Curriculum Vitae
John
D. Pratt, Ph.D., P.E.
44 Argos •
Laguna Niguel, CA. 92677
Office (949) 363-8205 •
Cell (949) 705-7860
E-mail: johndpratt@cox.net
Through Argos Engineering, John
D. Pratt provides new product development consulting for the
Aerospace Fastener and Aircraft Interiors industries, as well
as litigation consulting in the areas of mechanisms, latches
and fasteners.
Before retiring as an aerospace industry
executive in 2005, Dr. Pratt co-invented and led the development
of the post-9/11 secure (terrorist-proof) cockpit door decompression
latches now installed on half the world's fleet of aircraft.
Previously Dr. Pratt invented and commercialized the first
viable blind fastening system for laminated composites. After
30 years, that system (Monogram Aerospace Fasteners' Composi-Lok©)
remains the one of the most-used structural blind fasteners
for composite airframe assembly. Recent litigation consulting
projects have included aircraft engine cylinder head bolt failure
analysis, aircraft hanger wind-induced anchorage loss, and
motor home retractable bunk mechanism analysis.
Dr. Pratt is presently involved in the development of permanent fasteners for the robotic assembly of aircraft. These one-sided fasteners facilite installation by robots to reduce manpower requirements.
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- Patent Infringement
- Trade Dress
- Fastener Design and Performance
- Latching
Mechanisms Design and Performance
- Structural Engineering
- Failure Analysis
- Kinematics Analysis
- Mechanisms
- Products Liability
- Wind Load Analysis
| 2001 |
University
of California,
Irvine, CA |
Ph.D. – Civil
Engineering — Structural Mechanics (Airframe
Joint Behavior) |
| 1998 |
California
State University, Fullerton, CA |
M.S.M.E. |
| 1996 |
California
State University, Fullerton, CA |
B.S.M.E. |
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TYPE of MATTER |
PRODUCT or ISSUE |
COMMENT |
| Products Liability |
Defective Pressure Cooker (several cases including two class action cases) |
Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Defective Wheelchair |
Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Liquidified Propane Transfer Hose Failure |
Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Steering Column Failure |
Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Tonneau Cover Loss in High Wind |
Severe Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Switchblade Knife Design Defect |
Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Expandable Asile Barricade |
Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Passenger Bus Rollover--Defectibe U-Joint |
Multiple Fatalties |
| Products Liability |
Defective Punch Press |
Personal Injury |
| Products Liability |
Defective Articulated Ladder |
Personal Injury |
Products Liability |
BBQ Oven Design Defects |
Personal Injury |
Products Liability |
Post Driver Design Defects |
Personal Injury |
Products Liability |
Fastener Design or Manufacturing Defects |
Helicopter (Military Seahawk) Crash w/ Fatalities |
Products Liability |
Overhead Door Repair and Maintenance |
Personal Injury upon Failure of Brackets |
Products Liability |
Orthopedic Walker Design Defects |
Personal Injury upon Collapse (Fastener Failure) |
Products Liability |
Catering Truck Deep Fryer Cover Latches |
Personal Injury in Vehicle Crash |
Products Liability |
Knife and Sheath Design Defects |
Personal Injury |
Products Liability |
Ladder Hatch Design Defects |
Personal Injury |
Products Liability |
Folding Threadmill Design Defects |
Personal Injury upon Collapse of Threadmill |
Products Liability |
Vehicle Glass Rack Design Defects |
Fatality when Glass Dislodged Unexpectedly from Rack |
Products Liability |
Motor Home Bunk Mechanism Design Defects |
Personal Injury when Bunk Fell onto Driver |
Products Liability |
Failure of Latches to Secure Cargo Door |
Helicopter Crash when Cargo Door Opened |
Products Liability |
Separation of Tail Boom from Helicopter due to use of Blind Rivets for Repair |
Helicopter Crash with Fatalities |
Products Liability |
Defective Blind Rivets |
Leakage of Roof Panels on Olympic Skating Oval |
| Premises Liability |
Wind Toppled Supermarket Signage |
Personal Injury |
Premises Liability |
Negligence in Repair of Chaise Lounges |
Personal Injury--Amputation of Finger |
Premises Liability |
Negligence in Maintenance of Airplane Hanger Door |
Personal Injury by Windblown Hanger Door |
Premises Liability |
Negligence in securing Patio Furniture Against High Winds |
Personal Injury by Windblown Chaise Lounge |
Premises Liability |
Negligence |
Personal Injury by Windblown Parking Lot Barrier Arm |
Premises Liability |
Negligence |
Personal Injury during Slip & Fall at Amusement Park |
Premises Liability |
Negligence in Securing Airplane Hanger to Ground |
Fatality when Hanger Lost Anchorage to Ground in Moderate Winds |
Breach of Contract |
Fastener Conformance to Specifications |
Parts Installed on Aircraft were Removed and Replaced at Great Expense |
Breach of Contract |
Bottle-Filling Equipment |
Arbitration |
Contract Fraud |
Inaccurate Projected Costs on Firm Fix-Price Contract |
B-1 Bomber Conventional Munitions Upgrade Program—Towed Decoy System |
| Contracts |
Allegedly Defective Airframe Material |
Airbus v Arconic (Three ICC Cases) |
| Trade Secrets |
Aerospace Fasteners |
SPS v Briles |
| Patent Infringement |
Portable Gas Spring Nailers |
USITC--Kyocera Senco v Hitachi |
| Patent Infringement |
360- Composite Image Video Rigs |
Retained by GoPro |
| Patent Infringement |
Architectural Hardware |
Engaged by Simpson Strong-Tie |
| Patent Infringement |
Remote Deadbolt Locks |
Engaged by Apple |
| Patent Infringement |
High Pressure Hydraulic Hoses |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Refrigerator Water Filter |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Gate Locking Mechanism |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Canted Coil Spring Connector |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Pool Rakes |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Pressure Responsive Electrical Switches |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Snap Connectors for Fuel Dispensors |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Hook and Loop Fasteners |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Window Coverings |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Folding Lawn Chairs |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Lotto Ticket Dispensing Machines |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Gun Safe Locking Mechanism |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Television Console Kits |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Combat Helmets |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Guitar Stands |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Hookah Pipes |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Box Spring Stapling Machines |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Dental Implants |
|
| Patent Infringement |
Bulk material Loading Machines |
|
Patent Infringement |
Shear Wall Reinforcement for Building Structures |
|
Patent Infringement |
Mortise Door Lock Mechanism |
|
Patent Infringement |
Captive Panel Fasteners |
|
Patent Infringement |
Keyboard Support Mechanisms |
USITC Case |
Patent Infringement |
Keyboard Support Mechanisms |
US District Court Case |
Patent Infringement |
Electric Strike Mechanisms for Door Locks |
|
Patent Infringement |
Time-Delay Magnetic Door Locks |
|
Patent Infringement |
Hurricane Abatement Systems |
Fabric Covers for Frangible Portions of Buildings |
Patent Infringement |
Outdoor Lighting Fixtures |
|
Patent Infringement |
Mint & Toothpick Dispensers |
|
Patent Infringement |
Storm Drain Covers |
|
Patent Infringement |
Aircraft Pressure-Sensing Latches |
|
Patent Infringement |
Low Profile Aircraft Engine Nacelle Latches |
|
Patent Infringement |
Blind Bolts |
|
Patent Infringement |
Blind Rivets |
|
Anti-Trust |
Acquisition of Avdel by Textron |
|
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| From: |
June
2005 |
| To: |
Present |
| Organization: |
Argos
Engineering, Laguna Niguel, CA |
| Title: |
Principal |
| Summary: |
Argos
Engineering provides litigation consulting, deposition
and trial testimony, expert reports and failure analysis.
Argos engineering has relationships with local laboratories
for in-depth mechanical testing and metallurgical analysis.
Argos Engineering offers litigation consulting and expert
witness services in the following areas:
- Fasteners and mechanically-fastened joint failures.
- Latching mechanisms and latched joint failures, particularly
aircraft structural latches.
- Wind-induced building damage.
- Aircraft rapid decompression.
- Mechanism kinematics and failure analysis.
- Metal forming (hot and cold forging) and processing
(heat treatment, finishing).
|
|
| From: |
August
2000 |
| To: |
June
2005 |
| Organization: |
Hartwell
Corporation, Placentia, CA |
| Title: |
Vice
President, Engineering |
| Summary |
Oversaw
all new product development and engineering, including
development of engine nacelle latches for the Airbus A380,
A318, A400M, B787 and RJ700/900 Series aircraft. Also
co-invented and led the development of the post-9/11 secure
cockpit door decompression mechanisms presently in use
on half of the world's fleet of commercial transport aircraft. |
|
| From: |
March
1988 |
| To: |
August
2000 |
| Organization: |
Textron
Aerospace Fasteners, Santa Ana, CA |
| Title: |
Vice
President, Research and Development
(Started as Director
R&D) |
| Summary |
Led the
development of various solid shank and blind fastener systems.
Founded Textron Sports Technology operation within TAF
in 1995 and led that group until its relocation to a commercial
Textron division in 1999. |
|
| From: |
February
1979 |
| To: |
March
1988 |
| Organization: |
Monogram
Aerospace Fasteners, Los Angeles, CA |
| Title: |
Engineering
Manager |
| Summary: |
Led the
product development and standardization efforts. Invented
Composi-Lok (I & II), Visu-Lok II and other product lines,
accounting for sales in excess of $250 million since 1983.
Represented company at MIL-HDBK-5, NASC and other standardization
activities. |
|
| From: |
August
1969 |
| To: |
February
1979 |
| Organization: |
Olympic
Fastening Systems, Downey, CA |
| Title: |
Sr. Project
Engineer, R&D (Started as Drafter Trainee) |
| Summary: |
Product
development and manufacturing engineering activities, including
fastener installation tooling and progressive header tooling.
Designed hydraulic-pneumatic installation tools for Olympic's
and competitor's product lines. |
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- Professional Engineering License (Mechanical
Engineering), CA, 1979
- National Academy of Forensic Engineers
(NAFE)
- National Society of Professional Engineers
(NSPE/CSPE)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME)
- American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE)
- American Society of Metals (ASM)
- Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists
(SFES)
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences
(AAFS)
- Past Chairman of the finite element
analysis working group (FEAWG) of FAA/DoD MMPDS — the
handbook used by aircraft designers for allowable materials
and joint properties.
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| Patent |
Date |
Description |
| 9,903,403 |
2/27/2018 |
Blind Fastener ("Pretrip-CIP") |
| 9,464,654 |
10/11/2016 |
Blind Fastener ("LiteFOOT") |
| 9,284,971 |
3/15/2016 |
Blind Fastener ("Pretrip") |
| 9,212,678 |
12/15/2015 |
Blind Bolt for Composites |
| 8,961,086 |
1/24/2015 |
Flush Break Blind Fastener |
| 8,888,425 |
11/18/2014 |
Blind Fastener |
| 8,608,417 |
12/17/2013 |
Dual-Action Disposible Clamp |
| 8,517,649 |
8/27/2013 |
Dual-Action Disposible Clamp |
| 8,511,952 |
8/20/2013 |
Dual-Action Disposible Clamp |
| 8,398,345 |
3/19/2013 |
Low Profile Clamp |
| 8,348,566 |
1/8/2013 |
Blind Fastener |
| 8,322,015 |
12/04/2012 |
Flush-Mount, Blind Fastener |
| 7,857,563 |
12/28/2010 |
Mechanically Locked Blind Bolt Fastener |
| 7,578,475 |
8/25/2009 |
Pressure Responsive Blowout Latch |
| 7,255,376 |
8/14/2007 |
Pressure Sensing Deadbolt |
| 7,252,311 |
8/7/2007 |
Motor Driven Latch |
| 7,131,672 |
11/7/2006 |
Latch Mechanism |
| 6,866,227 |
03/15/2005 |
Pressure responsive blowout latch with reservoir |
| 6,866,226 |
03/15/2005 |
Pressure responsive blowout latch |
| 6,261,042 |
07/17/2001 |
Quick-release fastener system |
| 6,171,038 |
01/09/2001 |
Tapered shank rivet |
| 5,957,642 |
09/28/1999 |
Cleat system |
| 5,941,539 |
08/24/1999 |
Fastener system with expandable nut body |
| 5,938,384 |
08/17/1999 |
Fastener system |
| 5,884,923 |
03/23/1999 |
Fastener system with expandable nut body |
| 5,692,865 |
12/02/1997 |
Quick release fastener system |
| 5,620,287 |
04/15/1997 |
Fastener system with controlled clamping load |
| 5,378,098 |
01/03/1995 |
Hole filling blind rivet |
| 5,354,160 |
10/11/1994 |
Composite fastener |
| 5,333,980 |
08/02/1994 |
Buckling semi-solid rivet |
| 5,152,648 |
08/06/2002 |
Blind fastener for composite materials |
| 5,131,107 |
07/21/1992 |
Method of making a blind fastener |
| 5,066,179 |
11/19/1991 |
Blind fastener |
| 5,056,973 |
10/15/1991 |
Bulb fastener |
| 5,052,870 |
10/01/1991 |
Bulb fastener |
| 5,046,348 |
09/10/1991 |
Blind fastener for composite materials |
| 4,967,463 |
11/06/1990 |
Method of fastening panels using drive nut blind fasteners |
| 4,767,248 |
08/30/1988 |
Fastener for securing panels of composite materials |
| 4,752,169 |
06/21/1988 |
Flush break blind bolt |
| 4,747,204 |
05/31/1988 |
Method of installing drive nut blind fasteners with cap
nuts |
| 4,681,494 |
07/21/1987 |
Drive nut blend fastener with cap nut |
| 4,659,272 |
04/21/1987 |
Blind fastener with torque lock |
| 4,659,271 |
04/21/1987 |
Flush break blind fastener |
| 4,548,533 |
10/22/1985 |
Wedge-type fastener |
| 4,537,542 |
08/27/1985 |
Wedge-type low profile fastener |
| 4,457,652 |
07/03/1984 |
Composite buckling blind fastener |
| 4,451,189 |
05/19/1984 |
Bulb rivet |
| 4,376,604 |
03/15/1983 |
Blind fastener for composite materials |
- "Fastening of Advanced Composites,"
NASA conference, 1983, Seattle, WA
- "Testing and Analysis of Mechanically-Fastened
Lap Joints," Ph.D. Dissertation, John D. Pratt (2001)
- "Analytical Modeling of Bolted Lap
Joint Load-Elongation Behavior," Journal
of Aerospace Engineering,
January 2002 (ASCE)
- "Comparative Load-Elongation Behavior
of Single-Bolted and Dual-Bolted Lap Joints," Journal
of Aerospace Engineering, April 2002 (ASCE)
- "The Influence of Conical Head
Geometry on the Slip Resistance of Bolted Joints," Journal
of Aerospace Engineering, October 2002 (ASCE)
- "Rapid Decompression of Pressurized
Aircraft," Journal of Failure Analysis
and Prevention, December
2006 (ASM)
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