Patents by Inventor Michael L. Sears

Michael L. Sears 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: 9378490
    Abstract: A method and system provides for scanning a check and/or cash to create an electronic image of the front and the back of the check and/or cash. The image is then processed and transmitted electronically to a central location. The image may be recreated into a paper form at the central location, resembling the original paper check or cash, including a machine-readable regeneration of the MICR code line data captured from the original instrument. Paperless processing of checks and cash is thus provided, including local voiding and storage of the check without requiring immediate pickup, while still allowing the transaction to be process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Citicorp Credit Services, Inc. (USA)
    Inventors: Alan Slater, Michael L. Sears, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Cuong D. Do, H. Patrick McSharry, Edward M. R. Dudasik, Stephen M. Gryte, Robert O. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8554672
    Abstract: A method and system for performing a cash transaction with a self-service financial transaction terminal makes use of computer hardware and software that allows a financial institution cardholder to authorize a recipient to withdraw a specified amount of cash at an ATM of the particular financial institution. The cardholder can set up the transaction, for example, from any telephone using an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or by utilizing the application at a financial institution ATM, or by using an Internet website application. The originator can set up the recipient's ATM transaction to be either cardless or card-initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Citicorp Development Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol J. Rizzo, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Michael L. Sears
  • Patent number: 8364589
    Abstract: A method and system for performing a cash transaction with a self-service financial transaction terminal makes use of computer hardware and software that allows a financial institution cardholder to authorize a recipient to withdraw a specified amount of cash at an ATM of the particular financial institution. The cardholder can set up the transaction, for example, from any telephone using an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or by utilizing the application at a financial institution ATM, or by using an Internet website application. The originator can set up the recipient's ATM transaction to be either cardless or card-initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Citicorp Development Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol J. Rizzo, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Michael L. Sears
  • Publication number: 20110320351
    Abstract: A method and system for performing a cash transaction with a self-service financial transaction terminal makes use of computer hardware and software that allows a financial institution cardholder to authorize a recipient to withdraw a specified amount of cash at an ATM of the particular financial institution. The cardholder can set up the transaction, for example, from any telephone using an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or by utilizing the application at a financial institution ATM, or by using an Internet website application. The originator can set up the recipient's ATM transaction to be either cardless or card-initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Carol J. RIZZO, Phoebe Rin-Rin HSU, Michael L. SEARS
  • Patent number: 8065226
    Abstract: A method and system for performing a cash transaction with a self-service financial transaction terminal makes use of computer hardware and software that allows a financial institution cardholder to authorize a recipient to withdraw a specified amount of cash at an ATM of the particular financial institution. The cardholder can set up the transaction, for example, from any telephone using an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or by utilizing the application at a financial institution ATM, or by using an Internet website application. The originator can set up the recipient's ATM transaction to be either cardless or card-initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Citicorp Development Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol J. Rizzo, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Michael L. Sears
  • Publication number: 20100306111
    Abstract: A method and system provides for scanning a check and/or cash to create an electronic image of the front and the back of the check and/or cash. The image is then processed and transmitted electronically to a central location. The image may be recreated into a paper form at the central location, resembling the original paper check or cash, including a machine-readable regeneration of the MICR code line data captured from the original instrument. Paperless processing of checks and cash is thus provided, including local voiding and storage of the check without requiring immediate pickup, while still allowing the transaction to be process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Alan Slater, Michael L. Sears, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Cuong D. Do, H. Patrick McSharry, Edward M.R. Dudasik, Stephen M. Gryte, Robert O. Brooks
  • Patent number: 7792753
    Abstract: A method and system provides for scanning a check and/or cash to create an electronic image of the front and the back of the check and/or cash. The image is then processed and transmitted electronically to a central location. The image may be recreated into a paper form at the central location, resembling the original paper check or cash, including a machine-readable regeneration of the MICR code line data captured from the original instrument. Paperless processing of checks and cash is thus provided, including local voiding and storage of the check without requiring immediate pickup, while still allowing the transaction to be process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Citibank, N.A., Citicorp Development Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Slater, Michael L. Sears, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Cuong D. Do, H. Patrick McSharry, Edward M. R. Dudasik, Stephen M. Gryte, Robert O. Brooks
  • Patent number: 6527171
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for assisting a visually impaired individual in performing a financial transaction at an automated teller machine, comprising initiating a visually impaired transaction session through a preset event at the automated teller machine; wherein the automated teller machine comprises a touch screen display for displaying operation instructions to a customer and for receiving input from a customer; an output jack for providing signals which can be converted to audible sounds by means of a headset; a bill dispensing mechanism for dispensing a bank not corresponding to a specified amount; a receipt issuing unit for printing a transaction content and for issuing a receipt on which the transaction content is printed; and a controller connected to the card reader, the touch screen display, the output jack, the bill dispensing unit, and the receipt issuing unit, the controller providing signals to the output jack corresponding to information provided on the touch scre
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Citicorp Development Center Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Brooks, Edward M. R. Dudasik, Stephen M. Gryte, Michael L. Sears
  • Patent number: 6502746
    Abstract: A device, system and method for extracting deposited items from a secure enclosure, such as the envelope bin of an ATM/CAT safe, makes use, for example, of computer hardware and software applications, as well as one or more secure access devices, card devices, transponder devices, input devices, control mechanisms, transport bins, and transport devices, to modify or field retrofit an existing ATM/CAT to enable removal of items without opening the safe door. The modified ATM/CAT enables a service person, for example, to enter a retrieval request, which is received by a control device, and the control device automatically opens an access port of shutter of the ATM/CAT safe and automatically activates a transport mechanism to transport items out of the safe to be received by the service person or a secured access bin docked, for example, with the access port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Citicorp Development Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Cuong D. Do, Edward M. R. Dudasik, Michael L. Sears, Xuan S. Bui
  • Patent number: 6464135
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for assisting a visually impaired individual in performing a financial transaction at an automated teller machine, comprising initiating a visually impaired transaction session through a preset event at the automated teller machine; wherein the automated teller machine comprises a touch screen display for displaying operation instructions to a customer and for receiving input from a customer; an output jack for providing signals which can be converted to audible sounds by means of a headset; a bill dispensing mechanism for dispensing a bank not corresponding to a specified amount; a receipt issuing unit for printing a transaction content and for issuing a receipt on which the transaction content is printed; and a controller connected to the card reader, the touch screen display, the output jack, the bill dispensing unit, and the receipt issuing unit, the controller providing signals to the output jack corresponding to information provided on the touch scre
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Citicorp Development Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert E. Cohen, Michael L. Grandcolas, Stephen M. Gryte, Teresa A. Petach, Michael L. Sears
  • Publication number: 20020069170
    Abstract: A method and system for performing a cash transaction with a self-service financial transaction terminal makes use of computer hardware and software that allows a financial institution cardholder to authorize a recipient to withdraw a specified amount of cash at an ATM of the particular financial institution. The cardholder can set up the transaction, for example, from any telephone using an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or by utilizing the application at a financial institution ATM, or by using an Internet website application. The originator can set up the recipient's ATM transaction to be either cardless or card-initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Carol J. Rizzo, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Michael L. Sears
  • Patent number: 5768386
    Abstract: An improved touch screen encryption device and method is disclosed. The user selects information from prompts displayed on a touch screen. The improved device determines the input information based upon the location of the touch. The device encrypts the information--for example, the user's personal identification number--and sends the encrypted information to a remote processor. The device and method may be used by a financial institution (such as a bank), a postal services institution or wherever sensitive information is input through a touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Transaction Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal H. Yokomoto, Warren Yung-Hang Tan, Yosif Smushkovich, Xuan S. Bui, Michael Merman, Inas M. Dessouky, Cuong Do, Stephen M. Gryte, Phoebe Rin-Rin Hsu, Robert R. Propp, Michael L. Sears
  • Patent number: 4392023
    Abstract: An off hook telephone sensing system for use with a voice and data transmission system, including a transaction terminal coupled to a telephone line for data transmission, a telephone instrument coupled to the telephone line for voice transmission, an off hook telephone sensing device coupled to the telephone instrument for detecting the on-hook or off-hook condition of the instrument and for providing an output signal having values in accordance with the on-hook or off-hook condition of the instrument, a switching means coupled to the telephone instrument and to the telephone line for connecting or disconnecting the telephone instrument to or from the telephone line, the transaction terminal including means coupled to the off-hook sensing device and responsive to the output signal for producing an interrupt signal when the off-hook sensing device detects the off-hook condition of the telephone instrument and with the telephone instrument disconnected from the telephone line, and the transaction terminal incl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Transaction Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Sears