Patents by Inventor David Ashby

David Ashby 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).

  • Publication number: 20060273153
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are used for packaging a stored value card that unviewably secures the secured value card in the package. The package includes a readable area allowing for purchasing of the stored value card without removing it from the package or viewing it within the package. This can allow for minimized fraud and illegal use of stored value cards. In one example, the package is scanned for purchasing, and once the purchase in approved, the purchaser can activate the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Applicant: American Express Marketing and Development Corporation
    Inventors: David Ashby, Randall Beck, Nick Harris, Gail Larsen, Andrew Plitt
  • Publication number: 20050279825
    Abstract: A package for preventing forgery and theft of transaction card information. Transaction card information is concealed inside package so as to deter theft and forgery. Retailers can identify security breaches of prepaid transaction cards by observing the condition of the packaging prior to card activation. Consequently, forgery and tempering are deterred as retailers will not activate cards contained in packages that have either been tampered with or damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: David Ashby, Randall Beck, Andrew Plitt
  • Patent number: 6801835
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automated fueling station having a plurality of fuel dispensers that accepting payment from a customer and dispense fuel. The system may perform consumer card authorizations utilizing a remote host server or a local database. A plurality of dispenser controllers are located at the fueling station, and each of the controllers is associated with and controls one of the dispensers. Each of the dispenser controllers includes a network connection to the server or local database for accessing consumer card authorization information. A failure of a single dispenser controller affects only the fuel dispenser associated with the failed controller. In another embodiment, the dispenser controllers are connected to the fuel dispensers through an Internet Protocol (IP)-based network that enables any controller to control any dispenser or combination of dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Autogas Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Covington, David Ashby
  • Patent number: 6725106
    Abstract: A system and method for the rapid configuration and connection of a backup controller in a distributed data network such as an automated fuel distribution network. Each service-station site in the network has a site controller that supervises operations of the site components, such as the fuel dispenser and credit-card reader, communicating with them through an on-site router, or hub. The fuel-distribution site also communicates with the central network controller through the same hub. In the event of a site-controller outage, one of several spare controllers, usually co-located with the network controller, is loaded and configured to function as the site controller. It is then placed in communication with the site components via a data-network connection, such as through the Internet. The hub switches communications protocols from serial data to packets suitable for Internet communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: AutoGas Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Covington, David Ashby
  • Publication number: 20020128988
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automated fueling station having a plurality of fuel dispensers that accepting payment from a customer and dispense fuel. The system may perform consumer card authorizations utilizing a remote host server or a local database. A plurality of dispenser controllers are located at the fueling station, and each of the controllers is associated with and controls one of the dispensers. Each of the dispenser controllers includes a network connection to the server or local database for accessing consumer card authorization information. A failure of a single dispenser controller affects only the fuel dispenser associated with the failed controller. In another embodiment, the dispenser controllers are connected to the fuel dispensers through an Internet Protocol (IP)-based network that enables any controller to control any dispenser or combination of dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Steve Covington, David Ashby