Patents Examined by James Kramer
  • Patent number: 7991653
    Abstract: A method for assembling and shipping an item using a security cleared space connected to a port authority, comprising the steps of: leasing the security cleared space to a user; obtaining at least one component for assembly of the at least one item; assembling the at least one component in the security cleared space; screening at least one person for entry to the security cleared space; readying the assembled item for shipment to a destination by entering data related to the assembled item into a processor with computer instructions that direct the processor to move the assembled item to a designated storage area or to an aircraft for shipment. A method for receiving an assembled item and disassembling the item into components for storage or shipment is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Airis Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Factor, William Robert Grimes
  • Patent number: 7991629
    Abstract: A method of assessing, pricing, and provisioning distance-based vehicle insurance is disclosed. The method includes receiving a vehicle identification number of a vehicle to be insured from a customer, receiving an preliminary odometer reading of the vehicle to be insured from the customer, and obtaining from the customer a legally binding declaration that the preliminary odometer reading is true and accurate. The method includes insuring the vehicle during a policy period defined by coverage for a preselected number of units distance from the preliminary odometer reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: MileMeter, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Gay, John C. McKinney, Leonard D. Duncan, Jeffrey R. Fellows
  • Patent number: 7991633
    Abstract: Increased efficiency and lower cost job scheduling is provided by a system and method that optimizes for cost instead of makespan, and minimizes fluctuations in resource utilization. A schedule is constructed using a workflow scheduling system that includes a load leveler, a cost minimizer, and a manpower planner. The load leveler minimizes makespan, subject to resource limits, and then lowers the resource limits, repeating the process in order to create a flatter schedule. The cost minimizer generates an initial solution, and then incrementally improves it, using the manpower planner to evaluate the different possible solutions. The manpower planner calculates, for a given schedule, the optimal hire/fire decisions to minimize total cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: On Time Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew B. Baker, Matthew L. Ginsberg, Tristan Smith, Daniel B. Keith, Andrew Parkes, Bryan Smith
  • Patent number: 7987137
    Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the present invention provide a credit enhancement structure for risk allocation between parties that minimizes the regulatory capital reserve requirement impact to an institution subject to capital reserve requirement. A subject pool of assets held by the institution, such as a pool of loans, is rated to determine its risk levels. Based on the rated risk levels, a guarantor party agrees to be responsible for a portion of the risk associated with the pool of assets, which may define the maximum risk exposure of the institution holding the asset pool. The risk-rated capital reserve requirements are applied to the asset pool based on the risk level rating and the guarantor's agreed upon risk responsibility such that the institution holds a reduced amount of reserve capital compared to what it would otherwise be required to hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association
    Inventors: Paul A. Thomas, Clifford V. Rossi, Robert J. Fishman, Martin M. Loketek
  • Patent number: 7987103
    Abstract: A method of providing vehicle insurance is disclosed. Determining a number of unexpired units distance under an existing insurance policy, the existing policy being defined in part by coverage for a predetermined number of units distance for a specified vehicle is disclosed. Assessing a premium per unit distance for a new policy, and providing coverage under the new policy for the unexpired units distance under the existing policy in exchange for receiving a payment comprising the difference between the premium per unit distance for the new policy and a premium per unit distance for the existing policy multiplied by the number of unexpired units distance is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: MileMeter, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Gay, John C. McKinney, Jeffrey R. Fellows, Leonard D. Duncan
  • Patent number: 7983979
    Abstract: A method and system for authenticating the identity of a consumer is disclosed. After the consumer is authenticated by a trusted third party, the consumer designates accounts that the consumer wishes to “lock.” When a party requests access to that account, the consumer is notified through the consumer's phone and asked to input a PIN. If the consumer provides the PIN, the requestor is granted access to the consumer's account without requiring further input from the consumer. If the party authorizing the transaction in this “two-factor” authentication does not possess both the phone and the consumer's PIN, or that party elects not to provide the PIN, the request will not be authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Debix One, Inc.
    Inventor: James Richard Holland, IV
  • Patent number: 7983975
    Abstract: A financial advisory system is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, return scenarios for optimized portfolio allocations are simulated interactively to facilitate financial product selection. Return scenarios for each asset class of a plurality of asset classes are generated based upon estimated future scenarios of one or more economic factors. A mapping from each financial product of an available set of financial products onto one or more asset classes of the plurality of asset classes is created by determining exposures of the available set of financial products to each asset class of the plurality of asset classes. In this way, the expected returns and correlations of a plurality of financial products are generated and used to produce optimized portfolios of financial products. Return scenarios are simulated for one or more portfolios including combinations of financial products from the available set of financial products based upon the mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Financial Engines, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Jones, William F. Sharpe, Jason S. Scott, John G. Watson, Jeff N. Maggioncalda, Geert Bekaert, Steven R. Grenadler, Ronald T. Park
  • Patent number: 7983969
    Abstract: A money market trading platform provides institutional investors with comprehensive on-line analysis, account management, and on-line money market trading capabilities. An institutional investor's computer is connected via a communication network to a bank or broker's computer. The bank or broker's computer is connected via a communication network to a money market trading system or to a financial services, and stores information about the institutional investor and the accounts held in that investor's name. The trading platform allows institutional investors to log on, check account balances, transfer funds within accounts and from outside accounts, research money market investments, and purchase, redeem and exchange shares of money market funds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cachematrix Technology Services, LLC
    Inventor: George William Hagerman
  • Patent number: 7979352
    Abstract: Centralized check image storage system. The present invention provides for sharing check images stored in a substantially centralized storage system between and/or among banks in support of the check collection process. In some embodiments, check images are received from the capture bank via a landing zone at the centralized storage facility. These images and information supporting the check collection process can be in the form of load file. A cross-reference file including information supporting the check clearing process such as unique handles identifying the check images is received from a paying bank, possibly also via a landing zone. Check images can be identified based on these unique handles, so that the check images can be made accessible to both the capture bank and the paying bank from the substantially centralized storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Viewpointe Archive Services, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. McMonagle, Douglas G. Smith, Richard L. Norman
  • Patent number: 7974916
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a tax-deferred transaction involving an Investor owning a Relinquished Property according to structures depending on the form of ownership. One structure can involve an Individual Investor, and another structure can involve an Investor Partnership. The structure involving the Individual Investor as the owner of Relinquished Property can include the steps of: (1) the Investor selling the Relinquished Property; (2) the Investor acquiring as a Replacement Property, directly or indirectly from a REIT or its affiliate for example, an interest in Like Kind Property; and (3) the Investor transferring such interest to the Operating Partnership of the REIT in exchange for DCX Units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dividend Capital Exchange Facilitators, LLC
    Inventor: Evan H. Zucker
  • Patent number: 7974860
    Abstract: Methods and systems for directing enrollment and/or use of health and wellness plans based on personality type are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ExperienceLab, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Travis
  • Patent number: 7970693
    Abstract: Systems and methods for market order volume clearing in online trading of credit derivatives are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for market order volume clearing may comprise: selecting, from a plurality of credit derivatives, at least one most liquid credit derivative; determining a volume clearing price level for the selected credit derivative; inviting trading clients of the electronic trading system to submit, within a time limit, buy orders and sell orders for the selected credit derivative at the volume clearing price level, each buy order or sell order specifying a desired volume; matching the buy orders and the sell orders submitted within the time limit to maximize a total notional amount of the selected credit derivative that can be traded at the volume clearing price level; and completing trades at the volume clearing price level according to the matching of orders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Creditex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunil G. Hirani, Mark A Rowell
  • Patent number: 7970635
    Abstract: Automobile accident claims initiation systems and methods are described. An insured driver may initiate a claim by operating a mobile device. The system provides automated inquiries to the driver through the mobile device. The driver provides responses to the inquiries using the mobile device. The driver may provide images and audio data, as well as personal information and information on the parties and vehicles involved in the accident. The system may automatically arrange for services such as a rental car or a tow truck. The system may provide claim information, such as a claim number to the driver by transmitting information to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Reynaldo Medina, III, Charles L. Oakes, III, Bradly Jay Billman, Michael Patrick Bueche, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7966250
    Abstract: A system and method of generating and trading a CO2 commodity that is correlated to a quantified amount of CO2 sequestered in a CO2 sequestering product comprising a carbonate and/or a bicarbonate. The tradable commodity can be purchased or sold for use in managing CO2 emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Vinod Khosla, Aurelia Setton, Robert Danziger, Andrew Youngs, James R. O'Neil, Chris Camire, Cecily Ryan, Manuel Jose Concha Soler
  • Patent number: 7966245
    Abstract: A new class of instruments extends the use or operation of futures contracts to encompass specific deliverable products on a daily settlement basis. These new instruments can be created to cover a wide range of market sectors and financial classes. The new instruments are exchange traded instruments that define exactly and exclusively the instrument to be exchanged at the end of the trading period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7962367
    Abstract: The present invention provides Internet users with access to an on-line vendor that has detailed product information some or all of which is supplied by at least one product supplier. Through selected storage and sharing of data, an on-line store is married to a supplier's product database. The on-line vendor is able to provide greater product information at a vastly reduced cost. The product supplier is provided with a unique company forum in which company activities such as sales training can be consolidated with advertising activities and product information to provide the most economical and up-to-date training information for the company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Privateer Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard C. Fuisz, Joseph M. Fuisz
  • Patent number: 7962394
    Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods are described for generating personalized, automated contribution strategies for scheduling contributions to a retirement savings plan or other savings plan. Embodiments of the systems and methods provide visual and other educational displays to assist a client in choosing a suitable savings contribution strategy that may take into account at least one of the set consisting of: details of an employer-sponsored savings fund available to the client which may include opportunities for employer matching-funds, acceptable portion of standard-of-living increases derived from salary raises that the client is willing to contribute to a savings plan, client's current savings behavior and value of savings portfolio, effects of the stochastic nature of future investment portfolio value, and changing federal tax regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ibis Software Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7962395
    Abstract: Method for establishing an investment mandate and for managing institutional investment funds associated with equity-based investments, bond-based investments and other investments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: John Woods & Associates Limited
    Inventors: John Edward Woods, John Michael Young
  • Patent number: 7962399
    Abstract: A method for managing display of quotes for securities in an electronic market includes entering a quote into a system for trading securities, a portion of the entered quote being displayable and another portion of the entered quote being held as reserved quote interest, executing a portion of the displayable quote portion against interest in the market, aggregating an unexecuted displayable quote portion, with a portion of the reserved quote, if the unexecuted displayable quote portion is less than a round lot, and displaying the aggregate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Martyn, Daniel F. Moore
  • Patent number: 7962396
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for managing financial market risk. The method can include defining an exposure map for the treasury budget, calculating and categorizing the financial market risk to the budget, and producing a financial market risk analysis report. The method can also include defining and implementing a hedge to mitigate financial market risks and costs. The hedge can be a basket hedge. The method can also include identifying the financial market risk factors impacting on each element of the budget, generating scenarios for market rates, and producing a report after hedging. Evaluating the financial market risk to the budget under stress scenarios can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Cassio Calil, Guy Coughlan, David Epstein