Patents by Inventor John S. Lettow
John S. Lettow 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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Patent number: 11818805Abstract: A wearable apparatus includes an antenna affixed to a surface of the apparatus. A device is in electrical communication with the antenna. A control circuit is in electrical communication with the device and a communications device. The antenna includes a composition that includes a polymer and carbonaceous material made up of individual graphene sheets that are present in the polymer in a three-dimensional percolated network. A mobile device is communicatively coupled to a cellular RF source via a first wireless signal. The control circuit is configured to communicate, using the communications device, with the mobile device via a third RF signal; communicate, using the device, with the RF source via a second RF signal; and cause the mobile device to communicate with the RF source via the third RF signal when the second RF signal is greater than the first RF signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Vorbeck Materials Corp.Inventors: John S Lettow, Sriram Manivannan, Mathew A Hudspeth, Trentice V Bolar
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Publication number: 20220264965Abstract: The present invention relates generally to transmission lines and specifically to textile transmission line assemblies. The textile transmission line assemblies are capable of lateral bending, axial rotation, and stretching without suffering from a statistically significant loss of its performance characteristics. Antenna elements are incorporated with the textile transmission line assemblies (hereinafter “combination assemblies”). The textile transmission line assemblies can be incorporated in to garments, apparel items, bags, tents, or other textile-based objects. The textile transmission line assemblies are configured to be flexibly affixed to textile items. The textile transmission line assemblies are impact resistant. Wearable communications systems that incorporate at least one textile transmission line assembly and/or combination assembly are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Vorbeck Materials Corp.Inventors: KATE REDMOND, DAN SCHEFFER, SRIRAM MANIVANNAN, KEREN ESPINA, ETHAN TAUB, JODY KUO, JOHN S LETTOW
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Patent number: 11289730Abstract: Flexible batteries, comprising at least two cells, wherein at least two cells are connected by flexible connectors, such that the battery can be bent. The batteries can be incorporated into clothing and gear.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Inventors: Louise Brooks, John S. Lettow
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Publication number: 20210337628Abstract: A wearable apparatus includes an antenna affixed to a surface of the apparatus. A device is in electrical communication with the antenna. A control circuit is in electrical communication with the device and a communications device. The antenna comprises a composition comprising carbonaceous material consisting of individual graphene sheets. The individual graphene sheets are present in the composition in a continuous three-dimensional connected network where individual graphene sheets have nanometer scale separation at contact points between individual graphene sheets. The control circuit is configured to (i) communicate, using the communications device, with a mobile device via a first radio frequency (“RF”) signal; and (ii) communicate, using the device, with a cellular tower via a second RF signal. The signal strength of the first RF is greater than the signal strength of the second RF signal. The first RF signal utilizes an IEEE 802 standard for data transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2020Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: Vorbeck Materials Corp.Inventors: JOHN S LETTOW, SRIRAM MANIVANNAN, MATHEW A HUDSPETH, TRENTICE V BOLAR
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Publication number: 20190346390Abstract: In some embodiments, a Wheatstone bridge device and sensor array wrappings are provided herein. The Wheatstone bridge device comprises a first resistor positioned proximate to a surface of the substrate and comprising a conductive composition. The conductive composition comprises fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene and a polymer. The first resistor is configured to undergo a conductivity change as a result of binding to a target component. The fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene display no signature corresponding to graphite or graphite oxide in their X-ray diffraction pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Applicant: Vorbeck Materials Corp.Inventor: John S. LETTOW
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Patent number: 10433444Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, interconnect apparatuses are provided herein to couple flexible circuits to control circuits. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a first portion housing a control circuit and a second portion conductively coupled to a flexible circuit. The second portion can comprise a first seat housing and a second seat housing, which together can form a housing around the flexible circuit. The control circuit can conductively couple to the flexible circuit when the first portion couples to the second portion. The flexible circuit can be included in an apparel item and comprise a conductive trace. The conductive trace can comprise a conductive composition. The first seat housing can comprise a lateral wall and a flange extending peripherally from the lateral wall. The flange can comprise a longitudinal co-extensive lateral recess flanking the flexible circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Inventors: John S Lettow, Louise Brooks, Paige J Boehmcke, Bretton Swope, Robyn Nariyoshi
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Publication number: 20190266812Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to ascertaining the operational fitness of mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a MS facing (“MSF”) detector is positioned proximate to the MS in a manner to detect acoustic pressure (“AP”) emanating from the MS. A computing device is in electrical communication with the MSF detector that correlates detected AP with the MS's operational profile and generates a notification when the correlated data exceeds a predetermined threshold by a predetermined percentage. The computing device transmits the generated notification to a user-facing display.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2016Publication date: August 29, 2019Applicant: VORBECK MATERIALS CORP.Inventor: JOHN S LETTOW
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Publication number: 20190254186Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, interconnect apparatuses are provided herein to couple flexible circuits to control circuits. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a first portion housing a control circuit and a second portion conductively coupled to a flexible circuit. The second portion can comprise a first seat housing and a second seat housing, which together can form a housing around the flexible circuit. The control circuit can conductively couple to the flexible circuit when the first portion couples to the second portion. The flexible circuit can be included in an apparel item and comprise a conductive trace. The conductive trace can comprise a conductive composition. The first seat housing can comprise a lateral wall and a flange extending peripherally from the lateral wall. The flange can comprise a longitudinal co-extensive lateral recess flanking the flexible circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: VORBECK MATERIALSInventors: JOHN S. LETTOW, LOUISE BROOKS, PAIGE J. BOEHMCKE, BRETTON SWOPE, ROBYN NARIYOSHI
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Patent number: 10379576Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to flexible wearable electronic devices and associate methods of fabrication. In one embodiment, a general flexible wearable electronic device comprises a flexible article of apparel. A first plurality of components are in communication with the flexible article of apparel and each configured to comprise a radius of curvature of no more than 5 cm when folded. The first plurality of components comprises a display(s) and an input device(s). The first plurality of components are printed on to the flexible apparel using an electrically conductive ink that comprises a polymeric binder and single sheets of graphene comprising a thickness of up to 1 nm. A second plurality of components are in communication with the flexible article of apparel and communicatively coupled to the first plurality of components. The second plurality of components comprises a microprocessor(s) and an electronic device(s) configured for wireless communication.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Vorbeck Materials Corp.Inventor: John S Lettow
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Patent number: 10349178Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to microphones diaphragms. In one embodiment, a sensor comprising a diaphragm comprised of a composition having a plurality of individual graphene sheets. An emitter formed in a manner to transmit lights towards a surface of the diaphragm. A collector that captures at least a portion of light that is reflected by the diaphragm. A converter is in communication with the detector that converts a signal that is generated by the sensor to a digital signal for processing. The graphene-based composition includes graphene sheets.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: VORBECK MATERIALS, CORP.Inventors: John S Lettow, Dan F Scheffer, Kenneth E Fritsch
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Publication number: 20190194477Abstract: Coatings comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. In one embodiment, the coatings are electrically conductive.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Applicants: The Trustees of Princeton University, VORBECK MATERIALS CORPORATIONInventors: John M. CRAIN, John S. LETTOW, llhan A. AKSAY, Robert K. PRUD'HOMME, Sibel KORKUT
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Publication number: 20190189365Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrical switch or sensor. In one embodiment, the electrical switch or sensor comprises a first electrical pole conductively coupled to a first side of a layer of variable resistance material. A second electrical pole is conductively coupled to a second side of the variable resistance material. The first side of the variable resistance material positioned distal to the second side of the variable resistance material. The variable resistance material comprises a polymer comprising a glass transition temperature of no higher than about 10° C. The first electrical pole and/or the second electrical pole comprise an electrically conductive ink or coating having a dispersion of graphene sheets. The graphene sheets completely comprise fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene. The graphene sheets comprise a lattice having heteroatoms incorporated therein and/or functional groups attached thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: VORBECK MATERIALS CORP.Inventors: JOHN S. LETTOW, TERUMI N. MCKENNA, DAN F. SCHEFFER
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Patent number: 10321593Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, interconnect apparatuses are provided herein to couple flexible circuits to control circuits. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a first portion housing one or more control circuits and a second portion conductively coupled to a flexible circuit. In some embodiments, the first portion may be configured to be coupled to the second portion such that the control circuit can be conductively coupled to the flexible circuit when the first portion is coupled to the second portion. In some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to capture temperature readings. In some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to capture proximity readings. In some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to include one or more communications devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: VORBECK MATERIALS CORP.Inventors: John S. Lettow, Louise Brooks, Paige J. Boehmcke, Bretton Swope, Robyn Nariyoshi
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Patent number: 10270183Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a graphene-based Rotman lenses and associated methods of formation. In some embodiments, a lens is positioned proximate to a surface of a dielectric plate. In other embodiments, the lens comprises a first lens contour positioned opposite a second lens contour. In certain embodiments, a plurality of first transmission lines extends from the first lens contour and each terminating at a particular first port. In yet still other embodiments, a plurality of second transmission lines extends from the second lens contour and each terminating at a particular second port. In some embodiments, the lens includes a composition having a polymer(s) and a three-dimensional network of individual sheets of graphene positioned within the composition. In certain embodiments, the first port and/or the second port has a width of ?/2 or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Inventors: John S. Lettow, Sriram Manivannan, Larry Herzon, Trentice V. Bolar
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Patent number: 10244628Abstract: Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignees: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, VORBECK MATERIALS CORPORATIONInventors: John M. Crain, John S. Lettow, Ilhan A. Aksay, Sibel Korkut, Katherine S. Chiang, Chuan-Hua Chen, Robert K. Prud'homme
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Patent number: 10176937Abstract: Electrical switches or sensors that comprise (a) a first electrical pole, (b) a layer of a variable resistance material in electrical contact with the first electrical pole, and (c) a second electrical pole that is in electrical contact with the variable resistance material and is not in electrical contact with the first pole, wherein the variable resistance material comprises at least one polymer having a glass transition temperature of no higher than about 10° C.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventors: John S Lettow, Terumi N McKenna, Dan F Scheffer
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Patent number: 10166811Abstract: A combination comprising a document having an image applied thereto and a security device affixed to a surface of the document. The security device comprising a first layer applied on the image. The first layer comprising a first and a second portion in communication with a first and second image area of the image, respectively. The first layer comprising a coating composition comprising fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene. The first portion comprises: a first detectable property having a first value correlated with the fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene; a first X-ray diffraction pattern; and a first electrical conductivity. The second portion comprises a second detectable property comprising: a second value correlated with the fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene; a second X-ray diffraction pattern; and a second electrical conductivity. The first and second detectable properties are not equal and together create a distinctive signature.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Inventors: John S Lettow, Dan Scheffer
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Publication number: 20180310360Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods to enable communication between computing devices. The system comprises a cellular-based RF source. A mobile computing device(s) is communicatively coupled to the RF source via a first wireless signal received thereby at a first signal strength. An antenna(s) is positioned proximate to the surface of a wearable item and comprises a conductor element(s) fabricated using a polymer(s) and fully exfoliated graphene sheets. A control circuit(s) is positioned proximate to the surface and in communication with the antenna. The control circuit communicates, via the antenna, with the RF source via a second wireless signal; communicates, via a second antenna, with the mobile device via a third wireless; and cause the mobile device to communicate with the RF source via the third wireless signal when it's strength is greater than the first wireless signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2016Publication date: October 25, 2018Applicant: VORBECK MATERIALS CORP.Inventors: JOHN S LETTOW, SRIRAM MANIVANNAN, MATHEW A HUDSPETH, TRENTICE V BOLAR
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Patent number: 10103446Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to graphene-based Rotman lenses. In an embodiment, a lens is formed on a surface of a dielectric plate. The lens comprises a composition having individual sheets of graphene. The lens includes a plurality of first transmission lines extending from a first lens contour and a plurality of second transmission lines extending from a second lens contour. The plurality of first transmission lines each terminate at a first port. The plurality of second transmission lines each terminate at a second port. The first contour and the second contour are positioned opposite each other. The first port and/or the second port has a width of ?/2 or less. The individual graphene sheets form a three-dimensional interconnected network within the composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventors: John S Lettow, Sriram Manivanna, Larry Hurzon, Trentice V Bolar
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Patent number: 10082830Abstract: Wearable electronic devices that comprise an article of apparel that comprises at least one electronic or electrical component.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Inventor: John S Lettow