Patents by Inventor Debra Cruz

Debra Cruz 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: 11151659
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods facilitate identifying beneficiaries of matured insurance policies. In a preferred embodiment, the systems and methods leverage one or more websites, such as social media websites, to allow customers, family members, and other beneficiaries to search for and receive information about unclaimed matured policy proceeds. Optionally, users may also search for and receive information related to in-force policies. In cases where the insured is living, the systems and methods can update address and social security number records, enabling more effective policy administration and customer service going forward. The systems and methods may further distribute the matured policy proceeds to the identified beneficiary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE CO.
    Inventors: Kathleen Schoos, Debra Cruz, Lawrence Vranka
  • Publication number: 20200357073
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods facilitate identifying beneficiaries of matured insurance policies. In a preferred embodiment, the systems and methods leverage one or more websites, such as social media websites, to allow customers, family members, and other beneficiaries to search for and receive information about unclaimed matured policy proceeds. Optionally, users may also search for and receive information related to in-force policies. In cases where the insured is living, the systems and methods can update address and social security number records, enabling more effective policy administration and customer service going forward. The systems and methods may further distribute the matured policy proceeds to the identified beneficiary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Kathleen Schoos, Debra Cruz, Lawrence Vranka
  • Patent number: 10726488
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed for identifying beneficiaries of matured insurance policies. In a preferred embodiment, the invention will utilize one or more websites, such as social media websites, to allow customers, family members, and other beneficiaries to search for and receive information about unclaimed matured policy proceeds. Optionally, the users may also search for and receive information related to in force policies. In cases where the insured is living, the invention may be utilized to update address and social security number records, enabling more effective policy administration and customer service going forward. Also provided is an automated system for distributing the matured policy proceeds to the identified beneficiary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
    Inventors: Kathleen Schoos, Debra Cruz, Lawrence Vranka
  • Publication number: 20140324481
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed for identifying beneficiaries of matured insurance policies. In a preferred embodiment, the invention will utilize one or more websites, such as social media websites, to allow customers, family members, and other beneficiaries to search for and receive information about unclaimed matured policy proceeds. Optionally, the users may also search for and receive information related to in force policies. In cases where the insured is living, the invention may be utilized to update address and social security number records, enabling more effective policy administration and customer service going forward. Also provided is an automated system for distributing the matured policy proceeds to the identified beneficiary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Kathleen Schoos, Debra Cruz, Lawrence Vranka
  • Publication number: 20110307277
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for assessing and recommending a life insurance package to a client. A life insurance package may comprise the amount of life insurance coverage and the monthly cost needed to obtain that amount of coverage. In an exemplary embodiment, two or more life insurance packages, including what each life insurance package covers, are presented to the user. In an exemplary embodiment, default assumptions are made for questions that are difficult for the user to answer but may be fairly accurately estimated by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
    Inventors: Debra Cruz, Kevin M. Kelley