Patents Assigned to Tech Friends, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11972652
    Abstract: The secured storage receives an electronic device including but not limited to a tablet, smart phone, mobile computing device, or other computing device. The secured storage provides a charging system that charges the device. The system selectively charges the devices based upon identified rules. The lock of the secured storage secures the electronic device within the storage. The system maintains a log of the users who access the electronic devices. The system then control access by granting access to users and restricting access to users based upon usage history, behavior, or other criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Bryan Taylor, Jason Cochran, Joshua L. Parrish, Mark Haney, Bobby L. Shipman, III
  • Patent number: 11784952
    Abstract: The correspondence system accepts input from a sender to create a correspondence that is transmitted to a recipient. The system creates a digital file of the generated correspondence from the sender's input. The system analyzes and/or further processes the digitized correspondence according to at least one rule or set of rules. The system may transform the generated correspondence to an approved correspondence, augment the generated correspondence to an approved correspondence, or trigger alerting based on the generated correspondence as a result of the correspondence analysis. The system transmits the approved correspondence to the recipient or the recipient's facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11591159
    Abstract: A charging and storage system provides a conveyor system within a housing that conveys electronic devices through the housing to charging devices located withing the housing. Charging contacts on an adjustment arm adjust between a charging position that charges the electronic devices and a transport position that allows movement of the electronic devices through the housing without contacting the charging contacts. A charging device located at each charging location charges the device while the device is stored within the housing. The conveyor system moves the electronic devices to these fixed charging locations to charge the devices while storing the devices. The conveyor system releases the electronic devices to an exit ramp that guides the electronic devices to a release aperture for removal from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventors: Bobby L Shipman, Jr., Bryan D. Taylor, Bobby L. Shipman, III, Joshua L. Parrish, Joseph Michael Schaefer, III, Mark Haney
  • Patent number: 11587086
    Abstract: The vending machine system automates the distribution of funds via a payment instrument. The system verifies the identity of the user to confirm the proper recipient of the funds. The system applies rules when performing transactions, including the distribution of funds. The system also activates the payment instrument if required. The system also allows a user to void a payment instrument to recapture the funds associated with the voided instrument. The system dispenses the payment instrument and tracks the funds of the payment instrument for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11538125
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated event detection of controlled-environment facility residents, such as identification of potential dangers and/or issues concerning correctional facility inmates. The system and method employs at least one biometric capture device or mechanism disposed within a controlled-environment area configured to capture biometrics of residents of the controlled-environment facility within the controlled-environment area. A controlled-environment facility administration and management system, or the like, is configured to enroll key biometric identification biometric features of residents of the controlled-environment facility and compare captured biometrics of the residents to enrolled key biometric features of residents of the controlled-environment facility to identify the resident. The system also identifies parameters that define an occurrence of an event. The system monitors the conditions within the facility to detect the occurrence of such an event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11514745
    Abstract: A delivery system applies rules for authorizing transactions to a recipient that are individualized for each recipient. These rules may limit the number of items available for the purchaser to purchase for a recipient, the types of items available for purchase for a recipient, and the price of the items for the recipient. The system automates the delivery of the item to the recipient via a kiosk, such as a vending machine. An identification device of the vending machine identifies the recipient. The vending machine dispenses the items to the identified recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10838464
    Abstract: The housing provides layers of rigid material and cushioning around the components of a mobile electronic device, such as a tablet. The rigid material includes a positioning frame that positions the display, the battery, and the circuit board within the housing. Cushioning positioned exterior of the frame provides additional cushion around the components of the mobile electronic device. The housing partially encloses the components of the mobile electronic device and provides a viewing window for viewing the display. A support rib abuts a rear wall of the housing to increase the rigidity of the housing. Antimicrobial agents and/or fire-retardant agents added to the housing provide additional features to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Bryan Taylor, Jason Cochran, Joshua L. Parrish, Mark Haney, Bobby Shipman, III
  • Patent number: 10742791
    Abstract: A communication system for a mobile computing device that provides for personal communication. A housing of the communication system provides a receiving aperture for accepting the mobile computing device. Insertion of the mobile computing device into the housing connects the mobile computing device with the communication system and/or the audio transmission system. Upon connection with the communication system, the mobile computing device outputs audio to the external audio output. The mobile computing device also receives audio captured by the audio input. Insertion of the mobile computing device and/or connection to the audio transmission system also enables particular features of the mobile computing device. Removal of the mobile computing device disables particular features of the mobile computing device. Insertion of the mobile computing device also alerts third parties of the user's usage of the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10678302
    Abstract: The secured storage receives an electronic device including but not limited to a tablet, smart phone, mobile computing device, or other computing device. The secured storage provides a charging system that charges the device. The system selectively charges the devices based upon identified rules. The lock of the secured storage secures the electronic device within the storage. The system maintains a log of the users who access the electronic devices. The system then control access by granting access to users and restricting access to users based upon usage history, behavior, or other criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Bryan Taylor, Jason Cochran, Joshua L. Parrish, Mark Haney, Bobby Shipman, III
  • Patent number: 10404846
    Abstract: A communication system for a mobile computing device that provides for personal communication. A housing of the communication system provides a receiving aperture for accepting the mobile computing device. An upper wall and lower wall of the housing guide the mobile computing device into the housing towards an interior wall. An audio data transmission system enables communication between the mobile computing device with the audio input and the audio output. Insertion of the mobile computing device into the housing connects the mobile computing device with the communication system. Upon connection with the communication system, the mobile computing device outputs audio to the external audio output. The mobile computing device also receives audio captured by the audio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Bryan Taylor, Jason Cochran
  • Patent number: 10256645
    Abstract: The protective housing at least partially encases a tablet, smart phone, mobile computing device, or other computing device. The housing inserts into a charging system that charges the electronic device. The housing also secures a charging adapter within a charging port of the device. The housing aligns the charging adapter adjacent to charging contacts of the charging system to complete the circuit to charge the device. The housing also eliminates access to certain features, buttons, controls, and other inputs to limit accessibility of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Shipman, Bryan Taylor, Jason Cochran
  • Patent number: 10242417
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated check-in of controlled-environment facility residents, such as correctional facility inmates, employs at least one biometric capture device or mechanism disposed within a controlled-environment area configured to capture biometrics of residents of the controlled-environment facility within the controlled-environment area. A controlled-environment facility administration and management system, or the like, is configured to enroll key biometric identification biometric features of residents of the controlled-environment facility and compare captured biometrics of the residents to enrolled key biometric features of residents of the controlled-environment facility to identify the resident. Whereupon, the controlled-environment facility administration and management system, or the like, logs the presence of an identified resident as in the controlled-environment area at a time the biometrics of the identified resident were captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Mark A. Haney
  • Patent number: 10225734
    Abstract: The secured storage receives an electronic device including but not limited to a tablet, smart phone, mobile computing device, or other computing device. The secured storage provides a charging system that charges the device. The lock of the secured storage secures the electronic device within the storage. The system maintains a log of the users who access the electronic devices. The system then control access by granting access to users and restricting access to users based upon usage history, behavior, or other criteria. The lock adjusts between locked to secure the device and unlocked to allow access to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Shipman, Bryan Taylor, Jason Cochran
  • Patent number: 9917455
    Abstract: The charging system charges electronic devices through the use of a charging base. Charging contacts within the charging base contact a charging adapter inserted into a port of the electronic device. The charging contacts of the charging base contact the charging contacts of the charging adapter to charge the device. A housing that partially encloses the electronic device limits the orientations in which the device can be inserted into the charging base. The housing promotes inserting the device into the charging base in a charging orientation that will charge the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Shipman, Bryan Taylor, Jason Cochran
  • Patent number: 9858632
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated check-in of controlled-environment facility residents, such as correctional facility inmates, employs at least one biometric capture device or mechanism disposed within a controlled-environment area configured to capture biometrics of residents of the controlled-environment facility within the controlled-environment area. A controlled-environment facility administration and management system, or the like, is configured to enroll key biometric identification biometric features of residents of the controlled-environment facility and compare captured biometrics of the residents to enrolled key biometric features of residents of the controlled-environment facility to identify the resident. Whereupon, the controlled-environment facility administration and management system, or the like, logs the presence of an identified resident as in the controlled-environment area at a time the biometrics of the identified resident were captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Mark A. Haney
  • Patent number: 9742935
    Abstract: An incoming physical mail item addressed to a resident of a controlled-environment facility is converted to a digital format mail item, which is associated with the resident and archived in an electronic database. A determination may be made whether the resident is allowed to receive the physical mail item. If so, the digital format mail item may be delivered to the resident as an electronic message, if an electronic message service is available to the resident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Mark A. Haney
  • Patent number: 9311627
    Abstract: An incoming physical mail item addressed to a resident of a controlled-environment facility is converted to a digital format mail item, which is associated with the resident and archived in an electronic database. A determination may be made whether the resident is allowed to receive the physical mail item. If so, the digital format mail item may be delivered to the resident as an electronic message If an electronic message service is not available to the resident, the digital format mail item is printed for distribution to the resident within the controlled-environment facility via a commissary provisioning system, print station, or print kiosk. Delivery via commissary provisioning system may be made at a commissary point-of-sale within the facility, or printed mail items may be included in a commissary order for the resident, and delivered to the resident at the facility with the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: TECH FRIENDS, INC.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Mark A. Haney
  • Patent number: 9106789
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing video visitation security to a controlled-environment facility are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include detecting an image of a face in a video stream transmitted between a resident (e.g., an inmate) of a controlled-environment facility (e.g., a jail or prison) and a non-resident of the controlled environment facility during a video visitation session. For example, the first image may occupy a given area on a display upon rendering of the video stream. As such, the method may include defacing (e.g., blurring, clouding, darkening, distorting, masking, shading, etc.) other areas on the display outside of the given area. Moreover, in various implementations, a method may also include detecting additional faces, determining and/or validating any number of visitors (e.g., via facial recognition), identifying certain attempts to circumvent security procedures, as well as taking pre-established corrective measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Laura Shipman
  • Publication number: 20130311364
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing financial accounts associated with residents of controlled-environment facilities are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving information corresponding to a pooled account (e.g., a trust account, etc.) held by a financial institution (e.g., a bank), at least in part, for the benefit of residents (e.g., work-release inmates, etc.) of a controlled-environment facility (e.g., a jail, prison, etc.). The method may also include allocating funds within the pooled account to corresponding residents. The method may further include designating a first portion of the funds allocated to a given resident as inaccessible to the resident and designating a second portion of funds allocated to the given resident as accessible to the resident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Mark A. Haney
  • Patent number: 8498937
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing financial accounts associated with residents of controlled-environment facilities are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving information corresponding to a pooled account (e.g., a trust account, etc.) held by a financial institution (e.g., a bank), at least in part, for the benefit of residents (e.g., work-release inmates, etc.) of a controlled-environment facility (e.g., a jail, prison, etc.). The method may also include allocating funds within the pooled account to corresponding residents. The method may further include designating a first portion of the funds allocated to a given resident as inaccessible to the resident and designating a second portion of funds allocated to the given resident as accessible to the resident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tech Friends, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Shipman, Jr., Mark A. Haney