Argos Engineering's principal, Dr. John Pratt, has earned 32 United States patents during his 36-year career in the Aerospace Fastener and Latching Mechanism business. He has served as Chairman of several domestic and international committees dealing with aerospace hardware and design allowables. During this time he has led the development of many aerospace systems, including the terrorist-proof cockpit door decompression latches used on half of the world's fleet of commercial transport aircraft. Other successes include the Composi-Lok I and II and Visu-Lok II blind bolts, and cylindrical-body Wedge Lock product lines.

As Chairman of the Industrial Fasteners Institute Technical Committee for Aerospace Fasteners, Dr. Pratt helped lead efforts to draft FAA-TSO-C148, and subsequently received the first FAA approvals under that regulation. Dr. Pratt also served as International Chairman of ISO / TC20 / SC4 / WG8, the organization for standardization of aerospace rivets, blind fasteners, lockbolts, and threaded pin-collar fasteners (i.e., Hi-Lites). In this capacity many of today's standards for metric aerospace fasteners were established.

Dr. Pratt's expert experience includes testimony in several patent infringement and products liability suits, as well as extended testimony before the Federal Trade Commission.

Areas of Expertise

Fasteners

Latches

Decompression Mechanisms

Aircraft (and other vehicle) Structural Analysis

Aircraft Explosive / Rapid Decompression

Wind Loading on Buildings

Products Liability

Patent Infringement

Services Provided:

Litigation Consulting

Deposition and Trial Testimony

Inspections

Testing

Structural Analysis

New Product Development

B.E.C. Consulting, LLC was established in 1982. Since that time, we have provided top-level consulting engineering services and accident reconstruction to our clients; law firms, insurance companies, state and local agencies, manufacturing companies, and clients who are seeking product design analysis and other engineering related services.

Our engineers represent a broad range of engineering disciplines which enables us to work on a variety of cases using the team approach. The teams at B.E.C are comprised of Engineers, Technical Specialists, Graphics Specialists as well as Research and Administrative Personnel, so that each case is given personal attention and is handled efficiently and effectively. We are located in Tallahassee, Florida, but are active in AL, GA, MS, TN and SC. We have worked in almost every state in the United States, including Alaska.

Areas of Expertise:

All Areas of Accident Reconstruction

Failure Analysis

Product Design

Product Development

Product Delivery

Material Handling System

Computer Animation, Electronic Graphics and Video Reenactment

Every aspect of our firm is designed to serve our clients needs; conference rooms for mediations and depositions, a research and testing lab, secured evidence storage, facilities for expert inspections, and easy access to airport and hotel facilities for our out-of-town clients. We are truly a full service engineering firm.

Because of this team approach and a commitment to customer service, B.E.C. has attained regional and national recognition as a leader in forensic engineering services and new product development. This excellent example and tireless dedication to serving our client’s needs has resulted in a devoted client base and reputation second to none.

Dr. Charles Benedict, P.E. founded Benedict Engineering Company in 1982. He has over 35 years experience in the fields of product and machine design and analysis, vehicular accident reconstruction of all types, and product and system failure analysis. He has designed, developed, manufactured, and tested more than sixty different products and machine systems. Dr. Benedict is well respected in the fields of forensic engineering, product and machine system design and analysis and patenting.

Expertise:

Biomechanics Occupant Kinematics Vehicle Restraint Systems Vehicle Controlability Material Handling Patent Infringement

Automobile Accidents Pedestrian Accidents General Engineering Product Design Fire and Explosion Analysis Tractor / Trailer Accidents Electrical Issues

Dr. Jim Dobbs, P.E. is a principle in the organization and has been practicing forensic engineering for the past 12 years. He was a design/development engineer at General Electric for a decade prior to coming to BEC Consulting. He has extensive experience in product development and design and hold several patents. He is nationally known for metallurgical failure analysis and accident reconstruction. He has particular experience and knowledge with motorcycles and tractor-trailer accidents.

Expertise:

Metallurgy Medical Devices Railroad Accidents Seat Belts and Airbags Seatback Analysis Automobile Accidents

Pedestrian Accidents General Engineering Product Design Slip / Trip / Fall Tractor / Trailer Accidents

Dr. Brian Pfeifer, P.E. is also a principle with BEC Consulting, and has been practicing forensic engineering for over 15 years. He holds several patents on roadside safety devices and studied roadside safety at the University of Nebraska. He has considerable knowledge about maintenance of traffic plans and traffic engineering. He is equally knowledgeable about accident reconstruction, especially involving tractor-trailer accidents.

Expertise:

Roadside Hazards Vehicle Controllability Occupant Kinematics Roadway Design Guardrails and Bridges Biomedical Engineering

Automobile Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Tractor / Trailer Accidents Slip / Trip / Fall Product Design General Engineering

Dr. Ying Lu

Expertise:

Biomedical Analysis Occupant Kinematics Injury Causation Low Speed Accidents Recreational Injury Sports Injury General Engineering

Accident Reconstruction Pedestrian Accidents Bicycle Accidents Slip / Trip / Fall Product Design Ergonomics Human and Environment Interaction

Mrs. Traci Campbell, P.E.

Expertise:

Industrial Accidents Safety Analysis Product Design / Failure Analysis Slip / Trip / Fall Guarding / Warnings Workplace Safety Bicycles

OSHA Regulations Pedestrian Accidents Automobile Accidents Tractor / Trailer Accidents Fire and Explosion Theme Parks Airbag and Black Box General Engineering

Mr. Chris Yates, P.E.

Expertise:

Black Box Analysis Motorcycle / Bicycle Mechanical Design Product Guarding Design Fire and Explosion Seat Belt Analysis

Automobile Accidents Pedestrian Accidents General Engineering Product Design Tractor / Trailer Accidents Slip / Trip / Fall

Bison is a multi-disciplined engineering firm specializing in failure analysis, forensic engineering and fire sciences with a team of P.E.'s who have performed thousands of forensic assignments including in excess of 1,000 fuel gas investigations.

Legal professionals turn to Bison to scientifically conduct investigations to determine the cause of destructive events. Forensic Engineers provide expert testimony and consultation. Investigations include explosions, fires, carbon monoxide incidents, electrical fires and failures, structural failures, mechanical failures, accident reconstruction, specialized testing, and courtroom presentations:

Fuel Gas Incidents: Fire and Explosion Causation; Propane Explosions, Natural Gas Explosion, Gas Delivery Systems; Carbon Monoxide Testing and Evaluation, Production and Migration Investigations; Plant & Pipeline, Piping Evaluation; Operational Analysis; Appliance Evaluation; Code Compliance; Soil Gas Migration; Vapor Dispersion

Fire Investigation and Explosion Analysis: Cause and Origin, Scene Documentation; Collection of Evidence; Certified Fire Investigator

Electrical Engineering: Electrically Related Fires, Electrical Service and Wiring Failures, Production Facility Service and Controls for Chemical, Petroleum, and Distribution Facilities, Electrical Contacts, Electrocutions; Lightning Strikes

Mechanical Engineering: Equipment Design and Operation; High-Pressure Oilfield Equipment; Pump Design and Operation; HVAC Systems; High and Low-Pressure Seals; Plastic Part Design and Manufacture, Industrial Equipment

Accident Reconstruction: Accident Sequence Reconstruction; Speed, Time and Distance Calculations; Crush Damage; Braking; Steering and Mechanical Analysis, including Tires; Electrical System / Electronic Failures; Mechanical and Fuel Systems; Airbag and Seatbelt Fatalities/Injuries; Staged Vehicle Impact

Failure Analysis: Industrial Equipment, Vehicle Impacts, Airbags and Seat Belts; Elevator Failures; Helmet and other Protective Equipment Failures; Infant Crib Design Inadequacies; Carbon Monoxide Investigations, Crane Failures, etc.

Metallurgical Engineering: Metal Fatigue of Gas Compressor Components; Electrical Contact Evaluations; Cracking of Structural Plastics; Chemical Analysis; Corrosion & Stress Evaluation and Analysis; SEM Analysis; Electron/Optical Microscopy; X-ray Examination

Bison's clients argue their cases with confidence, secure in the knowledge that their claims are based on unbiased, scientific data.

Marvin R. Blethen, PE, MBA, MS, founder of Blethen Mining Associates, PC, is an Engineer and Mining Consultant who has worked as an industry insider on the front lines and in executive and advisory positions for over 28 years. He earned his MBA from Troy State University and graduated cum laude with a BS in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University Institute of Technology. He is a licensed member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and a Founding Registered Member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.

Mr. Blethen has real life experience as an Engineer in Sand, Aggregates, Coal, Fire Clay, Kaolin, Novaculite, Quartz, Precious Metals, Magnesite, Bauxite, Graphite and Industrial Minerals Mining and brings a high level of technical experience to a business he understands. His focus is delivering state of the art technical engineering support to all phases of operation, from exploration to site reclamation, surface and underground mining, domestic and international. As a mining consultant, Mr. Blethen provides technical support and stands as a professional liaison between you and federal, state and/or local governments and regulatory agencies.

Experience Includes:

• Estimation & Evaluation of Resources & Reserves
• Mine Permitting
• Mineral Appraisals
• Mine Ventilation Design
• Mine Planning & Design
• Evaluation & Design of Ground Control
• Design & Evaluation of Process Flow
• Legal & Safety Concerns
• Coordination of All Engineering Fields
• Expert Witness Testimony
• Reclamation Plans
• MSHA New Miner Training & Refresher Training
• Certified First Aid / CPR Training

Dr. Thomas M. Dydek specializes in the evaluation of the potential for chemical exposures to affect human health and welfare. He is a Board-Certified Toxicologist (Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, D.A.B.T.) with a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology. He also did a post-doctoral fellowship in Toxicology and is a Licensed Professional Engineer, specializing in the area of environmental engineering.

Dr. Dydek has provided expert witness services in more than 100 toxic tort cases and regulatory agency Public Hearings. His work in these cases has included the evaluation of the health risks of chemical exposures, exposures to microbial agents, and drug and/or alcohol intoxications. These exposures have occurred in the community, in occupational settings, and in other indoor environments.

Areas of Expertise:

Organic Chemicals and Solvents

Toxic Gases

Pesticides

Metals and Other Inorganic Chemicals

Petroleum Products

Engel Metallurgical Ltd. is an independent Materials Engineering consulting and testing company. Our team of engineers, technicians, and administrative staff, is dedicated to providing timely and cost-effective service. We aim to continuously improve the scope and quality of services using the latest technology to meet or exceed our customer's expectations. For your convenience, Engel Metallurgical Ltd. will provide support at our lab, your site, or your vendor's site. ISO 17025 accredited.

Areas of Expertise:

Turbine and Power Generation

Failure Analysis

Legal Investigation & Expert Witness

Materials Consultants

Research and Development

Component Failure Analysis

Lester P. Engel, JR., P.E. Metallurgical Engineer with more than 38 years of experience in materials application, failure analysis, R & D program management, materials and process specifications, engineering standards and procedures, laboratory design and operation, data analysis and personnel and budget management.

Services Offered:

Provides metallurgical and materials joining consulting to a wide variety of clients in the manufacturing, legal, and insurance industries

Performs failure analyses of products manufactured from various materials, including metals, cements, and plastics

Renders expert opinions and gives depositions and testimony for litigation support

Assists manufacturing clients with materials and process selection and problem solving, and prepare material and process specifications

Develops and reviews product design, materials, and process specifications

Oversight and development of on-site metallurgical testing laboratory that provides: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS); metallographic preparation and examination; and mechanical property testing

ESWL© Consulting Expertise Services is an independent Consulting Company specializing in the area of Welding & Weld Overlay Cladding Technology, Metallurgy & Corrosion, Design of Weldments and Computational Welding Mechanics (CWM).

ESWL© has over 30 years of International Expertise in Worldwide projects including Marine Loading Systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG )and others liquid products (Oil, LPG, Suffer liquid … etc.), with Ambient, high or cryogenic temperature Service and Weld Overlay Cladding for the corrosive service of the Wellhead Equipments.

Emile Layer is a Welding Engineering & Weld Overlay Cladding Expert and a Member of the FMC Technologies Inc. International Trim© Clad Expert Committee.

Services Include:

Materials Selection and Evaluation

Welding & Weld Overlay Cladding

Quality and Audit

Welded Joints Design

Development of Welding Procedure Specification (WPS & PQR)

Corrosion & Prevention

Inspection:

Third-Party Witness Inspection

Welders Performance Qualifications (WPQ)& Welding Procedure Specification (WPS & PQR

Compliance with Relevant Codes Specifications

Review of Subcontractor’s (WPQ /WPS /PQR)

Witness Tests for Third-Party Inspections Companies

Dr. David W. Riley is an Extrusion Analysis & Plastics Rheological Consultant. Dr. Riley has spent over nineteen years as a consultant in the field of Plastic Processing. He has over forty years of experience in developing Polymer Defect Technology and fifteen years in developing the field of Plastic and Polymer coefficient of friction related to the feed section of the extruder.

Areas of Expertise:

Expert Witness

Analytical Instrumentation Adaptation to Processing Equipment

Friction Analysis

Melt Rheology

Extrusion Equipment: Design & Analysis of Production

Telecommunication Cables and Insulation

Power Cables and Testing XLDPE

All phases of PVC Compounding & Extrusion

Thermal Stability of Polymers

Surface Chemistry, Metals & Polymers

Expert Background: Ronald J. Parrington, P.E. has over 20 years of experience in testing and failure analysis of metallic and nonmetallic materials. He has presented and published numerous papers on failure analysis, teaches several courses on failure analysis, and is a past chairman of the ASM International Failure Analysis Committee. Furthermore, Mr. Parrington is able to leverage the capabilities of IMR’s state-of-the-art, fully equipped materials testing laboratory. Mr. Parrington offers forensic, expert witness and legal services.

Company Background: Founded in 1984, IMR Test Labs has grown into one of the nation's leading testing laboratories. IMR offers a wide range of services geared toward servicing the complete needs of manufacturers in a variety of industries. The firm specializes in analysis of metals, plastics, elastomers, electronic circuits, process chemicals, and composites. In addition to routine materials testing, about 30% of the firm's business involves analysis of product failures, defects, and processing problems.

Services Offered:

Legal Services

Failure Analysis

Metallurgy

Non-Metallic Testing

Product Testing

Chemical Analysis

Corrosion Testing

Environmental Simulation

Machine Shop Services

Mechanical Testing

Microelectronics Testing

Plating & Coating Analysis

Thermal Spray Coating

Welding Inspection

Accreditations:

American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to ISO Guide 17025

National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP)to SAE AS 7101

Approvals:
Batelle Pacific NW Laboratory (NQA-1: Nuclear)
Boeing
Canadair (Bombardier)
General Electric Aircraft Engine
Learjet
Lockheed Martin
Parker Hannifin
Pratt & Whitney
Schweizer Aircraft
Sikorsky

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Stanley A. Kiska is a Professional Engineer with extensive experience in Failure Analysis, Accident Reconstruction, and Product and Process Design He has extensive experience with the investigation of accidents involving steel, aluminum, wood and fiberglass LADDER and SCAFFOLDING products, representing both defendants and plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits.

As a former Senior Product Engineer for WERNER Ladder Company, Mr. Kiska has been involved in new product design and development, coordination of resources, overseeing activities conducted by outside vendors, evaluating proposed process changes, and troubleshooting manufacturing and process problems.

Areas of Expertise:

• Ladders
• Scaffolding
• Materials
• Product Liability
• Product Inspections
• Product Testing
• Accident Site Inspections
• Production Planning and Set Up