Prepayment metering system using encoded purchase cards from multiple locations
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Sep 8, 1992
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jan 12, 1990
filing date -
Jan 12, 1990
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A prepayment system for dispensing utilities using mag-stripe cards is disclosed wherein an accounting computer in a central office is used in conjunction with point-of-sale machines for encrypting a value message which is written onto the mag-stripe of a mag-stripe card. The value message contains information relating to the amount of utilities purchased by the customer, the utility rates, the site identification number, and a unique password formed by the site number, a hidden number, and the transaction number. The mag-stripe card is carried by mail or in person to the consumer's home or office and inserted into a mag-stripe card reader attached to microprocessor-based utility control device. This utility control device is capable of reading and decoding the mag-stripe card and storing the value information into memory for use in monitoring the utility usage of the customer and disconnecting or connecting the utility based on the amount of utilities purchased.
First Claim
Family
International Classification(s)
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
Recipient Email Address
Recipient Email Address
Comment
Recipient Email Address
Add to Portfolio(s)
To add this patent to one, or more, of your portfolios, simply click the add button.
This Patent is in these Portfolios:
Add to additional portfolios:
Last Refreshed On:
Changes done successfully