Patent US6473500B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6473500B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System and method for using a prepaid card
Assignee: Mastercard International Inc
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Filing: 1998-10-28
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Granted: 2002-10-29
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Expires: 2018-10-28
Abstract
Abstract A system for using a prepaid card permits a card user to purchase a card, issued by an issuer such as a bank, through an agent at a retail establishment via a terminal, select a PIN, have the card activated at the point of purchase, use the card to purchase goods and services, and reload the card for future use. The system uses a communications network for issuance, activation, and accounting, and activation is accomplished on a real-time basis, either one account at a time or in a batch mode. The card can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services including telephone services. The card can also be used to make cash withdrawals at an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicole N. Risafi
- 👤 Burnett D. Hunter
- 👤 Kevin McKenzie
- 👤 Janice Wiggins
- 👤 Brian Stangle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 10:42
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G07F7/10; G07F7/1008; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/34; G06Q20/341; G06Q20/343; G06Q20/3433; G06Q20/349; G06Q20/355; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/04; G07F17/00; G07F17/0014; G07F17/0021; G07F17/0028; G07F7/02; H; H04; H04M; H04M15/00; H04M15/51; H04M17/00; H04M17/02; H04M17/10; H04M17/106; H04M2017/14; H04M2215/00; H04M2215/54
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 88
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for using a prepaid card having associated card identification data, comprising the following steps: issuing said card without a security code; purchasing said card by a purchaser, in any denomination having cash value, said purchasing step being performed during a card purchase transaction, said card purchase transaction being performed after said issuing step; selecting by said purchaser a personal identification number during said card purchase transaction, wherein said personal identification number is to be used with said card to verify an authorized user of said card when subsequently conducting a card transaction; and activating said card after said selecting step by transmitting over a communications network to a card processing center said personal identification number, said card identification data, and data indicative of said cash value, wherein said personal identification number, said card identification data, and said cash value data are stored in a card account accessible by said card processing center, and wherein said card is available for use after said activating step is performed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for using a prepaid card having associated card identification data, comprising the following steps: issuing said card without a security code; purchasing said card by a purchaser, in any denomination having cash value, said purchasing step being performed during a card purchase transaction, said card purchase transaction being performed after said issuing step; selecting by said purchaser a personal identification number during said card purchase transaction, wherein said personal identification number is to be used with said card to verify an authorized user of said card when subsequently conducting a card transaction; and activating said card after said selecting step by transmitting over a communications network to a card processing center said personal identification number, said card identification data, and data indicative of said cash value, wherein said personal identification number, said card identification data, and said cash value data are stored in a card account accessible by said card processing center, and wherein said card is available for use after said activating step is performed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising, after said activating step, establishing, upon said transmission, said card account at said card processing center, said account being uniquely associated with the issuance of said card.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 2 , further comprising the step of adding cash value to said card account by tendering an amount of cash value and incrementing said cash value data by said cash value amount.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 2 , further comprising the step of removing cash value from said card account by decrementing said cash value data by an amount of cash value and tendering said cash value amount to said authorized card user.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 2 , wherein said card transaction is selected from the group consisting of adding cash value to said card account, purchasing a good or a service, and withdrawing cash.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 5 , wherein said step of purchasing a good or service comprises purchasing telephone services.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 5 , wherein said step of purchasing a good or service comprises decrementing said cash value data by the cost of said good or service.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 5 , wherein said withdrawing step comprises decrementing said cash value data by the amount withdrawn.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method according to claim 5 , wherein said step of purchasing a good or service comprises the following steps: presenting to an agent said card and an item having a purchase price; transmitting to said card processing center said card identification data, a second personal identification number, and data indicative of said purchase price; and verifying that said second personal identification number equals said personal identification number.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 9 , further comprising the step of verifying that said cash value is greater than or equal to said purchase price.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 10 , further comprising the step of decrementing said cash value data by the amount of said purchase price data.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 11 , further comprising the step of transmitting an approval to said agent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 12 , wherein said agent comprises a card-accepting device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 9 , wherein said transmitting step comprises transmitting over said communications network.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 12 , wherein said approval transmitting step comprises transmitting over said communications network.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method according to claim 5 , wherein said withdrawing step comprises the following steps: presenting to an agent said card and an amount to be withdrawn; transmitting to said card processing center said card identification data, a second personal identification number, and data indicative of said withdrawal amount; verifying that said second personal identification number equals said personal identification number; and verifying that said cash value is greater than or equal to said withdrawal amount.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method according to claim 16 , further comprising the following steps: decrementing said cash value data by said withdrawal amount data; authorizing said agent to transfer to said authorized card user an amount of cash equal to said withdrawal amount; and transferring to said authorized card user an amount of cash equal to said withdrawal amount.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 17 , wherein said agent comprises a card-accepting device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 16 , wherein said transmitting step comprises transmitting over said communications network.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of altering said stored personal identification number.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said card is inactive before said activating step is performed.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said cash value data corresponds to an amount of payment tendered to an agent.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 22 , wherein said agent comprises a card-accepting device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said activating step is performed by an employer and said cash value data is indicative of an employee's net pay.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said activating step is performed by a gift donor and said cash value data is indicative of a gift amount.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said activating step is performed by a product promoter and said cash value data is indicative of a promotion amount.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said activating step is performed by a money transferor and said cash value data is indicative of an amount to be transferred to a money transferee.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said activating step is performed by an employer and said cash value data is indicative of an amount to be used to purchase relocation expenses.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said communications network is the Internet.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for activating a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said card being issued without a security code, said method comprising the following steps: assigning to said card, after purchase of said card by a purchaser, a personal identification number to be used with said card identification data, said purchase of said card being performed during a card purchase transaction, and said personal identification number being selected by said purchaser during said card purchase transaction; and after said personal identification number is selected by said purchaser, transmitting to a card processing center over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card processing center activates said card, establishes a unique card account, and stores said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data to subsequently verify an authorized user of said card when said authorized card user conducts a card transaction.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for activating a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said card being issued without a security code, said method comprising the following steps: assigning to said card, after purchase of said card by a purchaser, a personal identification number to be used with said card identification data, said purchase of said card being performed during a card purchase transaction, and said personal identification number being selected by said purchaser during said card purchase transaction; and after said personal identification number is selected by said purchaser, transmitting to a card processing center over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card processing center activates said card, establishes a unique card account, and stores said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data to subsequently verify an authorized user of said card when said authorized card user conducts a card transaction.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 30 , further comprising the step of activating more than one card in a batch format.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 31 , further comprising the step of distributing each said card to a user of said card.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 32 , further comprising the step of adding an amount of cash value to said card account, wherein said card processing center increments said cash value data by said cash value amount.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 33 , further comprising the step of periodically adding cash value to said card account.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 30 , further comprising the step of altering said stored personal identification number.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 30 , further comprising the following steps: accessing a telephone services provider; and transmitting said card identification data and said personal identification number to said telephone services provider.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 30 , wherein said communications network is the Internet.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
190 words
A system for using a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said system comprising: an issuer that issues said card without a security code; a terminal which reads said card identification data from said card and, after selection, by a card purchaser, of a personal identification number, transmits over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card purchaser purchases said card during a card purchase transaction, and said selection of said personal identification number is performed during said card purchase transaction; and a card processing center in communication with said terminal over said communications network to receive said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data, said card processing center activating said card after said selection of said personal identification number, establishing a unique card account, and storing in said card account said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data, enabling the verification of the validity of said card identification data using said personal identification number when an authorized card user subsequently attempts to conduct a card transaction.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
190 words
A system for using a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said system comprising: an issuer that issues said card without a security code; a terminal which reads said card identification data from said card and, after selection, by a card purchaser, of a personal identification number, transmits over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card purchaser purchases said card during a card purchase transaction, and said selection of said personal identification number is performed during said card purchase transaction; and a card processing center in communication with said terminal over said communications network to receive said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data, said card processing center activating said card after said selection of said personal identification number, establishing a unique card account, and storing in said card account said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data, enabling the verification of the validity of said card identification data using said personal identification number when an authorized card user subsequently attempts to conduct a card transaction.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system according to claim 38 , wherein said issuer comprises a bank.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system according to claim 38 , wherein more than one card is activated in a batch format.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system according to claim 40 , wherein each said card is distributed to a user of said card.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system according to claim 38 , wherein an amount of cash value is added to said card account by incrementing said cash value data by said cash value amount.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system according to claim 42 , wherein cash value is periodically added to said card account.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system according to claim 38 , wherein said authorized card user alters said stored personal identification number.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system according to claim 38 , wherein said card transaction comprises purchasing telephone services.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 38 , wherein said terminal facilitates the purchase of goods and services and said cash value data comprises a purchase price.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system according to claim 38 , wherein said communications network is the Internet.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for activating a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said card being issued without a security code, said method comprising the following steps: after selection of a personal identification number, receiving over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card is purchased during a cad purchase transaction, and said selection of said personal identification number is performed during said card purchase transaction; activating said card upon receipt of said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data; establishing a unique card account; and storing said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data to enable verification of an authorized user of said card when said authorized card user subsequently conducts a card transaction.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for activating a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said card being issued without a security code, said method comprising the following steps: after selection of a personal identification number, receiving over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card is purchased during a cad purchase transaction, and said selection of said personal identification number is performed during said card purchase transaction; activating said card upon receipt of said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data; establishing a unique card account; and storing said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data to enable verification of an authorized user of said card when said authorized card user subsequently conducts a card transaction.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 48 , further comprising the step of activating more than one card in a batch format.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 49 , further comprising the step of distributing each said card to a user of said card.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 48 , further comprising the step of storing said cash value data in said card account.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 51 , further comprising the step of adding an amount of cash value to said card account by incrementing said cash value data by said cash value amount.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 52 , further comprising the step of periodically adding cash value to said card account.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 48 , further comprising the step of altering said stored personal identification number.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 48 , wherein said communications network is the Internet.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
178 words
A method for processing a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said card being issued without a security code, said method comprising the following steps: after selection of a personal identification number, receiving over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card is purchased during a card purchase transaction, and said selection of said personal identification number is performed during said card purchase transaction; activating said card upon receipt of said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data; establishing a unique card account; storing said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data to enable verification of an authorized user of said card when said authorized card user subsequently conducts a card transaction; presenting to an agent said card and an item having a purchase price; receiving said card identification data, a second personal identification number, and data indicative of said purchase price; and verifying that said second personal identification number equals said personal identification number.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
178 words
A method for processing a prepaid card having associated card identification data, said card being issued without a security code, said method comprising the following steps: after selection of a personal identification number, receiving over a communications network said card identification data, said personal identification number, and data indicative of cash value, wherein said card is purchased during a card purchase transaction, and said selection of said personal identification number is performed during said card purchase transaction; activating said card upon receipt of said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data; establishing a unique card account; storing said card identification data, said personal identification number, and said cash value data to enable verification of an authorized user of said card when said authorized card user subsequently conducts a card transaction; presenting to an agent said card and an item having a purchase price; receiving said card identification data, a second personal identification number, and data indicative of said purchase price; and verifying that said second personal identification number equals said personal identification number.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 56 , further comprising the step of verifying that said cash value is greater than or equal to said purchase price.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 57 , further comprising the step of decrementing said cash value data by the amount of said purchase price data.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 58 , further comprising the step of transmitting an approval to said agent.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 59 , wherein said agent comprises a card-accepting device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 56 , wherein said second receiving step comprises receiving over said communications network.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 59 , wherein said transmitting step comprises transmitting over said communications network.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 56 , wherein said communications network is the Internet.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for providing a transaction system, comprising the steps of: issuing a card which is devoid of a functioning personal identification number; purchasing, by a card purchaser, the card during a card purchase transaction, the card purchase transaction being performed after the issuing step, wherein the card has an initial cash value at a first time which is no earlier than a time at which the purchasing step is started; selecting, by the card purchaser, personal identification data, the personal identification data being for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card, wherein the selecting step is performed during the card purchase transaction; and activating the card by transmitting activation data to a processing center, wherein the activation data include the personal identification data, wherein the activating step is performed after the selecting step, and wherein the personal identification data are stored in a storage device which is accessible by the processing center.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for providing a transaction system, comprising the steps of: issuing a card which is devoid of a functioning personal identification number; purchasing, by a card purchaser, the card during a card purchase transaction, the card purchase transaction being performed after the issuing step, wherein the card has an initial cash value at a first time which is no earlier than a time at which the purchasing step is started; selecting, by the card purchaser, personal identification data, the personal identification data being for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card, wherein the selecting step is performed during the card purchase transaction; and activating the card by transmitting activation data to a processing center, wherein the activation data include the personal identification data, wherein the activating step is performed after the selecting step, and wherein the personal identification data are stored in a storage device which is accessible by the processing center.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for activating a card, comprising the steps of: assigning to a card, no earlier than a starting time of a card purchase transaction, personal identification data, the personal identification data being for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card, wherein the card is purchased by a purchaser during the card purchase transaction, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the starting time, and wherein the personal identification data are selected by the purchaser during the card purchase transaction; and transmitting the personal identification data to a processing center, wherein the processing center stores the personal identification data.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for activating a card, comprising the steps of: assigning to a card, no earlier than a starting time of a card purchase transaction, personal identification data, the personal identification data being for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card, wherein the card is purchased by a purchaser during the card purchase transaction, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the starting time, and wherein the personal identification data are selected by the purchaser during the card purchase transaction; and transmitting the personal identification data to a processing center, wherein the processing center stores the personal identification data.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
143 words
A card transaction system, comprising: a terminal which transmits personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of a card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, and wherein the personal identification data are transmitted no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction; and a processing center in communication with the terminal and configured to perform the steps of: receiving the personal identification data from the terminal, activating the card upon receipt of the personal identification data, storing the personal identification data, and using the personal identification data to enable verification of validity of a use of the card for a card transaction.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
143 words
A card transaction system, comprising: a terminal which transmits personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of a card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, and wherein the personal identification data are transmitted no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction; and a processing center in communication with the terminal and configured to perform the steps of: receiving the personal identification data from the terminal, activating the card upon receipt of the personal identification data, storing the personal identification data, and using the personal identification data to enable verification of validity of a use of the card for a card transaction.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for activating a card, comprising the steps of: receiving personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of a card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, and wherein the personal identification data are received at a receipt time which is no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction; activating the card at a time no earlier than the receipt time; and storing the personal identification data to thereby enable verification of an authorized user of the card.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for activating a card, comprising the steps of: receiving personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of a card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, and wherein the personal identification data are received at a receipt time which is no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction; activating the card at a time no earlier than the receipt time; and storing the personal identification data to thereby enable verification of an authorized user of the card.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for processing a card, comprising the steps of: receiving first personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of a card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time; activating the card at a time which is no earlier than a starting time of the step of receiving the first personal identification data; storing the first personal identification data to thereby enable verification of an authorized user of the card; receiving, by an agent, the card and an item having a purchase price; receiving second personal identification data; receiving data indicative of the purchase price; and verifying that the second personal identification data correspond to the first personal identification data.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for processing a card, comprising the steps of: receiving first personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of a card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time; activating the card at a time which is no earlier than a starting time of the step of receiving the first personal identification data; storing the first personal identification data to thereby enable verification of an authorized user of the card; receiving, by an agent, the card and an item having a purchase price; receiving second personal identification data; receiving data indicative of the purchase price; and verifying that the second personal identification data correspond to the first personal identification data.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
83 words
In a method for using a prepaid card, the improvement comprising: issuing a card which is devoid of a functioning personal identification number; and after the issuing step, performing a card purchase transaction comprising the steps of: selecting, by a card purchaser, a set of personal identification data, the set of personal identification data being for verifying validity of a use of the card for a transaction which is subsequent to the card purchase transaction, and purchasing the card by the card purchaser.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
83 words
In a method for using a prepaid card, the improvement comprising: issuing a card which is devoid of a functioning personal identification number; and after the issuing step, performing a card purchase transaction comprising the steps of: selecting, by a card purchaser, a set of personal identification data, the set of personal identification data being for verifying validity of a use of the card for a transaction which is subsequent to the card purchase transaction, and purchasing the card by the card purchaser.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
95 words
In a method for activating a prepaid card, the improvement comprising assigning to the card, no earlier than a starting time of a card purchase transaction, personal identification data, the personal identification data being for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card, wherein a purchaser purchases the card during the card purchase transaction, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the starting time, and wherein the personal identification data are selected by the purchaser during the card purchase transaction.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
95 words
In a method for activating a prepaid card, the improvement comprising assigning to the card, no earlier than a starting time of a card purchase transaction, personal identification data, the personal identification data being for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card, wherein a purchaser purchases the card during the card purchase transaction, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the starting time, and wherein the personal identification data are selected by the purchaser during the card purchase transaction.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
108 words
In a system for using a prepaid card, the improvement comprising a terminal which transmits personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of the card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, wherein the personal identification data are transmitted no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction, and wherein the personal identification data are for verifying validity of a use of the card for a card transaction.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
108 words
In a system for using a prepaid card, the improvement comprising a terminal which transmits personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of the card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, wherein the personal identification data are transmitted no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction, and wherein the personal identification data are for verifying validity of a use of the card for a card transaction.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
109 words
In a method for activating a prepaid card, the improvement comprising receiving personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of the card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, wherein the personal identification data are received at a receipt time which is no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction, and wherein the personal identification data are for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
109 words
In a method for activating a prepaid card, the improvement comprising receiving personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of the card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time, wherein the personal identification data are received at a receipt time which is no earlier than a starting time of the card purchase transaction, and wherein the personal identification data are for verifying an identity of an authorized user of the card.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
152 words
In a method for processing a prepaid card, the improvement comprising the steps of: receiving first personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of the card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time; activating the card at a time which is no earlier than a starting time of the step of receiving the first personal identification data; storing the first personal identification data to thereby enable verification of an authorized user of the card; receiving, by an agent, the card and an item having a purchase price; receiving second personal identification data; receiving data indicative of the purchase price; and verifying that the second personal identification data corresponds to the first personal identification data.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
152 words
In a method for processing a prepaid card, the improvement comprising the steps of: receiving first personal identification data selected at a selection time by a purchaser of the card, the selection time being during a card purchase transaction during which the card is purchased by the purchaser, wherein the card is devoid of a functioning personal identification number after a card issuance time which is earlier than the selection time; activating the card at a time which is no earlier than a starting time of the step of receiving the first personal identification data; storing the first personal identification data to thereby enable verification of an authorized user of the card; receiving, by an agent, the card and an item having a purchase price; receiving second personal identification data; receiving data indicative of the purchase price; and verifying that the second personal identification data corresponds to the first personal identification data.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-10-28 | 2006-04-29 | 2006-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-10-28 | 2010-04-29 | 2010-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-10-28 | 2014-04-29 | 2014-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |