	US 7,555,450 B2
	Process for seeking authorization for present receipt of legal tender and associated system
Timothy S. Lanham, Fort Collins, Colo. (US); Jeffery T. Ricker, Steamboat, Colo. (US); Brant A. Gluth, Fort Collins, Colo. (US); C. Michael Crosiar, Loveland, Colo. (US); and John M. Baughman, Fort Collins, Colo. (US)
Assigned to Alternative Financial Solutions LLC, Fort Collins, Colo. (US)
Filed on Feb. 27, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/712,286.
Prior Publication US 2007/0156577 A1, Jul. 05, 2007
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G06Q 40/00 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 705—35 [705/38; 705/79]

19 Claims

1. A process for using a computerized apparatus to seek authorization from an intermediary for present receipt of legal tender in a requested amount, comprising the steps of:

reading encoded information from an identification item about a requestor;

receiving an input entered through a user interface in communication with said computerized apparatus, said input to comprise a value for the requested amount, said value being less than an amount due said requestor at a later date from a payor;

said requestor being an agent of said payor, said amount due is according to an arrangement in effect between said agent and said payor giving rise to said payor's obligation to pay said amount due not until said later date;

transmitting said encoded information and said input over a data transfer pathway to a remote processor;

automatically determining, without manual intervention, whether authorization of the requested amount or a lesser amount is granted;

said step of automatically determining comprises analyzing said input to calculate a score, and if said score is less than a minimum value, denying said authorization; and

if said authorization is so granted, automatically providing, by outputting without manual intervention, an article for use to effectuate the present receipt of the legal tender in an authorized amount.