Patents by Inventor Robert D. Harter

Robert D. Harter 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: 6637648
    Abstract: A method of doing business is disclosed which allows transactions in goods or services to be conducted in real time, with automatic changes as needed to comply with local rules or regulations. The method comprises storing, in a computer, at least one flag code associated with at least one of a locator code associated with locations having laws or rules which affect transactions within that geographic area and a transaction code associated with goods and services impacted by the laws or rules, confirming at the point of sale and at the time of sale if the transaction has a flag associated with it, collecting prior to, or at the time of sale, information from a consumer about their preferences for dealing with a transaction which is impacted by the local rule or regulation, and cross referencing flagged transactions with consumer preferences. The price, payment method or some other term of the transaction is adjusted as needed to comply with the local law or regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC
    Inventors: Peter Gilgen, John D. Thompson, Peter V. Harridge, Robert D. Harter, Walter J. Sanders, Jeremy J. Sublett, William Kevin Thomson, Ronda L. Tendam