Patents by Inventor Bradford A. Wheeler

Bradford A. Wheeler 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).

  • Detection of vibrational energy via optical interference patterns
    Patent number: 5513533
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing and measuring vibrational energy in a structure subject to vibrations is described. The method comprises the steps of applying a thin transparent film material having a thickness to a structure subject to vibrations and measuring the vibrational energy within the structure by measuring changes in the thickness of the thin transparent film material resulting from vibrations within the structure being transmitted to the thin transparent film material. The apparatus for sensing and measuring the vibrational energy comprises a light source for generating a coherent light beam, the thin transparent film material, and a detector for receiving reflected light rays from the top and bottom surfaces of the film material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Bradford A. Wheeler, Antonio L. Deus