Stephen B. Heppe, Ph.D.
Dr. Heppe has over 25 years experience in the area of communications engineering with General Electric Space Division, Stanford Telecommunications, Telenergy and the Insitu Group. Dr. Heppe has also served as an independent consultant and expert witness in satellite communications, GPS/cellular and radio technologies, CATV user interfaces, cell networks, GSM and Voice over IP (VoIP). He has developed aircraft avionics, including data radios, GPS navigation, satellite communications, video processing, RF transmission and sensors and flight control, as well as VHF radio communications protocol for aircraft networking, spectrum engineering for satellite communications (Globalstar), mobile satellite systems and various space based Government systems including Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS), the Strategic Defense System (SDS), spaced based radar (SBR), Milstar, NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system (TDRSS), various naval satellite systems and the network for the US Air Force Consolidated Space Operations Center (CSOC). Dr. Heppe is familiar with GPS position and velocity determination for aircraft, spacecraft and ground vehicles, differential GPS and automatic dependent surveillance (ADS), navigation accuracy determination, flight testing hardware and software and protocol development and signal processing. Dr. Heppe has testified in numerous patent cases and in an ITC matter. He has published several articles and holds 2 US patents in the aforementioned technologies. He received a BSEE degree (Computer Science emphasis) from Princeton University in 1977 and his MS and Ph. D. degree in Electrical Engineering (Communications emphasis) from George Washington University in 1982 and 1989, respectively. View Full CV

1106
Expert provides analytical and experimental insights into complex electrical and physical phenomena. He specializes in systems analysis with primary strength in Reliability studies and Thermal analysis. His work in these areas has broken new ground in advancing the state-of-the-art in electrical and mechanical systems for aircraft, missiles, nuclear power plants, and commercial electronics. He is an experienced expert witness with numerous expert witness assignments including deposition and trial testimony

• Reliability Engineering
• Electrical Reliability
• Mechanical Reliability
• Thermal Analysis
• Systems Analysis
• Mathematical Analysis
• Environmental Testing
• Structural Dynamics
• Noise and Vibration
• Hydraulic Flow Analysis
• Kinematics

1175
This expert has an extensive background in the design, prototyping, and manufacture of mechanical, electronic, and hybrid systems and products.

• Mechanical and Electronics Design
• Mechanical and Electronic Prototyping and Manufacturing
• Reverse Engineering
• Aviation and Aerospace
• Force Feedback Technology
• Haptics Technology
• Sensors and Actuators
• 3D Graphical Imaging
• Robotics

1191
This expert received his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, a M.S. degree in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Physiological Optics from the University of California, Berkeley. From 1979 to 1986, he was a faculty member of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. He is currently an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. From 2000-2002 he was a visiting Associate Professor at the University of Washington, Seattle. His research has spanned the areas of sensory-motor adaptation, effects of micro-gravity on vestibular development, visuo-motor control, flight simulation, virtual environments, computer graphics, and Tele-immersion. While at MIT he was an investigator on several Space Shuttle experiments that studied the effects of micro-gravity on human/animal orientation: Spacelab-1, German Space-lab (D-1), and STS-29 ("Chix in Space"). He also developed and delivered an interactive visual system to produce simulator-like experiences for AF pilots undergoing training at Brooks AFB centrifuge and disorientation trainers. For this AF funded research, both hardware and software was designed to present the pilots with an interactive wide-field-of-view computer-generated image superior to the current day head mounted displays. He also was originator, director, and one of the three instructors that taught one of the first flight simulator courses in the country designed for professionals (MIT`s summer session program). His work at UIC has concentrated on virtual environments (VEs) with his involvement with the CAVE. He was co-PI on two NSF grants that were instrumental in the development of the CAVE. He also has been a major contributor to understanding how limitations of a VE system (such as the CAVE) can affect human behavior. Other work has examined human performance in VEs and how to quantify the use of VEs for training and collaboration. This work was performed using stand-alone CAVE applications and more recently in networked (i.e., tele-immersive) applications using a variety of networks from ISDN to the latest international networks (STARTAP). Some of this recent work has been specifically aimed at analyzing and improving the performance of distributed VEs themselves by understanding the characteristics of the connecting networks and modeling both the CAVE and the network using Petri-nets. Other modeling work involved the development of system identification tool based on Kalman filters that can be used to estimated in real-time the delay and model coefficients of a human operator and how these characteristics change as the operator`s environment is changed.

• Flight Simulation
• Virtual Environments
• Computer Graphics
• Tele-immersion
• Visuo-motor Control
• Sensory-motor Adaptation

1194
This expert has extensive experience in digital and analog engineering, both in hardware and software aspects. His work has included operating system design and testing for data acquisition, graphics, and embedded applications. He has also designed and developed avionics for both commercial and military aircraft, including electronic warfare (EW) systems for the US and foreign governments. Other work includes electronic security aspects for public buildings, airframe integrity and safety, and wireless communications security. Also a professor, this expert has taught at the University of Texas on computer architecture, graphics hardware systems and operating system design, and is frequently called to testify as an expert in cases involving Intellectual Property and computer IC design.

• Communications Systems
• Homeland Protection/Military Systems
• Avionics
• Computer Graphics Hardware & Software
• Simulation and analysis of complex systems

1328
Extensive experience in the design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, patenting, process optimization and failure analysis of aerospace, automotive, consumer products and medical devices as well as experience in manufacturing, analysis, automation, improvement, management and regulatory compliance. A multi-disciplined engineering approach is employed to assist attorneys, companies and individuals in the analysis and understanding of complex, technical issues involving products, premise, accident reconstruction, manufacturing, testing and patents. Expert has extensive litigation support experience including testimony at deposition and trial; he holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and multiple patents.

• Forensic Engineering
• Machine and Product design & analysis
• Manufacturing processes analysis, monitoring and controls
• Multi-discipline engineering solutions
• Patent analysis
• System modeling & analysis
• Failure analysis
• Machining Processes

2029
This consultant has over 36 years of industry and academic experience. He is an aviation technology leader with an extensive background in both flying aircraft, with over 16,000 hours of flight time, and teaching in many different areas of aviation. He is adept at modern aviation technology, including flight instruction, advanced simulation instruction, crew resource management, electronic navigation and flight control systems, jet transport systems, and aviation safety and accident investigation. He has authored two textbooks and co-authored a third book on electronic navigation and flight control systems, advance aircraft avionics, and jet transport systems. He has developed and implemented undergraduate level university courses in electronic navigation and flight control systems, and a graduate-level university course in crew resource management. He has worked as a researcher and consultant with other universities and private firms in crew resource management, enhanced vision systems, and synthetic vision systems. As a faculty member he published extensively and presented numerous papers on various subjects in aviation applications.

• Crew Resource Management
• Flight Training
• Airborne Weather Radar
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS)
• Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B)
• Electronic Flight Instrument Systems
• Jet Transport Systems
• Aerodynamics

2113
This expert has over 40 years of experience in engineering, management and expert witness experience includes research and development, design, and manufacturing in the medical device, packaging, toy, consumer product and aerospace industries; and is the holder of numerous patents in these areas.

• Product design, performance and labeling issues related to medical devices, hydroculators, moist heat pads, thermal cooling pads and cooling apparatus, laser and thermal hair removal devices, dermal abrasion equipment, luggage and costume jewelry
• Patient transport gurneys
• Surgical staplers
• Surgical Fluid warmers
• External and implanted drug delivery devices, test and evaluation of two models of battery powered external insulin pumps
• Valuation of lost toy prototypes
• Injury potential of chiropractic devise, dental burr and drill failures
• Defective counter stools, failure of pilates exercise devices
• Patent infringement issues relative to butane lighters, safety syringes and needles, disposable injection molded valves and medical temperature sensing devices
• Trade secrets relative to manufacturing processes
• Failure of injection molded plastic components
• Drug container packaging integrity
• Defibrillator mechanical design issues
• Surgical laser power cord design reliability
• Gel ball patent infringement
• Gel cushioning patent infringement
• Shipping carton package integrity
• Engineering contract norms

2209
This expert is a dynamic aviation enthusiast who has flown 305 makes and models of airplanes, helicopters, and gliders while logging more than 16,350 hours of flight time. He has started and/or purchased 19 aviation firms, from small companies to multi-million dollar aircraft manufacturing firms with government contracts. He currently manages several firms that are connected with the aviation industry, including a high-tech manufacturing business in California. In addition to these activities, this expert has been providing consulting services to private individuals, government agencies, Air Carriers, aviation trade organizations, and other parties needing assistance when starting and/or growing existing aviation related activities or when dealing with business disputes, personnel issues, or government enforcement issues. These include Airport Management and development, manufacturing, safety audits, and accident prevention, investigation, and reconstruction. Many of his assignments have required expert report writing or testimony. He has been accepted by over 30 federal and 42 state court systems as an expert in a wide variety of aviation related matters.

• Aviation Investments
• Manufacturing Start-ups
• Safety Audits
• Accident Prevention, Investigation, and Reconstruction
• Risk/Loss Management
• FAA, EEOC, and OSHA Regulations and Enforcement
• Government-Industry Standards
• Flight Test

2440
Expert has Masters degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from MIT and over 10 years of design experience

• Electronic Design
• Mechanical and Electronic modeling
• Mechanical Shock /Vibration
• Acoustic Testing and Analysis
• Printed Circuit Board layout
• Embedded (microcontroller and DSP) system/architecture design
• UAV flight/mission avionics
• Active control of noise and vibration
• Design for EMI/EMC

3018
This expert is the Director of the Avionics Engineering Department at a major University. His research deals with navigation systems including ILS, MLS, VOR, Loran-C, DME, INS and GPS. He is internationally recognized for his work in characterizing GPS multipath and is one of the originators of the integrated multipath-limiting antenna for GPS. He has co-authored chapters for AIAA books on GPS in addition to numerous conference papers and journal articles. He is a licensed professional engineer and is an instrument-rated commercial pilot.

• Electronic Navigation Receiver Design
• Electronic Navigation System Engineering
• Satellite-Based Navigation Systems with emphasis in GPS
• Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
• Integrated Navigation Systems
• Antenna Theory
• Communications and Digital Signal Processing
• Electromagnetic Theory