Patents Assigned to PB, Inc
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Patent number: 11799573Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventor: Daniel J Daoura
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Patent number: 11792605Abstract: In a tracking device system, a networked smart device is enabled to cause execution of an executable function if a trigger condition of a conditional rule is satisfied. The conditional rules are customizable on a user interface of the smart device. The trigger condition may be any information received in a signal from a tracking device, for example, sensor data, location, a time, a date, a button press, a proximity, and more generally a trigger condition can be any condition that has a truth value by which an IF/THEN conditional rule can be evaluated and either is satisfied or is not. Executable functions for use in conditional rules may be selected from functions of a smart device, but also may include any function of a remote machine, network or system. Bluetooth radiotag devices may also include a cellular radio modem for global networking. Network systems may include software for tracking groups of radiotags and for autoprovisioning location and tracking services.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Robert Aldridge, Johnathan Charles Miller, Kal K Lambert, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 11495108Abstract: An embodiment of a minder device includes a selector and a transceiver. The selector is configurable in one of multiple configurations each corresponding to a respective one of multiple responses. And the transceiver is configured to receive, from a host server via a cellular network, a message from a monitor device associated with the minder device, and to send, to the monitor device via a cellular network and the host server, the one of the responses corresponding to the one of the configurations in which the selector is configured. For example, such a device can be a less-expensive alternative to, and can allow more monitor control, than a smart phone. Furthermore, such a device can be suitable for tracking and locating children too young to have a smart phone, for tracking and locating pets, and for tracking and locating objects.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 11450196Abstract: XCB poly-radio devices as finders, locators, scanners, sensors, and radio topology reporters. XCB devices function as “smart objects” in the TOT and combine transceivers operating in the telecommunications and the low power ISM radio spectra, with default power management setting overrides under local control of a Bluetooth modem controller, and can be authenticated on a variety of local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), piconets and cellular networks. Finding, wayfinding, tracking, scanning, locating and proximity monitoring are provided as complementary services supplemented by a Bluetooth Proximity Locator Services Toolkit, Cellular Remote Locator Services Toolkit, and a “Tap-2-Connect” community-supported on-demand lost-and-found data or voice link between an owner and a passerby who finds a lost smart object.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Johnathan Charles Miller, Robert Aldridge, Kal K Lambert, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20220255650Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: PB, IncInventor: Daniel J Daoura
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Patent number: 11403924Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 11393323Abstract: XCB poly-radio devices as finders, locators, scanners, sensors, and radio topology reporters. XCB devices function as “smart objects” in the TOT and combine transceivers operating in the telecommunications and the low power ISM radio spectra, with default power management setting overrides under local control of a Bluetooth modem controller, and can be authenticated on a variety of local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), piconets and cellular networks. Finding, wayfinding, tracking, scanning, locating and proximity monitoring are provided as complementary services supplemented by a Bluetooth Proximity Locator Services Toolkit, Cellular Remote Locator Services Toolkit, and a “Tap-2-Connect” community-supported on-demand lost-and-found data or voice link between an owner and a passerby who finds a lost smart object.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Johnathan Charles Miller, Robert Aldridge, Kal K Lambert, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20220225070Abstract: In an embodiment, a battery radio jacket with flexible printed circuit operably mountable on an external surface of a standard battery, typically with a conductive adhesive backing, the jacket having end tabs for electrically connecting with the anode and cathode of the battery. Powered in parallel with a battery-operated appliance or load (“host asset”), the radio jacket transmits a unique radio identifier useful in finding and tracking the host asset. For convenience, the battery radio jacket as assembled on a standard battery, fits into the battery-receiving compartment of the battery-operated appliance without modification of the form factor of the battery. Optionally the radio jacket may include a switch for radio control of power to the appliance or load. The battery radio jackets enable radio links to smart devices such as smartphones and may be operated by a cloud host as part of a system for finding and tracking assets and for sensing and reporting battery status and environmental data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20220217517Abstract: In an embodiment, a battery radio jacket with flexible printed circuit operably mountable on an external surface of a standard battery, typically with a conductive adhesive backing, the jacket having end tabs for electrically connecting with the anode and cathode of the battery. Powered in parallel with a battery-operated appliance or load (“host asset”), the radio jacket transmits a unique radio identifier useful in finding and tracking the host asset. For convenience, the battery radio jacket as assembled on a standard battery, fits into the battery-receiving compartment of the battery-operated appliance without modification of the form factor of the battery. Optionally the radio jacket may include a switch for radio control of power to the appliance or load. The battery radio jackets enable radio links to smart devices such as smartphones and may be operated by a cloud host as part of a system for finding and tracking assets and for sensing and reporting battery status and environmental data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2021Publication date: July 7, 2022Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20220165146Abstract: XCB poly-radio devices as finders, locators, scanners, sensors, and radio topology reporters. XCB devices function as “smart objects” in the TOT and combine transceivers operating in the telecommunications and the low power ISM radio spectra, with default power management setting overrides under local control of a Bluetooth modem controller, and can be authenticated on a variety of local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), piconets and cellular networks. Finding, wayfinding, tracking, scanning, locating and proximity monitoring are provided as complementary services supplemented by a Bluetooth Proximity Locator Services Toolkit, Cellular Remote Locator Services Toolkit, and a “Tap-2-Connect” community-supported on-demand lost-and-found data or voice link between an owner and a passerby who finds a lost smart object.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: PB Inc. (dba Pebblebee)Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Johnathan Charles Miller, Robert Aldridge, Kal K. Lambert, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20220101992Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus, such as a sensor package, includes a sensor, an antenna, and a power circuit. The package is configured for attachment to an object or a subject, for example a patient in need of clinical monitoring. The sensor package is configured to sense a condition or conditions related to the object or subject, and configured to generate a sense signal according to the sensed condition. The sensor patch may include a dual power source and means for switching between power sources, such as NFC and battery. The sensor patch may also include dual radios. As practiced, an NFC radio can be supplemented with a Bluetooth or other LAN radio for data logging. Systems for monitoring sensor patches may include methods for monitoring or tracking location of the patches.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: PB Inc.Inventors: Alexander D. Porter, Daniel J. Daoura
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Patent number: 11277726Abstract: In an embodiment, a battery includes a housing, a power terminal, a power cell, a switch, and a circuit. The power cell is disposed within the housing, and the switch is disposed within the housing and is coupled between the power cell and the power terminal. And the circuit is disposed within the housing and is configured to receive a control signal from a source external to the housing and to control the switch in response to the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: PB Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 11184858Abstract: Tracking devices having extended service life for use as finders, locators, sensors, and radio contact reporters. The devices combine a Bluetooth digital radioset and a cellular frequency modulation radioset and are operative with or without a smart device and with or without a cellular radio network. Finding, locating and sensing are provided as a Bluetooth network service, as a cellular network service, or as a service mediated on a network that combines Bluetooth and cellular radio nodes, with “Bluecell” devices acting as hubs. Bluecell devices can be authenticated on both Bluetooth and cellular networks. Systems and methods for using the dual radio devices are also disclosed. Power management schema made possible by dual radio control of on-board processing circuit function enable extended operation of Bluecell devices as part of an IoT. Remotely controllable devices having a service life of a year or more are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 11170338Abstract: Autonomous cellular transceivers for data logging, tracking and managing shipments, the devices having auto-provisioning capability. To auto-provision itself, the cellular device must be associated in a digital record with a particular shipment or object based on physical attachment or proximity—without manual assistance. Subsequent logging, tracking and managing records in a database or databases accessible to one or more users must be updated to reflect that assignment. Auto-provisioning is achieved by associating a cellular identification number of the autonomous cellular device with a shipment or object having a unique shipping identification number or an inventory identification number. Once the identifiers are coupled, the system creates a “shipment profile” of relevant data collected by a sensor or sensors on the cellular device while en route. The system will monitor, log, and report timepoint, waypoint, condition of the goods (as evidenced or extrapolated from sensor data) while in transit.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20210274315Abstract: In a tracking device system, a networked smart device is enabled to cause execution of an executable function if a trigger condition of a conditional rule is satisfied. The conditional rules are customizable on a user interface of the smart device. The trigger condition may be any information received in a signal from a tracking device, for example, sensor data, location, a time, a date, a button press, a proximity, and more generally a trigger condition can be any condition that has a truth value by which an IF/THEN conditional rule can be evaluated and either is satisfied or is not. Executable functions for use in conditional rules may be selected from functions of a smart device, but also may include any function of a remote machine, network or system. Bluetooth radiotag devices may also include a cellular radio modem for global networking. Network systems may include software for tracking groups of radiotags and for autoprovisioning location and tracking services.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: PB Inc. (dba Pebblebee)Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Robert Aldridge, Johnathan Charles Miller, Kal K. Lambert, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20210256833Abstract: XCB poly-radio devices as finders, locators, scanners, sensors, and radio topology reporters. XCB devices function as “smart objects” in the TOT and combine transceivers operating in the telecommunications and the low power ISM radio spectra, with default power management setting overrides under local control of a Bluetooth modem controller, and can be authenticated on a variety of local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), piconets and cellular networks. Finding, wayfinding, tracking, scanning, locating and proximity monitoring are provided as complementary services supplemented by a Bluetooth Proximity Locator Services Toolkit, Cellular Remote Locator Services Toolkit, and a “Tap-2-Connect” community-supported on-demand lost-and-found data or voice link between an owner and a passerby who finds a lost smart object.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Applicant: PB Inc. (dba Pebblebee)Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Johnathan Charles Miller, Robert Aldridge, Kal K. Lambert, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 11043086Abstract: A finder device typically attachable to a personal object, the device having utility in finding the object when lost or missing. The beacon recognizes a structured verbal code from a speaker and actuates a signal response effective in locating the object, even when out of sight. The response can take the form of a sound or other display to draw the user's attention to its location and may optionally be supplemented by a radio emission. A simple “finder” typically recognizes only one inquiry, such as “find keys”, or at most two inquiries, such as “find keys” and “find me” (where “find me” is directed at an object selected by a user”) and responds by actuating an audio, visual or tactile display. By providing a kit having multiple finders that each have one purpose selected from “find keys”, “find wallet”, “find phone”, and so forth, a user can attach each finder to the corresponding object and quickly find the object when needed by speaking the code phrase.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: PB Inc.Inventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20210152976Abstract: XCB dual-radio devices as finders, locators, scanners, sensors, and radio topology reporters for pet location management services. Finding, tracking, scanning, locating and proximity monitoring are provided as complementary services supplemented by a Bluetooth Proximity Locator Services Toolkit and a Cellular Remote Locator Services Toolkit. The radiotag devices may also include a user interface with exterior “homing” switch accessible to a user. The switch may activate an “on demand” location fix and communication package useful in pet location services and recovery. For example, smart systems enable alerts, messaging, maps and mixed media support as community services for pet location and tracking.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2020Publication date: May 20, 2021Applicant: PB Inc. (dba Pebblebee)Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks, Kal K. Lambert
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Patent number: 10979862Abstract: In a tracking device system, a networked smart device is enabled to cause execution of an executable function if a trigger condition of a conditional rule is satisfied. The conditional rules are customizable on a user interface of the smart device. The trigger condition may be any sensor information from a tracking device, or a location, a time, a date, a button press, a proximity, and more generally a trigger condition can be any condition that has a truth value by which an IF/THEN conditional rule can be evaluated and either is satisfied or is not. Executable functions for use in conditional rules may be selected from functions of the smart device, but also may include functions of a remote apparatus or functions such as an alarm state activation of a tracking device. Tracking devices have portable Bluetooth radiosets. According to one embodiment, a smart device is a smartphone, smartwatch or other personal computing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: PB Inc.Inventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 10937286Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: PB Inc.Inventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks