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:
Jan. 26, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 11, 1995
Wanda Kay Cross, Lynn Center, IL (US);
Michael Joseph Haller, Summit, NJ (US);
Brian John Higgins, New Providence, NJ (US);
Nasrin Hoque, Mapawan, NJ (US);
Kathryn Ann Jurie, Stanhope, NJ (US);
Dianne Green Russell, Reynoldsburg, OH (US);
AT&T Corp., Middletown, NJ (US);
Abstract
A method for automatically converting a promotional calling card to a permanent calling card by an operator services system (OSS) is disclosed. A promotional calling card call received in the OSS is validated by obtaining card product-type data and card information data from a calling card validation database. Upon depletion of a non-billed promotional balance, the caller using a promotional calling card is presented with the option of being connected to a customer services representative by the OSS for arranging billing for future use of the card. User convenience is enhanced since the promotional calling card number is also used as the permanent calling card number after billing arrangements are made via the customer service representative.