Crane Engineering is pleased to announce we will exhibit at the Defense Research Institute’s conference program titled:

Product Liability – Make Your Products Practice Bloom

Attendees will learn about the latest trends and decisions affecting product liability cases. Regulators from the NTSB, NHTSA, and CPSC, along with manufacturers and lawyers who navigate these agencies regularly, will discuss best practices for minimizing liability before and during litigation. Experienced professionals will demonstrate voir dire, story theme development, and closing arguments in an interactive format. Offering 18 hours of CLE credit, attendees will receive valuable practice tips, strategies, and trial techniques to gain an advantage in defending modern product liability cases.

Please stop by and meet Jeff Brower, Business Development from Crane Engineering to discuss our company’s Forensic Engineering services offered in the practice area of Product Liability.

For more information on the conference and to register, please go to: DRI Event: Product Liability

The National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) is the world’s largest insurance subrogation association and leader in subrogation education.

Please stop by and meet Dave Kramer, P.E. to discuss our Forensic Engineering services.

For more information on the conference and to register, please go to: NASP Skills & Management Conference.

Welcomes new team member
Andrew Thielen, P.E.

Crane Engineering Building Science is pleased to welcome Andrew Thielen, P.E. to its growing team.

Mr. Thielen is an accomplished Mechanical Engineer with more than 27 years of engineering experience. Andy performs root cause failure analysis, HVAC system design and building recommissioning for contractors and building owners. He provides expert consultation to the construction industry, primarily in terms of HVAC and plumbing systems.  In addition, he was the primary editor of the current editions of the State of Minnesota Commercial Energy, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Building Codes.

“Andy’s wealth of experience in ‘cradle to completion’ project involvement for HVAC and plumbing systems is a key discipline that complements our professional staff’s multidisciplinary approach”, said Stefan Helgeson, President, Principal Architect  and Landscape Architect for Crane Engineering Building Science.

Previously, Andy was principal mechanical engineer at Andrew Engineering, LTD in Duluth, Minnesota where he specialized in designs for the remodeling of existing HVAC systems for energy efficiency and system reliability on utility, commercial and institutional projects.

Andy holds a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND. and served as Adjunct Professor, Industrial Engineering Department, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, Alabama and Texas.

To discuss projects with Andy, please call at 763-557-9090 or Email: andyt@CraneEngineering.com

About Crane Engineering Building Science

Crane Engineering Building Science answers clients’ questions regarding defects and failures in building design, construction and materials – and how they can be prevented or resolved.

For more information, please visit our web site:

Crane Engineering Building Science

AIA Minnesota Convention and Product Exposition

November 6-9, 2012

Minneapolis Convention Center

Minnesota architects and building industry professionals attend the annual convention and expo to learn about trends and new technologies in building products and earn education credits by attending seminars.

Crane Engineering Building Science will feature 3-D Laser Scanning services in our booth. 

The highest technical level of 3-dimensional imaging is now available to our clients thanks to Crane’s new Leica C10 ScanStation®. This high definition scanning instrumentation provides the best in class laser scanning service available to the market today.

3-D Laser Scanning provides high definition images for exact site documentation, for “as built” building and process records, and for precise measurement capability that enables incident reconstruction.

• Unprecedented versatility

• Major productivity advances

• Site documentation

• “As Built” records

• Accident and incident reconstruction

Please stop by booth #228 to discuss how we can help you with our 

Building Owner Services.  

To register for the event, please click here: AIA-MN Registration

About Crane Engineering Building Science
Crane Engineering Building Science brings an architectural and engineering perspective to all projects – an approach unique to the building science field. The firm’s professionals engage multidisciplinary technical expertise to solve building-related issues for a variety of clients, including legal and real estate professionals, construction and insurance companies, manufacturers, property owners, managers and others. These issues could include construction defects, contract disputes, building envelope, water intrusion and large loss insurance cases.

Crane Engineering Building Science answers clients’ questions regarding defects and failures in building design, construction and materials – and how they can be prevented or resolved.

For more information, please visit our web site: Crane Engineering Building Science

NASP 2012 Annual Conference “Cirque Du Subro”

November 11-14, 2012  

Paris Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada

Thomas R. Crane, P.E

We are please to announce that Thomas R. Crane, P.E., President of Crane Engineering will be co-presenting with Tony R. Krall, Esq., partner at Hanson, Lulic and Krall, LLC.

Mr. Crane and Mr. Krall’s presentation topic will be

“NFPA 921-Not Just for Fire - 

Developing a Well Founded Opinion”.

Tony R. Krall

Although NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations is the basis for this presentation, the discussion is NOT about NFPA 921 itself.  However, it will reference NFPA 921 as a touchstone for effective methodology in any product liability litigation.

Mr. Crane, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the National Fuel Gas Code and a frequent speaker at association events stated; “Experienced or ‘well experienced’ investigators and technologists involved in fire litigation have witnessed the evolution of testimony and expert qualifications based on personal experience and generally accepted principals move to, in the course about one generation, increasingly well founded reliance upon established fire science theories and, as we will address in this presentation, the development of an expert opinion through the use of vigorous application of the scientific method.”

__________________________________________________________________

Charles G. Keith, P.E.

We are also pleased to announce that Charles G. Keith, P.E., Chemical/ Mechanical Engineer, Crane Engineering will be co-presenting with

David J. Taylor, Esq., Partner at Yost and Baill, LLP.

Mr. Keith and Mr. Taylor’s presentation topic will be

“Hot and Cold Large Losses: Boiler, Chiller and Commercial Dryer Failures”

Working with your engineering expert is critical in the management of a large loss case involving commercial/industrial process equipment.

The exposure on these losses can involve product liability, workers comp and property claims.

David J. Taylor

This interactive session will discuss working with your experts to get the information you need to guide your end-game strategy. Case studies will look at large losses involving industrial dryers, boilers and steam valves, commercial air handling and cooling towers.

For more information on the conference

and to register, please go to:

NASP Annual Conference and Trade Show 

About NASP:

The National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP), a non-profit trade association, was established in November 1998 and is dedicated to promoting and developing the subrogation industry.

About Crane Engineering:

For over 30 years, clients have counted on Crane Engineering to provide expert forensic engineering services for industrial applications, insurance subrogation and product liability litigation.

Our team of experts can address all facets of failure analysis. We not only identify what happened, but why and how it happened. Crane Engineering offers forensic investigation and consulting engineering services, pooling talent to provide clients with a multidisciplinary look at multidimensional challenges.

Crane Engineering and Crane Engineering Building Science is pleased to announce that we will exhibit at the Defense Research Institute’s conference program titled:

The 21st Century Lawyer

The Annual Meeting is a four-day event that brings together over 1,000 attorneys from across the nation. This meeting includes educational sessions offering CLE, DRI substantive law committee business meetings, SLDO workshops, networking and social events.

Please stop by and meet Jeff Brower, Business Development from Crane Engineering to discuss our company’s Forensic Engineering services offered in the practice area of Product Liability.

For more information on the conference and to register, please go to:

DRI Event: Annual Meeting

October 31 and November 1, 2012
Minneapolis Convention Center

Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis is the most comprehensive resource for every aspect of medical device development. It gathers medtech professionals and leading medical OEM suppliers together to provide you with immediate hands-on access to the tools you need to accelerate your new device to market, all in one convenient location.

Please visit Crane Engineering at booth number 1053 at the
Minneapolis Convention Center

To register for the event, please go to: MD&M Minneapolis

Use the Crane Engineering promotional code BZ for a free Exposition Pass -  a $45 value!

About Crane Engineering

For over 30 years, clients have counted on Crane Engineering to provide engineering consultancy and root cause failure analysis for industrial applications and medical device manufacturers.

Please visit our web site to learn more about our technical services: http://www.CraneEngineering.com

Tom Crane, P.E., President, CEO and Principal Mechanical Engineer from Crane Engineering will be presenting at the IFI annual conference in Chicago on October 26, 2012. Mr. Crane’s topic with be “NFPA 921-Not Just for Fire – Developing a Well Founded Opinion”.  For more information on the conference, go to: https://www.catloss.org/conference.php

3-D Laser Scanning provides high definition images for exact site documentation, for “as built” building and process records, and for precise measurement capability that enables incident reconstruction.

The Leica C10 ScanStation® combines the highest level of technical excellence and unmatched capability, providing clients with the most efficient, accurate and functional image data packages available.

Watch our 3D Scan video here: Parkers Lake Fly Through

-Unprecedented Versatility – All Encompassing

Crane’s Leica 3D scanner combines portability with the ability to traverse, resection or use scan targets for maximum flexibility in dealing with site logistics. Full 360º x 270º field-of-view, high accuracy, long range (300m @90% reflectivity), and high scan speed of 50,000 points per second, add to its position as the industry’s most versatile scanner.

-Major Productivity Advances – Fast and Efficient

C10 does full dome scans up to 10X faster than comparable instrumentation – now, less than 2 minutes for a typical room. It also conducts general 360º and focused area scans faster, including set up, target locations, registrations, geo-references, and it checks scan results quickly.

-Site Documentation – Memorialized

When a large loss incident occurs, time-to-image is critical. Site images must be precise and detailed in every respect, but they also must be taken as soon as possible after the incident, so that the vital data of debris location, structural situation, and other damage records have maximum credibility.

-“As Built” Records – Precise

Does the structure or process conform to the designer’s specifications? Has anything been changed, moved, or altered that is not recorded in official drawings of record? In a matter of minutes, Crane’s 3D laser scanner records the exact position of piping, wiring, machinery, supplies, containers, transports, shelving, bays, and mobile devices. These records are often vital in the settlement of large loss claims.

For more information on this new capability and to discuss your site and incident documentation requirements, please contact Scott Nesvold, M.S., M. Eng., P.E. at 800-538-2797 or email at scottn@CraneEngineering.com.

Videos of the crashes from the 2012 ARC-CSI crash conference have been posted on YouTube. One video is here, and a search for “ARC-CSI 2012″ will show the remaining crashes.

Phantom Driver radio controlled driving system used for demonstration rollover of 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee after hitting a 1987 Fiat X19 at approximately 45 MPH.

Principal Engineer Jeff Pfaendtner

STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) concepts were put to use as Crane’s Principal Engineer Jeff Pfaendtner asked the students how to make the apples launch farther from the trebuchets. The students kept a log on what variables made the apples go the distance.”The overarching theme is STEM,” Pfaendtner said. “What we’re doing here matches their curriculum. We’ve been working with their science and math teachers and understand what their curriculum is. So what we’ve done here is try to apply what they’ve learned in class and then actually maybe get a light bulb go off and it’s like ‘wow that’s what that means!’”

Imogen Cooper tests the trebuchet in front of all 75 students and staff during a field trip to Crane Engineering

Article links…
http://www.weeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=10262

http://sailor.mnsun.com/2012/06/fifth-graders-learn-what-its-like-to-be-an-engineer/

Attendees will learn about the latest trends and decisions affecting product liability cases and get valuable practice tips, strategies and trial techniques to gain an advantage in defending the modern product liability case. Main stage speakers include experienced and well known product liability defense trial lawyers, in-house counsel and government lawyers.

Please stop by and meet Jeff Brower, Business Development from Crane Engineering to discuss our company’s Forensic Engineering services offered in the practice area of Product Liability.

For more information on the conference and to register, please go to: DRI Event: Product Liability

Fire Debris Analysis
Kerri Pacholke, MFS, F-ABC, lends her experience in forensic and industrial chemistry to projects in Crane Engineering’s in-house laboratory. She performs ignitable liquid residue analysis and provides expert testimony in the field of fire debris analysis. Kerri also assists with testing and analyses in support of investigations for insurance firms, fire investigators, medical device companies and industrial clients.

Fire Protection Engineering
Scott Nesvold, P.E., is an accomplished Structural and Fire Protection Engineer with more than 10 years of experience. He provides expert consultation regarding building design and structural analysis and failure. Drawing on both his engineering expertise and years as a firefighter, Scott also evaluates fire protection systems and analyzes the impact of fires on structural integrity and life safety.

For more information on MN IAAI, please go to: MN IAAI

For more information on the conference and to register, please click here:

2012 MNIAAI Fire Investigation Conference

Please stop by and meet Mark Anderson, Executive Director of Crane Engineering to discuss our company expansion into the areas of Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction and Building Science related claims and services.

For more information on the conference and to register, please go to: NASP Subrogation Litigation

Please stop by and meet Scott Nesvold, P.E., who joined the company in February as Structural/Fire Protection Engineer. Nesvold provides expert consultation regarding building design and structural analysis and failure. He draws on his engineering expertise and years as a firefighter to evaluate and design fire protection systems and analyze the impact of fires on structural integrity.

Lloyd C. Meissner, P.E., metallurgical/materials engineer, recently joined Crane Engineering as leader of the firm’s industrial team. He brings 30 years of experience to his new position and is a long-time ASM International member. Lloyd employs an extensive “toolbox” of state-of-the-art analytical techniques and methods to understand and troubleshoot the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of metals, plastics, ceramics, coatings and composite materials. Learn more.

The Northwest Loss Association is comprised of insurance adjusters and vendors who are dedicated to the goal of improving the knowledge, performance, and professionalism of property insurance adjusters. The focus of the organization is the facilitation and promotion of continuing education through regular meetings, special events, and cooperation with other organizations that can help accomplish our goal.

For more information and to register, please click here

About Crane Engineering

For over 30 years, clients have counted on Crane Engineering to provide expert forensic engineering services for industrial applications, insurance claims and subrogation and product liability litigation.

Crane Engineering has the experience to provide solutions in the following professional fields:

• Fire and Explosion Investigation
• Propane and Natural Gas Investigations
• Engineering, Consulting and Lab Services
• Industrial Accident Investigations
• Slip and Fall Investigations
• Standards and Code Consulting
• Building Science Investigations
• Automotive System and Component Analysis
• Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction

818 Dunwoody Blvd., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403.

CSI (Construction Specification Institute) is a national association of 13,000 individual members, dedicated to improving facility performance through the advancement of building information management and education of project teams. The organization is unique in the industry in that its members are a cross-section of specifiers, architects, engineers, contractors, building materials suppliers, and related professionals.

For more information and to register, please click here

About Crane Engineering Building Science

Crane Engineering Building Science provides legal firms, insurance companies, real estate professionals and building owners with the diagnostic and analytical capabilities required to define, verify, prevent and resolve large loss incidents. Crane’s new division concentrates the resources needed to address built environment failures and claims.

Crane Engineering Building Science has the experience to provide solutions in the following professional fields:

• Building Science Investigations
• Standards, Codes and Contract Review
• Design Review and Construction Assessment
• Building Component Failure Analysis
• Slip and Fall Investigations
• Expert Witness Testimony
• Artifact Storage
• Building Owner Services
• Fire and Explosion Investigation
• Propane and Natural Gas Investigations

The Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association (MDLA) is an association dedicated to serving the needs of lawyers engaging primarily in the defense and trial of civil disputes. MDLA is affiliated with the Minnesota State Bar Association and DRI — The Voice of the Defense Bar.

For more information and to register, please click here

About Crane Engineering

For over 30 years, clients have counted on Crane Engineering to provide expert forensic engineering services for industrial applications, insurance claims and subrogation and product liability litigation.

Crane Engineering has the experience to provide solutions in the following professional fields:

• Fire and Explosion Investigation
• Propane and Natural Gas Investigations
• Engineering, Consulting and Lab Services
• Industrial Accident Investigations
• Slip and Fall Investigations
• Standards and Code Consulting
• Building Science Investigations
• Automotive System and Component Analysis
• Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction

NACE International (The National Association of Corrosion Engineers) is the leader in the corrosion engineering and science community, and is recognized around the world as the premier authority for corrosion control solutions.

For more information and to register, please click here

About Crane Engineering

For over 30 years, clients have counted on Crane Engineering to provide expert forensic engineering services for industrial applications, insurance claims and subrogation and product liability litigation.

Crane Engineering has the experience to provide solutions in the following professional fields:

• Fire and Explosion Investigation
• Propane and Natural Gas Investigations
• Engineering, Consulting and Lab Services
• Industrial Accident Investigations
• Slip and Fall Investigations
• Standards and Code Consulting
• Building Science Investigations
• Automotive System and Component Analysis
• Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction

The National Asociation of Subrogation Professionals has put together another outstanding educational program with 72 sessions offered. Tracks will be offered in Management, General, Auto, Property, Workers Compensation, Health and Product Liability.

For more information and to register, please Click here.

Please visit us at booth # 312 to learn more about what’s new at Crane Engineering. See you in Orlando!

About Crane Engineering

For over 30 years, clients have counted on Crane Engineering to provide expert forensic engineering services for industrial applications, insurance subrogation and product liability litigation.

Crane Engineering has the experience to provide solutions in the following professional fields:

• Fire and Explosion Investigation
• Propane and Natural Gas  Investigations
• Materials and Process Engineering
• Industrial Accident Investigations
• Slip and Fall Investigations
• Standards and Code Consulting
• Building Science Investigations
• Automotive System and Component Analysis
• Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction 

Please visit Crane Engineering at booth number 1053 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

To register for the event, please go to: www.MDMminn.com, use the Crane Engineering promotional code BZ for a free Exposition Pass -  a $45 value!

About Crane Engineering

For over 30 years, clients have counted on Crane Engineering to provide engineering consultancy and root cause failure analysis for industrial applications and medical device manufacturers.

Please join us for an informative half day complimentary seminar that explains the exciting, revolutionary changes in the automotive market and what it means for legal and insurance professionals!

OCTOBER 19, 2011
8:00a.m. – 12:15p.m.

Who should attend:
Attorneys, Insurance Claims Adjusters and Claims Managers

Speakers:
Introduction by Thomas R. Crane, P.E., President, Founder of Crane Engineering
Mark L. Anderson, Executive Director, Crane Engineering
David M. Hallman, P.E., Lead Engineer, Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction, Crane Engineering
Michael W. McNee, Attorney and Trucking Industry Expert, Cousineau McGuire

Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis – Park Place
1500 Park Place Blvd., Minneapolis MN 55416
Tel: 952.542.8600 | Fax: 952.542.8063

Please RSVP by October 12, 2011 to Carol Busse atcarolb@CraneEngineering.com

In recent years we’ve been pleased to watch our business in forensic engineering, building science and industrial consulting grow into key areas of service at Crane Engineering. With the formation of our new team, Crane Engineering Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction, we have expanded in a field that is experiencing rapid technology change and increasedcomplexity.

Crane Engineering accident investigation and crash reconstruction experts are trained in the latest methodologies for accident scene measurements, forensic mapping, data collection, and photography, all which are critical to an investigation, analysis, reconstruction and successful resolution of liability claims.

Our new service offering consists of:

• Accident investigation
• Crash reconstruction
• Vehicle and equipment fire investigation
• Automotive system and component analysis
• Forensic mapping and data acquisition

We look forward to working with you with great enthusiasm. You may call me, or any of our associates at 800-538-2797 or 763-557-9090

Sincerely Yours,

Thomas R. Crane, P.E.
President
tomc@CraneEngineering.com

For more information about Crane Engineering’s Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction services,click here to download our brochure (PDF).

Rick has extensive experience as Engineer-of-Record for projects from all sectors of the built environment, including commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential markets. He is proficient at performing structural design and detailing with a wide variety of materials including concrete, steel, wood, masonry, aluminum, and cold formed steel.

Mr. Johnson will work directly with Crane Engineering Building Science clients to investigate structural conditions associated with material failures and design flaws in support of litigation and insurance claims. Rick can provide assessments and evaluations of physical conditions that result from structural or planning decisions.  These include code compliance evaluations for structures and environments, field assessments of structures, environments and construction contract performance issues.  Rick has served as an expert witness, providing professional opinions in litigation.

“Rick’s experience as a practicing structural engineer and his analysis expertise of structural materials adds a significant breadth of expertise to our growing Building Science team,” says Stefan Helgeson, President of Crane Engineering Building Science.

Rick Johnson earned a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering at the Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois and a Master of Science, Engineering, at the University of California at Berkeley, California.  He is professionally affiliated with the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Coalition of American Structural Engineers and the American Concrete Institute.

“We are very excited to have Rick on board to address our client’s growing needs in all areas related to structural and civil engineering” stated Helgeson.

Mr. Johnson can be reached at Crane Engineering Building Science in Plymouth, MN at 763-557-9090 or by e-mail at: rickj@CraneEngineering.com

As part of his role, Alan will work with clients to investigate and determine solutions for a multitude of building envelope construction and performance issues. Investigations may include water intrusion and condensation issues related to exterior wall membranes, air leakage/infiltration membranes, roofs and related problems.

In addition, Alan, a practicing building science specialist with a background in civil engineering, has expertise in building construction. Alan has extensive knowledge of building envelope issues and has significant experience in review of construction documents, including drawings, specifications and building materials selection.

His experience in depositions, forensic investigation of building designs, current and historic building code interpretation and analysis will benefit legal and insurance clients nationwide.

“Alan brings to us a qualified and diverse background in the area of Building Science,” says Stefan Helgeson, President of Crane Engineering Building Science. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Minnesota, certification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Construction Quality Management for Contractors.

Alan has also been active over the last 15 years with ASTM International and currently serves on the E06.24 Subcommittee on Building Preservation and Rehabilitation, E06.55 Subcommittee on Exterior Walls. He has also received the ASTM International – Distinguished Service Award. “We were very fortunate to find someone with his extensive credentials,” states Stefan Helgeson.

Mr. Winterfeldt can be reached at Crane Engineering Building Science in Plymouth, MN at 763-557-9090 or by e-mail at: alanw@CraneEngineering.com

PE licensure is the engineering   profession’s highest standard of competence, a symbol of achievement and assurance of quality.

Lisa joined Crane Engineering in June of 2010 and has been consulting with clients in the areas of material failures, corrosion, material selection, manufacturing processes and product development.

Lisa has a strong background in electrochemistry and analytical chemistry. Her “hands on” experience in material and chemical testing gives her depth in real time problem solving.

“We were very pleased that Lisa has achieved her P.E. and we are excited at the growth potential she brings to the organization said Thomas R. Crane, P.E., founder and President of the company.”

Ms. Swartz can be reached at Crane Engineering, 763-557-9090, or by e-mail at:lisas@CraneEngineering.com

“We’re focused on the four key areas of large loss cases,” says Stefan D. Helgeson, AIA, ASLA, President and Principal Architect of the new company, “design, materials, codes and contracts. Other than damages from violent acts of nature, a large loss involving a building is very similar to a product failure.  Our job is to provide the property owners, attorneys and insurance companies with the most definitive identification of cause. Basically, we uncover what really went wrong.”

Often the largest losses result from failures of materials to perform as specified, either due to fault in the material itself, installation, or maintenance. It is also often the case that the issues are complex. The interaction of materials can produce compound results that are not properties of the native material. The increase in cases involving imported drywall material is a good example. Given the right amount of temperature and humidity, nearby copper components, such as wiring, can experience catastrophic failure that would not ordinarily be expected of that material.

Our experts understand the regional differences in building codes, design and construction regulations.  What is acceptable in Atlanta may not be compliant in Minneapolis where serious winters require differences in buildings and materials.

“Contracts are increasingly important in understanding large losses,” says Helgeson. “The basics are obvious – who was supposed to do what during the design and building process – but the resulting assignment of fault requires intricate analysis. Issues such as “fitness for purpose” and “standard of care” come into play. It is no longer enough to design a solid building; new structures are often required to meet goals for energy conservation, maintenance costs, and life cycle durability that are as important to the owner as the design itself.”

Thomas R. Crane, P.E., the founder of Crane Engineering, is excited by the new venture. “Its new, and it’s not,” he expounds. “We have professionals with years of experience in almost every field of building science. We can meet, and exceed, the demands of the 21st century problems that attend to buildings. What we’ve done that’s new is concentrate all the resources necessary and put a practicing architect at the head of the organization whose vast experience ensures the very highest level of service to our clients.”

“The separate organization is an indication of the serious impact of large losses on our economy. Fire, flood, explosion, collapse, and every other form of disaster are impacting insurance companies and building owners as never before.  What’s needed is an understanding of the underlying cause, and a definitive placement of responsibility. I think this is one of the most important things we’ve done in our organization in a long time.”

Crane Engineering Building Science is located within the Crane Engineering office in Plymouth, MN, and can be reached during business hours through the company’s telephone numbers at 800-538-2797 or 763-557-9090.  For more information on Crane Engineering and Crane Engineering Building Science, please visitwww.craneengineering.com.

“Our new business is focused on a thorough understanding of regional and local differences in design, materials, codes, and contracts,” explains Helgeson.  “Building failures often are a result of systemic product failures.  This can include materials, applicable standards and code regulations which can govern specific conditions. The analysis of a loss, especially a large loss, is an exercise in determining exactly what went wrong and who is responsible for it.”

“Architectural firms are known for good design”, continued Helgeson, a practicing architect, “and forensic architectural and engineering firms specialize in areas related to failures in buildings. Few firms put those resources together to span all the issues related to building performance and integrity. Crane Engineering Building Science is dedicated to doing just that for its clients.”

The new company can be reached at 763-557-9090,www.craneengineering.com or by contacting Helegson via e-mail atstefanh@CraneEngineering.com.

Ms. Lisa Swartz, M.S., E.I.T. has joined Crane Engineering of Plymouth, MN, in the position of Chemical/Materials Engineer. In her new role Lisa will consult with clients in the areas of material failures, corrosion, material selection, manufacturing processes  and product development.

Lisa’s experience includes product design and new product development for filtration systems for the semiconductor industry where corrosion may occur during the photolithography process. Lisa has a strong background in electrochemistry and analytical chemistry. Her “hands on” experience in material and chemical testing gives her depth in real time problem solving.

“Lisa brings to us a qualified and diverse background,” says Thomas R. Crane, P.E. founder and President of the company. “She earned a Bachelors of Science in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota, and a Master’s of Science at the University of Toronto, in Chemical Engineering. Lisa’s certification in Solidworks and Fluent software will benefit manufacturing clients in their product development phase.  Lisa is also active in ECS (The Electrochemical Society) and ASM (The Materials Information Society).  We were very fortunate to find someone with her extensive credentials.
Ms. Swartz is the most recent addition to Crane’s technical services team. Mr. Crane explains, “if an object or event is metallurgical, chemical, or electrical we can identify it, quantify it, measure it, and determine its source. The ability to diagnose, analyze and describe is accompanied by a focus on causal discovery. We want to be able to tell our clients what something is, how it affects its environment, and how it got there.”

The Masters of Products is the theme for the 2010 DRI Product Liability Conference. Product liability superstars light up the main stage, while rising stars lead breakout sessions in 18 separate disciplines to span timely product liability topics from big-picture issues to the finer points of products practice.

You will learn from the true greats of our profession at all levels: regulatory, legislative, judicial, academic and the most experienced trial lawyers around. The classic format returns, with a bent toward risk management and in-house issues on Wednesday, a focus on trial practice Thursday and a great ethics program Friday morning. Our lifeblood Specialized Litigation Group (SLG) breakout sessions are spread over the three days, offering detailed analysis directly relevant to your product liability practice areas and interests. A concurrent session Wednesday morning presented by the young lawyers of products also offers an alternative program.

To register for the event, please go to:

http://www.dri.org/open/SeminarDetail.aspx?eventCode=20100200

About DRI- The Voice of the Defense Bar 
DRI is an international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. DRI provides professional information to its members through educational conferences, publications and other member services. It is also a forum for exchanging ideas on current issues of importance to defense lawyers and corporations.

For more information on DRI, please go to: www.dri.org

Take advantage of this great opportunity to network with other fire investigators, insurance adjusters, and meet with vendors to learn how they can assist you with their services.

Location:
Holiday Inn & Suites
75 S. 37th Avenue
St.Cloud, MN
Tel. 320-253-9000

Register at: www.mniai.org

MNIAAI is a chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and is a nonprofit professional organization.

Kerri L. Pacholke 
Chemist

Kerri Pacholke lends her experience in forensic and industrial chemistry to projects in Crane Engineering’s in-house laboratory. She assists with testing and analyses in support of investigations for insurance firms, fire investigators, medical device companies and industrial clients.

Skilled in chromatography, mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques, Kerri performs material and foreign material identification, reverse product engineering, parts cleanliness verification and ignitable liquid residue testing and analyses.

Previously Kerri served as a forensic chemist for area testing firms. She also worked for a major food manufacturer as a lab assistant in a biotechnology development center and as a quality control lab technician. Earlier she completed a forensic anthropology internship at the Museum of Man in San Diego.

Kerri is a member of the National Association of Fire Investigators, Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and Minnesota Chromatography Forum.
  
Email: kerrip@CraneEngineering.com

Crane Engineering provides free ILR sampling kits, which come complete with detailed instructions on how to collect the evidence.

Please contact Kerri Pacholke at the email below to obtain a kit and ask any questions.

Email: kerrip@CraneEngineering.com

To support modern litigation practices, the investigating chemist needs to be not only fluent in analytical methodology, but also ready at a moment’s notice with expertise in a wide range of chemical sciences.

Moderated by Thomas G. Gardner, Ph.D., Senior Chemist for Crane Engineering, this symposium takes an in depth look at the the relationship between the litigator and the chemist, and the tools and considerations engaged in the pursuit of the process.

Sunday, March 21, 2010 01:05 PM to 04:30 PM

Meet our professional staff at ACS 2010

Thomas G. Gardner, Ph.D.
Senior Chemist

Thomas Gardner is an accomplished scientist with more than 20 years of professional experience. At Crane Engineering, he is responsible for analytical chemistry, including characterizing materials, detecting trace contaminants, developing analytical methods and conducting materials failure studies. He is also an experienced synthesis chemist, and is able to advise on matters of organic, inorganic and materials R&D chemistry.

Tom holds a doctorate from the University of Illinois in inorganic chemistry and did post-doctoral work in catalyst chemistry. Before joining the firm’s in-house laboratory, he was a lead scientist in the materials characterization division of a leading medical technology company. Prior to that, he was a chemistry professor for 12 years.

A frequent presenter at chemistry conferences, he lectures on computational chemistry at colleges nationwide. He has authored books on chemistry-related topics, submitted numerous patent applications, and was a columnist and editor for the journal The Chemical Educator. Tom is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Materials Research Society, the Minnesota Microscopy Society and other associations.

Thomas R. Crane, P.E.
President and CEO, Principal Mechanical Engineer

Company founder Tom Crane has gained national prominence for his consulting services – receiving client commendations for his work in failure analysis, fire and explosion investigation, mechanical systems analysis, propane gas equipment evaluation, machine design analysis and system safety evaluation. Tom also leads the way within the company, providing managerial and technical guidance in all areas of the practice.

Tom effectively communicates complex technical concepts to lay audiences, which makes him a skilled and highly valued expert witness.

A respected leader in forensic engineering, Tom lectures to industry and professional groups throughout the United States. His public speaking activities and interaction with his audiences keep him at the forefront of industry issues and technology trends.

Tom is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies, ASM International, Consulting Engineers Council of Minnesota, International Association of Arson Investigators, Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers, National Fire Protection Association, National Society of Professional Engineers, Pi Tau Sigma/National Honorary Mechanical Engineering Society and Tau Beta Pi/National Honorary Academic Fraternity.

Email: tomc@CraneEngineering.com

Scott Sollars has a solid background in mechanical systems, machine design analysis, safety and hazard evaluation, machine guarding, combustion mechanics, and fuel-gas systems and components. He has extensive experience conducting site inspections, particulary those involving product liability.

Scott is trained in asbestos abatement and hazardous material operations. He operates the firm’s analog and electronic test equipment. He also serves as the company’s safety coordinator.

Scott has maintained and managed the on-plant natural gas distribution system and directed maintenance of an off-plant natural gas pipeline. In addition, he has been responsible for designing and managing the construction of HVAC systems, fire protection systems and plumbing systems.

He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers; American Society of Mechanical Engineers; International Association of Arson Investigators; National Fire Protection Association; and National Society of Professional Engineers.

Email: scotts@CraneEngineering.com

Drawing on his nearly 30 years’ experience as a natural gas industry professional, Matt Wilber helps Crane Engineering clients find answers to questions about gas-related explosions, fires and other incidents.

Jeff Pfaendtner is an accomplished professional materials scientist with more than 17 years of experience. He provides expert consultation to manufacturers on materials and processes, drawing on an extensive background in materials development, characterization and failure analysis. He also provides litigation support and expert testimony as needed.

Prior to joining Crane Engineering, Jeff worked for a leading global manufacturer of jet engines, where he developed and implemented superalloy, composites and coatings technologies. Earlier he served as a research fellow at a major university, where he studied high-temperature, intergranular cracking in structural alloys.

Jeff is a prolific contributor to technical publications and a frequent presenter at technical conferences. He currently holds 23 U.S. patents related to high-temperature alloys and coatings. He is Black Belt-certified in the Six Sigma methodology for process improvement and problem solving.

He is a member of the ASM International and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.

“For each edition, the assistance of experts in a field covered by the code is obtained to assist in keeping the commentary up-to-date, to the degree possible,” says Theodore C. Lemoff, PE, staff liaison for the NFPA.

Lemoff recruited the experts at Crane Engineering for the seventh edition of the National Fuel Gas Code Handbook. The development of this edition of the National Fuel Gas Code Handbook was assisted by three Crane Engineering contributors, Thomas Crane, Scott Sollars and Matt Wilber.

“Crane Engineering concentrates in forensic engineering,” says Lemoff. “Their work in engineering and scientific research, development and forensic analysis provided a solid background for their recommendations for the handbook commentary. The process of review involved many back-and- forth discussions of what the code meant and what was reality, and both parties agree that the handbook benefits from this process.”

The National Fuel Gas Code offers criteria for the installation and operation of gas piping and gas equipment on consumers’ premises. It is intended to promote public safety by providing requirements for the safe and satisfactory utilization of gas.

The world’s leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source on public safety, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks.

For more information regarding the NFPA or to purchase a handbook, go to www.nfpa.org.