Patents by Inventor Philip A. Jacobson

Philip A. Jacobson 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: 5918213
    Abstract: An automated product purchasing system allows purchasers to order products via a remote communications medium without having to speak to a sales representative or other human operator. According to the invention, purchasers access the automated product purchasing system and browse among the selections offered. Menu style prompts guide the customer through the various products offered by the automated product purchasing system. Product descriptions are provided to assist the customer in making his or her selections. Where appropriate, product samples are provided to the customer via the communications medium so the customer can evaluate the product prior to purchasing. Examples of product samples include movie previews, sample cuts from music tracks, software demos, and the like. Ordering and purchasing are automated so that human operators are not required to intervene in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Warren E. Bernard, Philip A. Jacobson