ANALYTICAL GROUP PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

Our Analytical Group is currently composed of several experienced instructors.

Click on the links below for brief descriptions of the qualifications of our staff:

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• James E. Berry, P.E., President - Analytical Group
• Mitchell J. France, Mechanical Engineer
• David Riess, Vibration Engineer
• Alberto Roman, Jr., Vibration Analyst
• Vito Sabato, Mechanical Engineer
• Dale Stevens, Electrical Engineer
• Gene Ford, Senior Analyst/Consultant
• Allen (Skip) Hartman, Jr., Senior Engineer/Consultant
• Tom Hicks, Mechanical Engineer

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Mitchell J. France, Mechanical Engineer

• Has 25 years engineering experience in design, testing and analysis on mechanical and vibration projects.
• Worked 7 years in the submarine design test group at Newport News Shipbuilding where he performed stress analysis, finite element modeling, modal analysis, sound and vibration testing, resonance testing, and formulating noise abatement recommendations.
• Since coming with Technical Associates in March of 1990, Mitch has steadily enhanced his capabilities in vibration diagnostics, predictive maintenance, stress analysis, modal analysis and noise control.
• He has performed vibration diagnostics on a variety of machinery including centrifugal air compressors, screw compressors, machine tools, circulating fans, pumps, draw frames, refrigeration chillers and vacuum pumps.
• He has also assisted in vibration analysis training.
• Mitch received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
• Currently certified as a Category IV Vibration Analyst.

• Recently joined the Technical Associates staff as a certified Category IV Vibration Analyst.
• David has over 10 years experience with Kimberly-Clark Corporation at various sites including 5 years as Reliability Leader responsible for all predictive maintenance activities.
• He developed introductory vibration training, mentored mill personnel at numerous sites and executed a Reliability Specialist training plan.
• Also managed the oil analysis program and implemented corrective actions to extend equipment life through improved lubricant condition.
• David earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 2000.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Alberto Roman, Jr., Vibration Analyst

• Added to Technical Associates’ staff in 2000, Al’s 25 years experience with maintaining mechanical equipment includes over 15 years of vibration analysis and predictive maintenance.
• He was responsible for database setups, establishing alarm levels and repair recommendations on blowers, pumps, motors and compressors for a major dye and chemical company.
• Al earned an associates degree in applied science while in the Air Force and is currently certified as a Category IV Vibration Analyst.
• Currently Al teaches the Entry and Level I Seminars.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Vito Sabato, Mechanical Engineer

• Vito joined the Technical Associates’ staff in 2000 and is currently certified as a Category IV Vibration Analyst.
• He has been a licensed instructor for TA in South Africa, permitted to lecture up to the Level 3 course and proctor Level 3 examinations.
• Vito has also attained Level 2 certification in the oil analysis and thermographic analysis techniques and has also given training in these two condition monitoring techniques.
• Vito has specialized in the implementation and management of predictive/proactive maintenance programs. He has been directly responsible in the implementation of these programs in a number of industries including mining, pulp and paper, steel and power generation.
• Presently, in addition to training, his main responsibilities include sales and marketing of predictive/proactive maintenance programs for Technical Associates.
• He obtained a BS degree in engineering in 1983 from the University of the Witwatersrand and went on to obtain a MS in Mechanical Engineering from the same university.

   

   

   

Dale Stevens, Electrical Engineer

• Since earning his degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1985, Dale's accomplishments include designing electrical hardware for space launch vehicles, resolving component quality problems and constructing a portable digital TV system.
• He is qualified in analog circuit design, component failure analysis, and systems integration and testing.
• Currently a certified Category III Vibration Analyst, Dale joined Technical Associates in 2000.
• He supports our clients' predictive maintenance programs with machinery condition monitoring activities such as data collection, vibration diagnostics and generating reports.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Gene Ford, Senior Analyst/Consultant

• Has 35 years experience in vibration with a very strong field service background that has included marketing, sales, training and plant-wide machine condition monitoring program development.
• Gene is rated highly as a certified Level III Vibration Analyst by Technical Associates and has been providing instruction for training in Vibration Analysis for over 25 years.
• His field service experience has included vibration analysis, machine diagnostics and balancing for various types of rotating equipment used in most all segments of modern industry.
• He has been responsible for the early testing and application of many of the instruments and products used today.
• Gene attended Franklin University and Ohio State for his engineering degree.

Allen (Skip) Hartman, Jr., Senior Engineer/Consultant

• Has 25 years experience in vibration and acoustical analysis and is Level III certified.
• He began vibration and acoustics analysis services in support of new construction and overhaul contracts for the US Navy, along with developing Vibration Tests and Analysis Guides for all classes of amphibious ships.
• He was involved with extensive test fixture design and design of experiments for accelerated testing of automotive drive train sealing and gasket systems.
• He has also contributed to the development of on-line vibration monitoring systems for the pulp and paper as well as the plastics industries.
• While with Technical Associates, he has performed advanced rotating machinery vibration diagnostic investigations and other consulting services.
• He has participated in the instruction of extensive multi-level seminars and certification programs covering vibration analysis and predictive maintenance.
• He has commissioned several large condition monitoring programs for corporate clients.
• Skip is a graduate of LeTourneau University in Longview, TX holding a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Aviation Technology.
   
   
   
   

• Has 20 years experience with Technical Associates, in paper mills, textile facilities and electric power generating plants.
• Graduated from North Carolina A&T University, with a Mechanical Engineering degree.
• His responsibilities have been expanded to include vibration data collection and analysis plus assisting with demonstrations at Entry Level seminars.
• Currently certified as a Category III Vibration Analyst.