Kevin Talbot - Project Portfolio
-
Upload
kevin-talbot -
Category
Documents
-
view
265 -
download
3
description
Transcript of Kevin Talbot - Project Portfolio
Background & Portfolio of Selected Projects
Kevin Talbot, PMP® - Program Manager
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Table of Contents Background
Professional Experience
Community Involvement
How I Bring Value
Summary
Portfolio of Selected Projects
U.S. Patents
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Background
Experienced Project Manager, Group Manager & Product Design Engineer: Co-inventor on 6 US patents
Worked on more than 60 projects, extensive P.M. experience on large and small projects
Strong technical and design engineering background
Employers & industries include: Applied research R&D firm
Two custom battery pack & charger ODMs (Original Design Manufacturers)
High volume consumer electronics
Durable medical equipment manufacturers
Product design consulting firms
Two startups
Education/Certifications: MBA in Technology Management
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Project Management Institute PMP® certified Project Management Professional
Basic “Biomedical Research Investigator” certification by CITI
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Professional Experience
Archinoetics LLC, Honolulu HI – Program Manager 2010 – present High tech company focused on multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific R&D Golden Wellness, Redmond WA - Technical Consultant 2009 – 2010 Developer of the “Fitness Arch” exercise system for assisted living & rehabilitation facilities Micro Power Electronics, Redmond WA - Project Manager 2008 –2009 “ODM” of custom battery packs and chargers for industrial, medical, and military customers Philips Oral Healthcare (Sonicare), Snoqualmie WA - Project Manager 2003 –2008 “Sonicare” brand premium electric toothbrushes SelfCharge, Redmond WA - Director of Mechanical Engineering 1998 –2003 “ODM” of custom battery packs and chargers for industrial, medical, and military customers
(acquired by Micro Power Electronics in 2007) Stratos Product Development Group, Seattle WA - Senior Mechanical Engineer 1997 –1998 Product design consultancy firm Teague Associates, Seattle WA - Director, Engineering Group 1992 –1997 Product design consultancy firm KJT enterprises, Mercer Island WA - Principal 1991 –1992 Self employed as product design and engineering consultant Intermec Technologies, Everett WA - Manager, Printer Mechanical Engineering Group 1988 –1991 Automatic ID, bar code, data collection and RFID equipment UltraThermics, Redmond WA - Director, Mechanical Engineering Group 1986 –1988 Ultrasound heating system for psoriasis therapy Quinton Instrument Company, Seattle WA - Senior Design Engineer 1983 –1986 Cardiac stress test systems, treadmills, and disposable EKG electrodes & catheters
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Community Involvement
Project Management Institute (PMI) Honolulu Chapter (www.pmihnl.org) Membership Director on the Board of Directors (for 2013) Volunteer instructor for PMP© exam preparation classes
2010 - present
Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (www.ussmissouri.com) Volunteer to at assist ship events and provide photography services
2011 - present
Rotary District 5030 Ethiopia Polio Immunization Project (www.ethiopia-nid.org) Designed, developed, host, and maintain website to document annual trips & raise project awareness
2002 - present
ProLango Consulting Inc. (www.prolango.com) Registration and event support for free “Career Mixers” for Seattle area job seekers
2009 - 2010
Brookshire Estates Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors (Issaquah WA) Managed “wiki” website for communication between homeowners and the Board Successfully researched, planned and managed $17K major irrigation system upgrade
2008 - 2010
InvestED Foundation (www.invested.org) Fundraising, event and IT systems support and recruitment of volunteers to support the foundation. Advisor on Project Management strategy for “VolunteerTrac” software project
2005 - 2009
The Museum of Flight (www.museumofflight.org) General support at fundraising events (1998 - 2005) Advisor on the “Aviation Learning Center” project (2001 – 2009)
1998 - 2009
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
How I Bring Value
Develop realistic schedules, budgets, project plans and manage scope
Experienced with building & leading cross-functional, global project teams
Passionate about product creation & development
Focused on driving projects to completion and generating revenue
Balance customer/company needs, product quality/function
Knowledgeable in both engineering & business worlds
Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem solving, mentoring and coaching skills
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Summary Experienced Project Manager, Group Manager & Design Engineer:
Strong technical & engineering background plus an MBA
Extensive P.M. experience on both large and small projects
PMP® certified Project Management Professional
Proven, results-driven project and team leader
Superior skills in building relationships and teams
For further information: E-mail: [email protected]
LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/KevinTalbot1 (resume & portfolio are posted)
Thank you for your time to review my portfolio!
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Portfolio of Selected Projects
Military & Industrial Products:
Thales Communications Liberty radio chargers
Roper Mobile battery charger
General Dynamics PDA dock/charger
Cobham D.E.S. 16 bay charger
Experience Music Project “MEG” computer
Coinstar “Coins to Cash” kiosk
Intermec “RP” & “Slingshot” battery chargers
Intermec 3000 & 4400 bar code label printers
Intermec “Sabre” integrated battery pack
Medical Products:
Fatigue Science ReadiBand & FDA medical device approval
Golden Wellness “Fitness Arch” exercise equipment
Quinton Q3000 thermal chart recorder
Quinton ExerDop cardiac diagnostic system
UltraThermics UT100 psoriasis treatment system
Siemens Medical Elegra ultrasound system
SonoSite ultrasound system battery charger
Abbott Medical Gemstar battery pack
Consumer Electronics:
Sonicare IntelliClean electric toothbrush
Sonicare FlexCare electric toothbrush
Sonicare Xtreme e3000 toothbrush
Keytronic TrakMate and PaceMate
GameBuddy battery pack and charger
Other Projects:
Archinoetics Office Downsize & Virtualization
Archinoetics “Dual Use” DoD funded projects
Archinoetics PTSD treatment augmentation system
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Project Portfolio: Other Projects
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Archinoetics Office Downsize & Virtualization Employer: Archinoetics, LLC
Industry: Applied Research R&D Firm
Project Duration: 6 weeks
Project Team Size: 3
Project description: Archinoetics instituted a major cost cutting effort in mid 2012. In addition to a 30% staff reduction, goals included cutting monthly rent expenses by ~75%. We needed to identify a suitable office space and relocate in approximately 6 weeks. The solution included both selling and donating excess office furniture and lab equipment and implementing new IT systems that supported a virtual workforce and provide improved communication and collaboration tools to work efficiently at off-site, when travelling or in the office. The company opted to move from a 5,000 SF office in the Topa high rise tower in downtown Honolulu to 750 SF in two adjacent suites in the Manoa Innovation Center (MIC). The project was completed on time and met all goals.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Identified and implemented a low-cost file server with access from internal network and externally via the Internet (Synology “DiskStation” NAS)
Purged, cleaned and organized storage space for excess equipment storage and easy retrieval
Communicated available office space, move status and key decisions to be made to off-site management personnel on a daily basis (used the “Basecamp” web-based project collaboration tool)
Organized and facilitated a mix of sales & donations of excess furniture and large lab equipment during the downsizing
Planned an efficient and flexible layout of the new office space
Key challenges:
Fatigue Science, an Archinoetics spin-off firm co-located in the Topa tower, was simultaneously moving out of the building complicating logistics
Finding a contractor to remove roof-top antennas and cabling installed by Archinoetics at the Topa facility
Scheduling the movers around limited elevator availability in the Topa tower (a significant bottleneck in the move)
Coordinating efficient pickup & delivery of donated equipment to save money and work around building elevator access times.
Storage “Before” Storage “After”
“Basecamp” collaboration tool
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Post-Traumatic Stress Treatment Augmentation System
Project description: This was the third phase of a multi-year project funded by the US Army to develop tools and systems to help diagnose and treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The “Archinoetics Intervention System” (AIS) was developed in ~7 months to implement a telehealth system with automated intervention for subjects diagnosed with PTSD so they could better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The AIS was the final phase of the program with a 99 subject clinical trial planned to validate the scientific hypotheses and demonstrate the AIS feasibility and commercial potential.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Planning, resourcing, system definition, cost estimating, budget monitoring, and regular reporting to sponsor agencies
Facilitated development of a clear “system requirements/design” document to implement the system
Facilitated good communication and issue management across the virtual project team leveraging tools that included Basecamp, Bugzilla, Synology NAS, and Google IM and “Hangout” video conferences
Selection, procurement and tracking of “off the shelf” hardware to be used by the subjects in the trial (Nike FuelBands, iPhones & cellular service, heart rate straps, etc.)
Key challenges:
Sudden project hand-off to me due to previous PM being laid off
Navigating the multiple investigational review boards to receive approval for human subject testing
Eliciting and documenting clear system requirements so the technical team could define and implement a suitable technical solution
Developing and executing a test plan to identify bugs, find usability issues and ensure reliable system operation
Creating good system user documentation for adoption by the investigators & clinicians during the clinical trial
Employer: Archinoetics, LLC
Industry: Applied Research R&D Firm
Project Duration: ~4 years (entire program)
Project Team Size: ~8
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Dual Use DoD Projects Employer: Archinoetics, LLC
Industry: Applied Research R&D Firm
Project Duration: Multiple projects over 4 years
Project Team Size: Up to 15
Product description: Archinoetics had multi-year funding from the Department of Defense (DoD) through the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to research various non-invasive physiological sensors to determine the “state of the warfighter” with a goal of predicting and improving physical performance. Many “lab grade” prototypes of systems were developed including muscle sensors, motion sensors and analysis software. Some of these were commercialized with private funding as part of the “Dual Use” DoD program goals to produce new commercial products from R&D investments. Archinoetics started two spin-offs: Fatigue Science to commercialize the “ReadiBand” sleep monitor and Vivonoetics to commercialize the “VivoSense” physiological monitoring and analysis software application. Key prototypes developed under this program included: automatic “activity” detection algorithm, a “tri-sensor” non-invasive muscle activity sensor; a “FitHub” activity watch prototype; proof of concept “cloud based” activity tracking and goal setting system; commercial release of the VivoSense data analysis software; release to mass production and FDA approval of the ReadiBand sleep monitor.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Planned and staffed projects to execute multiple projects in parallel to
support program deliverables
Supported the launch of the ReadiBand sleep monitor into mass production and obtained FDA medical device approval
Worked with a commercial customer of Archinoetics to develop the “FitHub” consumer activity watch based on the “MilHub” DoD design
Development of the “FitHub/MilHub” watches leveraging the first generation ReadiBand design electronics
Key challenges:
Balancing time and resources for projects based on commercial potential
Adequately documenting “R&D” efforts for future development effort
Parallel projects for “FitHub” and “MilHub” versions of the activity watch (commercial vs. DoD funded)
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Project Portfolio: Medical Products
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
ReadiBand Sleep Monitor & FDA Approval Employer: Archinoetics, LLC
Industry: Applied Research R&D Firm
Project Duration: Ongoing for 3 years
Project Team Size: 3
Project description: Fatigue Science is a spin-off company Archinoetics created to commercialize sleep and fatigue risk monitoring products. The ReadiBand is the second generation “actigraphy” wrist worn sleep monitor developed by Archinoetics funded by “dual use” DoD contracts. Archinoetics provided all the engineering development and production support for the ReadiBand system. After the ReadiBand was put into production, we applied for and received “Class II” medical device clearance from the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) for the ReadiBand system. This showed the product was both safe and effective to be a differentiator from other “activity monitoring” products on the market.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Primary contact at Archinoetics to provide management of all engineering
and production support of the ReadiBand for Fatigue Science
Researched, developed and proposed strategies to achieve FDA medical device clearance including support from key consultants.
Subsequently planned and monitored all activities needed to achieve FDA clearance (received in approximately 6 months).
Selected and implemented an FDA approved engineering document control system for all engineering and manufacturing documents (from Arena Solutions)
Ongoing engineering support to the contract manufacturer for product orders from Fatigue Science.
Key challenges:
Lack of a good document control system (was implemented as noted above) Minimizing engineering changes needed on the existing products to meet
“medical grade” product safety requirements
Steep learning curve for 1st FDA “510(k)” medical device application Substantial efforts to put in place FDA required “design history”, quality
control and risk management processes for both Archinoetics and Fatigue Science
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Golden Wellness Fitness Arch Employer: Golden Wellness (contract, part time)
Industry: Medical exercise equipment
Project Duration: ~ 3 months
Project Team Size: 4 internal team members
Production Volume: Proto build of ~5 units
Product description: The Fitness Arch is an innovative medical exercise device that reduces the risk of falls while improving balance and strengthening the body. It empowers people with physical limitations, and delivers significant benefits and return on investment to the companies and organizations that serve them.
Three high quality prototypes were built in 2008 and have been in use in the field for nearly one year. Based on user feedback, design improvements are being made prior to a second prototype run to be built and sold in early 2010.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Review of design improvements for 2nd generation proto units
Manufacturability reviews and improvements
Safety and hazard review
Key challenges:
Adding more user adjustability without major redesign Finding appropriate safety requirements (used ASTM F 2276-09)
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Q3000 Digital Thermal Chart Recorder Employer: Quinton Instrument Co.
Customer: Medical doctors and clinics
Industry: Medical electronics
Project Duration: ~ 18 months year
Project Team Size: ~ 3 people
Production Volume: ~ 5,000 per year
Product description: The Quinton Q3000 was the first low cost cardiac stress test system brought to the market in the mid 80s. Essential to the low cost and high performance was Quinton developing their own thermal chart recorder as these were the state of the art then but existing OEM recorders were far too expensive. Quinton developed their own thermal recorder internally. The Q3000 went on to become a top selling stress test system in its day
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project engineer and mechanical design engineer for the entire chart recorder
Managed internal electrical and software resources Key contact with vendors, internal marketing managers, and thermal paper
supplier
Met or exceeded all performance and cost goals
Key challenges:
Paper tracking (required factory adjustment/alignment) Acoustic noise from stepper motor vibrations
Thermal paper specifications (quality & durability)
Q 3000 digital thermal chart recorder
Q 3000 Stress Test System
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
ExerDop Cardiac Doppler Diagnostic System Employer: Quinton Instrument co.
Customer: Medical doctors and clinics
Industry: Medical electronics
Project Duration: ~ 1 year
Project Team Size: ~ 5 people
Production Volume: ~ 5,000 per year
Product description: The Quinton ExerDop used a continuous wave Doppler ultrasound beam to measure the velocity of the blood flow in the ascending aorta in real time. It had a small printer to record the peak flow measurements and summary calculations. The operator aimed the probe by listening to the "whoosh-whoosh" sound of the blood flow from the ExerDop speaker, aiming the probe for the loudest and clearest signal.
Clinical trials demonstrated the non-invasive ExerDop was as good or better than the "Gold Standard" Thallium ejection fraction exercise bike test to measure heart function.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project Manager and mechanical design engineer
Successfully commercialized proto device acquired from inventor/doctor Key point of contact with parent company (A.H. Robins) that funded and
coordinated clinical trials
Key point of contact with lead clinical investigators
Key challenges:
Making a manufacturable electronics design based on inventor’s prototype
Cost effective manufacturing of “split-D” ultrasound transducer
Challenging business case for doctor due to lack of insurance reimbursement
The ExerDop system (On top of Quinton Q 3000 stress test system)
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
UltraThermics UT100 Hyperthermia System Employer: UltraThermics
Customer: Medical doctors (Dermatologists)
Industry: Medical electronics
Project Duration: ~ 2 years
Project Team Size: ~ 10 people
Production Volume: Less than 100 built
Product description: The UT 100 system was an ultrasound hyperthermia system that used high power, low frequency ultrasound to produce heat in the skin. The ultrasound was absorbed in the first few millimeters of the skin, producing heat (about 110 F) to treat psoriasis. This hyperthermia treatment disrupted the diseased skin cells that caused psoriasis to temporarily relieve symptoms. Hyperthermia treatment was more pleasant and effective than conventional treatments such as UV light or coal tar.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Mechanical Project Engineer and Group Manager Designed majority of the tightly temperature regulated fluid system including
a “de-gassing” pump, inflate/deflate system and overflow reservoir system
Created document control system, selected and deployed new 2D CAD system within the company
UltraThermics was one of two startup companies I worked for
Key Challenges: Water circulation system with “degassing/purging” of accumulated air Inflate/deflate system for patient contact membrane Manufacturing of large, multi-layer ultrasound transducer No ROI business case for doctors with no “incremental” treatment revenue
Overflow reservoir system
UT100 Hyperthermia System
Fluid system diagram
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Siemens Medical Ultrasound System Employer: Teague Associates
Customer: Siemens Medical
Industry: Medical electronics
Project Duration: ~ 6 months
Project Team Size: 1 ½ people
Production Volume: A few thousand per year
Product description: The Elegra was an all new, top of the line ultrasound imaging system developed by Siemens Medical. The articulated keyboard and control panel was a key feature of the product. This large panel could slide in and out, rise up and down and rotate. It had a locking mechanism to secure it any position for transport and shipping
The initial design done by another consulting firm was very flimsy and not acceptable to Siemens. I redesigned the mechanism to be more robust and secure and easier to operate yet fit in the existing chassis with no changes.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
On-site manager of Teague team (3 engineers) and primary point of contact with customer
Definition of functional requirements and complete mechanical design of the articulation mechanism
Creative use of hollow cast aluminum “arm” for increased stiffness
Interface with key suppliers of custom fabricated parts Fabrication, assembly, and testing of prototypes and beta units
All functional & cost goals were met or exceeded
Key Challenges: Requirements definition of forces/deflection
Minimal design changes to base cart
Assembly and routing of large cable bundles
CAD models of mechanism
Entire control panel lifts up and down, rotates, and slides in and out
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
SonoSite Battery Charger Employer: SelfCharge
Customer: SonoSite
Industry: Medical electronics (portable ultrasound)
Project Duration: ~ 6 months
Project Team Size: 2 ½ people
Production Volume: ~ 5,000 per year
Product description: This charger was used for SonoSite’s first battery operated ultraportable ultrasound imaging system. The need for the product was realized only shortly before production based on customer feedback on the need for a way of charging spare battery packs other than charging in the host system. Project involved close cooperation with Micro Power Electronics, supplier of the custom battery pack.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project Manager, mechanical design engineer and manufacturing engineer
Industrial design
Schedules, tooling, prototypes, testing, pilot builds
Creative use of “family tool” and adhesive bonding to simplify and minimize cost of injection mold tooling for housing
Very short schedule due to late project start by customer
UL/CSA/FCC agency review and approvals
Key challenges: Short schedule, minimal tooling budget
Additional customer-requested LED functionality required adding a small microprocessor
2 bay Lithium-Ion battery charger
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Abbott Medical Gemstar battery pack Employer: SelfCharge
Customer: Abbott Medical
Industry: Medical electronics
Project Duration: ~ 6 months
Project Team Size: 2 ½ people
Production Volume: ~ 5,000 per year
Product description: This integral battery pack and charger was for the Gemstar portable infusion pump. The customer did the majority of the mechanical design and SelfCharge did all electrical design and manufacturing.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project Manager, mechanical design engineer & manufacturing engineer
Prototypes, testing, pilot builds Creative use of “time lapse” photography at final test to confirm charge time
Ultrasonic welding fixture design & process qualification Flexible design for future battery chemistry & capacities
Key challenges:
Complex, multi-step ultrasonic weld Challenging design due to minimal space for electronics and batteries
100% capacity/charge time testing without access to internal electronics
Exploded CAD model of battery pack with integrated charger
Gemstar Pump
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Project Portfolio: Consumer Electronics
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Philips Sonicare IntelliClean Toothbrush Employer: Philips Oral Healthcare
Customer: Consumers & dental professionals
Industry: Consumer electronics
Project Duration: ~ 2 years
Project Team Size: More than 40 at the peak
Production Volume: More than 1 million per year
Product description: World’s first electric toothbrush with integrated toothpaste dispensing. Joint development project between Philips and Proctor & Gamble (Crest brand).
Key responsibilities and contributions: Overall Project Manager on this large project (supported by four key
department leads)
R&D project lead
Main technical contact with Proctor & Gamble for toothbrush/toothpaste packet interface
Schedules, status reporting to management, resolution of critical issues, budget tracking
Compliance with FDA medical device regulations (Class 1)
Extensive prototype builds to support clinical trials
Successful, on-time production startup.
Key challenges:
Complex project structure with strategic partner, internal Philips and external third-party component suppliers in USA and Europe
Last-minute technical issues with toothpaste cartridge at P&G almost delayed launch
P&G acquired the leading Sonicare competitor weeks before retail launch
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Philips Sonicare FlexCare Toothbrush Employer: Philips Oral Healthcare
Customer: Consumers & dental professionals
Industry: Consumer electronics
Project Duration: ~ 3 years
Project Team Size: More than 40 at the peak
Production Volume: More than 2 million per year
Product description: Next generation flagship Sonicare toothbrush with revolutionary low-vibration “drive train”. First-to-market Lithium-Ion battery and integrated UV brush head sanitizer accessory. Developed with a flexible architecture to support an extensive product roadmap with multiple price points, planned product refreshes, future accessories and functionality.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Overall Project Manager on this large project (supported by four key department leads)
Facilitated early drive train concept development leading to low vibration, long-life drive train with multiple patents
R&D project leader and drive train team leader in some phases of project
Schedules, status reporting to management, issue resolution, budgets Extensive prototype builds to support clinical trials
Compliance with FDA medical device regulations (Class 1)
Technical interface with key brush head suppliers
Successful, on-time production startup
Key challenges: All new, “bleeding edge” drive train with moving parts in the handle
Components & assembly of drive train outsourced to third party supplier
First Sonicare product developed with multi-product architecture
Simple snap-on brush head/handle interface and very slim handle design
FlexCare & Charger
FlexCare & Sanitizer
FlexCare “Drive Train” Drive Train “V spring”
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Philips Sonicare Xtreme e3000 Toothbrush Employer: Philips Oral Healthcare
Customer: Consumers & dental professionals
Industry: Consumer electronics
Project description: Proposal for low-cost Sonicare with replaceable alkaline batteries based on existing “Essence” rechargeable product. This proposal and research were done by myself and a colleague to respond to a marketing need for a low-cost product 1 to 2 years before the new “FlexCare” product would be in production.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Facilitated preliminary CAD concept & quick feasibility model testing
Prepared proposal for management with costs, tooling, schedule, risks Management approved the project in late 2005
Project team subsequent assigned to developed the product and launch it into production in 2006 at $40 retail price point
My colleague and I were recognized by Management with a “Certificate of Excellence” award and cash bonus for the project proposal
Key challenges: Leverage existing products to get to market ASAP
Pushback from sales channel on low-cost product On final product:
• Poor battery life with low-cost alkaline cells
• Unbalanced discharge of the two cells
• Water-tight sealing of battery compartment door
Production Xtreme 3000
Preliminary CAD Concept
Production “Essence” (Basis of concept)
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
TrakMate and PaceMate Wrist Rests Employer: Teague Associates
Customer: Keytronic
Industry: Consumer electronics
Project Duration: ~ 6 months
Project Team Size: ~ 4 people
Production Volume: ~ 10,000 per year
Product description: The TrakMate and PaceMate wrist rests were designed by Teague for Keytronic to supplement their line of keyboards. Both used comfortable gel pads on the wrist rest and had height adjustable feet. The TrakMate incorporated a trackball to replace the mouse and the PaceMate kept track of how long you had been typing without a break and enforced one by locking out the keyboard. Both were developed to improve keyboard ergonomics and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Project manager and mechanical design engineer for ~75% of the parts
Managed external contract resources for electrical and firmware work Key contact with tooling vendor and customer
Large prototype build for trade show units
Compressed schedule – 10 weeks from start to working protos for trade show
Awarded 1994 Editor’s Choice “Design For Manufacturing” award by Appliance Manufacturer Magazine
Key challenges:
Very compressed schedule
Large show unit proto build Last minute addition of “PaceMate” product requirement
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Game Buddy Rechargeable Battery Pack Employer: SelfCharge Inc.
Customer: Battery Technologies Inc.
Industry: Consumer electronics
Project Duration: 6 months
Project Team Size: 2 ½ people
Production Volume: Up to 100,000 per year
Product description: The GameBuddy was a rechargeable battery pack for use with the original Nintendo Game Boy Pocket handheld video game. It used BTI’s proprietary rechargeable alkaline batteries and a proprietary transformer-less charging circuit by SelfCharge. The battery pack plugged directly into a 120 volt outlet, provided a convenient docking station for the GameBoy and had an attractive bright green electroluminescent night light. It could power the Game Boy for up to 22 hours of play.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project Manager and mechanical design engineer
Responsible for schedule, budgets, tooling, mechanical design, documentation, UL safety testing, China contract manufacturer interface.
Responsible for oversight of initial production run of 10,000 units at Chinese CM. All goals met and issues resolved on-site
SelfCharge was one of two startup companies I worked for
Key challenges: Compressed schedule: project start to first production run was only 5 months
Very rapid production ramp-up at C.M. Learning curve for first SelfCharge product in production at this C.M.
Last minute issues with ultrasonic welding and some component quality issues
Retail Package
Production Sample
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Project Portfolio: Military & Industrial Products
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Thales Radio Battery Chargers Employer: Micro Power Electronics
Customer: Thales Communications Inc.
Industry: Public Safety/Military
Project Duration: ~ 18 months
Project Team Size: ~ 9 internal team members
Production Volume: Tens of thousands annually (each model)
Product description: Microprocessor based single & multi-bay Lithium-Ion battery chargers for new Thales Liberty “first responder” and older “MBITR” military radios. Flexible and optimized architecture and supply chain to allow 7 variants including vehicle mount and low cost desktop versions while minimizing product costs and capital investment.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Project Manager on 7 concurrent projects
Key point of contact with customer
Key point of contact with suppliers
Negotiation of scope changes on fixed price contract
Budget, schedules, risk management
Tooling management with suppliers
Management of external Industrial Design resources
Key challenges:
Managing scope on fixed price contract with penalty clause
Evolving design of Liberty Radio & battery that impacted the charger (both mechanical and electrical)
Late requirements from customer for large proto build for field trials Self-heating thermal issues on single bay charger due to charge time and
wide-range DC input requirements
Flexible architecture to meet supply chain and COGs goals Multiple changes of Mechanical Engineer team member
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
RMT Switchback 3 Bay Charger Employer: Micro Power Electronics
Customer: Roper Mobile Technology
Industry: Industrial/Quasi-military
Project Duration: 9 months
Project Team Size: 4 team members
Production Volume: Several thousand per year
Product Description: Three-bay charger for Lithium-Ion battery pack for Switchback ruggedized portable computer. Mechanical design allows for desktop, wall mount, and “back to back” mounting for customer convenience. Very compressed schedule: Project kickoff to pilot production was only 6 months.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Project Manager on the project
Key point of contact with customer (received letter of recommendation) Key point of contact with suppliers
Multiple mechanical architecture and Industrial Design concepts Budget, schedules, risk management
Tooling management with suppliers Full regulatory testing and certifications (CE, UL, FCC)
Key challenges:
Short schedule
Late addition flip-out “bail” requirement for desktop use
Charger status light pipe visibility over wide viewing range
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Sectera Edge Smartphone Dock/Charger Employer: Micro Power Electronics
Customer: General Dynamics C4 Systems
Industry: Industrial
Project Duration: ~ 9 months (7 weeks to first protos)
Project Team Size: 4 team members
Production Volume: Several thousand per year
Product Description: Microprocessor based combination PC communications dock and spare Lithium-Ion battery charger for existing production PDA/Smart Phone. Extremely tight schedule for small run of functional prototypes for trade show – preliminary electrical, firmware and mechanical design completed and four functional show prototypes built, tested and delivered in only 7 weeks. Design challenges included many “workarounds” for existing product that could not be changed.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project manager on the project Key point of contact with customer (received letter of recommendation)
Key point of contact with suppliers Multiple mechanical/electrical architecture and Industrial Design concepts for
customer review
Budget, schedules
Rapid development of functional protos for key trade show Compliance with U.S. Government “ITAR” regulations Preliminary prototype testing
Key challenges: Short 7 week schedule to deliver working protos for trade show
No design changes allowed to battery pack or PDA unit
Logistics of engineering validation testing due to issues with classified hardware and test protocols
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Cobham Yeti 16 Bay Charger Employer: Micro Power Electronics
Customer: Cobham Defense Electronics
Industry: Quasi-Military
Project Duration: 6 months (6 weeks to 1st proto)
Project Team Size: 3 team members
Production Volume: One-time build of 50 “beta” units. Long term production of few thousand per year starting late 2010
Product description: Microprocessor based, multi-bay Lithium-Ion battery charger with extensive communications between battery packs and external systems.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project Manager on the project
Key point of contact for customer on this charger project and two other related battery projects.
Compliance with U.S. Government “ITAR” regulations
Key challenges:
Extremely compressed schedule for 1st proto for proof-of-concept trial with customer
Risk mitigation and workarounds for delays in critical customer supplied information and parts
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Experience Music Project MEG System Employer: SelfCharge
Customer: Aegis Design and Experience Music Project
Industry: Industrial electronics
Project Duration: ~ 1 year
Project Team Size: 3 people
Production Volume: One time build of ~ 5,000 packs and ~ 500 charger trays
Product description: Aegis Design developed the MEG portable computer system to be used in Paul Allen’s Experience Music Project in Seattle. MEG added a unique interactive audio experience as visitors toured the EMP. SelfCharge designed and built the battery pack and networked back room charging trays to support the charging of MEG batteries.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Key contributor in securing this business from Aegis & EMP, subsequently recognized as “Salesman of the year” at SelfCharge
Project Manager, mechanical design engineer and manufacturing engineer Key point of contact with Aegis (received letter of recommendation)
Schedules, tooling, prototypes, testing, pilot builds Key delivery dates tied to the schedule museum grand opening dates were
met.
SelfCharge team on-site during EMP grand opening to help resolve minor operational issues
Key challenges: “Drop-Dead” grand opening due date of EMP
Production bottleneck from lack of automated testing (budget constraints) Battery pack relied on less-than-ideal adhesive bonding (quality issue)
Not enough time allowed for thorough system integration and testing
“MEG” back room 12 bay charging tray
“MEG” Li-Ion battery pack
Experience Music Project facility
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Coinstar “Coins To Cash” Kiosk Employer: Teague Associates
Customer: Coinstar
Industry: Retail kiosks
Project Duration: ~ 1 year
Project Team Size: ~ 5 people
Production Volume: A few thousand per year
Product description: The Coinstar kiosk located in the front of grocery stores takes your loose coins, counts them and gives you a voucher to turn in for cash (paper money) or spend on groceries in the store. It also dispensed coupons for use in-store on the first generation model.
Teague completely re-designed the first prototype kiosks made for Coinstar into a manufacturable, serviceable, more useable and attractive kiosk. Teague supported the initial pilot production run of the kiosks before it was transferred to SeaMed for further production. Coinstar went on to go public and become a very successful company with nearly $1B revenue in 2008.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Overall Project manager and mechanical design engineer for some parts of the kiosk
Primary point of contact with Coinstar and key component suppliers (coin sorter, contract manufacturer, tooling vendors)
Oversaw pilot production run at contract manufacturer
Key challenges
Design of effective vibratory “coin cleaner” device
First external product taken on by CM (new business for them)
Loading/unloading/handling of wheeled “coin trolleys” - extremely heavy when filled with coins
First generation production kiosk developed by Teague
Original prototype kiosk By Coinstar
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Intermec Slingshot and RP Chargers Employer: SelfCharge
Customer: Intermec
Industry: Industrial electronics (bar code scanners)
Project Duration: ~ 1 year
Project Team Size: 2 ½ people
Production Volume: ~ 15,000 per year
Product description: These chargers shared a common mechanical architecture and re-used an existing aluminum extrusion and end caps Intermec had used on another project. These were Lithium-Ion battery pack chargers for industrial bar code and terminal equipment.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Project Manager, mechanical design engineer and manufacturing engineer
Schedules, tooling, prototypes, testing, pilot builds Creative use of magnets to securely seat the light Slingshot battery pack on
the spring-loaded contacts in the charger “cup”
Co-inventor of patented automatic optical battery pack type detection system on RP charger
Key challenges:
On RP charger, backward compatible system to detect low & high capacity batteries (developed optical auto detect system)
On Slingshot charger, maintaining good battery pack contact with very light battery pack (used magnets)
“RP” 4 bay charger
“Slingshot” 2 bay & 4 bay chargers
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Intermec Bar Code Label Printers Employer: Intermec
Industry: Industrial electronics
Project Duration: ~ 2 years each
Project Team Size: ~ 20 team members
Production Volume: ~ 10,000 per year
Product description: The Intermec 3000 label printer was the first low-cost, industrial quality thermal label printer on the market. It was a best selling model for Intermec for many years.
The 4400 was a new flagship printer for Intermec that replaced a workhorse model that was a best seller. Both could print with either direct thermal or thermal transfer technologies and had many accessories for users.
Key responsibilities and contributions: Mechanical Engineering group manager
Project Manager on 3000 printer
One of three project co-leads on 4400 printer, also technical liaison for key launch customers on 3000 project (FedEx, QVC, Lennox China, etc.)
Schedules, budgets, tooling, and qualification testing On 4400 printer, facilitated selection of flexible architecture and state of the
art technologies (magnesium die casting, thermoset plastic molding, RISC microprocessor)
Key challenges:
3000 printer was most tooling-intensive printer at Intermec at that time
Use of high level C++ for firmware development on 3000
Major product requirements change on 4400 well after first proto units built (“clean sheet”, start-over situation)
Industry-leading print speed and print quality requirements on 4400
Development of complex print head thermal management for print quality
Intermec 4400 thermal label printer
Intermec 3000 thermal label printer
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
Intermec Sabre Battery Pack Employer: SelfCharge Inc.
Customer: Intermec Technologies
Industry: Industrial electronics
Project Duration: 1 year
Project Team Size: 2 ½ people
Production Volume: Up to 40,000 per year
Product description: The Sabre battery pack was the second “ODM” product developed by SelfCharge for a customer. Intermec did the majority of the mechanical design and SelfCharge did all the electrical design, prototyping, manufacturing and testing. It was a rechargeable battery pack that provided DC power to the bar code scanner when attached and recharged by plugging it directly into an AC power outlet. It was ruggedized to withstand repeated 6 foot drops onto concrete and other typical customer abuse.
Key responsibilities and contributions:
Project Manager, mechanical design engineer and manufacturing engineer
Responsible for schedule, tooling, manufacturing, documentation, UL safety testing
Products were built for several years at SelfCharge facility in Redmond WA and eventually transferred to a Chinese contract manufacturer for cost reduction
Key challenges:
Very challenging design due to compact size Manufacturing process control to meet ruggedness requirements
Quality control issues with critical single-source, high voltage capacitor in transformer-less power supply design
Learning curve of first high volume product at SelfCharge Integrated “Sabre” battery pack
(direct 110/220 AC charging)
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
U.S. Utility Patents
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
U.S. Utility Patents (continued)
Project Portfolio of Kevin Talbot, Program Manager Last Updated: February 2013
U.S. Design Patents