Patents by Inventor Robert H. Willis

Robert H. Willis 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: 7660754
    Abstract: A system for automatically processing claims is disclosed. The system includes an application that runs on a computer. Technicians use the application to complete claims information. Claims information includes information related to damage to a company asset. The system can determine the nature and possible location of a malfunction and redirect technician resources appropriately. In another aspect, the system can receive information from multiple technicians and can determine if a single incident caused multiple technicians to be deployed and can produce a single bill that includes the costs associated with dispatching multiple technicians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Willis, Steven G. Smith, Danny E. Lee, Raul A. Jerez, Duane E. Skipper, Ralph J. Mills, Jr., Mitch E. Davis
  • Publication number: 20080195317
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Steven G. Smith, Robert H. Willis, Mitchell E. Davis, Marvin R. Hamrick, Roland T. Morton, Jeffery A. Sylvester
  • Publication number: 20080162040
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Steven G. Smith, Robert H. Willis, Mitchell E. Davis, Marvin R. Hamrick, Roland T. Morton, Jeffery A. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 7286994
    Abstract: A system for transacting business with customers is disclosed. The system includes a dispatch division receiving a complaint from a customer related to a problem the customer is experiencing. The dispatch division then deploys a technician to repair the problem. While the technician is conducting the repair, the system permits the technician to interact with the customer and negotiate and close deals for additional or modified products, services or features that the customer may want. The system also includes provisions for allowing the technician to retrieve information related to the customer and includes features that automatically notify various appropriate business offices for follow-up with the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Dennis, James R. Miller, Robert H. Willis, Gloria D. Perkins, Steven G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040220732
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating directions for traveling from a first service location to at least a second service location. One exemplary method embodiment includes obtaining through a server at least one set of “from” coordinates associated with the first service location; obtaining through the server at least one set of “to” coordinates associated with the second service location; transmitting the “from” and the “to” coordinates to a mapping system; and receiving directions from the mapping system based on the “to” and the “from” coordinates. Another exemplary method embodiment includes receiving first knowledge of one or more service personnel locations, receiving second knowledge of one or more service locations, and applying an algorithm with a computer using the first and the second knowledge to facilitate moving a service person to a most appropriate service location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Steven G. Smith, Robert H. Willis, Mitchell E. Davis, Marvin R. Hamrick, Roland T. Morton, Jeffery A. Sylvester
  • Publication number: 20030220737
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Steven G. Smith, Robert H. Willis, Mitchell E. Davis, Marvin R. Hamrick, Roland T. Morton, Jeffery A. Sylvester