Patents by Inventor Bradley Richard Ree

Bradley Richard Ree has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11765167
    Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ioXt, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Richard Ree, Gary Bernard Jabara
  • Publication number: 20220247744
    Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Bradley Richard Ree, Gary Bernard Jabara
  • Patent number: 11316852
    Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ioXt, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Richard Ree, Gary Bernard Jabara
  • Patent number: 10970699
    Abstract: Wireless pairing is automatically performed based on a purchase of a wireless product. When the wireless product is purchased, a unique product identifier and/or an account number (such as a credit card number) may be used to obtain one or more corresponding wireless network security credentials. Once the wireless network security credentials are identified, the wireless product may be paired to a wireless network based on the wireless network security credentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Publication number: 20200112563
    Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Bradley Richard Ree, Gary Bernard Jabara
  • Patent number: 10542497
    Abstract: Device power consumption is reduced by operating using both one-way and two-way communication techniques. In an aspect a device operates in a first mode enabling one-way communication to an other device for a first portion of device operation time. The first mode includes transmitting a first set of messages to the other device while turning off a power supply used by a receiver of the device. The device switches between operating in the first mode and the second mode. The second mode enables two-way communication between the device and the other device for a second portion of device operation time less than the first portion of device operation. The second mode includes transmitting a second message to the other device, and in response to the transmitting the second message, turning on the power supply used by the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Bradley Richard Ree
  • Patent number: 10111062
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses may allow a host device to facilitate communication from a guest device to a network, wherein the service usage charges that would ordinarily be charged against the host device account may be transferred to the guest device account. A method may include a host device connecting to a network. The host device may be associated with a first account. The host device may receive a connection from a guest device. The guest device may be associated with a second account. The host device may facilitate communication from the guest device to the network, wherein the facilitated communication from the guest device to the network may be a charge against the first account. The host device may provide instruction to the network to transfer the charge against the first account to the second account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Publication number: 20180165668
    Abstract: Wireless pairing is automatically performed based on purchase. By providing a unique identifier and/or account number (such as a credit card number), a wireless device is automatically paired to a wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicants: AT&T Mobility II LLC, AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 9911111
    Abstract: Wireless pairing is automatically performed based on purchase. By providing a unique identifier and/or account number (such as a credit card number), a wireless device is automatically paired to a wireless network. For example, when a smartphone or other mobile device is used to purchase an electronic door lock, the smartphone may be used to identify security credentials for accessing the wireless network. A cellular telephone number, for example, may reveal an SSID and/or a network password that is required to access a residential or business WI-FI network. As another example, a credit card number may also be used to identify the security credentials for the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignees: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P., AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Publication number: 20180007636
    Abstract: Device power consumption is reduced by operating using both one-way and two-way communication techniques. In an aspect a device operates in a first mode enabling one-way communication to an other device for a first portion of device operation time. The first mode includes transmitting a first set of messages to the other device while turning off a power supply used by a receiver of the device. The device switches between operating in the first mode and the second mode. The second mode enables two-way communication between the device and the other device for a second portion of device operation time less than the first portion of device operation. The second mode includes transmitting a second message to the other device, and in response to the transmitting the second message, turning on the power supply used by the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Bradley Richard Ree
  • Patent number: 9801137
    Abstract: Device power consumption is reduced by operating using both one-way and two-way communication techniques. In an aspect a device operates in a first mode enabling one-way communication to an other device for a first portion of device operation time. The first mode includes transmitting a first set of messages to the other device while turning off a power supply used by a receiver of the device. The device switches between operating in the first mode and the second mode. The second mode enables two-way communication between the device and the other device for a second portion of device operation time less than the first portion of device operation. The second mode includes transmitting a second message to the other device, and in response to the transmitting the second message, turning on the power supply used by the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Bradley Richard Ree
  • Publication number: 20170243189
    Abstract: Wireless pairing is automatically performed based on purchase. By providing a unique identifier and/or account number (such as a credit card number), a wireless device is automatically paired to a wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II, LLC
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 9691111
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for determining energy savings are provided. The method may include repeatedly measuring energy usage of a load, determining that a demand response load control event exists, modifying the cycle of operation based at least in part on determining that a demand response load control event exists, and determining an energy savings based on comparing the measured energy usage of the load with an energy usage statistic. The determining that the demand response load control event exists may include receiving a demand response load control notification. The modifying the cycle of operation may include reducing a power draw of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Aclara Meters LLC
    Inventor: Bradley Richard Ree
  • Patent number: 9689709
    Abstract: Techniques for mirroring to allow for data transmissions from a device through mirror capable device. In an embodiment, a plurality of mirror capable devices may report their capability, which may include signaling conditions related thereto. A mirror capable device may be selected from the plurality of mirror capable devices based on signaling conditions associated with the utility device's power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Aclara Meters LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Richard Ree, John Christopher Boot
  • Patent number: 9680822
    Abstract: Wireless pairing is automatically performed based on purchase. By providing a unique identifier of a cellular customer, a wireless device may be automatically paired to a residential wireless network. A central database, for example, may store networking credentials associated with residential wireless networks. When the cellular customer purchases the wireless device, a server may query the central database for a cellular telephone number associated with the cellular customer. The server may thus retrieve the networking credentials that are associated with the cellular telephone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Publication number: 20160241541
    Abstract: Wireless pairing is automatically performed based on purchase. By providing a unique identifier of a cellular customer, a wireless device may be automatically paired to a residential wireless network. A central database, for example, may store networking credentials associated with residential wireless networks. When the cellular customer purchases the wireless device, a server may query the central database for a cellular telephone number associated with the cellular customer. The server may thus retrieve the networking credentials that are associated with the cellular telephone number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II, LLC
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Publication number: 20160241721
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses may allow a host device to facilitate communication from a guest device to a network, wherein the service usage charges that would ordinarily be charged against the host device account may be transferred to the guest device account. A method may include a host device connecting to a network. The host device may be associated with a first account. The host device may receive a connection from a guest device. The guest device may be associated with a second account. The host device may facilitate communication from the guest device to the network, wherein the facilitated communication from the guest device to the network may be a charge against the first account. The host device may provide instruction to the network to transfer the charge against the first account to the second account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Emily Soelberg, Glenn Blumstein, Ginger Chien, Murali Narayanan, Bradley Richard Ree, Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 9240895
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods, systems and devices of providing multicast functionality through an energy portal such as a meter, which reduces bandwidth required for communication between the energy portal and a server. In accordance with one aspect, a method is provided of providing multicast functionality through an energy portal, which reduces bandwidth required for communication between the energy portal and a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Bradley Richard Ree
  • Patent number: 9124614
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses may be provided for utility meters or other devices with communications prioritization. The methods and apparatuses may include receiving first information addressed to or from a first network device of the one or more network devices; determining that the first network device is either (i) battery-powered or associated with a limited power source, or (ii) associated with wireless communications; and based upon the determination that the first home device is either (i) battery-powered or associated with a limited power source, or (ii) associated with wireless communications, identifying the first information as higher priority. The identification of the first information as higher priority may result in the utility meter or other device processing of the first information ahead of one or more second information designated as lower priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Bradley Richard Ree
  • Patent number: 9019864
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems for configuring a wireless-enabled device over an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network. In accordance with one aspect, a method is provided comprising receiving, from a first device via a first network, information about one or more wireless access points accessible by the first device. The method further comprises receiving, from a second device via a second network, configuration information for the first device for configuring the first device to connect to a wireless network through one of the one or more wireless access points; and configuring the first device using the configuration information. In one aspect, configuring the first device includes sending at least a portion of the configuration information to the first device via the first network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bradley Richard Ree, Ryan Marc LaFrance