Patents by Inventor Michael Anthony Francis

Michael Anthony Francis 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: 20110313937
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating a remote live vehicle rental transaction between a customer service representative (CSR) and a customer and providing a vehicle key device to the customer without the need for a CSR at the site of the key or vehicle, where the vehicle may be in an unsecured lot. In particular, the system includes a customer interface device (CID), a remotely located CSR apparatus for facilitating live communications between the customer and CSR, and a key safe. The key safe includes a code input device for recognizing a code provided by the CID, the code input device configured to unlock a locker containing the vehicle key device when the code is recognized. Alternatively, the CID dispenses an electronic key card or provides the customer with an electronic signal device or two-dimensional image (such as a bar code) to enter and/or operate a rental vehicle, or a central system automatically remotely unlocks the vehicle when the rental agreement is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Duane Moore, JR., Michael Anthony Francis