Precious Metals Transaction Systems and Methods

摘要

Systems and methods directed to the purchase of articles formed of precious metals are disclosed. Precious metal content is analyzed using an x-ray fluorescence (“XRF”) analysis instrument to determine alloy content, in combination with an ultrasound or electrical conductivity instrument to confirm uniformity of cross-sectional content. The present method thus advances the art of precious metals transactions by precisely analyzing and determining precious metal content and purity, and combining said data with real-time pricing and a digital record of the transaction including the identity of the seller. An automated system is disclosed for fully automating the purchasing of article of precious metals.

主权项

1. A system for conducting a purchase transaction between a seller and a buyer involving an article formed of precious metal, said system comprising:
a kit of hardware components including: an XRF analysis device; a uniform alloy content analysis device; a digital imaging device; a digital scale; a biometric fingerprint scanner; a document scanner; and a computer including means for user input, an electronic display, a computer processor, a data storage device, a microphone, said computer adapted for electronic communication with a remote precious metals exchange, and a printer in data communication with said computer; wherein said hardware components are employed in conducting a transaction between a seller of an article formed of precious metal and a buyer in accordance with the following steps: capturing images of said article using said digital camera and storing said images on said computer data storage device; determining the alloy composition of said article using said XRF analysis device; confirming whether said alloy composition is uniform throughout said article using said uniform alloy content analysis device; determining the weight of said article using said digital scale; determining the current market value of precious metals via electronic communication between said computer and at least one precious metals exchange; calculating a offer price for the purchase of said article based on the weight of said article, the precious metal content of said article, and the market value of precious metals; making a purchase offer to the seller and confirming the seller's acceptance of said purchase offer; obtaining a biometric fingerprint sample from the seller using said fingerprint scanner, and storing said fingerprint sample on said computer data storage device; obtaining a digital copy of the seller's drivers license using said document scanner, and storing said copy on said computer data storage device; generating a bill of sale form using said computer and said printer to document the transaction, said bill of sale form including information identifying the seller as obtained from the digital copy of the seller's drivers license, a description of the article, at least one of said images of said article, and a printout of said biometric fingerprint sample; and paying the seller for the article upon seller's execution of said bill of sale.