oversized key-shaped Christmas/holiday novelty item has a plastic shell having the form of an oversized key. The shell defines a completely encapsulated interior space. An electrically induced lighting system is disposed within the interior space. A recording device can be included within the holiday key such that the children can record a holiday message for Santa. The novelty item enables children living in homes absent a chimney, fireplace or other structure typically considered to provide access by Santa Claus to the home, to practice a Christmas holiday tradition relying upon such a structural access means. The light or recording device is provided to indicate that Santa has used the key to access the residence. A story presentation media depicting the scenario is provided creating an entertainment system. The holiday key is stored in an integrated storing section within the presentation media packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Little
  • Patent number: 7591569
    Abstract: A decorative oversized key-shaped Christmas/holiday novelty item has a plastic shell having the form of an oversized key. The shell defines a completely encapsulated interior space. A plurality of chemicals contained within the interior space, are capable of creating a chemo-luminescent reaction when combined. A top portion of the key can be twisted, functioning as a catalyst to initiate the chemo-luminescent reaction. Alternately, electrically induced lighting can replace the chemo-luminescent reaction. A recording device can be included within the holiday key such that the children can record a holiday message for Santa. The novelty item enables children living in homes absent a chimney, fireplace or other structure typically considered to provide access by Santa Claus to the home, to practice a Christmas holiday tradition relying upon such a structural access means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald Little