Patents by Inventor Kenneth Algiene
Kenneth Algiene 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: 20110145079Abstract: A method of providing network access includes entering network access information into a merchant device at a merchant location. The information relates to a request from a customer to obtain network access. The method also includes causing the information to be transmitted to a host computer system from the merchant device, receiving a payment from the customer, receiving activation confirmation from the host computer system at the merchant device, and providing a presentation instrument to the customer. The presentation instrument may be used by the customer to obtain network access. The method further includes using the presentation instrument to settle a transaction with the customer for merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: The Western Union CompanyInventors: Erik S. Crawford, Thomas B. Sayor, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7917395Abstract: A method of providing network access includes entering network access information into a merchant device at a merchant location. The information relates to a request from a customer to obtain network access. The method also includes causing the information to be transmitted to a host computer system from the merchant device, receiving a payment from the customer, receiving activation confirmation from the host computer system at the merchant device, and providing a presentation instrument to the customer. The presentation instrument may be used by the customer to obtain network access. The method further includes using the presentation instrument to settle a transaction with the customer for merchandise.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: The Western Union CompanyInventors: Erik S. Crawford, Thomas B. Sayor, Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20100332383Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for notifying a wireless communication device user regarding an account payment. One method comprises dialing a phone number of a wireless communication device, preferably a cell phone. A communication relating to an account payment that includes a balance due is then transmitted or delivered to a wireless communication device user. Optionally, at the same time or a later time, input from the wireless communication device user may be received regarding payment of the balance due. Such notification methods may be carried out by a host computer system which has a record of when the account payment is due and dials and transmits within a predetermined time frame. Generally, such methods will further comprise pre-registering or enrolling the wireless communication device user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: First Data CorporationInventors: Patricia A. Frazier, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7840466Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for notifying a wireless communication device user regarding an account payment. One method comprises dialing a phone number of a wireless communication device, preferably a cell phone. A communication relating to an account payment that includes a balance due is then transmitted or delivered to a wireless communication device user. Optionally, at the same time or a later time, input from the wireless communication device user may be received regarding payment of the balance due. Such notification methods may be carried out by a host computer system which has a record of when the account payment is due and dials and transmits within a predetermined time frame. Generally, such methods will further comprise pre-registering or enrolling the wireless communication device user.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignees: First Data Corporation, The Western Union ComppanyInventors: Patricia A. Frazier, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7559479Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Christopher McGee, Keith Newbrough, Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20090164357Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for notifying a wireless communication device user regarding an account payment. One method comprises dialing a phone number of a wireless communication device, preferably a cell phone. A communication relating to an account payment that includes a balance due is then transmitted or delivered to a wireless communication device user. Optionally, at the same time or a later time, input from the wireless communication device user may be received regarding payment of the balance due. Such notification methods may be carried out by a host computer system which has a record of when the account payment is due and dials and transmits within a predetermined time frame. Generally, such methods will further comprise pre-registering or enrolling the wireless communication device user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicants: First Data CorporationInventors: Patricia A. Frazier, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7549574Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are described for facilitating contact with an emergency services provider from an ATM. An ATM network host computer system may receive a first communications signal from the ATM, comprising a request for emergency services. The ATM network host may determine at least one financial account associated with the user. The ATM network Host may then transmit a second communications signal directed at the financial institution to freeze the user's account.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Donald R. Crowell, Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20090157520Abstract: A method of disclosing transaction information to customers includes receiving at a host computer system a file comprising processing information. The processing information comprises a plurality of transaction categories and fee information associated with each transaction category. The method also includes receiving a message from a point-of-sale device requesting the fee information associated with at least one particular transaction category relating to a transaction with a customer and sending from the host computer system an electronic message comprising the fee information. The method further comprises displaying transaction information relating to the electronic message at the point-of-sale device and providing the customer the opportunity to cancel the transaction. The transaction may involve an exchange between at least two different forms of value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: The Western Union CompanyInventors: Kenneth Algiene, Mark Thompson
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Patent number: 7475038Abstract: A method of disclosing transaction information to customers includes receiving at a host computer system a file comprising processing information. The processing information comprises a plurality of transaction categories and fee information associated with each transaction category. The method also includes receiving a message from a point-of-sale device requesting the fee information associated with at least one particular transaction category relating to a transaction with a customer and sending from the host computer system an electronic message comprising the fee information. The method further comprises displaying transaction information relating to the electronic message at the point-of-sale device and providing the customer the opportunity to cancel the transaction. The transaction may involve an exchange between at least two different forms of value.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: The Western Union CompanyInventors: Kenneth Algiene, Mark Thompson
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Patent number: 7418366Abstract: A method for requesting one or more machines to be maintained includes monitoring the machine or machines and detecting when a failure of at least one machine occurs. The method further includes executing a computer program on an electronic terminal associated with the failed machine. The method further includes entering data relating to the condition of the failed machine into the computer program via the electronic terminal and transmitting the data to a database server, thereby initiating a process to alter the condition of the failed machine. In one embodiment of the method, the database server compiles historical data relating to the condition of the one or more machines. The historical information may be used in a predictive maintenance environment to further minimize downtime.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Mark Tonack, Henry M. Abelman, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7367504Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Cynthia M. Lewis, Kenneth Algiene, James F. Price, John R. Duesenberg
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Publication number: 20080021780Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a negotiable instrument in combination with a message at a recipient point-of-contact. The systems and methods include a negotiable instrument printer located at the recipient point-of-contact. Access to the negotiable instrument printer is provided via an authorization system that in part prevents fraudulent use of the negotiable instrument printer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: First Data CorporationInventor: Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20070299775Abstract: A system automatically determines authorization and payment from a checking account of a financial transaction occurring through the presentation of a check card. For a proposed financial transaction of a customer from a merchant having a membership program, the system obtains an indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The system determines an indication of risk for the transaction, based at least in part on the indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The financial transaction is authorized when the indication of risk is within at least one parameter. A secondary source of funds is debited if the financial transaction from the checking account fails.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventor: Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20070295821Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: First Data CorporationInventors: Christopher McGee, Keith Newbrough, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7309003Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a payment on an account comprises reading account information from a payment instrument that identifies a customer account that is to receive a payment. A financial institution associated with the customer account is determined as well as a payment account that is associated with the financial institution where the payment is to be deposited. A payment amount is collected, and the payment amount is transmitted to the payment account of the financial institution.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Kenneth Algiene, Mark Wadsworth
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Publication number: 20070278296Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of activating a plurality of disparate stored value accounts utilizes a set of multiple presentation instruments redeemable at different merchants. Each presentation instrument includes a unique presentation instrument identifier used to associate value with the presentation instrument. Also, the set includes a set identifier, which may be included on a package that secures the presentation instruments together. In one embodiment, the set identifier is received over an electronic network, a list of the presentation instruments in the set is accessed from a computer database, and each of the presentation instruments is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: First Data CorporationInventors: Douglas Dwyre, Steven Arthur, Christopher Toomer, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7278570Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Christopher McGee, Keith Newbrough, Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20070215689Abstract: Methods and systems are described for transferring funds from a sender to a recipient. Source funds are received from a sender. An amount of recipient funds is determined from a value of the source funds. A transfer identifier associated with the recipient funds is generated and provided to the sender. The transfer identifier is received from the recipient, prompting a transfer in control of the recipient funds to the recipient. At least one of the source funds and the recipient funds are in the form of one or more electronic tokens. Each such electronic token has a currency amount and a digital signature identifying a financial institution that backs the electronic token for the currency amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Applicant: First Data CorporationInventor: Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20070081540Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are described for facilitating contact with an emergency services provider from an ATM. An ATM network host computer system may receive a first communications signal from the ATM, comprising a request for emergency services. The ATM network host may determine an emergency services provider providing service to a geographic region which includes the ATM location. The ATM network Host may then transmit a second communications signal directed at the emergency services provider, wherein the second communications signal comprises the request for emergency services and the location of the ATM.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2005Publication date: April 12, 2007Applicant: First Data CorporationInventors: Donald Crowell, Kenneth Algiene
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Publication number: 20070083466Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are described for facilitating contact with an emergency services provider from an ATM. An ATM network host computer system may receive a first communications signal from the ATM, comprising a request for emergency services. The ATM network host may determine at least one financial account associated with the user. The ATM network Host may then transmit a second communications signal directed at the financial institution to freeze the user's account.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: April 12, 2007Applicant: First Data CorporationInventors: Donald Crowell, Kenneth Algiene