Abstract: A service plan product providing a tangible representation of a service plan includes a support backer and a tag removably coupled with the backer. The tag includes service plan account identification means corresponding to a service plan account stored in a database and plan administrator contact indicia. The tag is configured to be removed from the backer and applied to a primary product for which the service plan is provided, and wherein only the service plan account identification means is required for the service plan administrator to access the database to identify details regarding the service plan account. Related systems and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-readable and executable instructions are provided for profit comparison. Profit comparison can include determining a first profitability function of a flexible duration extended warranty offering with respect to a first plurality of warranty parameters and determining a second profitability function of a fixed duration extended warranty offering with respect to a second plurality of warranty parameters. Profit comparison can also include comparing the first function and the second function for at least one level of at least one of profit lift and flexible duration warranty offering coverage duration. Presenting results of the comparison for a range of values of the first and second plurality of warranty parameters can also be included in profit comparison.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a service level of a service provided by a service provider to a customer under a service level agreement. The actual measurement data is adjudicated to correct the measurement data in accordance with at least one adjudication element that provides information relating to how to correct the measurement data. The adjudicated measurement data is transformed into operational data by being reorganized into one or more groups of data. The operational data is evaluated by applying a formula to the operational data, resulting in the operational data being configured for being subsequently qualified. The operational data is qualified by comparing the evaluated operational data with specified service level targets for at least one service level period and identifying operational data points meeting and/or not meeting the specified service level targets.

Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium having computer program, and related computer implemented methods are provided to aggregate a plurality of customized livestock warranty products so that each of the plurality of customized livestock warranty products is provided to different owners of different herds of a plurality of herds and so that a collective livestock risk product is produced for collective risk management. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously incentivize disease event disclosure by facilitating the purchase of individual warranty products by livestock producers that cover the full value of the producers' losses, yet also incentivize producers to enforce rigorous bio-security measures. Beneficially, the individual warranty products can be provided as part of a collective product for collective reinsurance and collective management of federal indemnity for catastrophic disease events.

Abstract: A warranty expiration date determining device includes: a receiving unit which receives owner information, appliance information, and operating information of a device; an obtaining unit which obtains, from an information database in which at least owner information, appliance information, and operating information of appliances are registered in association with respective owners of the appliances, operating information associated with a specific owner inferred among the owners of the appliances, based on the owner information and the appliance information of the device received, a usage period estimating unit which estimates a usage period of the appliance based on the obtained operating information and the received operating information; and a warranty expiration date determining unit which determines a first day of use of the appliance by extending back the estimated usage period from current time and date, and determines the warranty expiration date of the appliance.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable and executable instructions are provided for pricing open-list warranties. Pricing open-list warranties can include determining an expected product support cost of a provider of an open-list warranty to a customer over a time period, determining an expected product repair cost of the customer over the time period, and pricing the open-list warranty for the time period based on the expected product support cost and the expected product repair cost.

Abstract: A maximum expected value of a residual value warranty for a product to a customer is determined. An expected cost to a provider to support the residual value warranty for the customer is determined, based on the maximum expected value of the candidate residual value warranty to the customer. The expected profitability of the candidate residual value warranty is determined based on the expected cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a time-limited warranty of a product warranted by a warrantor. The product preferably has a controller with a user interface operably connected to the controller. In the inventive method, warranty-pertinent information is permanently recorded with the controller. It is preferred that the warranty-pertinent information include a post-sale activation date and an automatically-counted number of run days since post-sale activation. The warranty-pertinent information is retrieved, and the post-sale period compared with the length of the time-limited warranty. Validity of a warranty claim is determined based on whether the recorded number of run days is consistent with the post-sale period.

Abstract: A method for using electronic product identification devices to track product sales and enable sales transactions to be registered in an electronic registration (ER) system without causing privacy or security concerns for the purchasers. RF-ID devices are placed on products being sold and include detailed information about the products. When the products are purchased, the detailed information is loaded into an ER database and all but a limited amount of information is removed from the RF-ID device. The limited information is sufficient to enable the detailed information to be located in the ER database by authorized individuals in connection with a return transaction or the like.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-readable and executable instructions are provided for making an extended warranty coverage. Making an extended warranty decision can include determining by a computer, a customer's expected cost of terminating the extended warranty coverage, determining, by the computer, the customer's expected cost of continuing the extended warranty coverage, and comparing, by the computer, the expected cost of terminating the extended warranty coverage and the expected cost of continuing the extended warranty coverage. Making an extended warranty decision can also include determining, by the computer, the extended warranty coverage decision based on the comparison.

Abstract: An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information.

Abstract: A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving from a point-of-sale interface a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The purchaser information and the device identifier are associated via the transaction code for registering the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system of predicting a maintenance schedule and estimating a cost for warranty service of systems, for example, hardware systems, is provided. The method and system in one aspect may collect component usage data and obtain component reliability data for each of the plurality of components. A component life distribution module (CLDM) may be constructed based on the real time component usage data and the component reliability data, and from CLDM a mean time to fail data may be obtained. A system life distribution model (SLDM) may be selected and the mean time to fail data input into the SLDM to obtain an operating environment index that represents the effect of environment conditions on the lifetime and reliability. A maintenance schedule may be predicted and an adjusted cost of warranty service may be calculated based on the operating environment index for each of the plurality of components.

Abstract: A scalable method and system are provided for connecting, tracking and facilitating warranties, recalls, maintenance, repair and upgrade/replacement and purchase of new products within a community of large-scale, homogeneous building inventories (LSHBI) or units over a communications network. The method includes providing a database of electronic data at a computer site. The data includes building product data that uniquely identifies building products common to and contained within each housing unit in a community of subscribing building units. The electronic data also includes service provider data that identifies service providers for the building products and warranty data that identifies warranties and warranty dates for at least one of the building products and services provided by the service providers. The method further includes analyzing the electronic data to determine whether an action to facilitate the maintenance, repair or replacement of at least one building product is to be performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for generating consumable orders for document processing devices and for verifying approved source consumable usage in document processing devices, in which a customer computer receives electronic reports from the devices and from these ascertains whether particular devices will need replacement consumables and also whether non-program consumable products are being used in particular devices. If a replacement will be required, the customer computer presents a proposed order to the customer via prompting content customizable by a reseller. The customer can then accept, modify, or reject the proposed order, and any accepted or modified order is forwarded to an account manager system for automatic placement for consumable shipment from a manufacturer or distributor.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and verifying a client to access a secure network. Timing characteristics are acquired from the client, such as a peripheral device, and further verified and identified via a policy enforcement points and a policy decision points, or a measurer device in the secure network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of selecting of a container and temperature-control system, such that biological products (including blood) requiring maintenance within a specified range of temperatures are so maintained during shipment. The process requires a prediction of the maximum period of shipment, and the predicted ambient temperature ranges and time of exposure thereto for the system during the period of shipment. With that information, a system of container(s) with temperature-control agents including dry ice, ice, frozen gel packs or a phase change material, is selected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to product warranty management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for maintaining purchase records and product repair, replacement, and refund warranty claims processing. The user experience in performing warranty management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recording and reminding of warranty and maintenance service relating to items purchased by a customer. More specifically the method relates to a method where data about the warranty and the maintenance service is entered and stored in a data storage system comprising a data processing program which is able to process the data in several steps and notify a service provider when maintenance service is required.

Abstract: A voice response system for use in obtaining return qualification information for a product using a non-unique product identifier, including: a dial-in voice system operable to prompt a caller for the non-unique product identifier, wherein the non-unique product identifies the product as a member of a defined product group: a product registration database including a plurality of different, non-unique product identifiers: a return policy storage that defines return policies for each of the non-unique product identifiers: and an arrangement that looks up a specific return policy for the non-unique product identified entered by the caller and provides information to the caller regarding return qualification for the product identified by the non-unique product identifier.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which can analyze customer data, including information about current products and agreements of the customer. The customer data can be used to predict various unknown parameters, including product usage data. The customer data and predicted data can be used to generate various alert conditions. For example, an alert can be generated when a product's predicted usage data for a future time indicates that usage terms of a related agreement will be exceeded. Also for example, an alert can be generated when a replacement product or agreement can be provided to a customer at an attractive price. An interactive deal sheet for an alert can be generated. The interactive deal sheet can allow a user to view various replacement products and agreements, and to perform additional calculations and comparisons based on inputted parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the invention relate to providing customer care metrics. According to one exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for generating customer care metrics associated with a terminal device is disclosed. The method receives a first set of customer care data including identity information of the terminal device. The method electronically integrates the first set of customer care data with a second set of customer care data collected from the terminal device, to produce a set of integrated data. The method also removes the identity information from the set of integrated data, and generates customer care metrics based on the integrated data.

Abstract: A system (10) for tracking warranties and other time critical contracts. The system (10) includes a data store (12) for storing at least authentication information for authenticating a user to the system and contract information including start date and end date of the contract being tracked. The system (10) also includes a processor (13) adapted to access the data store and from the information made available in the data store, determining one or dates regarding time critical contracts, and for directing communications with a user via a communications module (14) which is adapted to send and receive information to and from a user's networked device including a mobile telephone (16) or a computer (18) and where the information sent to the device includes at least, an alert reminding the user that the contract is about to expire, in advance of the end date of a contract being tracked.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased products and, more particularly, to an improved electronic registration system that tracking and validating return/warranty eligibility for items purchased from a gift registry and/or to be given to a recipient at a future time, e.g., remote from the actual purchase date. If it is determined that a product is sold as a part of a gift registry, for example, the “start date” of the return/warranty eligibility period may be effectively set as the event date rather than the actual item purchase date and/or event date validation may be selectively performed in place of sale date validation when evaluating return/warranty eligibility for such items. As a result, it is possible to at least partially restore an otherwise diminished return/warranty eligibility period for a purchased, but not immediately gifted, item.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for calculating warranty cost includes determining values for a plurality of parameters that characterize a corresponding plurality of physical conditions of a product that is returned under warranty, determining values for a plurality of variables that characterize a customer profile for the product and evaluating an expression that calculates warranty cost based on said determined parameter and variable values. The plurality of physical conditions of the product includes the conditions of no-trouble-found (NTF), repaired, junked, and subject to further failure mode analysis (FMA). The plurality of parameters further comprises probabilities and costs that correspond to each of the physical conditions. Evaluating the above expression includes evaluating a first expression that calculates repair, product conformance and Dead-On-Arrival cost and evaluating a second expression that calculates Change Notice cost. Subsequently, the two costs are summed to arrive at the total warranty cost.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method for processing information about products in a stream of commerce. The method can include recording unique identifiers in association with products; receiving, from a manufacturer of the products over a communications network, manufacturing information about the products; storing, in an electronic database, the manufacturing information in association with the unique identifiers; receiving, from entities in the stream of commerce over the communications network, additional information about the products; storing, in the electronic database, the additional information associated with the unique identifiers; receiving, over the communications network from retailers selling the products, consumer information identifying consumers of the products; and storing, in the electronic database, the consumer information in association with the unique identifiers.

Abstract: Faults in technical facilities are oftentimes unanticipatable and unplannable. For the operator of a facility, it is therefore always uncertain when and at what level costs will be incurred for fault rectification. A method is therefore proposed for rectifying faults in technical facilities by which for a defined period of time, and for a number of facility components which are defined before the period starts, the rectification of faults is undertaken by a technical service organization, for which purpose an operator of a facility pays the service organization a defined sum of money for the defined period of time, whereby the costs of fault rectification during the defined period of time are then met by the service organization, up to level of the sum of money, and costs over and above this are met by an insurance company. The facility operator then has from the outset costs which can be estimated and planned, and need not establish separate reserves.

Abstract: A method and system for processing an automotive warranty claim include capturing at least one digital image of a vehicle-related customer concern with a digital camera device. A barcode identifying the vehicle is scanned with a barcode scanning device. Upon establishing operable communication between a first computer and the digital camera device and the barcode scanning device, respectively, the at least one digital image and the barcode information are automatically downloaded into the first computer. Dialog is input into the first computer requesting warranty coverage for the customer concern. A claimset comprising the digital images, barcode and request for warranty coverage is transmitted to a second computer via a communication network. The claimset is reviewed at the second computer to decide whether warranty coverage will be provided. The claimset is updated with the decision and transmitted back to the first computer via the communication network.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods and systems for handling warranty services in a printing environment through use of an automatic process that writes all necessary warranty claim data into a log that be sent to a warranty service provider for print head replacement. The invention, in one embodiment, avoids the additional costs and time for sending a print head to the warranty service provider, and minimizes any administration efforts of the warranty service provider. The invention reduces print head warranty process validation time and makes the process more robust by tracking initial install date, current system date, and usage of the print head to ensure the print head has been used and maintained properly during the warranty period. The warranty data is stored in an encrypted field so that it cannot be changed. Further, the warranty service provider and authorized users can request a warranty claim receipt without the need to remove or idle the print head.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for assisting a contractor to efficiently service an equipment. The method and system enable contractors, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors, dealers, and technicians, to improve efficiency in providing services to their customers. The method and system formalize the repair planning execution tasks, and provide data in useful formats immediately available at a work site to contractors, thus reducing avoidable errors and improving efficiency in repairing or replacing equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for securely identifying devices that can interact by wired or wireless communication protocols. An transaction object is generated which contains details of an interaction between a pair of devices. The transaction object can subsequently be transferred to other devices to provide details of the interaction, thereby enabling the identity of the sending device to be determined by the receiving device, as well as other relevant information.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an intermediary to preserve user privacy and anonymity in electronic transactions. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method for facilitating a transaction between a subscriber and a vendor through an intermediary is provided. In this embodiment, the method comprises the step of receiving at the intermediary personal information from the subscriber to establish a user account. The method also comprises the step of storing the personal information for subsequent access. The method further comprises the step of receiving a request from the subscriber to access the user account, upon which the subscriber's identity is verified by the intermediary against the personal information. The method also comprises the step of the intermediary entering into a transaction with the vendor on behalf of the subscriber based on the subscriber's instruction once the subscriber's identity is successfully verified.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the optimum price that a service provider should charge to customers of at least a partially refundable extended-product warranty to optimize profits generated from providing such warranties. In one aspect of the present invention the customer may elect to purchase warranty coverage when the product is new and cancel warranty coverage at any time thereafter, which election is based in part on the customer's expected discounted net utility from his coverage decisions. In another aspect of the present invention, the customer is allowed to make dynamic repair or replacement decisions in each period based on the product's failure status or on other criteria. In one embodiment, the customer can be afforded warranty coverage flexibility in terms of his ability to turn coverage off whenever desired and to obtain a partial refund of the warranty premium.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the optimum price that a service provider should charge to customers of a periodic extended-product warranty to optimize profits generated from providing such warranties. In one aspect of the present invention the customer is allowed to elect or to cancel warranty coverage on a monthly basis which election is based in part on the customer's expected net utility from his coverage decisions. In one embodiment, the customer can be afforded complete warranty coverage flexibility in terms of his ability to turn coverage on and off whenever desired. In another aspect of the present invention the customer can be allowed to make dynamic repair or replacement decisions in each period based on the product's failure status or on other criteria.

Abstract: The invention is a process and a system for identifying the risk areas in a manufacturer's logistic processes and for allocating responsibility for product unit failure to discrete events in the products' lifetimes. The system comprises one or multiple abuse sensors that are co-located with the product units or their containers, one or multiple readers for capturing sensor data, a data transfer utility for dispatching the recorded data to a database and an analysis module. The analysis module aggregates data across the product units returned to the manufacturer, measures the risk of product failure due to specific events of interest in the products' lifetime and estimates the associated costs.

Abstract: A system and method for managing product information is disclosed. The system comprising: a portal comprising an information processing system, the information processing system comprising a data base for storing one or more product information of a brand including identification information of one or more products of the brand, the product and identification information are entered by a first user having a first authentication information obtained by registering into the portal, wherein the stored product information is accessible by one or more other users having respective authentication information obtained after registering with the portal for a product of the same brand, wherein database for storing the one or more product information is accessible remotely by the one or more other users under an authorization control of the portal.

Abstract: A method for determining a warranty obligation of a supplier to an OEM for a vehicle battery pack of a vehicle is provided. The battery pack was previously purchased by the OEM from the supplier. The method includes retrieving an operational parameter associated with a component of the vehicle battery pack or a battery management system. The method further includes determining whether the operational parameter is less than or equal to a threshold value. The method further includes reimbursing the OEM or crediting a financial account associated with the OEM for at least a portion of the cost of the replacement battery pack by the supplier if the operational parameter is less than or equal to the threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and dynamically adjusting insurance coverage tracks new personal and/or business property purchases and alerts a concerned party, such as the insured or the insurer, to the potential need for updating insurance coverage in light of the new personal and/or business property purchases.

Abstract: A model for impact analysis determines impact of part removal from a product. An entity is identifies that includes a plurality of sub-components. One or more performance measures associated with the entity are identified. One or more of the sub-components to be removed from the entity are identified. A substitution impact function is defined. Impact on said one or more performance measures is determined using the substitution impact function.

Abstract: An information recording method for providing a warranty basis in a computer system, includes obtaining a usage information when the computer system triggers a boot procedure, and recording a system information of the computer system and updating the usage information when the usage information indicates that the boot procedure is the first one boot procedure triggered by the computer system after the computer system is sold.

Abstract: A warranty management data processing system, method, and computer program are provided for determining relationships of data associated with warranty claims. Warranty data for a plurality of products is received and stored, and warranty service providers file repair/replace warranty claims against the warranties for the corresponding products. The repair/replace warranty claims are processed and repair/replace claims data is generated. The stored warranty data and the repair/replace claims data are analyzed, and a graphical representation of a distribution of the repair/replace claims data for one of the warranty service providers is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing digital receipts for purchase transactions are provided. The method includes the steps receiving information for a first credit card account for executing a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; charging an amount of the transaction to the first credit card account; and transmitting a receipt to a predetermined location of the customer. The predetermined location may be an e-mail address of the customer or a server residing on the network. By receiving digital receipts, a customer or end-user will be able to digitally store these receipts and view or print the receipts out when necessary. Furthermore, the customer will be able to manage the receipts with conventional software packages.

Abstract: A message confirming a transaction for the purchase of an item can include identifiers for the item and for a consumer as well as information pertaining to the transaction. The item identifier is used to locate an express warranty for the item. The consumer identifier (e.g.; a number of an account issued to the consumer) is used to locate the consumer's file in which the express warranty is stored along with at least a portion of the information pertaining to the transaction. Other data received in respective messages can be also be stored in the consumer's file. Thereafter, the consumer identifier can be use to retrieve all express warranties stored in the file for past respective purchased items. Information about each express warranty can be compared to the stored portion of the information pertaining to the transaction so as to retrieve only those express warranties that are valid (e.g.; unexpired).

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased products and, more particularly, to improved electronic registration techniques purchase-side and/or return-side handling of recalled items. Certain exemplary embodiments on the purchase-side may help to filter-out products that have recalled been before they are purchased. Certain exemplary embodiments on the return-side may help enable recall return overrides, thus facilitating the acceptance of recalled products even though they might not qualify under an original return/warranty policy. Advantageously, more and more recalled products may be filtered out of circulation through the use of purchase-side and/or return-side recall watch list checking techniques of certain exemplary embodiments. Such purchase-side and/or return-side recall watch list checking may be performed together with or separate from electronic registration techniques in different exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: A dental device capable of monitoring at least one characteristic of the dental device. The characteristics are monitored by the use of microchips; radio frequency identification devices (RFID), bar codes, resistors, diodes, semiconductors, and magnetic strips.

Abstract: A system for adjudicating a claim of warranty to a product comprises a policy processing module, title processing module, and a warranty processing module. The policy processing module processes rules and policy regarding the adjudication of claims of warranty to a product associated with property that has recordable title. The title processing module processes title information from a database containing recorded title information for the property. The warranty processing module processes the claim of warranty as a function of the rules and policy processed by the policy processing module and the title information processed by the title processing module to produce a warranty adjudication output that allows or denies the claim of warranty to the product.

Abstract: A process is provided for testing or operating an integrated circuit that includes providing a passive radio frequency identification transponder in electrical communication with the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is associated with a printed circuit board or analog circuitry. The passive radio frequency identification transponder is shielded from the integrated circuit with a ferrite material ground in power planes as well as radiated emissions from the printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is energized. Information about the function of the integrated circuit is communicated to a remote location with an antenna coupled to the transponder in response to an external signal that provokes the communication so as to test or operate the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased products and, more particularly, to an improved electronic registration system that enables variable or multiple return/warranty policies to be processed. In certain exemplary embodiments, at least some transaction information corresponding to an originally purchased product is selectively provided to replacement products provided as a part of a return/warranty request. Thus, it is possible in certain exemplary embodiments to make sure that a return/warranty policy's terms and/or conditions are managed consistently and effectively, even though one or more replacement products may be provided during the lifetime of the policy.

Abstract: This patent disclosure relates to monitoring the quality of a reducing agent used in an emission-control system. Because emission-control systems may be used in extreme temperatures, the reducing agent used in these systems may be exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods. This exposure may cause premature degradation of the reducing agent, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the emission-control system. To monitor the quality of the reducing agent, the disclosed systems and methods measure a property of the reducing agent, determine whether the measured property is out of compliance with a predetermined range, and provide a warning signal when the measured property is out of compliance.

Abstract: A warranty management system comprises a hardware device for inputting warranty information and a copy of a receipt. A network permits communication between the hardware device and a server. The server stores the warranty information and the copy of the receipt. The warranty management system also includes a means for verifying the authenticity of the warranty information and the related receipt. Some embodiments of the warranty management system may further include a means for comparing the failure rates of products and services.