Providing litigation support services as an automation and robotics expert.
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I accept a small number of
litigation support engagements to complement my regular employment as
a professional engineer designing robots and computer controlled machines. My qualifications include peer-reviewed publications and over twenty years of engineering experience with robotics, instrumentation, computer-controlled machines and factory automation. |
Bindery Line – This case involved a company that had developed a redundant, fault-tolerant safety controller for a bindery line that they claimed was safer than OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout Regulation (Control of Hazardous Energy Standard). In this case the United States Secretary of Labor retained me to analyze the controller’s design and evaluate the company’s claim relative to the OSHA Lockout/Tagout standard.
Brick Stacking Robot – This workplace accident occurred when an industrial robot moved unexpectedly and struck the operator who was clearing a row of improperly stacked bricks. I analyzed the safety systems, modifications to the system subsequent to delivery, the design of the system’s controller, compliance with robot safety standards and generally consulted with the attorneys to help them understand the technical aspects of the robotic system. My work included an expert report on the matter.
Coordinate Measuring Machine – This patent dispute involved a Coordinate Measuring Machine, or CMM. Specifically the patents at suit disclosed touch trigger probes for CMMs where the two-piece probes included a kinematic coupling for precise location. In this case I analyzed the products at suit, the prior art and assisted the attorneys with their invalidity contentions and technical differentiators between their product and the disclosures in the patents. During the course of the case I wrote an expert declaration, testified at deposition and testified in a preliminary injunction hearing.
Computer Controlled Overhead Hoist – This industrial accident occurred when a computer-controlled overhead crane moved unexpectedly while an operator was inside an automated manufacturing cell that was grinding and finishing automobile crank shafts. The automated cell was surrounded by a safety barrier fence, but the safety interlock had been defeated to allow the operator in the cell without triggering a shut-down. I met with the attorneys, examined photos of the accident scene, provided an assessment of the cell design relative to pertinent safety standards and assessed the design of the safety interlocks.
Computer Controlled Press Brake - This industrial accident involved a 400-ton press brake controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller, or PLC. I analyzed the machine, the ladder-logic software, the programmable logic controller, the machine safe guarding and conducted a plant inspection to assist the attorney in understanding whether the software or the hardware were defective.
Integrated Motor and Motion Controller – This patent dispute involved an electric motor coupled with an integrated motion controller. I reviewed the pleadings in the case, the patents at suit, the prior art, the products at suit, assisted the attorneys composing the infringement contentions and assisted the attorneys with their response to the invalidity contentions.
Paint Spraying Robot – This patent dispute involved an industrial paint spraying robot. In this case I examined the products, examined the patents, conducted a plant inspection and assisted the attorneys with aspects of prior art and general robot design.
Plastic Thermoforming Machine – This accident occurred when a computer controlled plastic vacuum forming machine moved unexpectedly and struck an operating that was clearing the machine of a jam. In this case I analyzed the machine guarding, analyzed the machine warnings, analyzed the machine controller and generally assisted the attorney with discovery.
Robotic Suturing Device – This patent dispute in the general field of medical robotics specifically involved a robotic surgical suturing instrument. I reviewed the pleadings in the case, the patents at suit, the prior art, the products at suit, assisted the attorneys composing the infringement contentions and assisted the attorneys with their response to the invalidity contentions.
Surgical Robot – This patent dispute in the general field of medical robotics specifically involved a teleoperated surgical robot. I assisted the attorneys with understanding prior art in the field of teleoperation and alerted them to prior art teleoperated robots developed for use in radioactive environments.
Tire Making Machine - This industrial accident occurred when tire making machine sequenced by a programmable logic controller moved unexpectedly and struck a maintenance technician who was clearing the machine of a jam. I provided engineering expert witness services that included analysis of the machine's control software, identification of the defective ladder logic code, a comparison of the machine involved in the accident with a previous-generation machine that was controlled by a drum sequencer rather than a computer and expert witness testimony at deposition.
Please Contact: richard.hooper@safemachines.com or call: (512)699-6487