Patents by Inventor Derek Doyle

Derek Doyle 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).

  • Method of assessing bolted joint integrity
    Patent number: 8671761
    Abstract: A method of assessing bolted joint integrity. A guided wave is sent through a structure containing at least one bolted joint. The guided wave that is subsequently propagated through the structure and interacted with the bolted joint is measured to obtain a measured result. At least one parameter of the guided wave after its travel through the structure, and after having been affected by a nonlinear acoustic behavior of the bolted joint, is analyzed. Either at least one guided wave parameter is compared to a wave propagation pattern of the bolted joint at a correct torque level, or variation of at least one guided wave parameter is compared, to determine changes in wave propagation time and/or wave propagation shape. An incorrect torque level of the bolted joint is inferred from any changes that are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: New Mexico Technical Research Foundation
    Inventors: Andrei Zagrai, Derek Doyle
  • Real-time evaluation of change in thermal conductivity across an interface
    Patent number: 8585283
    Abstract: A method of using Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques for determining whether changes in thermal conductivity have occurred to a particular interface between two joined structural members is described, which is particularly useful in satellites or other structures ordinarily subjected to vacuum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Derek Doyle, Derek Hengeveld
  • Method of Assessing Bolted Joint Integrity
    Publication number: 20110138918
    Abstract: A method of assessing bolted joint integrity. A guided wave is sent through a structure containing at least one bolted joint. The guided wave that is subsequently propagated through the structure and interacted with the bolted joint is measured to obtain a measured result. At least one parameter of the guided wave after its travel through the structure, and after having been affected by a nonlinear acoustic behavior of the bolted joint, is analyzed. Either at least one guided wave parameter is compared to a wave propagation pattern of the bolted joint at a correct torque level, or variation of at least one guided wave parameter is compared, to determine changes in wave propagation time and/or wave propagation shape. An incorrect torque level of the bolted joint is inferred from any changes that are determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: New Mexico Technical Research Foundation
    Inventors: Andrei N. Zagrai, Derek Doyle