Patents by Inventor John W. Hewitt

John W. Hewitt 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: 10739287
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and monitoring physical properties of a material under test (MUT) from a vehicle, e.g., using complex electromagnetic impedance. Various embodiments include a method including: obtaining displacement data about a position of a sensor array relative to a material under test (MUT); comparing the displacement data with reference displacement data to determine whether the sensor array is at a reference distance relative to the MUT; in response to determining that the sensor array is located at the reference distance, instructing the sensor array to transmit a set of electromagnetic impedance signals into the MUT; obtaining a return electromagnetic impedance signal from the MUT; and calculating at least one physical property of the MUT based upon the transmitted set of electromagnetic impedance signals, the return electromagnetic impedance signals, and the displacement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TransTech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Colosimo, Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 10527570
    Abstract: Approaches include selecting a desired location for the measurement of electromagnetic spectroscopic impedance data for correlation with a physical property of a material under test (MUT) with electromagnetic impedance tomography. The MUT is first characterized tomographically with a series of four-terminal electrode patterns at a single current frequency. Measured and computed values of electromagnetic impedance for the voxels and sub-voxels of the MUT are determined. The sub-voxel with a targeted value of impedance is selected and matched with the specific four-terminal electrode pattern related to that sub-voxel. The spectrographic electromagnetic impedance measurements are made across a range of frequencies for the selected sub-voxel, using all of the four-terminal electrode patterns required to compute the tomographic impedance value of the selected sub-voxel. The computed spectrographic electromagnetic impedance value for the selected sub-voxel is then correlated to a physical property of the MUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: TRANSTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald D. Colosimo, Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 10324052
    Abstract: A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: TRANSTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 10161893
    Abstract: Methods of extracting complex impedance from selected subsurface volumes of a material under test (MUT) using various embodiments of electrode sensor pairs are provided. The electrode pairs can penetrate into a subsurface of the MUT, and operate below the surface of the MUT. Configurations of electrode pair sensors provide measured data of complex impedance of selected subsurface volumes of the MUT using electromagnetic spectrographic signals over a frequency range. The complex impedance characteristics of the subsurface volumes may be used to identify variations in the properties of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TransTech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Colosimo, Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20180128934
    Abstract: Aspects include a system with an adjustable linear electrode array. The system can include a signal generator and a linear electrode array coupled with the signal generator, the linear electrode array configured to non-conductively communicate with a material under test (MUT) having a surface and a subsurface beneath the surface. The linear electrode array can include at least two electrodes including a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode, the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode having an initial center-to-center spacing of a distance D. The system can further include a controller for controlling generation of electromagnetic signals at the signal generator and a configuration of the linear electrode array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20180011040
    Abstract: A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20180011039
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and monitoring physical properties of a material under test (MUT) from a vehicle, e.g., using complex electromagnetic impedance. Various embodiments include a method including: obtaining displacement data about a position of a sensor array relative to a material under test (MUT); comparing the displacement data with reference displacement data to determine whether the sensor array is at a reference distance relative to the MUT; in response to determining that the sensor array is located at the reference distance, instructing the sensor array to transmit a set of electromagnetic impedance signals into the MUT; obtaining a return electromagnetic impedance signal from the MUT; and calculating at least one physical property of the MUT based upon the transmitted set of electromagnetic impedance signals, the return electromagnetic impedance signals, and the displacement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Donald D. Colosimo, Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9863900
    Abstract: Various embodiments include planar sensor arrays for use in determining characteristics of a material under test (MUT). The planar sensor arrays can include a set of electrodes positioned to enhance a depth and clarity of detection into the material under test. Some embodiments include an electromagnetic sensor array having: a first set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across a space; and a second set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across the space, the second set being off-set from the first set, wherein the first set and the second set are configured to detect an electromagnetic impedance of the MUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TransTech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9804112
    Abstract: A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: TransTech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20170199140
    Abstract: Approaches include selecting a desired location for the measurement of electromagnetic spectroscopic impedance data for correlation with a physical property of a material under test (MUT) with electromagnetic impedance tomography. The MUT is first characterized tomographically with a series of four-terminal electrode patterns at a single current frequency. Measured and computed values of electromagnetic impedance for the voxels and sub-voxels of the MUT are determined. The sub-voxel with a targeted value of impedance is selected and matched with the specific four-terminal electrode pattern related to that sub-voxel. The spectrographic electromagnetic impedance measurements are made across a range of frequencies for the selected sub-voxel, using all of the four-terminal electrode patterns required to compute the tomographic impedance value of the selected sub-voxel. The computed spectrographic electromagnetic impedance value for the selected sub-voxel is then correlated to a physical property of the MUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Donald D. Colosimo, Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20160166187
    Abstract: Solutions for non-invasively monitoring blood metabolite levels of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: repeatedly measuring a plurality of electromagnetic impedance readings with a sensor array from: an epidermis layer of a patient and one of a dermis layer or a subcutaneous layer of the patient, until a difference between the readings exceeds a threshold; calculating an impedance value representing the difference using an equivalent circuit model and individual adjustment factor data representative of a physiological characteristic of the patient; and determining a blood metabolite level of the patient from the impedance value and a blood metabolite level algorithm, the blood metabolite level algorithm including blood metabolite level data versus electromagnetic impedance data value correspondence of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20160161624
    Abstract: Methods include: providing instructions to a signal generator to transmit a first set of tomographic signals to a surface and a subsurface beneath the surface; obtaining a first return signal about the surface and the subsurface beneath the surface, the first return signal associated with the first set of tomographic signals; comparing the first return signal with the first set of tomographic signals to determine whether an object is present within the subsurface; providing instructions to the signal generator to transmit a set of spectrographic signals to the surface and subsurface in response to determining the object is present within the subsurface; obtaining a second return signal about the surface and subsurface beneath the surface, the second return signal associated with the set of spectrographic signals; and comparing the second return signal with the set of spectrographic signals to determine a characteristic of the object within the subsurface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: TransTech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9307935
    Abstract: Solutions for non-invasively monitoring blood metabolite levels of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: repeatedly measuring a plurality of electromagnetic impedance readings with a sensor array from: an epidermis layer of a patient and one of a dermis layer or a subcutaneous layer of the patient, until a difference between the readings exceeds a threshold; calculating an impedance value representing the difference using an equivalent circuit model and individual adjustment factor data representative of a physiological characteristic of the patient; and determining a blood metabolite level of the patient from the impedance value and a blood metabolite level algorithm, the blood metabolite level algorithm including blood metabolite level data versus electromagnetic impedance data value correspondence of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: BioSensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20160054247
    Abstract: Methods of extracting complex impedance from selected subsurface volumes of a material under test (MUT) using various embodiments of electrode sensor pairs are provided. The electrode pairs can penetrate into a subsurface of the MUT, and operate below the surface of the MUT. Configurations of electrode pair sensors provide measured data of complex impedance of selected subsurface volumes of the MUT using electromagnetic spectrographic signals over a frequency range. The complex impedance characteristics of the subsurface volumes may be used to identify variations in the properties of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Donald D. Colosimo, Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20150212026
    Abstract: Various embodiments include planar sensor arrays for use in determining characteristics of a material under test (MUT). The planar sensor arrays can include a set of electrodes positioned to enhance a depth and clarity of detection into the material under test. Some embodiments include an electromagnetic sensor array having: a first set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across a space; and a second set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across the space, the second set being off-set from the first set, wherein the first set and the second set are configured to detect an electromagnetic impedance of the MUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20150137831
    Abstract: A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20120130212
    Abstract: Solutions for non-invasively monitoring blood metabolite levels of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: repeatedly measuring a plurality of electromagnetic impedance readings with a sensor array from: an epidermis layer of a patient and one of a dermis layer or a subcutaneous layer of the patient, until a difference between the readings exceeds a threshold; calculating an impedance value representing the difference using an equivalent circuit model and individual adjustment factor data representative of a physiological characteristic of the patient; and determining a blood metabolite level of the patient from the impedance value and a blood metabolite level algorithm, the blood metabolite level algorithm including blood metabolite level data versus electromagnetic impedance data value correspondence of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt