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:
May. 25, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 30, 1998
Peter G. Jacoves, Dallas, TX (US);
William Y. Hall, Frisco, TX (US);
Karla J. Mains, Rowlette, TX (US);
Charles H. Naul, Irving, TX (US);
Fuel Partners, L.P., Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A method for processing information through a clearinghouse wherein a rewards provider ( ) assembles the reward program information and forwards it to a store chain central office ( ) for implementation. The store chain central office ( ) then transmits information to one or more of its stores ( ). The store ( ) provides a reward to a customer ( ) based upon the purchase of discount triggering items. Upon meeting the requirements for redeeming a reward, the customer ( ) redeems the reward at a gas station ( ) for gasoline. Redemption information received by the central office ( ) in the form of electronic files and redemption slips is then sent to a clearinghouse ( ) for processing. The clearinghouse ( ), receiving the information on a daily basis as bundled sums, processes the redemption information by invoicing respective manufacturers ( ) for products sold, and making payment to the stores ( ) for the costs of the discount triggering items which were sold.