Patents by Inventor Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks 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).
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Publication number: 20210035429Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: PB Inc. (dba Pebblebee)Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20200280380Abstract: 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: April 22, 2018Publication date: September 3, 2020Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20200242549Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20200169848Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2020Publication date: May 28, 2020Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 10592849Abstract: 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: May 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20200068372Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 10424189Abstract: In a tracking device 10, a crescent-shaped PCB 12 partially encircles a battery 15 to minimize thickness of the device 10. A speaker 23 and an LED 24 emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus 37 or in response to motion or temperature sensed by sensor 25. A local network 40 has one hub 41 to tracking devices 33 and a wider area network 45 has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of devices 33. A wide area network 50 tracks devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 10389459Abstract: 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: July 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 10361800Abstract: 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: July 23, 2019Assignee: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20190103012Abstract: In a tracking device 10, a crescent-shaped PCB 12 partially encircles a battery 15 to minimize thickness of the device 10. A speaker 23 and an LED 24 emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus 37 or in response to motion or temperature sensed by sensor 25. A local network 40 has one hub 41 to tracking devices 33 and a wider area network 45 has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of devices 33. A wide area network 50 tracks devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data. An apparatus and methods for finding and tracking a plurality of radiotag/objects designated as a group 303 by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20180359039Abstract: 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: July 29, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20180341911Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20180262894Abstract: A device for operation as part of a system or network, the device combining a power cell, a battery housing enclosing the power cell, and a radiobeacon, where the battery is configured to supply DC power to an external apparatus and to the radiobeacon in parallel. A sensor or sensor package may also be included in the battery device and reports to the system or network. In response to a sensor or clock-derived trigger, a microcontroller in the battery uses the radiobeacon to broadcast messages to a radio receiver of a smart device or a network system. The radiobeacon has a unique identifier, and because the messages are low energy, low power radio transmissions having a maximum range of less that about 300 ft (about 100 m). A smart device with an installed application and appropriate permissions that receives the beacon signal may track, map and monitor the signal from the device. The device may be provided with a kill switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: PB IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 10063331Abstract: 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: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Inventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20180241488Abstract: 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: April 22, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20180241489Abstract: 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: April 22, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20180190103Abstract: In a tracking device 10, a crescent-shaped PCB 12 partially encircles a battery 15 to minimize thickness of the device 10. A speaker 23 and an LED 24 emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus 37 or in response to motion or temperature sensed by sensor 25. A local network 40 has one hub 41 to tracking devices 33 and a wider area network 45 has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of devices 33. A wide area network 50 tracks devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 25, 2017Publication date: July 5, 2018Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20180131455Abstract: 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: January 5, 2018Publication date: May 10, 2018Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks
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Patent number: 9900119Abstract: 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: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: PB, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J Daoura, Nicholas R Pearson-Franks
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Publication number: 20170373775Abstract: 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: August 21, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: PB, IncInventors: Daniel J. Daoura, Nicholas R. Pearson-Franks