Patents by Inventor Phillip Craig Graves

Phillip Craig Graves 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: 10834268
    Abstract: A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. The request may comprise value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventors: Phil M Chakiris, Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves
  • Patent number: 10728398
    Abstract: A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. The request may comprise value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: E2INTERACTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Phil M Chakiris, Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves
  • Patent number: 10509924
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of activating an electronic device at a point-of-sale (POS). The device may be identified by an indicia and activation may occur following purchase of the device. The method may include the steps of receiving at a central processor from the POS the indicia identifying the device purchased at the POS; enabling by the central processor a feature or functionality of the device or use of the device; and conveying to the device information material to the feature, functionality, or use. The system may include a central processor that activates the device. The central processor may include various interfaces with the POS, provider, and device, as well as a database with records related to the device and an activation processor for determining if activation is appropriate, activating the device, and sending information material to the feature, functionality, or use to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: E2INTERACTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M Chakiris
  • Publication number: 20190297194
    Abstract: A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. The request may comprise value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Phil M Chakiris, Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves
  • Publication number: 20190147199
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of activating an electronic device at a point-of-sale (POS). The device may be identified by an indicia and activation may occur following purchase of the device. The method may include the steps of receiving at a central processor from the PUS the indicia identifying the device purchased at the POS; enabling by the central processor a feature or functionality of the device or use of the device; and conveying to the device information material to the feature, functionality, or use. The system may include a central processor that activates the device. The central processor may include various interfaces with the POS, provider, and device, as well as a database with records related to the device and an activation processor for determining if activation is appropriate, activating the device, and sending information material to the feature, functionality, or use to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M. Chakiris
  • Publication number: 20190007561
    Abstract: A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. The request may comprise value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Phil M. Chakiris, Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves
  • Patent number: 10152614
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of activating an electronic device at a point-of-sale (POS). The device may be identified by an indicia and activation may occur following purchase of the device. The method may include the steps of receiving at a central processor from the POS the indicia identifying the device purchased at the POS; enabling by the central processor a feature or functionality of the device or use of the device; and conveying to the device information material to the feature, functionality, or use. The system may include a central processor that activates the device. The central processor may include various interfaces with the POS, provider, and device, as well as a database with records related to the device and an activation processor for determining if activation is appropriate, activating the device, and sending information material to the feature, functionality, or use to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M Chakiris
  • Patent number: 10063714
    Abstract: A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. The request may comprise value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Chakiris, Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves
  • Publication number: 20140200976
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention may include methods and systems for conducting a transaction utilizing an indicia associated with goods or services, the indicia initially provided to an originating party by an originating merchant, but wherein the indicia may be used in a transaction at a providing merchant by an obtaining party, the transaction conducted amongst a central processor, one or more merchants that may include the originating merchant and the providing merchant, and one or more parties that may include the originating party and the obtaining party. The method may include steps such as: receiving the indicia from the providing merchant; determining whether the indicia is valid, the goods or services associated with the indicia, whether the providing merchant is the originating merchant, whether the obtaining party is the originating party, and determining a transaction price for the indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M. Chakiris, Samuel Collins
  • Publication number: 20140166748
    Abstract: A computerized system and method for securely authorizing and distributing stored-value card data over a communications network is provided. The method allows for storing in the database a plurality of records comprising stored-value card data for each stored-value card as well as information identifying a plurality of trusted sources of stored-value card activation requests and/or a plurality of trusted communications networks for transmitting stored-value card activation requests. A transmitting step allows for a requesting terminal to transmit over a communications network a request to change the status of a stored-value card. The central processor then determines whether the requesting terminal and/or the communications network is a trusted source. Based on whether the requesting terminal or communications network is a trusted source or trusted communications network, the request can be processed and the card can be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: e2interactive, Inc. d/b/a e2lnteractive, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Craig Graves, Merrill Brooks Smith
  • Patent number: 8751401
    Abstract: A computerized system and method for securely authorizing and distributing stored-value card data over a communications network is provided. The method allows for storing in the database a plurality of records comprising stored-value card data for each stored-value card as well as information identifying a plurality of trusted sources of stored-value card activation requests and/or a plurality of trusted communications networks for transmitting stored-value card activation requests. A transmitting step allows for a requesting terminal to transmit over a communications network a request to change the status of a stored-value card. The central processor then determines whether the requesting terminal and/or the communications network is a trusted source. Based on whether the requesting terminal or communications network is a trusted source or trusted communications network, the request can be processed and the card can be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Craig Graves, Merrill Brooks Smith
  • Patent number: 8706630
    Abstract: A computerized system and method for securely authorizing and distributing stored-value card data over a communications network is provided. The method allows for storing in the database a plurality of records comprising stored-value card data for each stored-value card as well as information identifying a plurality of trusted sources of stored-value card activation requests and/or a plurality of trusted communications networks for transmitting stored-value card activation requests. A transmitting step allows for a requesting terminal to transmit over a communications network a request to change the status of a stored-value card. The central processor then determines whether the requesting terminal and/or the communications network is a trusted source. Based on whether the requesting terminal or communications network is a trusted source or trusted communications network, the request can be processed and the card can be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Craig Graves, Merrill Brooks Smith
  • Publication number: 20140054375
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of activating an electronic device at a point-of-sale (POS). The device may be identified by an indicia and activation may occur following purchase of the device. The method may include the steps of receiving at a central processor from the POS the indicia identifying the device purchased at the POS; enabling by the central processor a feature or functionality of the device or use of the device; and conveying to the device information material to the feature, functionality, or use. The system may include a central processor that activates the device. The central processor may include various interfaces with the POS, provider, and device, as well as a database with records related to the device and an activation processor for determining if activation is appropriate, activating the device, and sending information material to the feature, functionality, or use to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M Chakiris
  • Publication number: 20140058934
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods providing payment into a pre-existing customer account with a provider of goods or services, the method facilitated between a customer, a provider of goods or services, and a processor. The method including steps such as receiving from the customer value, identifying information of the customer, and information sufficient to identify the provider and pre-existing account of the customer; accessing a payment platform of the provider; determining information required by the provider in order to provide payment into the customer account; communicating information required by the provider in order to provide payment into the customer account; and providing a value into the customer account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M. Chakiris
  • Patent number: 8655309
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of activating an electronic device at a point-of-sale (POS). The device may be identified by an indicia and activation may occur following purchase of the device. The method may include the steps of receiving at a central processor from the POS the indicia identifying the device purchased at the POS; enabling by the central processor a feature or functionality of the device or use of the device; and conveying to the device information material to the feature, functionality, or use. The system may include a central processor that activates the device. The central processor may include various interfaces with the POS, provider, and device, as well as a database with records related to the device and an activation processor for determining if activation is appropriate, activating the device, and sending information material to the feature, functionality, or use to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M Chakiris
  • Patent number: 8566240
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods providing payment into a pre-existing customer account with a provider of goods or services, the method facilitated between a customer, a provider of goods or services, and a processor. The method including steps such as receiving from the customer value, identifying information of the customer, and information sufficient to identify the provider and pre-existing account of the customer; accessing a payment platform of the provider; determining information required by the provider in order to provide payment into the customer account; communicating information required by the provider in order to provide payment into the customer account; and providing a value into the customer account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M. Chakiris
  • Publication number: 20130238411
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention may include methods and systems for determining commission amounts in a multiple party transaction for the purchase of goods or services by an obtaining user, the goods or services associated with an indicia, the multiple party transaction being amongst at least an originating merchant and a providing merchant, the providing merchant in selective communication with a central processor, the method including: receiving the indicia associated with the goods or services for purchase and a purchase price; determining the goods or services associated with the indicia; determining factors associated with the multiple party transaction comprising: the purchase price; the identity of the providing merchant and providing merchant characteristics; the identity of the originating merchant and originating merchant characteristics; calculating, based at least in part on the factors: a commission, if any, for the providing merchant; and a commission, if any, for the originating merchant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M. Chakiris, Samuel Collins
  • Patent number: 8407088
    Abstract: A method and system for using a rebate card are disclosed. The method may comprise initiating a purchase transaction for one or more products at a point of sale, determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies for a rebate, determining a rebate value based on the purchase transaction and the rebate, activating a rebate value in a rebate card account associated with a rebate card based on the determining action, and delivering the rebate card to a customer of the one or more products during the purchase transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M. Chakiris, Karl Denzer, Dustin Young
  • Patent number: 8244612
    Abstract: A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. The request may comprise value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Chakiris, Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves
  • Publication number: 20120084162
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of conducting a payment system, facilitated between a computerized processor, a point-of-sale, a customer, and one or more payees to whom the customer wishes to make a payment. The method including the steps of: receiving composite payment transaction information from the customer—including identifying information of the one or more payees and an indication of the an amount of value the customer wishes to pay to each of the one or more payees, associating an identifier with the composite payment transaction information, providing the identifier to the customer, receiving the identifier from the point-of-sale, receiving an amount of value from the point-of-sale, and providing value to the one or more payees in the amount indicated by the customer in the composite payment transaction information. The system configured to provide payment in a similar manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M. Chakiris