Kenneth A Falk

US Patent:

20040118915, Jun 24, 2004

Filed:

Dec 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/323715

Inventors:

Robert Daniel - Carol Stream IL, US
Joel Zupancic - Joliet IL, US
Kenneth Falk - Mount Prospect IL, US
Joseph Abreu - San Marcos CA, US
Jason Coe - Temecula CA, US

International Classification:

G06K007/01

US Classification:

235/382500

Abstract:

A limited electronic system and method are provided for automatically shutting down equipment when an account associated with purchased or leased equipment falls into arrears. The system includes a control center (connected to a machine) with a screen display, means for entering a code, and a controller. The controller has a disabling program that shuts down the machine after a predetermined interval, such as time. Because the program automates the shut-down when no (timed) interval is in place, the user must obtain a “re-set code” from a non-user—i.e., the financing entity, the equipment supplier, the account manager, or other entity—and enter it into the system to set the next interval so the machine remains operational. The re-set code is generated by the machine. The non-user at a location remote from the machine receives or generates parallel re-set codes. The method involves: (a) activating the program, (b) assessing the payment status of the account, and (c) when the account is paid, releasing the re-set code to the user for manual entry it into the control center. If the account is in arrears, the re-set code is not released to the user, and no entry of a new re-set code, the program causes the machine to shut-down.