Patents Assigned to American Express Travel Related Services Company
  • Publication number: 20070174164
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for providing a merchant with a fraud score for a card not present transaction. A card not present transaction is detected. A fraud score is appended to a message that provides information about the card not present transaction. The message is transmitted to the merchant. In one example, the message is an authorization message. In another example the message is an address verification message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Janet Biffle, Glade Erikson, Diane Farrell, Chin Khor, David Knaut, Vernon Marshall, John Rojewski, Sandeep Sacheti
  • Patent number: 7249112
    Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a RFID reader for interrogating a transponder, and a fob including a transponder which is associated with fob data file funded by one or more funding sources. In exemplary operation, the fob identifying information may be presented to the RFID reader for completion of a transaction request. The transaction request may be provided to a fob issuer system which may process the transaction request in accordance with a funding protocol wherein the transaction request is satisfied according to a fob issuer predefined funding criteria relative to the multiple funding sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Berardi, Michal Bliman, David Bonalle, Jennifer Anne Elwood, Matthew C. Hood, Susan E. Isenberg, Alexandra Mayers, Trevor J. Perry, Peter D. Saunders, Kathryn D. Scheding, Sejal Ajit Shah, Kristin L. VonWald, John R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7249092
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a subsidiary account with parental control of one or more spending limits. An exemplary system facilitates the provisioning of funds to a subsidiary account and the control of the spending of the subsidiary account by a parent through establishment or modification of one or more spending limits through various communication devices. Exemplary spending limits may be configured for modifying a spending capacity so as to affect an amount per transaction, per day, during a predetermined time period, at a particular merchant, at a particular chain of merchants, at a type of industry, in accordance with a predetermined rate of increase or decrease over time, number of transactions during any time period and/or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Melanie Dunn, Chris Hobbs, Julie Menichilli, Mary Rances
  • Patent number: 7249113
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for handling a credit dispute via an Internet connection. The system includes one or more terminals linked to a communication channel for fast Internet access, and a server having an associated web site for displaying a plurality of dispute handling forms. A party in dispute may access the web site from a terminal, choose an appropriate dispute handling form, provide data in the requested fields on the form, and transmit the form over the Internet connection to the server for processing. The server accepts a User ID and password from a user, retrieves and displays a set of dispute handling forms, receives input entered on the forms, routes the forms to a second user in dispute, and makes the forms available for viewing to the second user. The program may further index the data entered on the forms using a code-based method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Judith Continelli, Sandy Hazeltine
  • Publication number: 20070168281
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating commercial transactions involving the exchange of monetary value for goods, services, or other value between remote individuals, as in the case of transactions between users of a distributed computer network such as the Internet. Remote individuals are provided with a convenient, cost-efficient, and secure means for engaging in commercial transactions with one another. The invention provides remote sellers with an irrevocable means of receiving funds from a remote purchaser; means for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party; transaction tracking; and rapid funds availability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Fred Bishop, Michael Barrett, David Armes, Lee Wojciechowski, Madhukar Madhineni, Vilayanur Krishnan, Joshua McKay, Lucas Gebb
  • Patent number: 7243839
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing an open transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: accessibly offering for sale, in a retail environment, the open transaction instrument; selling a selected open transaction instrument; and enabling the use of the open transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. Furthermore, accessibly offering the open pre-paid card for sale, in one exemplary embodiment, is performed by hanging the pre-paid card on a rack. The distribution of the open transaction instrument may also comprise the step of sending a message, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid open transaction instrument to be funded but not activated. Also, in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an issuer system is suitably configured to leverage existing infrastructure for inventory and related processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Beck, Gennye Feldman, Jon Steven Imada, Paula S. Martinez, Sven Miller, Clyde Page, Steven J. Keiser
  • Patent number: 7239226
    Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a fob including a transponder, and a RFID reader for interrogating the transponder. The system may further include a personalization system for populating onto the fob and RFID reader identifying information and security and authentication keys which may be used during mutual authentication of the fob and the reader and for completing a transaction. In exemplary operation, the fob and RFID reader may be personalized, the fob may be presented to the RFID reader for interrogation, the fob and reader may engage in mutual authentication, and fob identifying information may be provided to the reader for transaction completion. In another exemplary embodiment, operation of the transponder-reader payment system may be controlled by an activation circuit. Further, the fob may be responsive to multiple interrogation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Berardi, Michal Bliman, David S. Bonalle, Jennifer Anne Elwood, Matthew C. Hood, Susan E. Isenberg, Alexandra Mayers, Peter D. Saunders, Kathryn D. Scheding, Sejal Ajit Shah, John R. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20070136586
    Abstract: A system of the present invention uses an identity provider to provide the authentication services for multiple service providers. An identity provider communicates with one or more service providers. A user that wishes to gain access to a service provider is authenticated through the use of the identity provider. A user desiring to access a service provider is first authenticated by the identity provider. The identity provider determines if the user meets the desired class level and provides various information related to the authentication. When the user attempts to access a second service provider that is associated with the same identity provider, the second service provider accesses the identity provider and determines that the user was recently authenticated. The identity provider then transmits the relevant information regarding the authentication process to the second service provider, which can then allow or deny the user access to the second service provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Barrett
  • Publication number: 20070130027
    Abstract: An account reconciliation system having a particular usefulness in the reconciliation of centrally billed accounts and more specifically, in the reconciliation of centrally billed accounts in the travel industry is provided. The system and methods of the present invention expand on the traditional match/non-match techniques and provide complete transaction management for every item on a client's account. In another sense, reconciliation is redefined to include each and every transaction on an account regardless of it's reconciliation status, i.e., matched, unresolved, pending, etc. Consequently, the present invention reconciles the client's account to the account balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Shirley Provinse
  • Publication number: 20070129955
    Abstract: A system and method for spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a loyalty point transaction is disclosed. The system enables a participant of a loyalty program to accept an advance of loyalty point when a loyalty account balance is insufficient to make a desired purchase. An amount of loyalty points available as an advance to a participant is determined based on a number of criteria related to the participant, financial account activity, and loyalty account activity. The participant is allotted a predetermined length of time to earn or purchase enough loyalty points to repay the balance of advanced loyalty points. If, at the conclusion of such predetermined length of time, sufficient points have not been earned to offset the loyalty point advance, the participant is charged the currency value of each outstanding loyalty point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Atul Dalmia, Debasish Das, Mary Hines, David Kroner, Renu Vitale, Jill Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20070130028
    Abstract: An account reconciliation system having a particular usefulness in the reconciliation of centrally billed accounts and more specifically, in the reconciliation of centrally billed accounts in the travel industry is provided. The system and methods of the present invention expand on the traditional match/non-match techniques and provide complete transaction management for every item on a client's account. In another sense, reconciliation is redefined to include each and every transaction on an account regardless of it's reconciliation status, i.e., matched, unresolved, pending, etc. Consequently, the present invention reconciles the client's account to the account balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Shirley Provinse
  • Patent number: 7228155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing a RF module configured to convert a nontraditional transaction device for traditional transaction completion. The RF module is placed in physical and logical communication with a microprocessor of a nontraditional transaction device for receiving a personalization file to enable the RF module to complete RF transactions. In an exemplary embodiment, the microprocessor is configured to receive the personalization file from a mobile device account provider subsequent to an end user establishing communication with the device account provider and notifying the provider that a RF module is to be personalized. The mobile device account provider may receive the personalization file from a RF module account issuer and provide the personalization file to the RF module via the mobile device microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter D. Saunders
  • Patent number: 7228313
    Abstract: An automated method and system for refunding the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, an aging period is set and is added to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket. If the schedules departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the ticket has not been used, the residual value of the ticket is calculated and a refund is issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hand, Wendy Levitt, David Pereira, Anna Austin, Gregory Coles, Duane Jacobsen, Vinny Khosla, Thomas Lunsford, Renee Richards, Leigh Tomaski
  • Publication number: 20070124214
    Abstract: An integrated database and information server are provided that efficiently share information and tasks between various stored value programs. A server is configured to provide reusable objects and data structures that are suitably shared between various stored value products. A database at the server allows data to be shared between various programs so that each consumer associates with only one database record even though that consumer may use multiple shared value products. An exemplary common record for a consumer includes information relating to mailing addresses, preferred language, and the like. By integrating modules and avoiding duplicate records, the record communicates with all stored value programs, so the information does not need to be repeatedly entered into the database. Moreover, new stored value products are quickly and easily created through selection and arrangement of various shared objects preferably maintained within the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Blandina, Robert Berry, Mari Belczynski
  • Patent number: 7222101
    Abstract: Consumers may utilize computing devices to assist in the purchase and/or loyalty process, and in particular, the consumer may utilize a PDA to facilitate the purchase and/or loyalty process. During the purchase and/or loyalty process, the consumer may need to insure that any content downloaded or used in association with the PDA is secure in how it is collected, assembled, and delivered to the PDA device. This system and method secures the data from its source to when it is actually viewed or used by the authorized user. The PDA may have direct access to an Internet web site portal that offers secure personal content from a content provider, such as, for example, an on-line banking or financial institution. Using the web site portal, the content provider may offer personal or confidential data, such as financial information, to PDA users in a secure (e.g., encrypted) environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Bishop, Trey Neemann, Theodore S. Voltmer, Fauziah B. Ariff
  • Patent number: 7222363
    Abstract: A system is disclosed which facilitates authentication processes with web-enabled wireless devices, including those that do not support the use of cookie files. To facilitate such authentication, a web server analyzes an HTTP request file from a communication device for the presence of security token data. Where none is found, a client is directed to a login page for input of authentication data, such as a user name and password information. Upon proper authentication, the client's communication device is issued a security token using standard HTML—INPUT tags. Thereafter, the web server determines if each additional HTTP request file received from the client includes a security token before responding to the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Rice, Sineesh Keshav
  • Publication number: 20070112631
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for implementing a loyalty program on a network-wide level. The system associates UPC and SKU data on a network level to reward consumers and/or to analyze the data for a variety of business purposes, such as market segmentation analyses and/or analyses relating to consumer spending behaviors or patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates implementation of an incentive or loyalty program by providing a universal rewards currency. This universal rewards currency may be “spent” by participants who have earned rewards and accepted by the other participants in the multi-tiered network created by the system. The network may comprise any number of participants, including consumers, retailers (and any of their employees), manufacturers, third-party providers, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore Voltmer, Fauziah Ariff
  • Fob
    Patent number: D543018
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Kirwan Bates, David S. Bonalle, Gail A. Francolini, Samantha S. Ing, Danielle L. Kunian, Leigh R. Malnati, Danielle R. Nulle, Steven A. Rank, Lisa E. Skilling-Belmond, Lisa A. Webb, Kevin Young
  • Patent number: D543102
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Ashby, Randall G. Beck, Nick C. Harris, Gail E. Larsen, Andrew R. Plitt
  • Fob
    Patent number: D543351
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Kirwan Bates, David S. Bonalle, Gail A. Francolini, Samantha S. Ing, Danielle L. Kunian, Leigh R. Malnati, Danielle R. Nulle, Steven A. Rank, Lisa E. Skilling-Belmond, Lisa A. Webb, Kevin Young