Rubber Materials Specialist
About Me
I have been involved in fundamental materials technology research & development, following on from my chemical Ph.D. background, resulting in my being named on 32 US & various foreign patents, a contributing author to two rubber technology textbooks & winning an educational symposium award.
I have considerable experience in all aspects of a manufacturing environment - gained during my 16 years as a plant Chief Chemist.
Selected by the US State Dept. for inclusion on the Fulbright Specialist Roster (Apr 2025). I am now eligible to participate in State Dept. approved technical projects with institutions in over 150 countries.
I have some read/write proficiency in French, Spanish & German.
My Services
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A fundamental understanding of chemical principles associated with rubber & plastics materials
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Recognized innovator in formulating, processing & testing of rubber & plastic materials to meet demanding performance standards at the most economical cost
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Insights into sustainable raw materials & sources
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Factory-floor experience with rubber product manufacturing processes & quality standards
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Cooperation with a wide range of customers
US Patents
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Belt Using High Performance Cost-Effective Elastomeric Material
US 12,275,848 - Issued Apr 15th, 2025
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High Cut/Gouge and Abrasion Resistance Conveyor Belt Cover
US 10,968,041 · Issued Apr 6, 2021
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Adhesion Aging Protection in Corded Rubber Articles
US 10,737,882 · Issued Aug 11, 2020
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Rubber Formulation with Enhanced Fatigued Resistance
US 10,508,196 · Issued Dec 17, 2019
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CPE/CR Blend Co-Cured with Thiadiazole or Triazine Cure System
US 10,442,925 · Issued Oct 15, 2019
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Heat Resistant Conveyor Belt
US 10,364,100 · Issued Jul 30, 2019
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Heat, Flex Fatigue and Ozone Resistant Conveyor Belt Cover
US 10,266,345 · Issued Apr 23, 2019
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Hose Inner Layer Formed of ECO Blended with NBR/PVC
US 10,066,766 · Issued Sep 4, 2018
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Anti-Stick Easy-Release Conveyor Belts
US 9,962,906 · Issued May 8, 2018
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Fabric Adhesion Improvement for Vehicle Timing Belt
US 8,795,456 · Issued Aug 5, 2014
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Elastomeric Blend for Vehicle Timing Belt
US 8,426,524 · Issued Apr 23, 2013
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Fabric Treatment for Reinforced Elastomeric Articles
US 8,192,797 · Issued Jun 5, 2012
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Kink, Crush, and Burst Resistant Flexible Hose Construction
US 8,056,584 - Issued Nov 15, 2011
US 8,030,404 · Issued Oct 4, 2011
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Fabric Adhesion Improvement for EPDM Based Low Cost Timing Belt
US 7,909,720 · Issued Mar 22, 2011
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Track Segment with EP(D)M Rubber
US 7,901,016 · Issued Mar 8, 2011
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Fabric Treatment for Reinforced Elastomeric Articles
US 7,695,386 · Issued Apr 13, 2010
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Kink, Crush and Burst Resistant Flexible Hose Construction
US 7,658,208 · Issued Feb 9, 2010
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Power Transmission Products Having Enhanced Properties
US 7,655,729 · Issued Feb 2, 2010
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Power Transmission Belt Containing Polyacrylonitrile Fiber
US 7,056,250 · Issued Jun 6, 2006
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Power Transmission Belt Containing Chopped Carbon Fibers
US 6,918,849 · Issued Jul 19, 2005
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Rubber Composition for Power Transmission Belts
US 6,669,591 · Issued Dec 30, 2003
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Paper Transport Belt of Alkylated Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene
US 6,206,364 · Issued Mar 27, 2001
Publications
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Named inventor on multiple patents: 32 US, 13 European, 1 Chinese, 9 Canadian, and 2 Australian patent
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Best Paper award (Training Session) Rubber Division American Chemical Society, May 2004
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Authored chapter in “The Vanderbilt Rubber Handbook” (14th ed., 2011); "Power Transmission Belts", pp. 757-773.
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Authored chapter in “Rubber Compounding – Chem and Applications” (CRC Press, 2nd ed., 2016); Chapter 13 "Industrial Rubber Products", pp. 537-578.
Work Experience
Feb 2015 - Mar 2024 (Retired): Technology Manager, Contitech Division, Continental AG - Fairlawn, Ohio
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Managed materials development, problem solving, waste reduction and cost savings projects for all Contitech NAFTA products (hose, vibration control, air induction systems, power transmission belts) and global conveyor belt products.
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Responsible for leading a team of material scientists in long-term materials development, raw material approvals, materials, product and process trouble-shooting, chemical safety and waste reduction.
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Member of task force to integrate technologies of former Veyance and Contitech conveyor belts.
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Directed cross-functional material development projects in plant technical groups.
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Managed compound development for external customers (to support custom mix operation).
June 2005 - Feb 2015: Chief Chemist, Veyance Technologies, Inc. - Fairlawn, Ohio
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Chief Chemist of $2.4 billion global company manufacturing a wide range of rubber and plastic based non-tire products.
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Managed materials development, problem solving, waste reduction, environmental and cost savings projects related to all Veyance products worldwide.
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Led a team of 9 material scientists (including 3 PhD associates) in long-term materials development, raw material approval, materials, product and process trouble-shooting, chemical safety and waste reduction worldwide (or on a global basis).
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Directed cross-functional material development projects in plant technical groups.
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Managed material savings program through alternate sourcing and compound reformulations.
Nov 1988 - June 2005: Chief Chemist, Goodyear Engineered Products - Lincoln, NE
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Managed materials development projects and production technical service functions for the power transmission products business (automotive and industrial belting products).
1984-1988: Senior Compounder, Goodyear Engineered Products R&D – Akron, Ohio
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Materials development projects to support all product lines.
1978-1984: Compounder, Senior Compounder, Goodyear Engineered Products R&D - Craigavon, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Hose materials and fire-resistant conveyor belt materials development for local and international applications.
Core Knowledge & Skills
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Accomplished technical manager and specialist with over 46 years of domestic and international experience in materials technology across a large product range.
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Leader of cross-functional teams providing materials technology support on a global basis, including support for new plant start-ups in Europe and Asia.
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Sound understanding of the fundamentals of rubber technology as it relates to a broad range of polymers/elastomers.
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Recognized innovator in materials technologies.
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Patents, textbook chapters, presenter
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Extensive experience in Production, Quality, Problem Solving, and Customer Support (including military and automotive) from 16+ years as Chief Chemist in a manufacturing environment.
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Directed major materials cost saving projects.
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Experienced in Human Resources management including recruiting, training, retaining, department budgets.
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Over my career I have supervised 19 degreed professionals and 11 co-op/intern students & lab technicians
Professional Organizations
American Chemical Society - Rubber Division.
Ohio Rubber Group.
Association for Rubber Products Manufacturing (ARPM).
Formerly represented Contitech on several ASTM subcommittees.