Regulated Patents (Class 705/26.25)
  • Patent number: 8775266
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of selling replacement parts for a product over a computer network including providing a plurality of product manufacturer selection options for a customer to select from, receiving a manufacturer selection of one of the product manufacturers, providing a plurality of product selections for the customer to select from, receiving a product selection of one of the products, providing a schematic illustrating a plurality of component parts of the product with associated reference identifiers, receiving a selection of at least one of the component parts, providing a description of the component part selected, including at least one name for the component part and at least one part number for the component part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Brownell's, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter R. Brownell
  • Patent number: 8768783
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transformation of submitted listings are described. An example system comprises a policy module to receive a listing describing an item for sale and to determine that the listing does not comply with one or more marketplace policies of a marketplace. The marketplace publishes listings describing items for sale, and the one or more marketplace policies are based on item characteristics or listing characteristics. A presentation module, responsive to the determination that the listing does not comply with the one or more marketplace policies, transforms the listing according to the one or more marketplace policies and publishes the transformed listing in the marketplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Farhang Kassaei
  • Publication number: 20140164177
    Abstract: The invention is systems and methods for transferring items with restricted transferability. Initially, the systems and methods wait for a first consumer to make a request to transfer an item after having purchased the item from a provider. The systems and methods then send a request to transfer the item to the provider. This request may indicate inducements to the provider to authorize the transfer. If the transfer is authorized, the systems and methods then present information regarding the item to other consumers. This information may be presented as part of a bidding interface or as part of an advertising interface. Once the second consumer submits a winning bid for the item when the information is presented in a bidding interface, or an acceptable offer when the information is presented in an advertising interface, the transfer of the item can then be completed with or without the assistance of an intermediary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart A. Fraser, Philip M. Ginsberg, Glen D. Kirwin, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Publication number: 20140156454
    Abstract: A refrigerant life cycle management and compliance tracking and monitoring system and method for maintaining large quantities of refrigerant stored and transported in bulk tanks and containers. The system is customizable and can be used to store, track and compile regulatory and status information about a refrigerant being transported in tanks and any other data relevant to the quality, status or custody of a tank and its contents. The system and method allow access to database information by compliance officers and inspectors for required regulatory reporting. The system and method are accessible through a web browser or mobile application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Polar Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Ted Atwood, Chase Daniel Sanders, William Samuel Sanders
  • Publication number: 20140156455
    Abstract: A refrigerant life cycle management and compliance tracking and monitoring system and method for maintaining large quantities of refrigerant stored and transported in bulk tanks and containers. The system is customizable and can be used to store, track and compile regulatory and status information about a refrigerant being transported in tanks and any other data relevant to the quality, status or custody of a tank and its contents. The system and method allow access to database information by compliance officers and inspectors for required regulatory reporting. The system and method are accessible through a web browser or mobile application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Polar Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Ted Atwood, Chase Daniel Sanders, William Samuel Sanders
  • Patent number: 8737974
    Abstract: Items are sold via a wireless mobile telecommunications network in which multimedia presentations describing items offered for sale are broadcast for reception by wireless mobile devices. Users of the devices can transmit responses indicating requests to buy the items or bid for them in auctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: DeWayne Allan Sennett, Brian Kevin Daly, Venson M. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20140143065
    Abstract: A computer program accessible on a website displays a virtual warehouse containing representations of a number of virtual items corresponding to specific physical item counterparts owned by and to individuals having identities stored by the program. The physical items optionally are drums containing chemicals. A method for executing a sale of an item on the website includes the steps of providing a website which displays a virtual location containing representations of a number of virtual items corresponding to specific physical item counterparts; two potential users becoming registered program users as one of a buyer user and a seller use; the seller user moving the virtual item from a first virtual location displayed on the website to a second virtual location displayed on the website, and thereby putting the item up for sale; and the buyer user searching the website for virtual images of desired items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Mc Dermott
  • Patent number: 8682684
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided for monitoring compliance in reporting unclaimed property. The method is capable of identifying both potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters. In this regard, potential under-reporters may be identified as a result of a multilevel review that may take into account the recent reporting history, both in terms of frequency and the type and quantity of unclaimed property that has been reported. The potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters may then be further evaluated, such as by means of an audit or other follow up procedure, to insure compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox State & Local Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy A. Froude, Stephen J. Galvin, Jeremy D. Katz, Lynden D. Lyman, Kenneth J. Weeks, David P. Whiteside, Vincent P. O'Rorke
  • Patent number: 8654387
    Abstract: A print system is capable of processing a print order of image data through a network. The print system includes an information device operable to store image data, and an order reception server connected to the information device through the network. The information device sends print information specifying print content including image data to be printed to the order reception server with which a communication is established prior to a formal placing of a print order. The order reception server, when completing a reception of the print information, recognizes that the print order is completed, provides an order number for identifying the print order, and sends the order number to the information device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takehito Yamaguchi, Akihiro Tamura, Masayuki Yoneyama
  • Publication number: 20140032363
    Abstract: Systems and methods to provide a live video-based marketplace negotiation platform in the context of time limited online trading and commerce is described. Embodiments may include an interactive market place where transactions may be negotiated between buyers and sellers in a secure and entertaining manner. In an example, an online trading platform may match potential sellers and buyers based on any of a variety of criteria, and allow sellers and buyers to negotiate a deal in a limited time frame. Negotiations may be performed in real-time over a text, voice, or video communication interface that may include descriptions, images, or videos of a product offered by a seller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhao, Jennifer Ihrie, Kevin Carvalho, Amy Poon, Qian Liu
  • Patent number: 8626603
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, transmitting registration information over a network to a registration server for registration of first media content housed in a physical medium where the first registration information is associated with a purchase of the first media content from a point of sale device of a retailer and responsive to the registration, obtaining authorization for electronic access to second media content provided by a media source, where the second media content is associated with the first media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Scott White, James Cansler, Charles V. Scott
  • Patent number: 8577743
    Abstract: A distributed network transaction system and method includes a central exchange computer connected via the Internet (world wide web) to multiple remote computers associated with, for example, individual brokers. A central database is provided with the exchange computer and each remote computer can have a respective database for information that the individual brokers was to maintain separate from the system. E-commerce transactions are conducted by the system, which performs a number of transaction-related functions, such as pushing tickets up to the system for sale, purchasing tickets online, shipping, web site-related and bookkeeping. The system and methodology accommodate price event functions where non real-time tickets can be sold and the orders filled with tickets acquired on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Stubhub, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob M. Dubin, Jerry L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130226733
    Abstract: Approaches for distributing content produced from a plurality of creative entities by way of collectable virtual goods. At a content platform, tiered pricing data that defines for each of a plurality of content producers a sequence of tiers is stored. Each tier may be associated with a different price and a particular number of virtual goods. The content platform may identify a next available virtual good for purchase from a particular content provider based on how many virtual goods associated with the particular content provider have already been purchased. The visual appearance of the virtual good may be based upon how many virtual goods of the content producer have already been purchased. Upon receiving payment for the virtual good, the content platform provides ownership of the virtual good to the purchaser to entitle the purchaser to receive restricted content provided by the content producer associated with the virtual good.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Ari Alan Evans, Bryant Nathaniel Williams
  • Publication number: 20130211959
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a vehicular regionally regulated electronic platform allowing for a plurality of users to interface with said platform to effect various regulatory services, such as parking. The platform may also be used by enforcement authorities to implement enforcement regimes with increased efficiency and maximizing revenue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Randall W. MARUSYK, Paramjit S. GILL
  • Publication number: 20130166409
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, transmitting registration information over a network to a registration server for registration of first media content housed in a physical medium where the first registration information is associated with a purchase of the first media content from a point of sale device of a retailer and responsive to the registration, obtaining authorization for electronic access to second media content provided by a media source, where the second media content is associated with the first media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, LP
    Inventor: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, LP
  • Patent number: 8473424
    Abstract: An electronic business transaction system is provided for a product purchaser to purchase a product from a product supplier, and for a product delivery service provider to deliver the product to an address of the product purchaser or a product receiver. The product purchaser instructs an identification code and the product to the product supplier without disclosing a name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver. A terminal of an information administrator identifies the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver according to the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver. The terminal of the information administrator instructs the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver to the product delivery service provider without disclosing the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver, so that the product delivery service provider delivers the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Takamitsu Sangyou Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hachirou Seno
  • Publication number: 20130159137
    Abstract: An approach is provided for creating and managing pricing models and subscriptions for packages. As used herein, the term “package” refers to a logical entity that has one or more member applications, where each of the member applications provides one or more services. One or more pricing models may be assigned to a package and made available to subscribers and the pricing models assigned to a package may be changed. Users may subscribe to one or more packages and incur charges based upon the pricing models assigned to the packages to which the users subscribe. Embodiments include providing a graphical user interface for service providers to create and manage packages, define pricing models and to manage pricing model assignments for packages. Embodiments also include providing a graphical user interface for subscribers to view available applications and packages in a “marketplace” and to subscribe to packages and manage their subscriptions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: JAYASIMHA NUGGEHALLI, JIANG HONG, GUILUAN LUO, ZHENYU LU, DEEKSHA SHARMA
  • Publication number: 20130151373
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting regulatory requirements for the distribution of controlled and non-controlled items such as, for example, non-controlled prescriptions (Rx), medical devices, and controlled substances in countries such as the United States and Canada, are provided. The systems and methods incorporate a license verification module that is configured to perform license validation for a particular order placed for a controlled and/or non-controlled item. In certain embodiments, the license verification module compares order data to historically sorted data and if one or more discrepancies exist, validation is unsuccessful. The license verification module may further query a third party database for updated license information upon validation failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Patent number: 8452669
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a purchase request to a dealer immediately. A Data Center system has a system database accessible to a plurality of dealers. A potential buyer submits a purchase request over a computer network to the Data Center system. The purchase request may include product identification data and buyer location information. The Data Center system identifies at least one appropriate dealer to receive the purchase request. The Data Center creates a purchase request record from the data and information provided in the purchase request. The Data Center then communicates the purchase request to the appropriate dealer by immediately storing the purchase request record into the system database such that the purchase request is accessible only to the at least one identified dealer. The purchase request becomes available to the at least one identified dealer immediately upon the creation of the purchase request record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Lead Relay, LLC
    Inventors: Don P. Wolfe, Douglas S. Nottage, Kevin J. Wagoner, Tim E. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130132232
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for digital rights management with delegated authorization for content access are described. Such embodiments may include a runtime component configured to receive protected content. The runtime component may be configured to submit a request for a delegation token to a first entity, such as a content merchant or some other entity. The runtime component may be configured to receive the delegation token from the first entity. The runtime component may also be configured to submit a request for a content license for the protected content to a second entity, such as an access coordinator or some other entity. The submitted request may include the received delegation token. The runtime component may be configured to receive the content license from the second entity. The runtime component may also be configured to provide access to the protected content in accordance with the received content license.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Florian Pestoni, Pritham Shetty, Sunil C. Agrawal, Katherine K. Nadell
  • Publication number: 20130124363
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for identifying suspicious orders for controlled substances based on performing checks on a received order using historical information on previous orders. According to various embodiments, these checks may include: (1) comparing the order quantity for the received order with the order quantity history for the customer who placed the order for the controlled substance; (2) comparing the order quantity and the days since the last order was shipped to the customer for the same controlled substance with the order quantity history and the days between orders for the particular customer and controlled substance; (3) comparing the order quantity with order quantity history for orders received by customers of the same type for the controlled substance; and (4) comparing the order quantity with order quantity history for any customer for the particular controlled substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8429023
    Abstract: A computer system for a pricing and auction process allows private enterprise firms to establish an individual price for each consumer paying in to support delivery of the same units of a public good. The process solicits bids from individuals who value a public good, while reducing each individual's incentives to free ride, thereby increasing their incentives to bid or offer a payment that approaches their full value for each, successive unit of the good. Examples include farmers selling the services of land for wildlife habitat, farmers altering production processes to reduce pesticides and nutrients and increase local water quality, particularly during transition from technologically intensive farming to organic farming, or businesses established to help neighborhoods and communities become carbon neutral in a global economy. The process benefits profit or non-profit organizations supporting conservation such as wetland and salt marsh restoration or restoration of endangered species habitat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen K. Swallow, Christopher M. Anderson, Elizabeth C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130097055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for facilitating transfer of an available liquor license on a wide area network that includes, in operable communication, a buyer system, a seller system and a liquor license transfer system, the method including: a) the liquor license transfer system displaying on the buyer system a listing of the available liquor license and at least one comparable; b) the liquor license transfer system receiving an offer for the available liquor license and validating the offer; c) the liquor license transfer system generating and transmitting a notification of the offer to the seller system; and d) upon the liquor license transfer system receiving an acceptance, the liquor license transfer system retrieving one or more electronic forms required to effectuate transfer of ownership of the available liquor license and auto-populating the forms with information relating to the buyer system and the seller system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kramer, Nathaniel Haas, Benjamin Haas
  • Patent number: 8423612
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses request an application; detect a user requesting the application; detect a profile associated with the user; and grant permission to access the application based on an access parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Weidong Chen, Lei Zhu, Min Zhu, Chris Kangas, Matthew Sheppard, David Knight
  • Patent number: 8401920
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, transmitting registration information over a network to a registration server for registration of first media content housed in a physical medium where the first registration information is associated with a purchase of the first media content from a point of sale device of a retailer and responsive to the registration, obtaining authorization for electronic access to second media content provided by a media source, where the second media content is associated with the first media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott White, James Cansler, Charles Scott
  • Publication number: 20130060658
    Abstract: A method and system of import and export trading is provided. The system and method includes a selection module, an import duty confirmation module, a database, and a displaying module. The selection module is configured for choosing basic information of commodity from lists of property choices provided by a website and submitting the choice to a server. The import duty confirmation module is configured for confirming HS code and duty rate corresponding to the commodity according to the choice. The database is configured for storing information of commodities, HS codes and rate of import duties. The displaying module is configured for displaying commodities provided by sellers to buyers for choosing. The sellers and buyers are in different countries or regions, when a buyer chooses one commodity, the server will provide corresponding import duty to the buyer according to the quantity of commodities and the duty rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Hui QUAN, Qiong Zhu, Chao Shen, Shi Yao, Xiaoli Wang
  • Publication number: 20130024204
    Abstract: A Controlled Substance (CS) ordering system that includes: 1) a client interface operable to be hosted on an Internet site, the client interface operable to receive an order for a controlled substance; 2) a first server operable to support the client interface and post a signed order to a second server; 3) the second server, the first server and the second server operable to communicate securely within a secure zone, the second server protected from external communications by the first server, the second server operable to perform signature validation functions, including checking a revocation list via the external agency validation server, and then securely posts the results back to the first server; 4) a secured database server wherein signed validated orders are posted for fulfillment and reporting; and 5) an interface with an external agency validation server, the second server operable to establish an LDAP connection to the external agency validation server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Penny Hendrix, Daniel Volney
  • Publication number: 20120330783
    Abstract: A correctional facility communication system for sending an external message to an offender of a correctional facility is disclosed. The correctional facility communication system includes a messaging system and a correctional facility system coupled together with a wide area network. The messaging system is at a first location and the correctional facility system is at a second location, different from the first location. The messaging system authenticates a sender of the external message, receives the external message in electronic form at the first location, checks the external message against criteria specified by the correctional facility, determine a second location of the offender and a corresponding printer, and sends the external message to the second location for automatic printing with the corresponding printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Terry D. Harper
  • Publication number: 20120239528
    Abstract: An image ordering system includes an order management apparatus and an image providing apparatus. The order management apparatus includes a first image storage section, an order receiving section which receives an order for electronic-album-output of images, and an order information transmitting section which transmits order information to a contact address associated with ordered images. The image providing apparatus includes a second image storage section, an order information receiving section which receives the order information, an image searching section which searches the images stored in the second image storage section for images related to images indicated by the order information, and an image releasing section which releases the images found as a result of the search upon receiving a release permission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro NAKAGAWA
  • Patent number: 8260676
    Abstract: A system and method for processing user programming request are described. A request entered by a user is detected. An entry for a time period based user spending limit is provided, in respond to the entered user request. The time period based user spending limit entry is received by the system and system tracks the user spending during the time period. In another embodiment, more than one spending limit, corresponding to different time periods, may be entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Benoit Pol Menez, Carolynn Rae Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120179574
    Abstract: Improved techniques and systems to facilitate use of credit to acquire digital media assets from a network-based media server are disclosed. A user can acquire credit in a variety of different ways including, for example, through redeeming a credit invitation. Once a user has available credit by whatever means, the user can acquire one or more digital media assets from the network-based media server using his/her available credit. In one embodiment, the credit is provided as item credits, whereby each item credit can be used to acquire a selected digital media asset. However, not all of the digital media assets available from the network-based media server are permitted to be acquired using item credits. The country of origin of the user and/or the type of media asset can influence the digital media assets that can be acquired using item credits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Burkholder
  • Patent number: 8204796
    Abstract: A distributed network transaction system and method includes a central exchange computer connected via the Internet (world wide web) to multiple remote computers associated with, for example, individual brokers. A central database is provided with the exchange computer and each remote computer can have a respective database for information that the individual brokers was to maintain separate from the system. E-commerce transactions are conducted by the system, which performs a number of transaction-related functions, such as pushing tickets up to the system for sale, purchasing tickets online, shipping, web site-related and bookkeeping. The system and methodology accommodate price event functions where non real-time tickets can be sold and the orders filled with tickets acquired on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: StubHub, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob M. Dubin, Jerry L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120150685
    Abstract: Control access features include the use of a number of validation rules and capabilities of a target as part of proving license control and revenue generating functionalities, but the embodiments are not so limited. An exemplary role-based computing architecture includes the use of feature to command mappings and one or more validation rules to determine if a target of a command has a proper set of capabilities as part of allowing the command to execute. A computing method of one embodiment operates to provide a validation mechanism that performs a validation evaluation as part of a scope check to ensure that a target command is within the command issuer's scope along with a validation rule check for a particular service feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jose Alberto Lozano Hinojosa, Ozan Ozhan, Linden D. Goffar
  • Patent number: 8200546
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a registration system having a controller to register a purchase of media content housed in a physical medium with one or more media sources to authorize a consumer of the purchased media content to electronically access from the one or more media sources at least a portion of media content that is similar to or a replica of the purchased media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott White, James L. Cansler, Charles Scott
  • Patent number: 8185449
    Abstract: Disclosed is a computer implemented method comprising the steps of calculating a fuel entitlement price, which is valid for a first order time period; receiving within the first order time period an order signal representing a first order by a customer for a fuel entitlement volume at the entitlement price, and accepting the first order, wherein the entitlement volume entitles the customer to take delivery from one or more of a plurality of filling stations, within a first entitlement time period, of a volume of fuel, in the aggregate, up to the entitlement volume, the first entitlement time period extending beyond the first order time period; updating a fuel entitlement balance of the customer to reflect the first order and the first entitlement time period; and updating the fuel entitlement balance of the customer in response to receipt of data indicating that the customer has taken delivery of a volume of fuel from a filling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
    Inventor: Matthew Ward
  • Publication number: 20120123901
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of selling replacement parts for a product over a computer network including providing a plurality of product manufacturer selection options for a customer to select from, receiving a manufacturer selection of one of the product manufacturers, providing a plurality of product selections for the customer to select from, receiving a product selection of one of the products, providing a schematic illustrating a plurality of component parts of the product with associated reference identifiers, receiving a selection of at least one of the component parts, providing a description of the component part selected, including at least one name for the component part and at least one part number for the component part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: BROWNELL'S, INC.
    Inventor: Peter R. Brownell
  • Publication number: 20120066089
    Abstract: A digital download kiosk network is described. The network comprises: an authorization database including a digital rights management facility; a first digital download kiosk coupled to the authorization database to receive digital rights management data; and a second digital download kiosk coupled to the authorization database to receive digital rights management data, and coupled to the first digital download kiosk in a peer-to-peer manner to share multi-media content therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: James Henderson
  • Publication number: 20120054066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a transaction between two or more parties. One or more electronic documents are received at a server computer from a client communications device of a first party to the transaction. All of the one or more electronic documents are locked against future changes. The identity validation of the first party indicates that the first party has agreed to the one or more electronic documents. Registration information is received from the client communications device of a second party to the transaction. The registration information includes the identity validation of the second party. The second party is provided with access to the received electronic documents. Whenever an acceptance of the electronic documents is received from the client communications devices of the second party, the identity validation from the first party and the second party to the agreed to electronic document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Fremont Twining, John Christopher Hallard
  • Patent number: 8126782
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for performing automated location integrated ordering of products and services at an event. This may be accomplished through placing product orders to one or more vendors using a portable electronic device, wherein upon placing an order, event-specific location information stored on the portable electronic device may be sent along with the order. Upon fulfilling the order, the products may be delivered to the event-specific location information. In addition to performing product ordering, the portable electronic device may also be used to remotely sign up for or check the status of event-specific services or activities. Also, the portable electronic device may be used to locate event services, activities, or attendees and provide a map or directions from the event-specific location to the event service, activity, or attendee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Zhu, Jeffrey M. Stone, Sei Y. Ng
  • Patent number: 8126780
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing, processing, distributing and an accompanying business model for sea algae, particularly forced cultured kombu, to prevent the expansion of global warming, by encouraging a re-purchase of the cultured sea algae, by paying the purchaser back, in a constant rate, a part of the profit from the sales of a CO2 omission right, which right depends upon the CO2 absorption and fixation ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Katsumi Iwai, Hiroshi Horibata
  • Publication number: 20120036041
    Abstract: The embodiments provide for legally transferring multimedia content stored on a medium to a personal content archive device. The device is configured to consolidate a user's content into a single device or secured storage that allows easy access to the content while preserving the digital rights of the content. When a content medium has been provided, the device queries a registration service over a network, such as the Internet, to register the content and indicate that it was legitimately obtained. The device may then be authorized to download and store an authorized version of the content into its secured storage. The authorized version may be the same or a variation of the registered content. The content may then be downloaded from one or more content sources. The registration process may be based on several criteria, such as an authenticity check of the medium, a fee payment, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lambertus Hesselink
  • Patent number: 8108224
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided for monitoring compliance in reporting unclaimed property. The method is capable of identifying both potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters. In this regard, potential under-reporters may be identified as a result of a multilevel review that may take into account the recent reporting history, both in terms of frequency and the type and quantity of unclaimed property that has been reported. The potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters may then be further evaluated, such as by means of an audit or other follow up procedure, to insure compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ACS State and Local Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy A. Froude, Stephen J. Galvin, Jeremy D. Katz, Lynden D. Lyman, Robert B. Martens, Vincent P. O'Rorke, legal representative, Kenneth J. Weeks, David P. Whiteside
  • Publication number: 20120016766
    Abstract: A payment system and method for electronic commerce transactions is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a payment administrator receives a request for a payment notice for an electronic commerce transaction, such as a purchase on a merchant website. In response, the payment administrator creates a payment notice comprising a transaction amount (which may be converted between different currencies), an age restriction for the purchased product (if applicable), and a unique identifier for the electronic commerce transaction. Preferably, the unique identifier is presented in both human-readable form and machine-readable form (such as a barcode) on the payment notice. The payment administrator then transmits the payment notice to the purchaser, who may print and take the payment notice to a retailer for full or partial payment of the transaction amount printed on the payment notice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Asheesh Raizada, Martin Bruckner
  • Patent number: 8095427
    Abstract: Systems and interfaces communicate information that is necessary to facilitate online firearms transactions with improved certainty and legality. Centralized and standardized pricing indexes provide information that can be used to make educated transaction-related decisions. Firearm regulation data is used to cross-reference jurisdictional requirements and transaction location data to ensure legal compliance with the firearms transactions. Online auction data is filtered according to corresponding jurisdictional requirements as well as inventory records to limit transactions to available and legal transactions. Transaction data is generated and used by FFLs to verify transaction data and to complete the transactions that are initiated by the sellers and buyers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Brad B. Buxton
  • Publication number: 20110313882
    Abstract: A computer implemented system and method for creating a bundle for purchase of multiple goods and services. A consumer is provided with choices for multiple products and services. The services may be related to one or more of the products being offered. As the consumer progresses through goods and services being offered, prices are calculated instantaneously from the consumer's point of view and other goods and services for bundling with previous choices are offered. Particular calculating methods are used to optimize the pricing for the bundled goods and services. Pre-set bundles may also be offered. Pre-set bundles may also be offered where certain components can be interchanged for other goods and services in a manner which may or may not affect the price.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Warren Barthes
  • Publication number: 20110302052
    Abstract: A processor implemented method, system and computer readable medium for performing transactions of user generated content in a centralized marketplace is provided. User generated content files usable in a game during gameplay are received from users to the centralized marketplace. A restriction on use of the user generated content files is applied. The user generated content files are presented within the centralized marketplace. A request to purchase a user generated content file in the centralized marketplace is received from a first user and a purchase transaction between the first user and a content owner of the user generated content file is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Giese, Christian Guirguis, Chad Olsen, Rory Reich
  • Publication number: 20110276431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a selling mechanism, in particular for connectivity. A trading engine 102 may receive a seller request for a connectivity leg from a seller wherein the seller request includes a seller criteria. A routing engine 103 may identify if the connectivity leg falls within a connectivity path for a buyer. The routing engine 103 may determine if relevant criteria of the seller criteria for the connectivity leg are fulfilled and a reservation component 107 may reserve the connectivity leg for said buyer based if the relevant criteria of the seller criteria are fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS OY
    Inventors: Burkhard STURM, Thomas Pliakas, Tiju Titus JOHN, Balasubramanian MANOHARAN, Jyri Seiger, Mika Kristian SKARP
  • Patent number: 8055552
    Abstract: Rules-based commerce system or marketplace that proactively acquires and purchases, on behalf of consumers, works submitted by creators. In one implementation, the system involves a rules engine which makes current and future purchases of electronic content and code based on the positive fulfillment of specific pre-created criteria. Some particular implementations of the invention can be implemented to create a net of income from a large quantity of sources in order to support one or more social media activities. Other implementations of the invention can be configured to create forms of sponsorship whereby a consumer can create rules to automatically acquire and pay for a future work that meets one or more criteria. On the creator side, implementations of the invention can be configured to assist creators to develop an audience and corresponding income streams to support social media creation activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Kalaboukis
  • Publication number: 20110258074
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for implementing electronic commerce transactions via a data network. A regulated item selected by a customer is identified. The regulated item may correspond to an item which satisfies predetermined criteria, indicating that the regulated item is prohibited from being purchased by the customer. Action is then taken to prohibit the purchase of the selected item, via the data network, by the customer. According to one embodiment, the action taken to prohibit the purchase of the regulated item is automatically implemented at a server system configured to implement electronic commerce transactions between an on-line merchant and the customer. According to a specific implementation, the predetermined criteria correspond to regulations which restrict sales of the regulated items to persons in a particular jurisdiction based upon certain criteria such as, for example, time of day, day of week, age of the customer, type of product being sold, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Franklin Goodhue Woodward, James Connell Mills, Randolph Ashton Hodge, Andrew Karl Miller, Joyo Wijaya
  • Publication number: 20110237324
    Abstract: In a motion capture system having a depth camera, access to an electronic media device such as personal computer or a game console with Internet connectivity is controlled. The age group of a person in a field of view of the camera can be determined based on metrics of a 3-D body model. The metrics can relate to, e.g., a relative size of a head of the body, a ratio of arm length to body height, a ratio of body height to head height, and/or a ratio of head width to shoulder width. The metrics are particularly indicative of age group. Based on the age group, a profile of the user is automatically updated with various parental control settings which control access to the electronic media device. Also, currently output content can be replaced by substitute content when a person in a lower age group enters the field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Clavin, Gaelle Vialle, Aaron Kornblum