The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 02, 1993
Filed:
Oct. 18, 1990
Mark W Kroll, Minnetonka, MN (US);
Mark R Pommrehn, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Vital Heart Systems, Inc., , US;
Abstract
A method and device for automatically metering, invoicing, and crediting the user of an apparatus located at a remote location. The method provides an authorization code to the apparatus issued by the owner and which enables the apparatus for a predetermined time period. At least one operation parameter is determined with respect to the use of the apparatus during the predetermined time period and an invoice is provided at the apparatus location. The invoice indicates the operation parameter and further indicates a fee based on the operation parameter. The device comprises a central processing unit for reception of the authorization code and a code verification system. The code verification system authorizes usage of the apparatus for a predetermined time period. The central processing unit determines at least one operation parameter during the predetermined time period and provides an invoice to the user.