Patents by Inventor John Anthony Kestner

John Anthony Kestner 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: 8359250
    Abstract: A method for conducting a review including the step of detecting a payment request from a vendor; generating a review based on the payment request; and, transmitting a reference to the review to a customer, wherein the reference provides a link to retrieve the review. A system for performing the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Venkataraman Srinivasan, Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, John Anthony Kestner
  • Patent number: 8135627
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and “prepays for” the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, Srinivasan Venkataraman, John Anthony Kestner
  • Publication number: 20110131118
    Abstract: A method for conducting a review including the step of detecting a payment request from a vendor; generating a review based on the payment request; and, transmitting a reference to the review to a customer, wherein the reference provides a link to retrieve the review. A system for performing the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Venkataraman Srinivasan, Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, John Anthony Kestner
  • Patent number: 7873551
    Abstract: A method for conducting a review including the step of detecting a payment request from a vendor; generating a review based on the payment request; and, transmitting a reference to the review to a customer, wherein the reference provides a link to retrieve the review. A system for performing the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkataraman Srinivasan, Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, John Anthony Kestner
  • Publication number: 20090187436
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and “prepays for” the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, Srinivasan Venkataraman, John Anthony Kestner
  • Patent number: 7487111
    Abstract: A method of providing auxiliary services in a computer network marketplace relating to an originating transaction between a customer and a host is described. The originating transaction typically involves self-help moving and relocating, such as reserving a moving truck or trailer and other moving equipment. The originating transaction is processed by accepting customer input requested by the host. The customer can access content describing an auxiliary service relating to the originating transaction, such as services from other vendors relating to moving and relocating. The service provider is listed in the marketplace at the discretion of the host and the customer input for the originating transaction is used by the host to expedite processing of a secondary transaction for the auxiliary service between the customer and the auxiliary service provider. The customer can use the marketplace to view information on the auxiliary service provider and to purchase the auxiliary service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, Srinivasan Venkataraman, John Anthony Kestner
  • Publication number: 20080288395
    Abstract: A method for conducting a review including the step of detecting a payment request from a vendor; generating a review based on the payment request; and, transmitting a reference to the review to a customer, wherein the reference provides a link to retrieve the review. A system for performing the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Venkataraman Srinivasan, Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, John Anthony Kestner
  • Publication number: 20040249883
    Abstract: A computer network uses first and second computers to host first and second websites. Customer data is accumulated at the first website. The customer data is stored in a database. The first website creates a reference number from a customer identification number and reservation number to identify a location of the customer data in the database. The customer selects a hyperlink from the first website to the second website. The reference number is sent to the second website in the URL address string. The second website uses the reference number to retrieve the customer data stored in the database and populates the second website. The second website provides information and recommendations generated from a suggestive analysis of the customer data for the benefit of the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Venkataraman Srinivasan, Samuel Joseph Shoen, John Anthony Kestner
  • Publication number: 20030078852
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where service providers offer services relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which service providers will be listed on the site. A typical self-help moving customer may enter the marketplace after completing an initial transaction with the host, such as reserving a moving truck or trailer and other moving equipment. In many instances this transaction is what initially draws the customer to the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Shoen, Samuel J. Shoen, Srinivasan Venkataraman, John Anthony Kestner