thomas labus

Courses taught include thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, statics, strength of materials, engineering economics, engineering graphics, machine design, and applied statistics. Research areas include fluid jet technology as related to flexible manufacturing systems for industrial applications, and in advanced excavation/breakage techniques for mining, tunneling, and construction applications. Basic research in the area of fluid jet technology includes modeling and experimental work in the area of abrasive mixing, and fracture mechanics due to pulsed jet impact. Other areas of interest include computer-aided design for fluid, mechanical, and thermal systems. Consulting activities include expert testimony as related to failure analysis of fluid power components, design of automation systems using combined electronic, pneumatic and mechanical components, design of a leakage sensor for hydraulic cylinder seals, water jet integration with single arm and gantry style of robots for industrial uses, and the effects of high pressure processes on fluid properties.

His activities centered on the design and development of aircraft appendage actuation systems. This work included experience in hydraulic devices, ball-screw actuators, controls and fluidics. His experience also included work in the test and development of hot-gas hydraulic power units used in missile control systems.

In this capacity he was responsible for product design, and research and development as related to a line of hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders. Significant accomplishments included the design, test, and manufacturing support of a new line of agricultural cylinders in a four-month period, resulting in $2.5 million annual sales. A computerized order entry system was upgraded to aid in inventory control and to provide a base for computer-generated bill-of-materials. New product development activities included a novel mechanical switch to sense end-of-stroke, new seals and sealing systems for abrasive service, and a light weight, aluminum pneumatic cylinder for high-volume competitively priced applications. Administrative duties included budget and capital equipment expenditure preparation, project management, and supervision of a staff of twenty-one professional and direct-labor employees. Before joining Hydro-Line, Mr. Labus served as Director of R&D

He was responsible for product design, research and development, and quality control activities as related to mechanical seals for fluid handling applications. A computer-aided design system was developed to optimize the design and manufacture of compression springs. This system included graphics, and established a base for computer accessible bills-of-materials. New product development activities included the introduction of a low-cost carbon face material, a springless water pump seal design, an evaluation test method to screen potential new face/seat materials, and a low-cost bellows seal utilizing stamping technology to control costs. Administrative responsibilities included budget preparation, program direction, staffing, capital planning and expenditure for a staff of eighteen professional and direct-labor employees. Prior to EG&G Sealol, Mr. Labus served

At IITRI he was responsible for the overall development and management of the High-Pressure Technology research activity. Technical interests included the development and application of water jets to primary material removal for construction, mining and quarry operations. Hydraulic systems development for high-density power units, valve performance testing, fatigue studies on hydraulic cylinders and other pressure vessels, and hydrostatic test and evaluation were other areas of activity. Management duties included budget, staff, and program responsibilities, and marketing areas included customer contact, proposal preparation, and new technologies/market analysis. Before IITRI, Mr. Labus served as

There he taught courses in fluid mechanics, strength of materials, and presented numerous lectures on various fluid power applications. Research areas during this time included noise generation in fluid power systems and mathematical turbulence studies. Prior to the research at the University of Illinois, Mr. Labus served as

Additional graduate work; an emphasis on high-pressure fluid jet systems."]