Meredith L Hodges

US Patent:

20130282541, Oct 24, 2013

Filed:

Jun 20, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/923041

Inventors:

Mark Steven Ridenour - Kennesaw GA, US
Meredith W. Hodges - College Park GA, US
J. W. Rayder - Chevy Chase MD, US

International Classification:

G06Q 20/14
G06Q 30/04

US Classification:

705 34

Abstract:

The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for combining aspects of a prepay and post pay utility service billing arrangement. When a customer enrolls in the program with the system, utility service is initiated and a first bill is generated and transmitted; the amount of the first bill is an estimated amount of charges for the service to be provided during a first period. In subsequent billing periods, subsequent bills are generated and transmitted and each includes an estimated amount of charges for the subsequent period as well as a difference between actual and estimated charges for the service during the previous billing period, less any payments received from the customer. Service may be terminated if the customer withdraws from the program, if the customer fails to make timely payments, or for other reasons. If service is terminated, a final bill may be generated and transmitted based on actual charges, net of any amounts

US Patent:

20090307117, Dec 10, 2009

Filed:

Jun 9, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/157222

Inventors:

Kevin A. Greiner - Decatur GA, US
Mark Steven Ridenour - Kennesaw GA, US
Meredith W. Hodges - College Park GA, US

International Classification:

G06Q 10/00
G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 34

Abstract:

The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for combining aspects of a prepay and post pay utility service billing arrangement. When a customer enrolls in the program with the system, utility service is initiated and a first bill is generated and transmitted; the amount of the first bill is an estimated amount of charges for the service to be provided during a first period. In subsequent billing periods, subsequent bills are generated and transmitted and each includes an estimated amount of charges for the subsequent period as well as a difference between actual and estimated charges for the service during the previous billing period, less any payments received from the customer. Service may be terminated if the customer withdraws from the program, if the customer fails to make timely payments, or for other reasons. If service is terminated, a final bill may be generated and transmitted based on actual charges, net of any amounts