IEEE - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers


 IEEE Madison Section - 2011 Meeting Archive



TQM Experiences in the High Precision Instrumentation Industry (plus a tour of the Bruker AXS plant)

Friday, November 17, 2011, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00PM. Tour begins at 12:15.
Speaker: Mr. Mark Stover
Location: Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center (BTC) 5445 E Cheryl Pkwy, Room Number: 122 Madison, WI 53711. See Map
Menu: Typically pizza, salad, and soft drinks
Lunch Price: $5.00 for members, $10.00 for non-members and free for students.
RSVP: Please register by November 14 online at the IEEE Madison Section events page.
Non-member guests are always welcome!
Contact: If needed, please contact Charles Gervasi or Mark Vincent

Abstract

First, Mr. Mark Stover, manager of Continuous Improvement at Bruker AXS in Fitchburg Wisconsin, will present the manufacturing process of x-ray diffractometers produced at the Bruker AXS plant. In addition, he will talk about how lean manufacturing concepts are being applied to a low volume, high mix production facility. Second, Mr. Stover will take the audience on a tour of the actual plant (right next door to the presentation venue) to see first-hand how lean manufacturing concepts have actually been put into practice at Bruker AXS. A walkthrough of the production floor, including stops at displays of lean manufacturing initiatives, is planned. Come early and eat – the talk will take the first 15 minutes with the tour taking the next 45 minutes.

Biography

Mr. Mark Stover is Manager of Continuous Improvement at Bruker AXS in Fitchburg, WI. He is responsible for the organization’s ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS) and is helping Bruker management learn more about the lean thinking that supports the QMS. Prior to joining Bruker in 2007, Mark worked as a Senior Consultant for Wipfli, LLP a consulting and accounting company with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mark has worked with and for manufacturing companies since 1985 as a Credit Manager and in operations, safety, and quality. Mark is a member of the Downtown Madison Rotary Club and an ASQ CMQ/OE. He lives in Columbus, WI with his wife Kate. They have two grown daughters.

Agenda

11:30 Informal Networking
11:45 Pizza Catered
12:00 Talk Begins
12:15 Tour Begins
01:00 Tour Ends

Tour of the Glacier Hills Wind Park!

Monday, November 7, 2011, 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM (4.25 hours)

Speakers: Mitch Bradt, PE, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Eng. Professional Development.
Rick O'Connor, PE, We Energies Engineering Manager
Mike Jackovich, PE, We Energies Electrical Engineer
Meeting
Location:
UW Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive Madison, Wisconsin, United States 53706 See Map
RSVP: Please register by November 3 online at the IEEE Madison Section events page.
Non-member guests are always welcome!
Contact: If needed, please contact at Mark Vincent, Charles Gervasi or Mitch Bradt 

Agenda

1:00 Depart Engineering Hall
1:45 Arrive at GHWP
2:00 Meet We Energies --TOUR
4:00 Tour ends. Board Bus for return to campus
5:00 Arrive back at Eng. Hall

Abstract

The Glacier Hills Wind Park, located in the towns of Randolph and Scott in Columbia County, is designed to generate 162 megawatts (MW) of electricity and will be capable of powering approximately 45,000 average residential homes. The site will consist of 90 Vestas V-90 1.8 MW Type 3 turbines. Construction began on May 17, 2010, and will be completed by the end of 2011. The project is being constructed by a Wisconsin-based alliance that includes The Boldt Company of Appleton, Michels Corporation of Brownsville and Edgerton Contractors, Inc. of Oak Creek. This tour will include a presentation during the bus ride to the site on some electrical aspects of the Type 3 turbine and the GHWP. While on the tour, a We Energies Project Engineer will discuss the development, layout and construction of the GHWP project, including a visit to one of the turbines and to the collector substation. Rick O'Conor will provide the tour of the wind farm and Mike Jackovich will provide the substation tour.

Biography

Mitch Bradt is a Program Director for continuing engineering education in the disciplines of Wind Energy, Power Electronics, Electrical Distribution and Electrical Safety. Prior to being in academia, he has been a consulting engineer designing substations and wind farms, has worked at a manufacturer of grid connected power electronic equipment (D-SMES, D-VAR, STATCOM), and got to blow up aircraft while serving the the US Air Force. He received his BSEE from Marquette University in 1993 and MSEE with a focus on Utility Application of Power Electronics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996.

Chirps Everywhere: Time and Frequency Analysis of Transient AM/FM Waveforms.

Friday, October 28, 2011, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00PM.
Speaker: Dr. Patrick Flandrin, Ecole Superieure de Lyon
Location: Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center 5445 E Cheryl Pkwy, Room Number: 122 Madison, WI 53711. See Map
Menu: Typically pizza, salad, and soft drinks
Lunch Price: $5.00 for members, $10.00 for non-members and free for students.
RSVP: Please register by October 23 online at the IEEE Madison Section events page.
Non-member guests are always welcome!
Contact: If needed, please contact Charles Gervasi

Abstract

Chirps (i.e., transient AM-FM waveforms) are ubiquitous in nature and man-made systems, and they may serve as a paradigm for many non-stationary deterministic signals. The time-frequency plane is a natural representation space for chirps, and we will here review a number of questions related to chirps, as addressed from a time-frequency perspective. Global and local approaches will be described for matching and/or adapting representations to chirps. As a corollary, joint time-frequency descriptions of chirps will be shown to allow for effective definitions of instantaneous frequencies" via localized trajectories on the plane. A number of applications will be mentioned, ranging from bioacoustics to turbulence and gravitational waves.

Biography

Patrick Flandrin gained his engineer's diploma from the ICPI Lyon in 1978, became Docteur- Ingénieur in 1982 then Docteur d'Etat ès Sciences Physiques (higher level doctorate in physics) in 1987, at the INPG de Grenoble. He joined the CNRS in 1982 where he is currently a research director. He has just been awarded the 2010 CNRS Silver Medal. Since 1991, he has worked at the physics laboratory of the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, in the SISYPHE (SIgnals, SYstems and PHysics) research team. His present research themes are: non stationary signals, time-frequency, wavelets, and laws of scale and complex systems. The common denominator of his research, which is interdisciplinary in nature, consists in the signal perspective which places Patrick Flandrin's work at the confluence of applied mathematics, physics and computing. He seeks to provide a precise mathematical framework for the methods he focuses on, to enable a simple physical interpretation of them and to associate them with efficient calculation algorithms.


A matter of timing: New strategies for debugging electronics.

Thursday, August 18, 2011, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00PM.
Speaker: Dr. Azadeh Davoodi
Location: Rocky Rococo's Pizza
7952 Tree Lane (Beltline Hwy. at Mineral Pt. Rd.)
Madison, WI 53717 … telephone: 608-829-1444
Menu: Pizza, salad, and soft drinks
Lunch Price: $5.00 for members, $10.00 for non-members and free for students.
RSVP: Please register by August 15 online at the IEEE vTools.Meetings event page http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/7601.
Non-member guests are always welcome!
Contact: If needed, please contact Mark Vincent at mvincent@ecw.org.  

Abstract

The components that make up the integrated circuits in electronic devices are nano-sized and number in the billions. Sometimes "bugs" lurking in these complex systems can emerge and
cause significant performance errors. One category of electronic bugs that can occur after a chip is fabricated is known as timing errors. These errors can cause components to slow down and
take longer to execute operations. These errors occur, not because the circuit isn't functioning correctly, but because it fails to operate correctly at the desired speed. The nanoscale
components in the chip are so small they can have weird physical behaviors that can only be detected after they are fabricated. The validation process involves manually opening up a chip
and examining billions of transistors, which is extremely time-consuming. Timing errors often are interdependent, meaning they emerge only when certain operations are performed together. This
means testing for timing errors requires predicting the chip's behavior during a vast number of possible operations and combinations of operations. This talk provides an alternate approach to
testing. Namely: instead of manually opening up and examining chips, developers could simply use data from the sensor components as a compact representation of important areas of the
design that may be causing timing errors. Dr. Davoodi will also discuss special sensor components that can be added to a chip's design, as well as methods to analyze measurements
from the components. The new components will provide custom timing information for a particular chip design, allowing developers to predict, detect and even solve errors more quickly.

Biography

Azadeh Davoodi has been an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison since Fall 2006. She received her PhD and MS degrees both in
Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park, and her BS degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Tehran Iran. Her research
interest is in the area of Electronic Design Automation of Integrated Circuits. Azadeh is recipient of a 2011 NSF CAREER award.

"Storing Your Life" -- Consumer Digital Storage.

Thursday, September 1, 2011, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30PM. Presentation will begin at 12:00PM.
Speaker: Tom Coughlin, President, Coughlin Associates
Location: Rocky Rococo's Pizza
7952 Tree Lane (Beltline Hwy. at Mineral Pt. Rd.)
Madison, WI 53717 … telephone: 608-829-1444
Menu: Pizza, salad, and soft drinks
Lunch Price: $5.00 for members, $10.00 for non-members and free for students.
RSVP: Please register by August 15 online at the IEEE vTools.Meetings event page http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/7603.
Non-member guests are always welcome!
Contact: If needed, please contact Mark Vincent at mvincent@ecw.org.  

Abstract

This presentation discusses the drivers for consumer digital storage, the different mobile and static usage models for digital storage in consumer devices and the resulting consumer storage hierarchy. Important characteristics of consumer storage devices are shown and guidelines are given for how digital storage should be designed in consumer devices. Demand for higher resolution content and for capturing ever greater details of the life of family members will drive increases in commercial as well as personal content storage demand. Sharing of content within a home or over the Internet creates much greater demand for storage since a shared file can be multiplied many times through network sharing. Implementation of a virtualized integrated storage utility into most homes with appropriate ease of use, suitable for consumers, will benefit customers by providing greater access.

Biography

Tom Coughlin, President, Coughlin Associates is a storage analyst and consultant. He has over 30 years in the data storage industry with multiple engineering and management positions at high profile companies. He has many publications and six patents to his credit. Tom is the author of Digital Storage in Consumer Electronics: The Essential Guide, Newnes Press, March 2008. Coughlin Associates provides market and technology analysis (including reports on several digital storage technologies and applications and a newsletter) as well as Data Storage Technical Consulting services. Tom is active with SMPTE, IDEMA, SNIA, the IEEE Magnetics Society, IEEE CE Society (Adcom member, TPC member, Associate Editor and VP Operations and Planning), and other professional organizations. Tom is the founder and organizer of the Annual Storage Visions Conference (www.storagevisions.com), a partner to the annual Consumer Electronics Show as well as the Creative Storage Conference held before the NAB show (www.creativestorage.org). Tom has also been the chairman of the annual Flash Memory Summit. He received a B.S. in Physics and an M.S.E.E. from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Shinshu University in Nagano, Japan.

TBD

SADT/IDEF0 for Augmenting UML, Agile Development, and Usability Engineering

Thursday, May 19, 2011, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30PM. Mr. Marca‘s presentation will begin at 12:00PM.
Speaker: David A. Marca
Location: Rocky Rococo's Pizza
7952 Tree Lane (Beltline Hwy. at Mineral Pt. Rd.)
Madison, WI 53717 … telephone: 608-829-1444
Menu: Pizza, salad, and soft drinks
Lunch Price: $5.00 for members,$10.00 for non-members and free for students.
RSVP: Please register by May 16 online at the IEEE vTools.Meetings event page http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/6669.
Non-member guests are always welcome!
Contact: If needed, please contact Mark Vincent at mvincent@ecw.org.  

Abstract

Many experts state that: a) specifying "all the small parts of a system" and b) correct expected system usage, can make agilesoftware development more effective. Unified Modeling Methodology (UML) addresses the former, and usability engineering addresses the latter.Taken together, they create a systems development framework, capable of: a) specifying functions, data, behavior and usage, b) rapidprototyping, and c) verifying system usability and correctness. All three methods focus on the system, while trying to ascertain context.Correct and complete context requires domain modeling. Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT/IDEF0) is a proven way to model anykind of domain. Its power and rigor come from: a) a synthesis of graphics, natural language, hierarchical decomposition, and relativecontext coding, b) distinguishing control from transformation, c) function activation rules, and d) heuristics for managing modelcomplexity. This talk will explain how SADT/IDEF0 domain modeling can augment, and thus bring correct and complete context to, agile systemdevelopment, Unified Modeling Language (UML) specifications, and usability engineering.

Biography

David A. Marca is a professor for the University of Phoenix Online School. His six books and 27 papers cover e-Business, businessprocess design, workflow, and software engineering. His latest book with the IEEE is "Open Process Frameworks: Patterns for the Adaptivee-Enterprise". He holds a patent in workflow technology, and is a member of the IEEE. David is also President and founder of OpenProcess,Inc., specializing in strategic planning, systems analysis and design, and e-Business consulting.

21st Century Electric Machines

Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 5:30PM. Mr. Hendershot‘s presentation will begin at 6:00PM.
Speaker: James R. Hendershot
Location: UW Madison Engineering Centers Building, room 1025, 1550 Engineering Drive [MAP]
Parking: Free after 4:30pm, Lot 17, between Engineering Hall and Engineering Centers Building.
Menu: Dinner TBD
Dinner Price: $5.00 for members, $10.00 for non-members and free for students.
RSVP: Please register online at the IEEE vTools.Meetings event page http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/6007.
Non-member guests are always welcome!
Contact: If needed, please contact Charles Gervasi via email or by phone at 608.446.1178  

Abstract

The electric machines used around the world for the last 150 years were either battery powered DC motors or grid powered AC induction motors. We will review 21st century machine needs for all sorts of rotating and linear motion applications and how future developments are possible due to new magnetic materials and other inventions such as the transistor. Traditional designs are not well suited to electronically controlled machine (e.g. standard Nema motors were optimized to be grid powered at constant voltage and frequency). To take advantage of the possibilities of inverter fed machines, the entire AC induction motor must be revised, including new lamination materials and rotor slot design, plus different windings in both stator and rotor. We will also focus on the current serious shortage of electric machine design engineers -- The current needs for alternative energy sources is seriously restrained because very few if any undergraduate E.E. or M.E. departments in American universities offer a single course in electric machine design!

Biography

James R. Hendershot is the CEO of MotorSolver, LLC -- the designer & supplier of teaching Dyno-Kits to domestic and foreign universities for the ONR/NSF sponsored Curriculum Courses called Reforming Electric Energy Systems Curriculum for Renewables/Storage, Smart Delivery and Efficient End User. Mr. Hendershot was tutored in the design, development and testing of PM brushless motors and generators by Mr Gene Aha, (the original developer of PM brushless machines for the Apollo Space Program). He was one of the early developers of Switched Reluctance motors and generators. His research interests include developing generators and alternators for wind-turbines, EV’s, and gas micro-turbines.

IEEE Madison Section Entrepreneurs & Consultants Network (IEEE-MSN-ECN) - Networking Meeting

Thursday, April 7, 2011, 11:30 PM - 1:00 PM (1st Thursdays)

Purpose: Special topic: 
Sector67.org -- Center for Prototyping, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing
Sector67 is Madison, Wisconsin non-profit collaborative for providing an environment for creating next generation technology.
One of its members will speak about its concept and funding.
Agenda: Informal networking will begin at 11:30am. The presentation and panel will begin at 12:00 noon. 
Process: Members are encouraged to make introductions, describe endeavors, and make request
for: contacts in target companies, needs, resources. Bring your elevator speech and rolodex!
Location: Madison Area Technical College (MATC) West Campus (Formerly Famous Footwear HQ)  New Location
Room 116 (turn right just inside the main door--past the elevators--end of the hall on the left)
302 S. Gammon Road (at Mineral Point--across from West Towne Mall and Memorial High)
Madison, WI 53717 Telephone: 608-246-6100
Food: Nothing is ordered for this event--feel free to bring your own.
Parking: At rear of building 
Contact: Tim Chapman 608-206-2570



Privacy of Electronic Health Information

Thursday, March 17, 2011, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Speaker: Ken Hartman [WWW] [SLIDES]
Location: Rocky Rococo's Pizza
7952 Tree Lane (Madison Beltline Hwy. at Mineral Pt. Rd.),
608.829.1444
enu: Pizza buffet, salad and soft drinks
Lunch Price: $5.00 members, $10.00 non-members (free for UW-Madison Student Branch members)
RSVP: IEEE members please register online at the IEEE vTools.Meetings event page here.
Otherwise please contact Charles Gervasi via email or by phone at 608.446.1178  

Abstract

This presentation will provide a balanced look at various attitudes about privacy and trust relationships. It will cover the privacy related provisions of HIPAA and the ARRA HITECH Act as well as the specific requirements of disclosure accounting and breach notification. Next, the presentation will cover the technical emerging standards that enable information systems to manage the exchange of data based on granular patient consent preferences. Lastly, the presentation will cover recent recommendations that were made to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT that will shape future privacy legislation.

Biography

Since 2002, Kenneth Hartman has served as the Chief Security & Privacy Officer for Visonex, LLC a healthcare informatics company based in Green Bay, WI. In this capacity, Ken is responsible for all aspects of assuring the security and privacy of both the company's internal IT systems and the company's SaaS offerings. Prior to coming to Visonex, Ken worked as a corporate Electrical Systems Manager for Kraft Foods where he helped to secure the plant floor automation systems. Ken holds a BS Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information Management Systems (CPHMIS) credentials. Recently, Ken became a mentor for the SANS® +S™ Training Program for the CISSP® Certification Exam.This course helps Madison area security professionals achieve their CISSP certifications. http://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethghartman. 


IEEE Madison Section Entrepreneurs & Consultants Network (IEEE-MSN-ECN) - Networking Meeting

Thursday, March 3, 2011, 11:30 PM - 1:00 PM (1st Thursdays)

Purpose: Special topic: 
R&D Funding Sources--a Panel Discussion  with
  • Dennis Bahr, P.E., President,  Bahr Management, Inc.
  • Ron Teeter, COO, Orbitec SLIDES
  • Mark Schultz, P.E., Consultant, Manifest Technologies
  • Cheryl Vickroy, Southwest Regional Director, Wisconsin Entrepreneur's Network SLIDES
Location: Madison Area Technical College (MATC) West Campus (Formerly Famous Footwear HQ)  New Location
Room 116 (turn right just inside the main door--past the elevators--end of the hall on the left)
302 S. Gammon Road (at Mineral Point--across from West Towne Mall and Memorial High)
Madison, WI 53717 Telephone: 608-246-6100
Food: Sandwich makings for 20 have been ordered 
Parking: At rear of building 
Contact: Tim Chapman 608-206-2570

Abstract

This event will kick-off the IEEE-ECN Spring 2011 events at the new West side location.   Cheryl Vickroy of the Wisconsin Entrepreneur's Network will describe some of the government funding opportunities and then a panel of local entrepreneurs will discuss their experiences in obtaining R&D contracts.  The discussion should be particularly relevant for people interested in using government funding for innovative projects

Biographies

Dennis Bahr, President, Bahr Management, Inc.


Dennis Bahr is the founder and president of Bahr Management, Inc., a company that develops and helps bring to market innovative medical devices for use in the cardiovascular, trauma, life support, and surgical markets. He also spends time doing research, such as designing new technologies, developing new mathematical algorithms, and doing computer based modeling. Dennis enjoys being involved with Science, especially developing new ideas and theories. One great enjoyment is developing new mathematical methods and algorithms to solve complex problems that people have said couldn't be solved. In fact, he enjoys science so much that he built a laboratory in his home. Mr. Bahr is also currently a doctoral candidate at the University.

Ron Teeter, COO, Orbitec

ORBITEC was founded in 1988 by Dr. Eric E. Rice, Mr. Ronald R. Teeter, and Mr. Thomas M. Crabb, who worked together at the Astronautics Corporation of America and the Battelle Columbus Laboratories. Beginning by working from their homes, the three founders rapidly gathered talented engineering and science teams. Over time, the company's focus evolved from the expertise of the founders into controlled environments, sensors and instrumentation, advanced combustion and propulsion systems, and space resources processing. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, ORBITEC is a national leader in aerospace research and development. In its first 20 years, ORBITEC has been awarded over $150 million in contracts from government and industry for aerospace subsystem development and integration, including the largest Phase III Small Business Innovation Research Program in NASA's history. 

Mark Shults, Consultant, Manifest Technologies

Mark Shults has spent 40 years in medical R&D. About half of this time he spent at the UW Medical School with one year each at Harvard Medical School and the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Overlapping with this academic career were positions as VP of R&D at venture-funded Markwell Medical in Madison WI (1981- 1999) and DexCom in San Diego (1999 – 2003). He was a 1999 founder of DexCom, a publicly traded (DXCM) developer and manufacturer of implantable glucose sensors. With over 300 employees, DexCom is nearing profitability. Since 2004 he has provided consulting services to academia and industry through Manifest Technologies LLC. He received two BS degrees from MIT in Aeronautical Engineering and Biology in 1970 and a MS in Biomedical Engineering from the UW Madison in 1975. Areas of interest have included artificial organs, medical instrumentation, and diabetes products. He is knowledgeable about a broad array of technologies. He is an author of many scientific papers and an inventor on about 20 issued and pending patents.


Ms. Cheryl Vickroy, Southwest Regional Director, Wisconsin Entrepreneur's Network

Ms. Vickroy has over 25 years of business management experience in a variety of industries. Since 2002 she has owned and operated a boutique consulting firm focused on the commercialization of technology, in particular as related to planning, marketing and financing. Her practice has served a variety of emerging technologies in the biotechnology, software development and clean energy industries. During this period, Ms. Vickroy aided clients in obtaining over $18M in funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant programs. Ms. Vickroy has also held leadership positions in four local start-up firms. She currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Masters in Biotechnology program at the UW-Madison. Prior to 2002, Vickroy served for 15 years as the Regional Manager of a national association. She holds a BBA in Marketing from the UW-Milwaukee and a dual MBA in Operations and Management and Human Resources from the Wisconsin School of Business at the UW-Madison.


Editor's note: Ms. Vickroy is currently promoting the National SBIR/STTR Conference which will be co-hosted by WEN, DoC and SBDC in Madison April 11-13, 2011.
Visit WisconsinSBIR.Org to learn more about this extraordinary opportunity.

Tesla Coil Design and Construction ... and live demo!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Speaker: Dennis Bahr P.E.
Location: 1610 Engineering Hall
UW Madison
Parking: North Randall Street to Engineering Drive to Parking Lot 17 ($$)
Menu: Pizza, salad and soft drinks
Lunch Price: $5.00 members, $10.00 non-members (free for UW-Madison Student Branch members)
RSVP: Please register online by February 14 at: http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/meeting_view/list_meeting/5145
Contact: Charles Gervasi via email or by phone at 608.446.1178

Abstract

We will explore the history, theory and practice of Tesla coils, and experience emissions from a relatively good-sized coil. Come review, or learn about: Mr. Tesla, capacitance/inductance curves/relationships, basic coil theory and its inductance/resonance properties, tuned circuits and frequency splitting. You'll also see: scope outputs, an interactive Tesla coil circuit diagram, and a look at all the major the coil components. Also, we'll review safety guidelines before we experience a live demo on Dennis' hand-built unit. Fun, food, and learning for all.

Biography

Dennis Bahr is the founder and president of Bahr Management, Inc., a company that develops and helps bring to market innovative medical devices for use in the cardiovascular, trauma, life support, and surgical markets. He also spends time doing research, such as designing new technologies, developing new mathematical algorithms, and doing computer based modeling. Dennis enjoys being involved with Science, especially developing new ideas and theories. One great enjoyment is developing new mathematical methods and algorithms to solve complex problems that people have said couldn't be solved. In fact, he enjoys science so much that he built a laboratory in his home. Mr. Bahr is also currently a doctoral candidate at the University.

IEEE Madison Section Entrepreneurs & Consultants Network (IEEE-MSN-ECN) - Networking Meeting

Thursday, February 3, 2011, 11:30 PM - 1:00 PM (1st Thursday of even-numbered months)

Officers: David Marca (chair and acting treasurer), Dennis Bahr (vice chair), Tim Chapman (secretary)
Purpose: Standard Networking topics: projects, needs and resources.
Special topic (varies):  iPhone and iPad Development Experiences
(Note: The above topic has not been confirmed and may be postponed--tentative replacement is Leveraging the Mobile Platform)
Location: Madison Area Technical College (MATC WestCampus)
302 S. Gammon Road (at Mineral Point--across from West Towne Mall and Memorial High)
Madison, WI 53717 Telephone: 608-246-6100
Parking: TBD
Contact: Tim Chapman 608-206-2570

Agenda (typical)

  • Opening Remarks (5 mins)
    Intended Result: Greetings and ground rules.

  • Networking (60 mins)
    Intended Result: We go around the room sharing our name, affiliation, and either: a project we are conducting, a project need, or a resource we can offer.

  • Special Topic (30 mins)
    Intended Result: ECN-related special topic or activity.

  • Adjourn (5 mins)
    Intended Result: Everyone gets a chance for closing remarks before adjournment.


  • Wind Turbine Generators: The Basics (plus tour!)

    Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM

    Speaker: Mitch Bradt, Program Director
    UW-Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development
    Location: Room 1111, The Auditorium, UW Biotechnology Center
    425 Henry Mall, UW Madison

    This evening event is being presented as part of the UW-Madison Wednesday Nite @ the Lab series--see the WN@TL web site for parking and other details.
    • No food will be served--no RSVP is required.
    • For security purposes, doors to the UW Biotechnology Center lock automatically at 7:30 PM--please plan to arrive before then.
    • Should you be interested but unable to attend, please be aware that the lecture will likely be recorded as well as streamed live as is usual for WN@TL events.

    Abstract

    During the years 2005 - 2009, US wind energy installations experienced growth annual growth rates of 20-45% capacity increase. Mr. Bradt will present the fundamental technical background on this maturing energy source. This will include the mechanical and electrical sides of the energy conversion process, a sample of Annual Energy Production estimates as well as the concept of Capacity Factor. We'll take you to the top of a turbine to see the equipment inside--hold onto your hat, it's 100 meters to the top! Then we'll climb back down and follow the electrons to the bulk transmission grid, onto the distribution grid, and finally to your house.


    Capitol Heat & Power Plant Rebuild Project –No Coal on the Isthmus

    Thursday, January 20, 2011, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

    Speaker(s): Al Hagen and Scot Whitney, Henneman Engineering
    Location: Rocky Rococo's Pizza
    7952 Tree Lane (Madison Beltline Hwy. at Mineral Pt. Rd.),
    608.829.1444
    Menu: Pizza buffet, salad and soft drinks
    Lunch Price: $5.00 members, $10.00 non-members (free for UW-Madison Student Branch members)
    RSVP: Charles Gervasi via email or call 608.446.1178
     

    Abstract

    This project proposes a rebuild of Madison’s Capitol Heat and Power Plant. Proposal details: new gas/oil fired boilers; electric chillers; thermal energy storage tank delivers chilled water to the Capitol Building and nearby state-owned facilities. New electrical will be constructed to support the entire project. Rebuild must occur while maintaining current systems. This talk will discuss project conditions, challenges and solutions.

    Biography


    Al Hagen
     is a senior electrical engineer with more than 40 years of professional engineering experience. He is a registered professional engineer in six states. Al specializes in fire alarm systems, lighting and electrical distribution. He has worked with various clients including government, higher education and healthcare. 

    Scot Whitney is a senior mechanical engineer with more than 20 years of professional engineering experience. He is a LEED® Accredited Professional and registered professional mechanical engineer in 14 states. Scot has worked with various clients, mainly in the government and higher education sectors.

     Contact webmaster@ieee-msn.truenym.net