Rickard Experts & Consultants, LLC, Expert Witness Services for Automation Control Systems IT and Computers. Expert Page

During early 2011 we merged TWR Enterprises, Inc. and Hybrid Automation, Inc.
into
Rickard Experts & Consultants, LLC.
All services remain the same

Technical Expert Witness and Consulting Services

Expert Witness, Investigation, and Technical Consulting services by Mr. Tim Rickard for Industrial Control Systems, Automated Systems, and Safety Systems. Patent Research and Infringement, and Contract Disputes. We also provide digital photography and video services as part of our investigations.

Automated Machinery – Manufacturing Plants, Production Plants
Robotics – Assembly Lines, Semi-Conductor Plants, Packaging Plants

· Control Systems – PLC Controls, Computer Controlled Machines, Allen-Bradley, Siemens

· Automatic and Revolving Doors – Hotels, Hospitals, Retail Stores, Airports

· Amusement Park Rides – Control Systems, Safety Systems

· Bowling Centers – Slip and Fall, Equipment Injuries

· Mining – Surface and Strip Mining, Coal, Minerals, Oilsands, Conveyors, Crushers

· Lasers – Etching Equipment, Production Lines

· Egg Production and Packaging – Sorting Equipment, Conveyers, Robotic Packers

· Food and Beverage Plants – Snack Foods, Cereal, Pasta, Soft Drinks, Beer, Meat Packaging Breweries

· Conveyors – Belt Conveyors, Bucket Conveyors, Packaging Machines, Vibratory Systems

· Wood Production – Sawmills, Chippers, Wood Pellet Plants

· Patents – Control Systems, Automated Devices, Production and Manufacturing Machines

· Contract Disputes – Control Systems, Production Equipment, Manufacturing Equipment

In addition to Expert services provided by Mr. Rickard, we can also locate, acquire, and manage other Expert services you may require. We have access to Scientists, Researchers, Engineers and other Experts within many different fields of technology.

If you are short on time, or frustrated trying to locate an Expert, contact Tim Rickard directly at 509-522-4768, we will assist you immediately, no charge for initial consultation. We have a multi-tiered fee system, and flexible terms, which works well within budgetary constraints.

Review Mr. Rickard’s Bio and actual case history below:

Tim Rickard’s Biography:

Mr. Rickard's technical experience with Control and Automation systems span over 30 years, and include Technical Expert Witness 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 every day. 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, trial testimony, 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 35 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 Honeywell Aerospace, ExxonMobil, General Mills, Nabisco, ThyssenKrupp Robins, Krupp Canada, CNRL, Rio Tinto Energy America, Range Fuels, Rentech, Coors, Sinclair Oil, and Ingersoll-Rand. 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, Siemens, Opto 22, 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.

Most of Mr. Rickard’s early technical skills were developed working directly with researchers and consultants at the PhD and scientist level from Rockwell International, and the University of Colorado in Denver. During the 90's he was fortunate to be associated with Scientists at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, where he completed work on several R&D projects involving magnetics and laser technology. Mr. Rickard has several years of part time undergraduate work in math and electronics from Denver Metropolitan State College, Denver Red Rocks Campus, and ICS.

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 2010.

Actual Case History:

August 2010 to Present. I am retained by The Zevan and Davidson Law Firm, in the case of Jayne Tapperson vs. Chase Park Plaza Hotel, LLC. I was asked as a Technical Expert Witness, to consult with The Zevan and Davidson Law Firm, regarding an accident involving the Plaintiff, Jayne Tapperson. The Plaintiff was injured while exiting a revolving door at the Hotel. I will investigate this accident, and evaluate the control systems and safety features of the revolving door in question, to determine if the Hotel is liable for this accident. I was deposed in this case during September of 2010. I expect to testify at trial during October of 2010.

August 2010 to Present. I am retained by the firm of Campiche Blue & Le, PLLC, in the case of Marcia Ann Noel v. Kenmore Lanes, whom is representing the Plaintiff Noel in this case. I was asked as a Technical Expert Witness to consult with Campiche Blue & Le, regarding an accident at a Bowling Center in Seattle, WA, involving their client. This consultation and investigation involves the use of automated lane and approach conditioning equipment, and various chemical compounds. During the course of my work in this case, I will also acquire and coordinate the services of other experts in this field as well.

July 2009 to Present. I am retained by the firm of Reddy, Baran & Kral, in the case of Masters, vs. Kraft Foods, Inc., et al, whom is representing the Plaintiff Masters. I was asked as a Technical Expert Witness to consult with Reddy, Baran, and Kral and evaluate technical information relating to this case, and form opinions, relating to the control system; a PLC (Allen Bradley Programmable Logic Controller). This evaluation also includes various safety systems linked to the control system and PLC. The Plaintiff, an employee of Kraft Foods, was allegedly injured while using a Bacon Forming Press at a Kraft Foods facility. During August of 2009 I traveled to Ohio and inspected the equipment involved, this included photos, videos, and the controls program. During December of 2009 I submitted my first Expert Report, the 2^nd and final report is pending. As of August 2010, this case is still in litigation.

August 2009 to May 2010. I was retained by the firm of firm of Spaulding, McCullough & Tansil LLP, in the case of whom was representing the Defendant E&M. I was asked as a Technical Expert Witness to consult with Spaulding, McCullough & Tansil LLP and evaluate technical information relating to this case, and form opinions, relating to the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and HMI (Human Machine Interface), for an Allen Bradley and Wonderware based Automated Warehouse System. E&M was retained by PAS to design and develop a PLC/HMI software-based control system for use in the warehouse. I submitted my Technical Expert Report during March of 2010 and shortly thereafter was deposed in San Francisco by the firm of Shopoff & Cavallo LLP. Within days after my deposition, the case was settled in favor of our client. During the course of this case, I also acquired and coordinated the services of other experts in this field.

August 2009 to April 2010. I was retained by the firms of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges LLP as counsel for International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”), and Covington & Burling LLP as counsel for Hewlett-Packard Company, in the case of ACQIS, LLC v. Appro International, Inc., et. al, whom represent the defendants HP and IBM. I was asked as a Technical Expert Witness to serve as an independent consultant in connection with the defense of patent infringement claims alleged by ACQIS, LLC. I was retained with respect to certain technical and industry-related issues in the case, including but not limited to issues relating to patents that have been asserted. This case involves alleged patent infringements involving a blade based computer system. During January of 2010 I competed research and submitted final reports.

November 2005 to March 2009. I was retained by the firm of Nimmo, Hoehn & Nimmo, in the case of Alexander v. Zamperla. This case involved an amusement park ride accident (involving death) that used an Allen Bradley PLC based automation system for controlling the ride. I was retained by the plaintiff’s in the civil portion of this case. I completed an investigation resulting in a technical expert report. Work included in depth on site investigation of the ride on my part, PLC program analysis, and videotape with photos. I was deposed on October 30th 2008. The case was settled in mediation on March 25, 2009, in favor of the plaintiff’s.

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 RECL, 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.

Please request full CV for more detailed information.

References available on request.

Expert and Consultation Fees
Description	Schedule	Notes
Technical Expert Witness Work	$175 per hour	Research, creating Expert Report, and phone consultation.
Depositions and trial testimony	$225 per hour	At our office or offsite.
Consulting, investigation, and Research	$90 per hour	Preliminary consulting and investigation work, not related to expert report. Normally limited to 10 hours, after which our expert rates apply.
Office and administrative work.	$40 per hour	Includes basic research, cataloging, manuals, printing, and administrative support.
Photography and Video Services	$100 per hour	For research and investigative purposes we can provide Professional Photography Services. Includes medium and 35mm film formats, digital, high resolution digital video, and high speed video. All expenses including film, tapes, processing, enlargements, etc., will be billed at cost.
Long distance calls, cell phone, and fax charges.	Billed at cost	We will estimate our actual costs for long distance calls, cell phone charges, and faxes that are directly related to project. We will submit these charges as one lump sum on each invoice.
3rd party Expert Fees	As Required	Acquiring the services of other Expert's may result in a different fee structure than shown here. Fees may vary on a case by case basis, and will be quoted at time of contract. Fee includes management by RECL.
Travel Fees
Travel by Airline or car for off site work	$40 per hour	Door to door, both ways.
Per Diem for off site work	$80 per day	Daily Per Diem covers meals and misc. expenses.
Expenses for off site work	Billed at cost	In addition to daily Per Diem, we bill all other expenses at cost (airline tickets, hotel, rental car, taxi, fuel costs, laundry, etc.).
Add on for off site work outside of the Continental United States	X 1.25 increase	This increase will be applied to all hourly rates, including travel time hours, Photography Services, and Per Diem. Does not apply to "Billed at Cost" items, or office and administrative work at our local office.
Terms and Conditions
Note, our terms and conditions are negotiable, otherwise standard terms apply as outlined below.
1.) Normal billing for Expert Witness work (including all expenses, traveling and otherwise) is once per week, normally on Mondays, with the invoiced amount due within 10 days from our invoice date.
2.) When travel is required, all travel expenses and daily per diem will be estimated and invoiced before a trip, and payment will be required before departure. Hourly work, travel time, and additional expenses, will be billed every seven days, or at the completion of the trip, and is due within 10 days from date on invoice. The expense advance we receive initially, will be deducted from the actual expenses and labor on our final invoice.
3.) If we do not receive payment based on our agreed terms, our services will be on hold until full payment is received.
4.) If we are working with a new client, or have immediate out of pocket expenses, we may require a retainer, this is negotiable.
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. RECL is not responsible for any costs associated with our clients case, or any costs we incur as a result of our clients case.
6.) The "Client" referred to in this document, is the party whom contracts with RECL to perform Expert witness and related services. We recognize our fees may ultimately be paid by a 3rd party, but our client is responsible for all RECL fees and expenses. It must be clear in our contract whom is responsible for paying whom. In other words we would prefer to avoid hearing the statement "you get paid when we get paid". We would appreciate knowing payment arrangements up front, and are willing write specific terms within our contract to deal with these situations.
7.) We are glad to quote "Not to Exceed Amounts" for any Expert Case.
Last Updated: April 03, 2011 03:13:00 PM Copyright © 2010 Rickard Experts & Consultants, LLC