Aerospace Engineering Latching Mechanisms Expert Witness

Professional Summary

This Expert provides new product development consulting for the Aerospace Fastener and Aircraft Interiors industries, as well as litigation consulting in the areas of mechanisms, latches and fasteners.

Before retiring as an aerospace industry executive in 2005, Expert co-invented and led the development of the post-9/11 secure (terrorist-proof) cockpit door decompression latches now installed on half the world’s fleet of aircraft. Previously Expert invented and commercialized the first viable blind fastening system for laminated composites. After 24 years, that system remains one of the most-used structural blind fasteners for composite airframe assembly.  Recent litigation consulting projects have included aircraft engine cylinder head bolt failure analysis, aircraft hanger wind-induced anchorage loss, and motor home retractable bunk mechanism analysis.

Expertise

Fasteners
Latching Mechanisms
Accident Reconstruction
Aircraft Rapid Decompression
Engineering, Structural
Failure Analysis
Kinematics Analysis
Mechanisms
Products Liability
Wind Analysis

Expert Witness Experience

Anti-Trust Case – Acquisition of Avdel by Textron

Breach of Contract Cases

• Fastener Conformance to Specifications
• Bottle-Filling Equipment

Contract Fraud Case – Inaccurate Projected Costs on Firm Fix-Price Contract

Patent Infringement Cases

• High Pressure Hydraulic Hoses
• Refrigerator Water Filter
• Gate Locking Mechanism
• Canted Coil Spring Connector
• Pool Rakes
• Pressure Responsive Electrical Switches
• Snap Connectors for Fuel Dispensors
• Hook and Loop Fasteners
• Window Coverings
• Folding Lawn Chairs
• Lotto Ticket Dispensing Machines
• Gun Safe Locking Mechanism
• Television Console Kits
• Combat Helmets
• Guitar Stands
• Hookah Pipes
• Box Spring Stapling Machines
• Dental Implants
• Bulk material Loading Machines
• Shear Wall Reinforcement for Building Structures
• Mortise Door Lock Mechanism
• Captive Panel Fasteners
• Keyboard Support Mechanisms
• Keyboard Support Mechanisms
• Electric Strike Mechanisms for Door Locks
• Time-Delay Magnetic Door Locks
• Hurricane Abatement Systems
• Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
• Mint & Toothpick Dispensers
• Storm Drain Covers
• Aircraft Pressure-Sensing Latches
• Low Profile Aircraft Engine Nacelle Latches
• Blind Bolts
• Blind Rivets
• Wind Toppled Supermarket Signage
• Negligence in Repair of Chaise Lounges
• Negligence in Maintenance of Airplane Hanger Door
• Negligence in securing Patio Furniture Against High Winds
• Negligence
• Negligence
• Negligence in Securing Airplane Hanger to Ground
• Defective Pressure Cooker (several cases including two class action cases)
• Defective Wheelchair
• Liquidified Propane Transfer Hose Failure
• Steering Column Failure
• Tonneau Cover Loss in High Wind
• Switchblade Knife Design Defect
• Expandable Asile Barricade
• Passenger Bus Rollover–Defectibe U-Joint
• Defective Punch Press
• Defective Articulated Ladder
• BBQ Oven Design Defects
• Post Driver Design Defects
• Fastener Design or Manufacturing Defects
• Overhead Door Repair and Maintenance
• Orthopedic Walker Design Defects
• Catering Truck Deep Fryer Cover Latches
• Knife and Sheath Design Defects
• Ladder Hatch Design Defects
• Folding Threadmill Design Defects
• Vehicle Glass Rack Design Defects
• Motor Home Bunk Mechanism Design Defects
• Failure of Latches to Secure Cargo Door
• Separation of Tail Boom from Helicopter due to use of Blind Rivets for Repair
• Defective Blind Rivets

Education

2001 University of California, Irvine
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Structural Mechanics (Airframe Joint Behavior)

1998 California State University, Fullerton
M.S.M.E.

1996 California State University, Fullerton
B.S.M.E.

Litigation Support Experience

Comprehensive list available upon request.

Professional Experience

June 2005 To Present
An Engineering Company in California
Title:  Principal

Expert is the Principal of an Engineering Company which provides litigation consulting, deposition and trial testimony, expert reports and failure analysis. This  Engineering Company has relationships with local laboratories for in-depth mechanical testing and metallurgical analysis.  This Engineering Company offers litigation consulting and expert witness services in the following areas:
Fasteners and mechanically fastened joint failures
Latching mechanisms and latched joint failures, particularly aircraft structural latches
Wind-induced building damage
Aircraft rapid decompression
Mechanism kinematics and failure analysis
Metal forming (hot and cold forging) and processing (heat treatment, finishing)

August 2000 – June 2005
Organization Hartwell Corporation, Placentia, CA
Title: Vice President, Engineering

Summary Oversaw all new product development and engineering, including development of engine nacelle latches for the Airbus A380 and A318,, A400M, B787 and RJ700/900 Series aircraft. Also co-invented and led the development of the post-9/11 secure cockpit door decompression mechanisms presently in use on half of the world’s fleet of commercial transport aircraft.

March 1988 – August 2000
Organization: Textron Aerospace Fasteners, Santa Ana, CA
Title: Vice President, Research and Development (Started as Director R&D)

Summary Led the development of various solid shank and blind fastener systems. Founded Textron Sports Technology operation within TAF in 1995 and led that group until its relocation to a commercial Textron division in 1999

February 1979 – March 1988
Organization Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Los Angeles, CA
Title: Engineering Manager Summary

Led the product development and standardization efforts.

Invented Composi-Lok (I & II), Visu-Lok II and other product lines, accounting for sales in excess of $250 million since 1983. Represented company at MIL-HDBK-5, NASC and other standardization activities

August 1969 – February 1979
Organization Olympic Fastening Systems, Downey, CA
Title: Sr. Project Engineer, R&D (Started as Drafter Trainee)

Summary: Product development and manufacturing engineering activities, including fastener installation tooling and progressive header tooling. Designed hydraulic-pneumatic installation tools for Olympic’s and competitor’s product lines.

Professional Affiliations, Achievements & Awards

Professional Engineering License (Mechanical Engineering)
National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE/CSPE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Society of Metals (ASM)
Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists (SFES-Candidate)
Current Chairman of the finite element analysis working group (FEAWG) of FAA/DoD MMPDS–the handbook used by aircraft designers for allowable materials and joint properties

Patents & Publications

Available upon request.