Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140114855 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURE MOBILE PAYMENTS - Systems and methods are provided that enable purchase and adjustment transactions using a visual indicium displayed on a mobile device. In some embodiments, these indicia are in the form of bar codes, include alias information, and do not include an account number associated with a payment account. A mobile device receives first user input, displays the indicium to a merchant device. The merchant device scans the indicium and sends a transaction request including the alias information to a payment network. The payment network determines an appropriate financial institution for processing the transaction, and sends the transaction request to the appropriate financial institution. Based on the result, the payment network sends an approval to the merchant device. Additionally, a mobile processor system sends new alias information to the mobile device for use in a next transaction. | 04-24-2014 |
20140222681 | ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - System, method, and computer program product are provided for a user to send and receive P2P payments using the Internet. Through the use of a network, a user may access accounts the user has at a financial institution and direct payments to other individuals or entities using the other individuals or entities alias. In this way, the user may ensure a secure payment to a third-party through the network associated with a financial institution. The payments may be directed to individuals the user may input into the system by providing the user's alias. A user's alias may be a unique identifier of the user and tied to a financial account of that user. In this way, the sender of the P2P payments may input the recipient's alias and transfer funds via the P2P payment system without having to input the recipient's account information. | 08-07-2014 |
20150199671 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING CARDLESS TRANSACTIONS - Systems and methods are provided for processing cardless financial transactions at transaction devices such as Automated Teller Machines. An example method comprises receiving a transaction request including at least one transaction parameter and receiving a substitute value representing an account for processing the transaction request. The substitute value is distinct from an account number associated with the account. The method further comprises sending the at least one transaction parameter and the substitute value to a payment network associated with the substitute value and completing the transaction request. A second method comprises receiving a transaction request with at least one transaction parameter and a substitute value. The second method further comprises determining account credentials associated with the substitute value using the account credentials. | 07-16-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090144193 | Sub-Account Mechanism - A system and method for controlling a monetary account with one or more sub-accounts is described. A monetary account with an entity is established and an account user associated with the monetary account is identified. A sub-account with the entity is established, where the sub-account is associated with the monetary account and includes monetary funds transferred from the monetary account. At least one sub-account user associated with the sub-account is identified, where the at least one sub-account user is different from the account user. One or more controls, placed by the account user, are established on at least one of the sub-account and the at least one sub-account user. The at least one sub-account user is restricted from accessing monetary funds in the monetary account and the account user is permitted to access the sub-account. | 06-04-2009 |
20110004547 | MOBILE TRANSACTIONS USING ACCOUNT ALIASES - Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for providing a mobile device user with the ability to user their mobile devices to make payments to others without knowing the payment recipient's account number. For example, an embodiment of the includes: (1) receiving a payment request from a mobile phone, such as through a text message, where the payment request includes an alias, and where the alias is not a financial account number; (2) identifying a payment recipient's financial account based at least partially on the alias; and (3) transferring funds to the payment recipient's financial account. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004550 | CUSTOMER ON-BOARDING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for on-boarding customers via a viral account opening or account registration process that uses aliases, such as telephone numbers, email addresses, and social networking identifiers, to identify payee accounts. If an alias is received for which a payee account cannot be identified, embodiments of the invention use the alias to contact the payee and request that the payee register an existing account or open a new account. | 01-06-2011 |
20110010292 | PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS USING PAYEE ACCOUNT ALIASES - Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for using aliases, such as mobile telephone numbers, email addresses, and social networking identifications, to identify a payment recipient's account involved in a payment transaction. Some embodiments of the method include: (1) receiving a payment request from a payment sender via a communication from a remote device, where the payment request includes an alias, and where the alias is not an account number; (2) using a processor to identify a payment recipient's financial account based at least partially on the alias; and (3) transferring funds from the payment sender's account to the payment recipient's account. Identifying the payment recipient's financial account based on the alias may include accessing a memory device having a data repository stored therein that maps each of a plurality of aliases back to a financial account number, and then using the data repository in combination with the alias to identify the payment recipient's financial account number. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010293 | ACCOUNT ALIAS DATA REPOSITORY - Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for creating a financial account alias data repository to be used to identify payee accounts in payment transactions. For example, an embodiment of the method includes: (1) receiving a communication comprising an alias that is not a financial account number; and (2) using a processor to store the alias in memory and create a data repository in the memory that maps the alias to a particular financial account such that the alias can be used by others instead of a financial account number to transfer money to the particular financial account associated with the alias. The alias may include, for example, a telephone number, email address, or social networking identifier of the financial account owner. | 01-13-2011 |
20120116967 | Mobile payment system and method - System, method, and computer program product are provided for a user to send and receive P2P payments using a mobile device. Through the use of the mobile device, a user may access his/her accounts at a financial institution and direct payments to a third-party using an alias. The user may ensure a secure payment to a third-party through the network associated with a financial institution. Payments may be directed to individuals the user may input into the system by providing the individual's alias. An alias may be a unique identifier of an individual and tied to a financial account of that individual. The sender of the P2P payments may input the recipient's alias and transfer funds via the P2P payment system without having to input the recipient's account information. This invention allows a user to receive and provide payments for transactions utilizing the convenience of a mobile device. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116973 | Online payment system and method - System, method, and computer program product are provided for a user to send and receive P2P payments using the Internet. Through the use of a network, a user may access accounts the user has at a financial institution and direct payments to other individuals or entities using the other individuals or entities alias. In this way, the user may ensure a secure payment to a third-party through the network associated with a financial institution. The payments may be directed to individuals the user may input into the system by providing the user's alias. A user's alias may be a unique identifier of the user and tied to a financial account of that user. In this way, the sender of the P2P payments may input the recipient's alias and transfer funds via the P2P payment system without having to input the recipient's account information. | 05-10-2012 |
20120179609 | AUTOMATIC IMAGE ANALYSIS AND CAPTURE - In general terms, some embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for automatically analyzing and/or capturing an image of a deposit item for use in a deposit transaction. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) generating, by a remote capture device, an image of a deposit item, where the generating the image is based at least partially on the deposit item being exposed to the remote capture device; (b) determining, automatically by the remote capture device, that the image is satisfactory for reading deposit item information from the image, where the deposit item information is associated with the deposit item; and (c) performing, automatically by the remote capture device, a predetermined action, where the performing the predetermined action is based at least partially on the determining that the image is satisfactory for reading deposit item information from the image. In some embodiments, the performing the predetermined action includes capturing, automatically by the remote capture device, the image of the deposit item. In other embodiments, the performing the predetermined action includes prompting, automatically by the remote capture device, a user of the remote capture device to capture the image. In some embodiments, the method occurs in substantially real-time and/or while the deposit item is being exposed to the remote capture device. | 07-12-2012 |
20120259776 | DYNAMIC PRE-QUALIFICATION - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for determining whether an account is eligible to participate in a banking service. In some embodiments, a method includes: (a) receiving information associated with an account; (b) determining, based at least partially on the information, that the account is eligible to participate in a banking service; and (c) presenting, in an electronic banking environment accessible to a holder of the account, an identifier associated with the banking service, where the presenting is based at least partially on the determining that the account is eligible. In some embodiments, the method further includes activating the banking service for the account. In some embodiments, the identifier is embodied as an input feature that enables the holder to enroll in the banking service. In other embodiments, the identifier is embodied as an input feature that enables the holder to use the banking service. | 10-11-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140058912 | Determination of Account Status - According to an embodiment, status of an account is determined. A plurality of graphic areas is displayed. Each of the graphic areas is associated with a client application. In a first graphic area of the plurality of graphic areas, a first image is displayed that indicates a first status associated with the account. A communication associated with the account is received. In response to receiving the communication, the first image in the first graphic area is replaced with a second image indicative of a second status associated with the account. | 02-27-2014 |
20140067506 | Apparatus and Method for Offering Micro Rewards in an Electronic Transmission - According to one embodiment, an apparatus stores a user account and a points balance associated with the user account. The apparatus further determines a geographic location of a user associated with the user account. The apparatus then communicates, based at least in part upon the geographic location, an offer for a product. The produce may be associated with a points price and the points balance is at least equal to the points price. The apparatus then receives a signal indicating acceptance of the offer. The signal may be associated with the user account. The apparatus then communicates a second signal indicating that the user can receive the product. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067512 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LEVERAGING GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION IN SENDING ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS - According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a user account and a points balance associated with the user account. The apparatus may determine a geographic location of a user associated with the user account and communicate, based at least in part upon the geographic location, an offer for a product. The offer may be associated with an expiration time. The product may be associated with a points price. The points balance may be at least equal to the points price. The apparatus may receive a signal indicating an acceptance of the offer. The signal may be associated with a timestamp and with the user account. The timestamp may indicate a time that is at least as early as the expiration time. The apparatus may communicate a second signal indicating that the user can receive the product. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067654 | Apparatus and Method for the Electronic Transfer of Balances Between Accounts - According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a plurality of accounts. The apparatus may present, in a first region of a display, information associated with a first account in the plurality of accounts; in a second region of the display, information associated with a second account in the plurality of accounts; and in a third region of the display, a plurality of transfer amounts. The apparatus may detect a touch on the third region of the display indicating a selection of a transfer amount from the plurality of transfer amounts. The apparatus may communicate, in response to the detection of the touch, a message to initiate the transfer of the selected transfer amount from the first account to the second account. | 03-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120270404 | METHODS FOR ETCHING THROUGH-SILICON VIAS WITH TUNABLE PROFILE ANGLES - The present disclosure provides methods for etching through-silicon vias (TSVs) in a substrate. The method employs a cyclic polymer passivation layer deposition, depassivation process and plasma etching process. By alternating the duration performed in the plasma etching process and the polymer passivation deposition process during the TSVs formation process, a good sidewall profile and via depth control may be obtained. | 10-25-2012 |
20130005152 | INCREASED DEPOSITION EFFICIENCY AND HIGHER CHAMBER CONDUCTANCE WITH SOURCE POWER INCREASE IN AN INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA (ICP) CHAMBER - Embodiments described herein generally relate to a substrate processing system and related methods, such as an etching/deposition method. The method comprises (A) depositing a protective layer on a first layer disposed on a substrate in an etch reactor, wherein a plasma source power of 4,500 Watts or greater is applied while depositing the protective layer, (B) etching the protective layer in the etch reactor, wherein the plasma source power of 4,500 Watts or greater is applied while etching the protective layer, and (C) etching the first layer in the etch reactor, wherein the plasma source power of 4,500 Watts or greater is applied while etching the first layer, wherein a time for the depositing a protective layer (A) comprises less than 30% of a total cycle time for the depositing a protective layer (A), the etching the protective layer (B), and the etching the first layer (C). | 01-03-2013 |
20140179108 | Wafer Edge Protection and Efficiency Using Inert Gas and Ring - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for plasma etching. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a process ring with an annular step away from an inner wall of the ring and is disposed on a substrate support in a plasma process chamber. A gap is formed between the process ring and a substrate placed on the substrate support. The annular step has an inside surface having a height ranging from about 3 mm to about 6 mm. During operation, an edge-exclusion gas is introduced to flow through the gap and along the inside surface, so the plasma is blocked from entering the space near the edge of the substrate. | 06-26-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110054609 | TROCHLEAR IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF USE - Implant devices, and method of using the same, are provided. The implant devices have an articular end and a stem, the stem having an oval-shaped cross-section. The articular end has an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface and lower surface each intersect the side surface. The upper surface has a first surface curvature, a central surface curvature, and a second surface curvature. The stem extends from the lower surface in a direction away from the upper surface of the articular end. | 03-03-2011 |
20120046753 | TALAR IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF USE - Implant devices, and method of using the same, are provided. The implant devices have a head and a stem. The head has an upper surface, a perimeter surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface is blended into the perimeter surface. The perimeter surface is blended into the lower surface. The upper surface has a general shape of at least a portion of a superior articular surface of a talus and at least a portion of a medial articular surface of a talus. The stem has a cylindrical portion, which optionally has at least one circumferential groove. | 02-23-2012 |
20130006356 | MAGNETIC PROSTHETIC IMPLANTS AND METHODS THEREOF - Prosthetic implant devices and related methods are provided. The prosthetic implant devices includes an internal component and an external component. The internal component has an implant portion associated with one or more rare earth magnets. The internal component being of a size and shape suitable for surgical implantation into the residual limb of the amputee. The implant portion being of a size and shape suitable for surgical implantation into a bone within the residual limb of the amputee. The one or more rare earth magnets generating at least one magnetic field. The external component having a prosthetic connection associated with a magnetic element. The magnet element being in adaptable magnetic association with the at least one magnetic field generated by the one or more rare earth magnets. | 01-03-2013 |
20130226298 | METHOD OF USE OF TROCHLEAR IMPLANTS - Methods of using implant devices are provided herein. The implant devices of the methods herein have an articular end and a stem, the stem having an oval-shaped cross-section. The articular end has an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface and lower surface each intersect the side surface. The upper surface has a first surface curvature, a central surface curvature, and a second surface curvature. The stem extends from the lower surface in a direction away from the upper surface of the articular end. | 08-29-2013 |
20140135851 | Facet Screws - Facet screws comprise a lower portion have lower threads that have a constant outer or major diameter. The lower portion of the facet screws can also have a tapered or conical shape in a direction toward the lower end, and relative to a longitudinal axis, of the facet screw. Therefore, the lower threads closest to the lower end have a greater surface area for engaging the bone of a patient as compared to the lower threads furthest away from the lower end, i.e., closest to the top of the lower threads. One or more of the lower threads also can include certain dimensions and shapes that facilitate insertion and retention of the facet screws in the bone of a patient. | 05-15-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150110721 | Modulation of a Response Signal to Distinguish Between Analyte and Background Signals - A method for modulating a response signal includes introducing functionalized particles into a lumen of subsurface vasculature, wherein the functionalized particles are configured to interact with one or more target analytes present in blood circulating in the subsurface vasculature; and non-invasively detecting the one or more target analytes. A response signal, which may include a background signal and an analyte response signal related to interaction of the functionalized particles with the one or more target analytes, is transmitted from the subsurface vasculature. A modulation configured to alter the response signal such that the analyte response signal is affected differently than the background signal may be applied to a portion of subsurface vasculature. Analyte detection may be achieved by differentiating the analyte response signal from the background signal. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112167 | Non-Invasive Analyte Detection System with Modulation Source - A system for modulating a response signal includes functionalized particles configured to interact with target analytes, a detector configured to detect an analyte response signal transmitted from the body, a modulation source configured to modulate the analyte response signal, and a processor configured to non-invasively detect the one or more target analytes by differentiating the analyte response signal from a background signal, at least in part, based on the modulation. The analyte response signal is related to the interaction of the target analytes with the functionalized particles. In some examples, the system may also include magnetic particles and a magnetic field source sufficient to distribute the magnetic particles into a spatial arrangement in the body. The analyte response signal may be differentiated from the background signal, at least in part, based on modulation of the signals due, at least in part, to the spatial arrangement of the magnetic particles. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112168 | Spatial Modulation of Magnetic Particles in Vasculature by External Magnetic Field - A method for modulating a response signal includes introducing functionalized magnetic particles configured to interact with target analytes into the body, applying a magnetic field sufficient to draw the functionalized magnetic particles towards a surface of the lumen of subsurface vasculature closest to an internally or externally applied mask having a spatial arrangement, and detecting a response signal, which includes a background signal and an analyte response signal, transmitted from the subsurface vasculature. The analyte response signal related to interaction of the functionalized magnetic particles with the target analytes and is modulated with respect to the background signal due, at least in part, to the spatial arrangement of the mask. The target analytes may be non-invasively detected by differentiating the analyte response signal from the background signal due, at least in part, to the modulation of the analyte response signal. | 04-23-2015 |
20150238125 | Silicon-Vacancy-Doped Nanodiamonds for Molecular and Cellular Imaging - An imaging agent for detecting analytes in a biological environment includes functionalized, silicon vacancy center-containing nanodiamonds. Individual nanodiamonds of the imaging agent include at least one silicon vacancy center. The at least one silicon vacancy center can emit light having a wavelength in a narrow band in response to illumination having any wavelength in a wide range of wavelengths. The nanodiamonds are functionalized to selectively interact with an analyte of interest. The nanodiamonds can additionally include other color centers, and the imaging agent can include a plurality of sets of nanodiamonds having detectably unique ratios of silicon vacancy centers to other color centers. The silicon vacancy centers in the nanodiamonds can have a preferred orientation enabling orientation tracking of individual nanodiamonds or other applications. A method for detecting properties of the analyte of interest by interacting with the imaging agent is also provided. | 08-27-2015 |
20150238636 | Engineered Particles with Polarization Contrast and Alignment Control for Enhanced Imaging - An engineered particle for detecting analytes in an environment includes an electromagnetic receiver that is configured to preferentially receive electromagnetic radiation of a specified polarization relative to the orientation of the electromagnetic receiver. The engineered particle additionally includes an energy emitter coupled to the electromagnetic receiver such that a portion of electromagnetic energy received by the electromagnetic receiver is transferred to and emitted by the energy emitter. The engineered particles are functionalized to selectively interact with an analyte. The engineered particle can additionally be configured to align with a directed energy field in the environment. The selective reception of electromagnetic radiation of a specified polarization and/or alignment with a directed energy field can enable orientation tracking of individual engineered particles, imaging in high-noise environments, or other applications. A method for detecting properties of the analyte of interest by interacting with the engineered particle is also provided. | 08-27-2015 |
20150377865 | Method for using nanodiamonds to detect nearby magnetic nanoparticles - An imaging agent for detecting analytes in an environment includes functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles that can selectively interact with an analyte. Each functionalized nanodiamond contains at least one color center configured emit light in response to illumination. At least one property of the light emitted by the color centers is related to the proximity of the functionalized magnetic particles to the color centers. This property can be detected to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds are proximate to the functionalized magnetic particles, to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds and the functionalized magnetic particles are interacting with the analyte, or other applications. Devices and methods for detecting properties of the analyte by interacting with the functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles are also provided. | 12-31-2015 |
20150382105 | Methods for reducing noise in optical biological sensors - Optical measurement of physiological parameters with wearable devices often includes measuring signals in the presence of significant noise sources. These noise sources include, but are not limited to, noise associated with: variable optical coupling to skin or tissue, variations in tissue optical properties with time due to changes in humidity, temperature, hydration, variations in tissue optical properties between individuals, variable coupling of ambient light sources into detectors, and instrument and detector noise, including electrical noise, radio frequency or magnetic interference, or noise caused by mechanical movement of the detector or its components. The present disclosure includes devices and methods configured to produce representations of the raw data in which noise, broadly defined, is separated from the data of interest. The disclosed devices and methods may include subtracting or calibrating out these noise sources and other spurious fluctuations in wearable devices with optical sensors. | 12-31-2015 |