William S. Howard, PhD, MBA, PE is an Electrical / Mechanical Engineer who specializes exclusively in the field of Industrial Machinery and Equipment. He has many years of experience in the design and development of many different types of industrial machinery (in a wide variety of manufacturing industries). As a practicing design engineer (with current machinery design business), he has vast experience designing and developing machinery to meet patents and trade secrets (and to avoid the patents held by others). He is an expert in forward and reverse engineering of machinery.

William S. Howard is an experienced Expert Witness with many years of experience, including trial experience. He accepts cases in Intellectual Property (Patent and Trade Secrets), Contract Disputes, and Tort.

LIST OF SERVICES OFFERED

Legal Assistance - Expert Witness legal assistance is available to Individuals and Manufacturers involved in litigation arising from industrial machinery and equipment. This includes Intellectual Property (Patents and Trade Secrets) and complex Tort.

Machinery Safety Audits - Given the recent changes in applicable OSHA regulations and ANSI standards (as well as the advances in Safety technology), a Safety Audit of machinery and industrial equipment is highly recommended to help eliminate machinery hazards and prevent accidents and injuries.

Machinery Design Consulting - This service, geared towards Manufacturers, provides machinery design recommendations and directions for improving the efficiency, reliability, and/or through-put of machinery (both existing or proposed).

Mr. Herbert Sessner has over 39 years experience in the Materials Handling Industry as a Powered Industrial Trucks Expert. Mr. Sessner has been involved in 23 lift truck related cases of which 20 have been settled prior to trial and 3 pending, has taken 4 depositions and provides his services to the Plaintiff and Defense. He is a Certified Safety Instructor at the Master Level granted by the World Safety Organization and has trained over 1,100 lift truck operators and over 110 trainers.

Areas of Expertise:

• Lift Truck Accident Analysis and Investigation
• Review of All Case Documents.
• OSHA and ANSI Operator Training Requirements
• Safe Lift Truck Operating Procedures
• Authored various Lift Truck Operator Training Programs
• Prepares Lift Truck Operator Safety Policies and Procedures

Professional Memberships Include:

• American Society of Safety Engineers
• World Safety Organization
• Listed in AM Best

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

Dr. Frederick Passman, PhD is a Certified Metalworking Fluids Specialist with over 35 years experience in Environmental & Industrial Microbiology. His company, Biodeterioration Control Associates, Inc. (BCA) provides clients with unparalleled expertise in Microbial Contamination Control.

Dr. Passman offers a complete range of consulting services relating to microbial contamination control in the metalworking, fuel, petroleum production and water treatment (heat exchange) industries.

Areas of Expertise:

• Industrial microbial ecology
• Root cause analysis of microbial contamination
• Industrial process system biodeterioration
• Microbially influenced corrosion
• Health effects of exposure to bioaerosols in the industrial environment

View Consulting Profile.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

BTI Appraisal is a broad-based appraisal company which provides a consistently high level of Real Estate Appraisals, Business Valuations, and Machinery and Equipment Appraisals for Business, Professional, Public and Private Sectors.

When you choose BTI Appraisal, you benefit from a strong tradition of experience and accuracy. A corporate philosophy stressing efficiency and attentive service has made us a leader among independent appraisers. We are proud of our reputation for stability, responsiveness, and accomplishment in and out of the courtroom.

At BTI, our seasoned staff of success oriented professionals treats each assignment with precise attention to detail, providing needed research and responsive service on a wide range of appraisal needs.

Expert Profile: BTI’s Founder and Chairman, Ben F. Tunnell III, has headed the firm since 1974. Previously, he spent eight years with First Interstate Bank of California as vice president at their corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. He served on the board of arbitrators for both the American Arbitration Association and the Better Business Bureau. He has also been a Registered Investment Advisor and Broker/Dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a licensed, California Real Estate Broker.

Mr. Tunnell is an ASA, the senior designation of the American Society of Appraisers, and a California Certified General Real Estate Appraiser #AG-6964. He has qualified and testified in Federal and Superior Courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings as an expert witness in business valuations, real estate, and machinery and equipment appraisals.

OUR MISSION: To assist our clients SETTLE their Industrial Cases OUT OF COURT, which significantly reduces the time and cost of extensive litigation.

To provide compelling COURT TESTIMONY, documents and exhibits for the cases that eventually do go to Trial.

Since 1983, 94% of our 565 Industrial Cases have settled OUT OF COURT – as representatives for Insurers, Defense and Plaintiff Attorneys. Our group of Associates has in depth expertise in a broad spectrum of Industries – specializing in Industrial and Construction Safety, and Accident Reconstruction. Available worldwide for plaintiff and defense cases.

COMPANY PROFILE: Causey Engineering has been providing Expert Witness, Forensic Engineering, Investigation, and Litigation Support services NATIONWIDE since 1983. Our experts have hands-on industrial and construction, field and office experience.

Areas of Expertise:

Central Power Plants Chemical plants Drilling Engineering & Design Equipment & Machinery Food Manufacturing Forestry Industrial Construction Intellectual Property Ladders & Scaffolds Logging Lumber and Wood Products Oil & Gas Production

Materials Handling Natural Gas Packaging Paper Products Patents Petrochemical Power Stations Pulp & Paper Refineries Saw Mills Transportation Utilities Warehousing

Expert Witness Services:

Accident Investigation & Reconstruction

Claims Analysis

Codes & Regulations

Forensic Analysis

Expert Testimony

Litigation Support

Models & Prototypes

Project Management

OSHA / Safety

Strategic Planning

Expert Profile: GERALD J. HIETPAS, P.E.

Mr. Hietpas is President of Causey Engineering LLC. Mr. Hietpas has particular experience in pulp, paper, lumber and food manufacturing, industrial construction, intellectual property and patent infringement. (See our website for more details)

---

---

Dennis W. Eckstine is an expert on cranes, aerial work platforms, various types of lifting equipment, heavy duty trucks, carriers, and other similiar construction, industrial and agricultural equipment. He has held senior positions in engineering, quality, product safety and reliability for major manufacturers including representing the company at trial. Through his active involvement in current standards committees, his education, and his engineering and product safety experience at Grove Worldwide he brings a solid scientific and practical background to his clients.

He was previously Vice President, Senior Director of Product Safety & Reliability, and Director of Engineering Administration for different major manufacturers. He possesses a BSME and MBA. Mr. Eckstine started as a full time employee in the construction equipment industry in 1971 for Grove.

He is currently a member of numerous committees within the organizations of ANSI (American National Standards Institute), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineering), ISO, and National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. Mr. Eckstine was the founding International Chairman of ISO TC 214 for Elevating Work Platforms. He is currently International Chairman of ISO TC 96 SC 6 for Mobile Cranes, and a Commissioner of CCO.

Services Offered

Expert on construction, industrial and agricultural equipment

Evaluate Product to Promote Safe Design and Safe Use of Equipment

Hazard Analysis, Design Review, Warnings Development, Safety and Operational Training

Offer Guidance on Human Factors

CIE - Certified Industrial Ergonomist

Develop Standards for Design and Safe Use of Products

Develop Training Materials and Perfrom Training for Operators of Lifting Equipment Including Cranes and Aerial Work Platforms

Conduct Presentations at Seminars and Work Shops

Gary E. Kilpatrick and Associates, PA is a Forensics Engineering Firm dedicated to the application of the art, science and methodology of engineering and the scientific method to answer questions of fact in the jurisprudence system pertaining to personal injury and wrongful death. We provide technical competency, forensic evidence collection from the field and from documents, oral and written communications, objective, ethical and professional responsibility.

We are familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Evidence and Daubert and have given sworn expert testimony under oath during judicial proceedings. We are retained by law firms, public defenders and insurance companies on plaintiff, defense, criminal and claimant cases and work nation wide.

Areas of Expertise:

• Traffic Accident Reconstruction
• Vehicle Crash Data Report Retrieval and Interpretation
• Off-Road ATV Accident Reconstruction
• Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction
• Vehicle Inspections
• Industrial Accident Reconstruction
• OSHA Safety 29CFR1910
• OSHA 29CFR1926
• OSHA 29CFR1928
• Product Liability Investigations

View Consulting Profile.

---

---

---

---

---

Firm Profile: Global Technology Experts is a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm providing solutions to complex technical problems. We have been in the engineering and scientific consulting business since 1996, offering our clients an array of experts that spans virtually all engineering and scientific disciplines. We provide a wide array of services, ranging from accident reconstruction and failure analysis, specifically product liability, personal injury, and slip/fall cases, metallurgical research, and investigations involving aerospace and automobile products, including bicycles, to electrical failures including battery, motor & generator.

Areas of Expertise:

Electrical Failures Motor/Generator Failures Battery Failures Accident Reconstruction Tire Defects Machinery & Equipment Failures Construction Equipment Failure

Aircraft Engine/Structural Failure Structural Engineering Mechanical Metallurgy/Materials Failure Fatigue & Corrosion Product Failure Analysis Bicycle, Ladder, Slip/trip & fall Building Construction & Defect Analysis

Education: We have highly experienced and qualified staff:

PhD, Engineering Science & Materials, Virginia Tech

PhD, Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech

PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University

BS, Structural Engineering, Century University

BS, Civil and Construction Engineering, Kansas State University

BS, Mechanical Engineering, S.U.N.Y., Buffalo, NY

MBA, Technology Management, Florida Institute of Technology

Certifications:

PE – Registered Professional Engineers

CMfgE – Certified Manufacture Engineer

Professional Affiliations:

Southern Law Association

Atlanta Claims Association

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Materials

American Society of Nondestructive testing

American Welding Society

American Society of Testing Materials

Society of Aerospace, Materials and Process Engineers

Principals:

Dr. Ash Thakker, PhD, PE, FASM,FSME, CMfgE (Structures, Materials, Fatigue, Fracture, Composites, Damage Tolerance)

Mr. George Kremer, BSME, AAS (Metallurgy, Corrosion, Coatings and Mechanical Failures)

Dr. Nicholas Propes, PhD (Electrical Machinery Failures, Maintenance Systems, Testing and Analysis)

Dr. Freeman Rufus, PhD (Battery/Motor/Generator Failure)

Dr. Jyoti Ajitsaria, PhD (Mechanical Failures)

Mr. Mike Healy, BS (Civil, Construction Engineering, Buildings)

Mr. Ralph Cunningham, BS (Physical Testing, Accident Reconstruction)

---

Frederick Heath has over forty years of Engineering, Manufacturing and Management experience to provide services relating to Product Safety, Product Failures, Product Liability, Testing, Compliance with Standards (ANSI and ISO), Compliance with Regulations (OSHA, EPA & DOT), Adequacy of Instructions and Labels. Mr. Heath's services include the development of explanatory exhibits and preparation of evidence for trial.

Areas of Expertise:

Lifting Equipment Hoists Jacks Cranes and Fork Lifts Industrial Machines Hydraulic Equipment

Tools Material Handling Aerial Work Platforms Loaders Automotive Lifts Scissors Lifts