System, method, and business method for settling micropayment transactions to a pre-paid instrument

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8666896
SERIAL NO

13545130

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Abstract

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The invention provides a method, business method, and system for conducting micropayment transactions between consumers and merchants. A merchant offers micropayment transactions to a consumer. The micropayment transaction is authorized, and the micropayment transaction is executed between the merchant and the consumer. A value parameter associated with a prepaid instrument, such as a prepaid calling card, is decremented by an amount corresponding to the value provided by the merchant. A payment is transferred to the merchant to settle the micropayment transaction. The invention also provides a system for conducting micropayment transactions between consumers and merchants. At least one prepaid calling card is issued to a consumer in exchange for a payment from the consumer. A merchant site conducts micropayment transactions and accepts the prepaid calling card as payment. A clearinghouse receives data associated with the prepaid calling card from the merchant site and processes the data to settle the micropayment transaction.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • WEST CORPORATION

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Kempkes, Rodney J Omaha, US 15 168
Pettay, Mark J Omaha, US 54 649

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Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Sep 4, 2025
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00