Patent US5870711A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5870711A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for management of cargo claims
Assignee: Sabre Properties Inc
•
Filing: 1995-12-11
•
Granted: 1999-02-09
•
Expires: 2015-12-11
Abstract
Abstract The method and system allow a carrier of cargo to effectively manage a system to process customer cargo claims. The method and system utilize a computer, a storage medium, and programing to organize incoming information, store the information in memory, and assign the folders to various workflow queues in order to process the claim. This system and method allow additional information to be input at any point and allows retrieval of any information previously input on any claim. The system has the ability to interface with existing data systems to optimize the performance of the system for claim processing
Inventors
- 👤 Donald Huffman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:15
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/08; G06Q10/06; G06Q10/063; G06Q10/0631; G06Q10/06311; G06Q10/087; G06Q10/0877; G06Q10/08778; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for managing cargo claims, said method performed by a computer, comprising the steps of: receiving information regarding said cargo claims from an external source; organizing said information into a plurality of documents wherein each document is comprised of at least one part of said information; indexing said documents into a plurality of folders wherein said folders correspond to individual cargo claims; storing said folders in a memory; assigning each individual folder to one of a plurality of workflow queues based on the status of the folder; (and) allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues; and permitting movement of said folders from one workflow queue to another workflow queue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of receiving information regarding said cargo claims includes the substep of receiving information from a user interface wherein said user interface may comprise: a scanner to scan information and produce documents; or an input devise operable by a user to input information utilizing the input device to create documents; or a computer-readable memory operable to input information and create documents.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of indexing said documents into a plurality of folders further includes the substeps of; determining if a folder on said claim has previously been created; if so, selecting said folder and placing said document into said folder; if not, organizing said documents and creating a folder; determining the documents required in a folder; comparing documents in a folder to the documents required in a folder for the purpose of determining when said cargo claims are ready to be processed; and assigning said folders ready to be processed to an adjuster for further processing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said step of indexing said documents into a plurality of folders further includes the substep of classifying said documents and placing them into a designated place on the system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
118 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of workflow queues comprises: a Setup queue containing folders in the process of being setup for processing; a Hot queue containing folders requiring additional attention; a Suspense work queue; a Suspense queue for storing claims folders for a designated period of time; a Work queue for claims folders ready to be further processed; a Pending queue for folders awaiting information from an external source; a Request Payment queue containing folders for which payment has been requested; a Print Check queue containing folders for which payment has been authorized; a Complete queue for folders on which payment has been made; and an Other queue containing documents that need to be classified.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues further includes the substep of allowing a user to utilize a plurality of workstations comprising: a process intray workstation an adjuster desktop workstation; a process work queue workstation; a request payment workstation; an authorize payment workstation; a print check workstation; a process recovery workstation; and a process write off workstation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing the user to view the folders contained in a workflow queue.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing the user to input additional information into said folder.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing the user to generate correspondence based on information contained in said folder.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of recording requests for information made in said correspondence in the folder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to request a physical copy of the information contained within said folder.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to request additional information from external sources.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to review part or all of the contents of a folder.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to request additional information from a company station.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to calculate the potential liability of a claim.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user close a folder by denying a claim.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to request payment of a claim in whole or in part.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said step of allowing a user to request payment of a claim in whole or in part includes the substep of allowing a user to assess liability for the claim to an outside party for recovery processing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to authorize or deny payment of a claim.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to print payment forms.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 20, wherein the print payment forms include checks and vouchers.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to assess liability for claims to company stations.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues includes the substep of allowing a user to write off a claim to a customer's account or credit a customer's credit card.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating accounting reports.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of calculating the amount of time each folder remained in each workflow queue.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of; calculating the amount of time said folders remained in each workflow queue; calculating an average amount of time a folder remains in each workflow queue; and comparing the amount of time a folder remained in any workflow queue to the average amount of time said folders remained in the same workflow queue.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of printing a paper copy of any data contained within said folders.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of maintaining an inventory of debits and credits chargeable to external parties in a recovery facility.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 28, wherein said step of maintaining an inventory of debits and credits further includes the substeps of assessing liability for said claims for which payment was authorized; creating an inventory of all authorized payments for which liability is assessable to an outside company; tracking all payments made by said outside companies; and creating a report from said inventory.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
105 words
A computer-readable memory configured to represent a computer program for directing a computer to manage cargo claims for: organizing received information into documents comprised of at least one part of said received information; indexing said documents into a plurality of folders wherein said folders correspond to individual cargo claims; storing said folders in a memory; assigning each individual folder to one of a plurality of workflow queues based on the status of the folder; allowing a user to perform functions on the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues; and permitting movement of said folders from one workfow queue to another workflow queue.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
178 words
A system to manage cargo claims directed by a computer program to manage cargo claims, the system comprising: a memory operable to store a computer program, information input from a variety of external sources concerning the claims, information in a plurality of workflow queues, and information contained within a plurality of folders; a processor coupled to the memory operable to execute said computer program for: organizing said information into documents comprised of at least one part of said information; indexing said documents into a plurality of folders wherein said folders correspond to individual cargo claims; storing said folders in said memory; assigning each individual folder to one of a plurality of workflow queues based on the status of the folder; allowing a user to perform functions on any of the plurality of folders in the plurality of workflow queues; and permitting movement of said folders from one workfow queue to another workflow queue; and an input output device coupled to the processor providing an interface allowing the input of information pertaining to said cargo claims into said system.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4491725A
Cited
US4858121A
Cited
US5140518A
Cited
US5168444A
Cited
US5051565A
Cited
US5235702A
Cited
US5401944A
Cited
US5225990A
Cited
US5313052A
Cited
US5485396A
Cited
US5299116A
Cited
US5359509A
Cited
US5307262A
Cited
US5446740A
Cited
US5491637A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-08-10 | 2003-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-08 | 2006-08-10 | 2007-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-08 | 2010-08-10 | 2011-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |