US6161059A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vending machine method and apparatus for encouraging participation in a marketing effort
Assignee: Inventor Holdings LLC
•
Filing: 1998-09-14
•
Granted: 2000-12-12
•
Expires: 2018-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A vending machine method and apparatus are disclosed for encouraging vending machine customers to review a marketing promotion or to participate in a survey while making a purchase. Customers are immediately rewarded for providing responses about about the marketing promotion that was previously presented or their preferences or opinions. The reward may be, for example, a supplementary product, a discount on the customer's current purchase or a subsequent purchase, or a rebate. The vending machine ensures that it contains sufficient currency and products to meet the requirements of all active reward offers. The vending machine ensures that buyers are committed to making a purchase, before offering a reward to a customer. Unscrupulous customers are discouraged from using repeatedly participating in a marketing promotion, merely to collect rewards or influence the results of a survey. The marketing promotion presented to a customer can be based on the customer's current or previous product selection(s) or purchase history.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel E. Tedesco
- 👤 Jay S. Walker
- 👤 James A. Jorasch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:33
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/387; G06Q30/0207; G06Q30/0217; G06Q30/0218; G06Q30/0234; G06Q30/0238; G06Q30/0241; G07; G07F; G07F9/00; G07F9/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 119
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request and a payment for said product; presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; receiving an answer to said question from said customer; providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request and a payment for said product; presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; receiving an answer to said question from said customer; providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of presenting said question is performed after said step of receiving a purchase request and a payment for said product.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of presenting said question in response to said payment requires that said customer purchases said product before being rewarded for answering said question.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said question queries said customer about an alternative location for said vending machine.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said question queries said customer about alternative products for said vending machine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said answer together with an indication of the location of said vending machine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said answer together with demographic information about said customer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said reward comprises the price of said product.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said reward comprises a discount to the price of said product.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said reward comprises a second product.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said reward comprises a rebate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of presenting a marketing promotion to said customer and wherein said question is about said marketing promotion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of comparing said received answer against at least one correct answer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of comparing said received answer against a predefined set of correct answers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of dispensing said reward if said received answer is correct.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: means for receiving a purchase request and a payment for said product; means for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; means for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; means for providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and means for dispensing said product.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
70 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: means for receiving a purchase request and a payment for said product; means for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; means for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; means for providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and means for dispensing said product.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
73 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: a payment processing device for receiving payment for said product; an output device for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; an input device for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; and an item dispenser for dispensing said product and a product reward to said customer for answering said question.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
73 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: a payment processing device for receiving payment for said product; an output device for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; an input device for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; and an item dispenser for dispensing said product and a product reward to said customer for answering said question.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The vending machine according to claim 17, wherein said output device comprises at least one of a display, an audio speaker, a keypad and a microphone.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
77 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: a payment processing device for receiving payment for said product; an output device for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; an input device for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; a currency dispenser for providing a currency reward to said customer for answering said question; and an item dispenser for dispensing said product.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
77 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: a payment processing device for receiving payment for said product; an output device for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; an input device for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; a currency dispenser for providing a currency reward to said customer for answering said question; and an item dispenser for dispensing said product.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
84 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable code means embodied thereon, said computer readable program code means comprising: a step to receive a purchase request and a payment for said product; a step to present at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; a step to receive an answer to said question from said customer; a step to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and a step to dispense said product.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
84 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable code means embodied thereon, said computer readable program code means comprising: a step to receive a purchase request and a payment for said product; a step to present at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; a step to receive an answer to said question from said customer; a step to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and a step to dispense said product.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for said product; presenting at least one question to said customer; receiving an answer to said question from said customer; providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for said product; presenting at least one question to said customer; receiving an answer to said question from said customer; providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said purchase request includes a product selection.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 21 wherein said purchase request includes payment for said product.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said reward comprises the price of said product.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said reward comprises a discount to the price of said product.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said reward comprises a second product.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said reward comprises a rebate.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of presenting a marketing promotion to said customer and wherein said question is about said marketing promotion.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
69 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: means for receiving a purchase request for said product; means for presenting at least one question to said customer; means for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; means for providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and means for dispensing said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
69 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: means for receiving a purchase request for said product; means for presenting at least one question to said customer; means for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; means for providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and means for dispensing said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
63 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: a display for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to a purchase request; an input device for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; and an item dispenser for dispensing said product and a product reward to said customer for answering said question.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
63 words
A vending machine for dispensing a product to a customer, said vending machine comprising: a display for presenting at least one question to said customer in response to a purchase request; an input device for receiving an answer to said question from said customer; and an item dispenser for dispensing said product and a product reward to said customer for answering said question.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
83 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable code means embodied thereon, said computer readable program code means comprising: a step to receive a purchase request for said product; a step to present at least one question to said customer; a step to receive an answer to said question from said customer; a step to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and a step to dispense said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
83 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable code means embodied thereon, said computer readable program code means comprising: a step to receive a purchase request for said product; a step to present at least one question to said customer; a step to receive an answer to said question from said customer; a step to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and a step to dispense said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request and payment for said product; evaluating inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; presenting at least one question to said customer if said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; receiving an answer to said question from said customer; providing said reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request and payment for said product; evaluating inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; presenting at least one question to said customer if said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; receiving an answer to said question from said customer; providing said reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for dispensing products in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for a product; generating an offer to provide a reward to said customer in exchange for participation in a marketing promotion; evaluating inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; ensuring that said offer is not provided to said customer unless said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; and dispensing said sufficient quantity of said award and said product to said customer.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for dispensing products in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for a product; generating an offer to provide a reward to said customer in exchange for participation in a marketing promotion; evaluating inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; ensuring that said offer is not provided to said customer unless said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; and dispensing said sufficient quantity of said award and said product to said customer.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 33, wherein said ensuring step is performed when said customer purchases said product.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 33, wherein said ensuring step is performed periodically and independent of a purchase request.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 33, wherein said ensuring step is performed in a substantially continuous manner.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for said product; presenting a marketing promotion to said customer based on said product; providing a reward to said customer for reviewing said marketing promotion; and dispensing said product.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for said product; presenting a marketing promotion to said customer based on said product; providing a reward to said customer for reviewing said marketing promotion; and dispensing said product.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 37, further comprising the step of presenting at least one question to said customer about said marketing promotion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 38, further comprising the steps of (i) receiving an answer to said question, (ii) comparing said received answer to at least one correct answer and (iii) dispersing said reward if said received answer is correct.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for said product; presenting at least one question to said customer based on said product; providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for dispensing a product in a vending machine to a customer, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a purchase request for said product; presenting at least one question to said customer based on said product; providing a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispensing said product.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request and a payment for said product; present at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; receive an answer to said question from said customer; provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request and a payment for said product; present at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; receive an answer to said question from said customer; provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein presenting said question is performed after receiving a purchase request and a payment for said product.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein presenting said question in response to said payments requires that said customer purchases said product before being rewarded for answering said question.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said question queries said customer about an alternative location for said vending machine.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said question queries said customer about alternative products for said vending machine.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to store said answer together with an indication of the location of said vending machine.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to store said answer together with demographic information about said customer.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said reward comprises the price of said product.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said reward comprises a discount to the price of said product.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said reward comprises a second product.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said reward comprises a rebate.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to present a marketing promotion to said customer and wherein said question is about said marketing promotion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to compare said received answer against at least one correct answer.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to compare said received answer against a predefined set of correct answers.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to dispense said reward if said received answer is correct.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request for said product; present at least one question to said customer; receive an answer to said question from said customer; provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request for said product; present at least one question to said customer; receive an answer to said question from said customer; provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said purchase request includes a product selection.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said purchase request includes payment for said product.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said reward comprises the price of said product.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said reward comprises a discount to the price of said product.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said reward comprises a second product.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said reward comprises a rebate.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to present a marketing promotion to said customer and wherein said question is about said marketing promotion.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request and payment for said product; evaluate inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; present at least one question to said customer if said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; receive an answer to said question from said customer; provide said reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request and payment for said product; evaluate inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; present at least one question to said customer if said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; receive an answer to said question from said customer; provide said reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request for said product; present a marketing promotion to said customer based on said product; provide a reward to said customer for reviewing said marketing promotion; and dispense said product.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request for said product; present a marketing promotion to said customer based on said product; provide a reward to said customer for reviewing said marketing promotion; and dispense said product.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to present at least one question to said customer about said marketing promotion.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the CPU is further operative with the program to (i) receive an answer to said question, (ii) compare said received answer to at least one correct answer and (iii) dispense said reward if said received answer is correct.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request for said product; present at least one question to said customer based on said product; provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus comprising: a CPU; and a storage device coupled to the CPU, the storage device storing a program for controlling the CPU and the CPU operative with the program to: receive a purchase request for said product; present at least one question to said customer based on said product; provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and dispense said product.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
82 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request and a payment for said product; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; program code adapted to receive an answer to said question from said customer; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
82 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request and a payment for said product; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer in response to said payment; program code adapted to receive an answer to said question from said customer; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer program product of claim 69, wherein presenting said question is performed after receiving a purchase request and a payment for said product.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer program product claim 69, wherein presenting said question in response to said payment requires that said customer purchases said product before being rewarded for answering said question.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer program product of claim 69, wherein said question queries said customer about an alternative location for said vending machine.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computer program product of claim 69, wherein said question queries said customer about alternative products for said vending machine.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer program product of claim 69, further comprising program code adapted to store said answer together with an indication of the location of said vending machine.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program product of claim 69, further comprising program code adapted to store said answer together with demographic information about said customer.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer program product of claim 69, wherein said reward comprises the price of said product.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer program product of claim 69, wherein said reward comprises a discount to the price of said product.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
14 words
The computer program product of claim 69, wherein said reward comprises a second product.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
13 words
The computer program product of claim 69, wherein said reward comprises a rebate.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer program product of claim 69, further comprising program code adapted to present a marketing promotion to said customer and wherein said question is about said marketing promotion.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program product of claim 69, further comprising program code adapted to compare said received answer against at least one correct answer.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer program product of claim 69, further comprising program code adapted to compare said received answer against a predefined set of correct answers.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computer program product of claim 82, further comprising program code adapted to dispense said reward if said received answer is correct.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request for said product; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer; program code adapted to receive an answer to said question from said customer; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request for said product; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer; program code adapted to receive an answer to said question from said customer; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product if said customer has answered said question.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer program product of claim 84, wherein said purchase request includes a product selection.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer program product of claim 84, wherein said purchase request includes payment for said product.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer program product of claim 84, wherein said reward comprises the price of said product.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer program product of claim 84, wherein said reward comprises a discount to the price of said product.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
14 words
The computer program product of claim 84, wherein said reward comprises a second product.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
13 words
The computer program product of claim 84, wherein said reward comprises a rebate.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer program product of claim 84, further comprising program code adapted to present a marketing promotion to said customer and wherein said question is about said marketing promotion.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
103 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request and payment for said product; program code adapted to evaluate inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer if said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; program code adapted to receive an answer to said question from said customer; program code adapted to provide said reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
103 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request and payment for said product; program code adapted to evaluate inventory data, said inventory data specifying a quantity of a reward; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer if said inventory data indicates a sufficient quantity of said reward; program code adapted to receive an answer to said question from said customer; program code adapted to provide said reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
65 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request for said product; program code adapted to present a marketing promotion to said customer based on said product; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for reviewing said marketing promotion; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
65 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request for said product; program code adapted to present a marketing promotion to said customer based on said product; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for reviewing said marketing promotion; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer program product of claim 93, further comprising program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer about said marketing promotion.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computer program product of claim 94, further comprising program code adapted to (i) receive an answer to said question, (ii) compare said received answer to at least one correct answer and (iii) dispense said reward if said received answer is correct.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
65 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request for said product; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer based on said product; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
65 words
A computer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive a purchase request for said product; program code adapted to present at least one question to said customer based on said product; program code adapted to provide a reward to said customer for answering said question; and program code adapted to dispense said product.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-06-12 | 2004-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-06-12 | 2008-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-12 | 2012-06-12 | 2012-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |