Technical Expert Witness Services

Expert and investigational services by Mr. Tim Rickard for electrical, electronic, PLC, and microprocessor based control systems. This includes Industrial Controls, Automated Systems, Robotics, Production Machinery, Amusement Park Rides, Lasers, and many other control and automation based technologies. We also provide digital photography and video services as part of our investigations.

We have access to Research Engineers and Scientists involving Applied Physics, Applied Sciences, Chemistry, Engine and Vehicle Research, Laser Technology, Mechanical and Materials Research, Automotive Products, and many other technology based fields. We acquire and coordinate these Expert services from private Research Institutes, including Colleges and Universities, in order to support our investigative work when necessary.

Biography:

Mr. Rickard's technical experience with Control and Automation systems span over 30 years, and include Technical Expert services, investigation work, and consultation involving patent litigation, personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, on the job injuries, system failures, and malfunctions. He is actively involved in the design and manufacture of Control Systems, and works within the Automation and IT Technology fields everyday. Our actual case history includes working and consulting with patent and litigation attorneys, creating Technical Expert Witness reports (as a result of impartial investigation), depositions, and patent investigation. One of Mr. Rickard's specialties is translating technical "jargon" into easy to understand plain English for Defendant’s or Plaintiff’s, court, and jury.

Mr. Rickard has acquired over 30 years experience in electrical, electronic, automation, robotics, bulk materials handling, and mechanical system design. As an inventor, Rickard holds several electronic and mechanical patents awarded in the United States, Japan, Canada, and Great Britain. In various roles that span Vice President of Technology and Operations, Director of R&D, Project Manager, Construction Manager, and Vice President of Plant Engineering, Mr. Rickard has successfully deployed advanced automated systems for companies such as ThyssenKrupp Robins, Krupp Canada, CNRL, Rio Tinto Energy America, Range Fuels, Rentech, Nabisco, General Mills, Coors, ExxonMobil, Sinclair Oil, Ingersoll-Rand, and Honeywell Aerospace. His recent experience within the energy sector; Renewable Energy, Coal to Liquid Fuels, Coal (strip mining), and the Oil Sands in Canada, adds to his expertise. Travel experience spans the United States, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Japan and Okinawa.

Technical background includes extensive experience with Allen-Bradley, DeltaV, digital logic circuits, vision systems, and laser research involving Co2 lasers (Class 4 100 watt), and laser diodes (Class 3B). Working closely with recruitment agencies, Mr. Rickard has established and managed several engineering, CAD, automation, and field service groups, for deployment of automated machinery in the food, beverage, refinery, coal, oil sands, pharmaceutical, and chemical plant industries. Most of this work carried over to the field, where Rickard managed electrical and mechanical field construction projects as Project Manager, General Manager, and Construction Manager.

Rickard is an active member with ISA (Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society), and AEE (The Association of Energy Engineers). Authorships include Whitepapers for RAM (Remote Asset Management), Energy Management, Automation, and cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) for FDA related validation procedures in lab environments. Rickard’s IP and patent experience includes work as a Technical Expert Witness involving patent infringement and automation related accidents.

Mr. Rickard has earned several technology certificates from Allen-Bradley and Opto 22, and continues his pursuit of a BSB/M degree in management, along with an AST (Associates in Specialized Technology). In addition, he has passed the qualification test, and is scheduled to complete the ISA's "Certified Automation Professional (CAP)" program during 2009. His engineering work collaborating with Scientists at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, certainly adds to his experience and education.

Curriculum Vitae, Full Version (PDF), Requires Password

Expert Report Example # 1 (PDF), Requires Password
Expert Report Example # 2 (PDF), Requires Password
Expert Report Example # 3 (PDF), Requires Password
Expert Report Example # 4 (PDF), Requires Password
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Professional Experience
Automation Project Experience
Design and Application Experience
Rates

The following overview by Mr. Rickard, will outline his case experience and technical background. For more recent information, additional case histories, and educational background, request a password for Mr. Rickard's full CV.

The following is a sampling of several cases I have completed:

November 2005 to Present. I am presently retained by the firm of Nimmo, Hoehn & Nimmo, in the case of Alexander v. Zamperla. This case involves an amusement park ride accident (involving death) that used a PLC based automation system for controlling the ride. I’m retained by the plaintiff’s in the civil portion of this case. To date I’ve completed an investigation resulting in a technical expert report. Work to date includes an in depth on site investigation of the ride on my part, including videotape and photos. I cannot provide additional information at this time since the case is in litigation.

April 2005. I was retained by the law offices of MacDonald Hoague & Bayless, in the case of Benson, et al. v. Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. et al. This case involved an accident on an automated wood-chipping machine at a sawmill in Washington State. A worker (female) was killed in the accident. I was hired by the plaintiff’s attorneys to consult with them concerning the accident. As a result I submitted my declaration after an extensive investigation. The plaintiff’s case was settled in their favor, in early 2005.

October 2004. I was retained by the Law Offices of Steven A. Christensen out of Salt Lake City, Utah, regarding an incident involving electric shock of their client, while using a treadmill. I was hired by the plaintiff’s attorneys to consult with them concerning the accident. I submitted my Technical Expert Report, and we are awaiting resolution.

September 2002. I was retained contractually by Universal Studios, thru a firm in Florida, Gronek & Latham, L.L.P. The case is Universal City Development partners, L.P. vs. Moog, Inc. The case involved analyzing an amusement park ride, involving a PLC verses PC automated control system. I was hired by the plaintiff’s attorneys to consult with them concerning the difference between a PC and PLC based control system. I completed the 1st phase with an Expert Report during October 2002. This was a substantial Expert Witness project for TWR, and it was necessary to pass the legal and technical scrutiny of Universal Studios in order to be retained.

September 2002. I was retained by the Matthews Firm of Houston Texas, in the case of “Boss Control, Inc. v. Bombardier Inc. et al”.  I was hired by the plaintiff’s attorneys to consult with them concerning a patent infringement case. I completed the 1st phase of this case by completing an Expert Report during October 2002. For confidentiality reasons I cannot go into details.

September 1999 thru December 2000. I was retained by Hinshaw & Culbertson (representing the defendants), Re: Assted-Milroverk APS vs. Whetstone Candy Company. This case involved injury from a robotic production candy-making machine. Upon completing my investigation and evaluation of the machine and program involved in the accident, I determined the machine manufacturer was at fault, due to a defective design, and safety based logic that was bypassed within the PLC program by their employee’s. This case included an in depth, on site, investigation on my part, with videotape and photos. I created several Technical Expert Witness reports as a result. The defendant’s case was settled in their favor, late in 2000.

Late 1995. I was retained by the firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., to act as a technical expert witness in the case of Kasper Wire Works, Inc. v. Universal Applied Technologies Corp., Civil action no. SA-95-CA-0531. Akin & Gump represented the Defendant. In early 1996 this case was turned over to Wright & Youngblood, L.L.P., and I was retained by them. I completed two expert witness reports and was deposed twice. This case involved apparent patent infringement of an automated newspaper vending machine. As a result of my investigation, and by analyzing the technical differences between patents, evidence indicated the Defendant’s invention did not infringe. Extensive patent research was required in this case. During April of 1997, the defendant’s case was settled in their favor as a result of summary judgment.

Professional Employment Experience:

October 2007 to present, ThyssenKrupp Robins, expansion project for Jacobs Ranch Mine, Gillette, Wyoming, and CNRL Horizon Project in Alberta Canada. http://www.rtea.com/pages/jacobsranch.aspx and http://www.cnrl.com/horizon/.

October 2007 to present, ThyssenKrupp Robins, expansion project for Jacobs Ranch Mine, Gillette, Wyoming. http://www.rtea.com/pages/jacobsranch.aspx. PM and Start up Manager.

October 2006 thru December 2006, and again June 2007 to present, I worked on the Rentech PDU (coal to liquid fuels) project under contract thru a local GC. Denver, CO. Project Manager. http://www.rentechinc.com/rentech-projects.htm#3

January 2007 thru May 2007, I worked as a PM, under contract, thru a local GC on the Range Fuels pilot plant (biomass conversion) project. Denver, CO. http://www.rangefuels.com/. Project Manager.

September 2004 to October 2006 - EggFusion Inc., Boulder CO
Laser scribing company working in the food industry. Specialty is etching eggs using high-speed CO2 based laser systems. Start up company, approx. 30 employees. Founded during 2001. www.eggfusion.com and www.myfreshegg.com.  
VP of Plant Engineering. I reported to the CEO. Responsibilities: R&D, mechanical and electrical engineering, manufacturing, deployment, and service.

2001 to October 2002 - packetPointe Technologies, Inc., Salt Lake City Utah. NOC and Data Center. Solutions for Automation and Remote Monitoring. VP of Technology and Operations.

1998 to 2000 - CW Industries, Denver Colorado. HVAC and Industrial Automation. VP and Manager of Industrial Automation.

1990 to 1997 - Meyer Machine Company, San Antonio Texas. Industrial Automation, Robotics, and Control Systems. Manager of Automation and Director of R&D.

1971 to 1990 - Meyer Conveyair, Denver Colorado. Robotics, Control Systems, and Automation of Manufacturing. Manager of Controls, IT Department, and Director of R&D.

Automation Project Examples:

ThyssenKrupp Robins, and Krupp Canada, CNRL Horizon Project – Fort Mackay, Alberta Canada.
April 2008 to present. http://www.cnrl.com/horizon/ http://careers.cnrl.com/media/cnrl/cnrl_video_operation.htlm. Installation and start up of ore material handling equipment for Phase 1 of the CNRL's Horizon OPP Project with respect to ore preparation plants (OPPs). My role is the Electrical and Instrumentation Site Manager to oversee electrical and instrumentation work performed on the job site, as well as to manage Krupp Canada’s Electrical and Instrumentation Team in the completion of its tasks (12 personnel). Overall commissioning and start up management is also included within my responsibilities. Equipment includes (2) hopper/crushers, (2) high speed/high capacity belt conveyors into a common surge bin, (2) high speed/high capacity belt conveyors into (2) separate slurry prep plants consisting of secondary crushers, and large vibratory conveyors and feeders. Oil sand slurry is then pumped to the onsite refinery via (2) 3500 HP VFD controlled pumps within each slurry plant. Management responsibilities include (3) electrical construction crews consisting of approx. 100 electricians, Westwood, Pronghorn, and Elite Controls. In addition I worked with and coordinated work for Wabi, Waiward, Motion Canada, Atcon, and Hagglunds (mechanical contractors). I am also a back up for the Construction Manager, and responsible for the entire job site on weekends. Successfully ran first ore in our system on August 12^th 2008. This was a media event attended by top CNRL executives and officials. Ore loading was demonstrated again on August 18^th, review this link>>> http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=f77c344d-8e8c-437f-89d7-f1fa8412f366&k=48011. I completed and passed CSTS safety tests under ACSA guidelines, and I am OSSA certified. Passed all medical and drug screening per Canadian standards. Received Radiation Safety Awareness training for nuclear sensors. Working under a Canadian work permit. Worked closely with CNRL and Krupp safety officers, developing new safety guidelines and bulletins.

ThyssenKrupp Robins, Expansion project for Jacobs Ranch Mine – Gillette, Wyoming http://www.rtea.com/pages/jacobsranch.aspx. October 2007 thru March 2008. This project will increase production yields to 6000 tons per hour of coal, and automate processes. Utilizes A-B ControlLogix PLC and RSView. I was contracted by ThyssenKrupp Robins for electrical and I&C onsite commissioning and supervision relating to coal breaking, crushing, conveyance, and storage. These responsibilities quickly expanded into site Electrical PM, Commissioning Manager, and Start Up Manager. System consists of truck dump and storage from 300 ton load coal haul trucks, Stamler feeder breaker, high speed (1000 FPM) ROM conveyor, Gundlach secondary crusher, 2.5 mile long high speed overland conveyor, surge bins, feeder conveyors, transfer conveyors, silo storage conveyors to top of silos, and finally load out into trains. Medium voltage (4160 VAC) motors ranged in size from 900 to 1500 HP, controlled by Toshiba VFD’s. This project was completed in the middle of winter, with temperatures as low as -40 below zero, high winds and blizzards were common. We maintained six day weeks, 12 hours days, for the duration of the project. I managed two electrical construction crews consisting of 40 electricians (Northern Electric and Energy Electric), and a commissioning team of technicians and PLC programmers. In addition I worked with and coordinated work for Schmueser, TIC, DCT, and AWS (mechanical contractors). I was on site this entire time period, our commissioning team did not miss a single day of work, six day work weeks, 12-hour days. During the last 2-weeks of the project the customer asked that I organize a two shift team, for 24/7 coal production support. Within days I pulled together a plan, spilt up our teams, and managed 24/7 support.

Renewable Energy - Biomass to Energy Conversion – During the 1^st half of 2007, we managed a pilot plant E&I and piping construction efforts as a PM thru a local GC. I kicked off this project with a part time CAD operator. I went on to build and manage a team consisting of CAD personnel, piping designers, 3D modelers, skid constructors, I&C technicians, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, electricians, fabricators, pipe fitters, and welders. I pulled together this team in less than 8 weeks, and at it's peak, was responsible for a group of 45 personnel of various disciplines, sub managed by five leads in CAD, Piping Design, I&C, Skid Construction, and Electrical Construction. This "cell" of specialized personnel focused on Biomass conversion systems, labs, and reactors. I assisted in design, procurement, and construction efforts, and successfully completed a fully operational lab and reactor skid. In addition, we kicked off the final phase of this project consisting of a complete “Pilot Plant", converting Biomass into Ethanol. This was all accomplished in under 6 months. In addition to our crew, we worked with the Emerson I&C group, and pulled together a top notch team of Emerson I&C technicians, to work under a short term contract. We also coordinated our construction efforts with other electrical contractors, engineering groups, and project managers on site; Merrick, and CH2M Hill to name a few.

Renewable Energy - Coal to Liquid Fuels –  During the 2nd half of 2007, we engineered and managed a project Conveying coal from rail and truck storage hoppers, into drag conveyors, and stored in silos. The coal was crushed and sent on to a gasifier. Also included full instrumentation consisting of CO detectors, radar level measurement, Bindicators, and impact weighers (flow meter). Also responsible for P&ID drawings, CAD based 2D and 3D mechanical drawings, schematics, panel layout, and PLC programming. During the course of this project I also managed electrical construction projects in general, and several CAD and 3D pipe designers.

Snack Food Plants - Distribution and packaging of snack crackers. A typical line consists of multiple infeed conveyors from oven to bucket conveyors (with bucket tracking logic), multiple storage systems, vibratory conveyors and feeders, belt conveyors, Ishidi scales, Bosch baggers, Bosch cartoners, Bosch accumulators and Bosch bundlers. Controlled by freestanding multi door control panels, A-B PLC-5/25 processors, adjustable frequency drives, motor starters, etc. HMI consists of remote consoles with message displays, switches and lights. Communicates via the A-B Data Highway Plus to an A-B PLC-3 host computer, and color process control stations using Intellution DMACS software.

Cereal Product Distribution and Conveying - Various cereal plants thru out the United States and Great Britain. A typical line consists of distribution systems with multiple bucket conveyors, belt conveyors, vibratory conveyors, and storage. Most systems can also "tote off" product to a completely automated tote loader system. A-B PLC-5/40 PLC's are generally used as controllers, with PanelView HMI's.

RF (Radio Frequency) Modem Project – Completed a major project for a fortune 100 Company, involving wireless modems. Because of non-disclosure agreements, I can’t publish the Company name at this time. This project consisted of a pair of modems utilized for converting a RS485 proprietary network to wireless, and a “front end” pair of modems used to convert a hardwired RS232 proprietary software interface to wireless. Both modem pairs are state of the art 900 MHZ and 2.4 GHZ modems.

Aerospace Industry – Designed and fabricated an 18,000 RPM test fixture for a F-16 jet turbine driven PMA (Permanent Magnet Alternator). Included precision machined parts, special duty high-speed motor, variable frequency drive (VFD), and a complete control panel with software and program. Will go online during February 2003. This project is a good example of my diversity with automation projects, where I coordinate precision fabricated parts along with an advanced control system, in order to deliver a turnkey solution to the customer.

Pasta Plants - Long goods and short goods pasta lines. Controlled by A-B SLC-500/03 PLC's. Conveys long goods or short goods, via bucket conveyors, thru loaders and unloaders, into packaging equipment. Product can be selected for distribution from a single dryer source, to multiple lines.

Building Automation - Temperature control for 452-unit luxury "loft" apartment complex. Managed installation, and created program and graphics for HVAC. Each apartment has its own FCU (fan control unit), hot water system for heating, and air conditioner for cooling. Also includes utility monitoring (water, KWH, and heat). Utilized KMD (Kreuter) DDC controllers. Controller cards are networked together via RS-485 comm lines. The entire complex can be accessed, programmed, monitored, and controlled, via remote modem, or by connecting locally with a laptop. Utility data is gathered automatically by the system daily, and provided to computers for billing.

Bio Chemical Labs - Chemical and waste handling for DNA manufacturing. Completely re-designed existing system, created new programs, and automated all systems. A-B SLC-500 PLCs and PanelViews.

Direct TV Satellite Transceiver Site - Utilized Opto 22 controllers for an advanced HVAC based system, for cooling large satellite dish transceivers and computer rooms.

Bowling Pinsetter Equipment - I have considerable experience with Brunswick and AMF bowling equipment, including automatic scorers. In the early 70's I was part of a team that developed one of the first operational automatic scorers. During the 70's and 80's I went on to develop a number of products for Brunswick and AMF pinsetters, including electronic control systems, and foul detectors. During the late 90’s I developed a fully operational PLC based automation system for controlling AMF pinsetters. I hold several patents as a result of development work in this field.

Integrated Circuit Manufacturing “Chip Plants” - Automation and control of class 10 clean room environments.

Energy Management - Developed methods and technology for managing and monitoring C-Stores (Convenience Stores). This includes, Energy Management, Security, POS (point of sale), tank monitoring (fuel), car wash, and digital video. The energy management portion of this package alone, will save a typical large group of C-Stores several million dollars in annual energy costs.

Tobacco Plants - Supervised installation of advanced conveyance systems for handling raw tobacco product. Also deployed a new electronic speed control system, resulting from my R&D efforts. Similar conveyance products were installed thru out England during the 90’s.

Telco Industry - Completed modifications and improvements to AT&T’s control systems for chillers and cooling towers within their NOC and Data Center. Utilized temperature probes installed in motors (to trend heat), and monitored duty cycle and amperage. This solved a major problem regarding cooling tower motor burn out. Installed alarm points for monitoring critical systems including generator power back up, surge arrestors, control systems, and power monitoring. Interfaced to AT&T national monitoring system in Atlanta Georgia, via direct telephone line connection.

Trucking Industry - Developed a wireless monitoring system for temperature alarms and tracking, of reefer based (refrigerated) tractor-trailer rigs. If temperature falls outside of normal limits, a cellular based “burst” of data is routed to a NOC and Data Center, which indicates temperature and actual location of the trailer, based on a GPS coordinate. The alarm is overlaid on a US map, visually representing the actual location of the trailer, and the trucking dispatch center is informed. The truck is then routed to the nearest service center for repairs.

Grain Industry - Automated grain elevator systems. Conveys grain from silos to rail cars and/or trucks. Also off loads grain from trucks and conveys to silos. A-B SLC-500 PLCs, and PanelViews.

Technical Background and Experience:

PLC Controllers and Programming - Experience includes hands on training, application and programming experience with: Allen-Bradley's PLC-5/10 thru PLC-5/60, SLC-500, and MicroLogix 1000 and 1500. Also have extensive experience with Opto 22 PLC’s, AutomationDirect (Koyo), Westinghouse, Foxboro, Gould, GE, TI, and Omron. I have completed hundreds of projects utilizing PLC’s, and integrating automation with machinery and equipment.

VFD’s (Variable Frequency Drives) - Extensive experience with Yaskawa and Allen-Bradley. Speed control of motors 0-18,000 RPM, vibratory feeder speed control, 0-400 HZ output, and variable voltage applications.

Wireless (RF) Modems – Design and application of wireless modem networks used for RS485, RS422, RS232, Ethernet and USB applications. 900 MHZ and 2.4 GHZ. 

Networks, Digital Video, and Satellite (VSAT) Connectivity - Transported bi-directional Data (TCP/IP) between the field and Data Centers. I’ve utilized Satellite (VSAT), Frame Relay, Wireless, Cell Burst, DSL, Private Networks, and Modem connectivity. Transfer rates from 56K to 1 Meg. Protocol experience include Modbus TCP, direct SQL calls to SQLServer database, and several proprietary HMI display and trending software packages. Transported simultaneously over a single connection, “live” digital video, credit card transactions, control logic, and raw data. Field Data was stored and archived at a Data Center and accessed via a browser-based portal utilizing customized reports.

Digital Logic, Electronics, and Microprocessors - CMOS, HTL, TTL digital and analog logic circuits for industrial based control systems. Power drivers using MOSFET, TRIAC and IGBT transistors. Microprocessor based controllers using the Intel MCS-48 and MCS-51 8-bit embedded controllers. Blue Earth Research MICRO-440 micro controller. Parrallax BASIC stamp micro controller. Z-World micro controllers.

Lasers - CO2 (Class 4 100 watt), laser diodes up to 100mw Class 3B), and helium-neon lasers.

Vision Systems: Application experience with the A-B VIM and CVIM vision systems. Also familiar with the COGNEX 2000 and 3000 series machine vision system, Microvision products utilizing the Cognex processor and INEX vision systems.

Computer and Software Experience (IT) - Extensive use of personal computers, laptops, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and peripherals. AutoCAD, AutoSketch, AutoSketch for Windows, Visio, Peachtree Accounting, Microsoft Windows OS (3.1, 95, 98, NT, 2000 and XP), Logitech and HP scanners, Norton Utilities, MS Word, Powerpoint, Publisher, FrontPage, Access, Project, and Excel. Adobe Acrobat, FileMaker Pro 5, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, and many other MSDOS and Windows based single and multi-user software packages. I personally own over $30,000 of PC's, laptops, scanners, printers, software, digital and film cameras, instrumentation, field tools, etc.

Patents:

I’ve worked extensively with patent attorneys thru out my career, and I am directly responsible for the successful acquisition of many patents, including several in my name as follows: U.S. patent 4,035,637 (12-12-77) Fluid activated light switch, U.S. patent 3,790,167 (2-5-74) Control system and cushion mount for bowling machines, Canadian patent 961522 (1-21-75), and Japanese patent 52-28054 (7-23-77).

Please review my full CV for more detailed information.

Click here for PDF version of full CV>>>>> PDF CV

Last Updated: October 29, 2008 02:33:14 PM
Copyright © 2001 - 2006 TWR Enterprises, Inc.

Rates

$60 per hour

Offsite Rates

Off site Technical Expert Witness work and Consulting

Note, our terms and conditions are negotiable, otherwise standard terms apply as outlined below. Discounts and special pricing only apply if all of our standard terms and conditions are accepted.

5.) If we are subpoenaed to appear in court by any party related to the case, or are asked to appear, our normal rates and expenses apply, and will be billed to our client. Our client will agree to pay all of these charges. TWR is not responsible for any costs associated with our clients case, or any costs we incur as a result of our clients case.

Last Updated: October 29, 2008 02:33:14 PM
Copyright © 2001 - 2008 TWR Enterprises, Inc.