Rehabilitation Engineer
Crossroads Rehabilitation Center, March 1992 - February 2000

After working as a volunteer in assistive technology from 1988 to 1992, I started a Rehabilitation Engineering program at Crossroads (in 1992) on a state Vocational Rehabilitation grant. I wrote and received two additional grants in 1992 and 1993 to continue funding the Rehabilitation Engineering program. After these grants ended, I orchestrated the move to a fee-for-service program.

I purchased a large truck and designed modifications to allow it to be a mobile Rehabilitation Engineering service platform. Using this vehicle, I worked with consumers all around Indiana.

This program was very successful; I often worked directly with over 100 consumers per year. I was responsible for over 1000 pieces of equipment, including computer hardware and software, in the Ruth Lilly Assistive Technology Center and throughout Crossroads Rehabilitation Center.

I performed assistive technology assessments, equipment recommendations, installations, system integration, wrote articles, modified equipment, performed hardware and software troubleshooting (for IBM-compatibles, Macintosh systems, Apple II computers, mainframe/networked environments, and custom computer systems), did new product evaluations, presentations, job analysis and accommodation, one-on-one training, and designed and built custom equipment.

I worked with adults and children who were visually impaired, completely blind, physically impaired, hearing-impaired, deaf, autistic, developmentally disabled, and have psychiatric conditions.

I supervised a technician and secretary as well as worked with case managers, referral sources, employers, families, and schools around Indiana.



Software Release Manager
Von Duprin, Inc., September 1988 - March 1992

I was responsible for the 2400 Networked Security System real-time control software. I was in charge of guiding product growth from $75K to over $1 million (gross annual sales). I maintained, revised, configured, implemented, and documented security system software in prisons, courthouses, and airports around the country (including Los Angeles International Airport). I also moved this product into the manufacturing area by creating test software and assembly procedures for the production employees. Finally, I created software development standards, documentation standards, and backups systems for the product software.  This product is still in operation around the country, running 24/7.

I led the Systems Group in creating a design specification for a new security system product, the 2400SX. After the specification was complete, I designed and wrote all-new software for the 2400SX using Structured Analysis and Design/Yourdon methods. This product replaced the 2400 and was created in about 6 months (the 2400 software was written by 5+ engineers over 5 years.) This product is substantially more capable than the 2400, as well as being much faster, more reliable, and easier to use.

I redesigned the 2400 security system hardware and reduced the number of parts by a ratio of 44:1.

I provided installation assistance and emergency troubleshooting on-site to customers nationwide. I presented training seminars to distributors/installers and rewrote the product documentation.

I worked with a team of 3 engineers to create a design specification for a new product called the Chexit. I designed and wrote the Chexit software, which included a self-test feature and a built-in 32-device network. I assisted in the Chexit hardware design and created the production test system for manufacturing this product. This product later won an award (listed below).  Thousands of Chexits have been sold and it is still selling, more than 15 years later.

I purchased the first IBM PC-compatible computer systems for the Systems Group and installed, configured, and maintained an 8-user network used by staff.

I supervised department technicians and a secretary and worked directly with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, salesmen, application engineers, product distributors, installation contractors, and end users.



Project Engineer

Beeco, Inc., May 1987 - September 1988

I was responsible for a new video imaging product implementation, including VME circuit board design (1800 components on two boards), production engineering (such as creation of 37,000+ wire wiring list), all manufacturing plans and the entire project documentation. I supervised the production staff, coordinated vendors, and controlled production testing. I was the senior engineer at time of departure; I supervised 2 other engineers, a production technician, an inventory clerk and a draftsman as well.


Medical Equipment Engineer
Krannert Institute of Cardiology, October 1980 - September 1987

I created custom digital, analog, and microprocessor-based medical equipment in cooperation with physicians and research staff for clinical, animal, cellular, and biochemical laboratories. I was responsible for modification, testing, and repair of existing medical equipment. I purchased electronic and mechanical components needed to build all the custom equipment.

I also wrote real-time software that controlled computer systems and scientific instrumentation to record and analyze real-time events, such as animal heartbeats. I also wrote user manuals and technical documentation, including creating schematics and troubleshooting documentation.

I supervised the department technician and worked with groups of staff from Krannert Institute, Riley Hospital, IU Hospital, Wishard Hospital, the Richard Roudebush VA Hospital, and equipment manufacturers, as well as physicians from around the world on fellowships at Krannert.


Co-founder/Hardware/Software Engineer
Caltronics, Inc., March 1983 - Nov. 1987

I created custom and standard-line cardiology equipment, including microprocessor-based medical instrumentation (both hardware and software). I supervised contract assembly house staff and performed installations at customer locations. I also wrote user and technical manuals. I sold my share to a business partner upon departure.

Awards
Blue Horizon Award, Blue and Co./Hudson Institute
(presented to Crossroads for my Rehabilitation Engineering program) 

Award of Merit, Canadian Security Magazine, for my Chexit product (software) design

Articles

Visual Programming and Assistive Technology
Feature/Cover article, Dr. Dobb’s Journal, August 1999 issue