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OUR PROJECTS AND SUCCESS STORIES
This section features just a few of the projects and success stories of the
James F. Riordan Company, Inc. (Riordanco) Many of our projects are not
mentioned here because they are confidential. The projects
appearing here date from 1979, when the company, originally named Overnight
Engineering, was founded by Jim and Lynn Riordan, to present.
2003 to Present
Talking Trivia™
Jim Riordan was one of four founding members of Talking Knowledge, Inc. and acted as
engineering director for the development of a hand-held voice recognition, voice activated
and voice output handheld game called Talking Trivia. Talking Trivia is a multiple patents
pending, four-player game. It is unique in that it can also double as an interactive adult
training tool. Our technology can be easily adapted to any number of different gaming and
learning applications including being added to existing professional test-preparation courses
as a mobile interactive testing and scoring device. The experience gained while developing
the voice recognition software and hardware development for Talking Trivia has helped place
us on the leading edge of voice recognition and voice output device development. |
The Sprinter™ Turbo Resonator Eliminator
In 2006, at the request of a local Dodge™ dealer, we engineered, developed,
tested and marketed this device which replaces a stock part on the 2.7 liter Mercedes
Benz™ turbo diesel engine that had been causing, in some cases, multiple failures
on the same Sprinter vans within only a few thousand miles of each other. When the turbo
resonator fails, the vehicle usually ends up being out of service and having to be towed
to the nearest Dodge dealer for repair, interrupting vacations for RVers and workdays
for contractors and delivery services. Our Eliminator has been in service for thousands
of trouble free miles with no failures. Our company engineers, designs and manufactures
"overnight" solutions such as this for many different industries.
Need a solution, give us a call. (877) 746-7326
| SPRINTER TURBO RESONATOR ELIMINATOR |
Order item # SRE-06 |
$139.95 |
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Shipping |
$11.00 |
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Holdstar™
2005 saw the completion of development of the Holdstar Hip Pack, a useful replacement for bulky
fanny packs and hip packs. The Holdstar is now available through retail outlets and can be
ordered directly from Our Products Catalog.
Contract Development and Manufacturing
The Riordan company is presently acting as a contract developer and manufacturer of fire
safety devices, miniaturized transmitters and receivers, construction tools, unique soft goods,
toys and non-invasive medical tools and devices.
2000 to 2003
Sniper Position Acquisition Device (S.P.A.D.™)
Using a patent pending integration of seven state of the art technologies,
this device provides near real time detection and acquisition of the
position of single or multiple sniper locations, providing our snipers or
mobile weapons systems with the ability to eliminate enemy snipers with
little or no collateral damage to property or innocent civilians. The
S.P.A.D. system will prove to be an increasingly valuable tool in urban
warfare, occupation or liberation operations. The S.P.A.D. system
technology is currently being submitted for licensing.
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Patent plaque for
Jim Riordan's
Card It invention |
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Photo Finish
Method of determining winner of Mattel Hot wheels ™ race cars on
track. Presented to Mattel toys.
Card-it
Unique method of attaching business cards to graphic presentations,
windows, desks, computers, windshields etc. Lighter than paper clips
and does not leave marks or imprints in photos during mailing. Patent
issued March 2001, presented to 3M.
Skydiver Drop 'em a Note Pads™
Shaped like a skydiver in freefall, these unique patent pending notes get
prompt attention from co-workers and kids alike. They simulate a skydiver
in freefall and can be formed to make them do turns and other freefall
stunts. Attach several of them together and link 'em up for "relative
work." Hours of fun for kids. Great training demo device for
skydiving centers.
The Pocket Weatherman
Obtain 100% accurate and up to the minute weather advisories from our
portable, pocket sized, solid state weather information gathering device. This
is a perfect gift for any person involved in outdoor recreation including
golfers, hunters, fishermen, pilots, rafters horseback riders, backpackers,
motorcycle riders, snowmobilers, etc.
1999 to 2000
For: FunTodo.com
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The front and back of our
FunToDo brochure,
given away in hotels |
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Project Scope:
Design, develop and implement a website which featured attractions,
entertainment, adventures and events which would be suitable for all ages
and cultures to view. While many dot coms based their revenue model on advertising
alone, FunToDo.com was unique in that we would provide hosted pages for event
promoters, sell subscriptions to parties interested in news letters or magazines
related to their fun interests and sell products related to events or sports as
well as provide fun content to ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and Television Networks nationwide.
Results:
Led team which designed the site, developed the strategic marketing plan, and proprietary
software to run on nine HP quad processor servers utilizing Microsoft sequel
server 2000 OS. Led team responsible for network architecture design with
Sonic firewall, Cisco routers and fully redundant "clusters" designed to handle
millions of users. FunToDo completed Alpha testing and we were working on Beta software
to meet contemporary ISP requirements. Abruptly, funding for most "dot coms"
dried up. FunToDo hung in there and weathered the storm with a great product and
contracts with TV networks waiting to be signed across the U.S. to use us as a
provider of "fun" content. "Dot com fever" mentality resulted in overly
optimistic expectations for dot coms nationwide. Then as a few months went by,
a new fever emerged. "Dot bomb" fever mentality. No matter how great your concept
was, the market decided there was no such thing as a dot com worth investing in. FunToDo.com is presently for sale.
1995 to 1998
For: Beutler Heating and Air Conditioning
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Home
improvement news
"Advertorial" publication |
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Project Scope:
Create a new marketing strategy to help level out the typical peaks and
valleys in the sales cycle of replacement home comfort systems. Design,
write, edit, publish and market the Home Improvement News, a tabloid publication
consisting entirely of paid "advertorials" for home remodeling contractors.
Results:
The Riordan Company conceived the idea for a fully paid "advertorial"
(advertising/editorial) publication which would feature Beutler's comfort systems,
educate readers about the benefits of replacing their systems and would generate
revenue from other home improvement contractors thus reducing Beutler's advertising
expenses. We designed, wrote, published, marketed and distributed the
"Home Improvement News" tabloid featuring roofing contractors, window replacement
contractors and home loan purveyors. Grew paper from zero circulation
into a profitable publication reaching over one million households.
What our client said:
"The purpose of this letter is to let you know that we have been implementing
the marketing strategies you prepared for us. They are already proving to be
excellent marketing tools. In addition to commending you on the quality and
creativity of the marketing strategies, I wanted to let you know how inspirational
you have been to our management team. Your professional yet cordial attitude
has made working with you a productive and pleasurable experience for my management
team. What has impressed me the most is that you have always accomplished what
you said you would do, in the time frame in which you said you would do it. In
my opinion, this is what distances you from other consultants I have worked with on
other projects. Thanks again for your 'global' problem solving within our
organization. I look forward to working with you on future projects."
Al Matthews
General Manager
Beutler Heating and Air Conditioning
1994 to 1995
For: L.B.E. Technologies Silicon Motor Speedway
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Secty Pat
Mercedes sitting in first
PVC pipe mockup for sizing car interior |
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First working
prototype of race car on
full motion platform |
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Fiberglass mold "plug"
for race car
bodies for Silicon Motor Speedway |
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Jim with Rick Moncrief
sitting inside first
molded body |
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Fiberglass body with
with paint
and decals |
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People waiting in
line to drive the
finished NASCAR car simulators |
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Project Scope:
As a stockholder and one of five original founders, Jim Riordan led a team
responsible for all mechanical design, engineering, documentation and manufacturing
of an industry leading, full motion, interactive, near full size NASCAR stock car
simulator for a location based entertainment company. Rick Moncrief,
whom Riordan worked with at Atari years before, was offered the Chief
Technical Officer position with this innovative new company. Rick would do the
electronic engineering and Jim was to develop the mechanics of the car and
motion platform. At the time, the motion platforms L.B.E was planning to
purchase were about $30k each and they would have to be in a six-foot deep sunken
pit or a false floor would have to be raised around the car.
Results:
Project progressed from concept to operable proof of concept model
in less than five months, during which time Riordan set up a full prototype shop
and testing lab, purchased capital equipment, built the "Alpha" frame, and the
"Alpha" full motion platform and hydraulic motion control system.
Riordan designed a proprietary
motion platform which sat flat on the floor under the "car" and provided five
"degrees of freedom." The new motion platform design provided an exciting ride
and yet ended up costing only $2,000.00 per vehicle saving the company $28,000.00
per vehicle. They had planned on $30,000.00 per car for each motion platform
and that figure did not include the special floors or pits that would have to accompany
each one. During the project, Riordan had the opportunity to work
with Indianapolis 500 winner and formula one driver Arie Luyendyke to perfect
proper race car feed back and "feel" for simulator. Riordan's team progressed to "Beta"
frame and built from scratch the patterns for fiberglass Beta bodies from
digitized sections of a NASCAR race car photograph. All work was completed 100%
in-house saving investors hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of time.
After much redesign and testing, Riordan's (ahem, if he does say so himself) brilliant
engineering team members Andrew Letton and Jess Melchor then took the prototype
into full production. The first site of a Silicon Motor Speedway entertainment
center featuring these unique, interactive NASCAR simulators was located in Mall of
America, the world's largest shopping mall. Since the opening of the Mall of
America site, other sites were opened in Atlanta and Southern California. If
you get a chance, get a ride in one. You'll love it.
What others said:
"Jim,
"This has proven to be a classic example of how to 'get it done NOW'. Ready fire aim at its best."
Rick Moncrief
Chief Technology Officer
LBE/Silicon Motor Speedway
"Dear Jim,
"I really admire you as a professional and as a very nice person. It
has indeed been a tremendous pleasure and privilege to have met and worked with you.
"I feel you did an excellent and outrageous development
contribution to the 'project'. Any company would be lucky to have you on board. Take care and maybe we'll run into each other down the line. Wishing you and
yours the very best."
Renay
Office Manager
LBE Technologies
"Jim,
"It has really been fun to watch you take this fascinating project
from concept to fully-functional reality. You're the only one I know who
could manage to create such an impressive final product in such a short
period of time."
John Crump
President
Silicon Valley Productions
1993-Present
For: Sierra Innotek
Project Scope:
Assist in taking new products from concept to marketplace. Start-up
company developed a state of the art chemi-luminescent device and needed
help to design, manufacture and market the product.
Results:
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The Electric Eel laser
effect dart gun
sold to Hasbro Kenner |
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Over an eleven-month period, The Riordan Company guided the product design,
packaging and presentation of Sierra Innotek's first product resulting in an
R&D and royalty contract with a major manufacturer. The R&D contract alone
still provides over a six-figure annual income for Sierra Innotek. Randy
and Steve Palmer, founders of Sierra Innotek are two of the most intelligent
and creative people we have had the pleasure of working with. Since
1993, we launched together the "Max Force Electric Eel" Nerf simulated laser dart gun.
When the trigger was pulled, a camera-like flash device illuminates a
photo luminescent dart. The dart is then propelled out of the barrel
glowing brightly. As the dart travels across a room, it appears to be a
"star wars" type laser bullet. Kids loved it. Riordanco helped
Sierra Innotek and inventors Randy and Steve Palmer get the product in front
of, and subsequently sold to, Hasbro Kenner Nerf division. This toy
was sold in Toys-R-Us stores nationwide and gave the Palmer brothers an entre
into the toy market. They have since licensed two more of their products,
the "Alien Splash Attack" water toy to Whamo and a creative baking accessory to
Betty Crocker. The Riordan Company is presently working together with
Sierra Innotek on other new product designs which will be announced in the
future. The Palmers are a perfect example of inventing for a living. Great fun!
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Alien Splash Attack,
the latest product
on the market from Sierra Innotek |
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What our clients said in their first letter to the Riordan Company in 1994:
"Dear Jim:
"Nineteen-ninety-four is going to be a great year for Sierra Innotek. We want to thank you for your excellent service over the past 11 months. When we came to you in January of last year we had only an idea and a crude
prototype. With your guidance and assistance we refined our product, honed our
marketing skills and have successfully introduced ourselves and our product to
industry. We have just signed a contract to provide R&D services for over
$100,000 this year, not including royalty payments for our invention.
Steve and I particularly appreciate your ability to identify opportunities
and set clear directions. By encouraging us to carefully think through each
step of our operation, we have been able to target realistic, attainable goals
and expectations. More importantly, we now have been provided with the tools
(lifetime skills) to reach our goals. We feel extremely fortunate to have
learned of your services early in our work. Without your assistance, I seriously
doubt that we would have progressed this far.
We will be contacting you soon to discuss another idea we would like
to take to market.
"Thanks again for your help."
William R. Palmer
Sierra Innotek, Inc.
This second letter was sent to People magazine by the Palmers in
2003 regarding our assistance to them.
"My brother, Steve, and I enjoy your magazine. We thought you might
be interested in a story about a unique individual who is one of our
country's experts on taking new products to market and inventing for a living. He lives near us in Cameron Park, California. He has helped many inventors
get their products on the market. Jim Riordan has been inventing for a living
for 25 years. Jim helped our company get started in 1993. He was instrumental
in helping us turn one of our ideas into a research and development contract
which is going stronger than ever in 2003. Later, Jim helped us license our
idea for a foam dart gun toy with a simulated laser effect to toy giant Hasbro,
who sold them in Toys R Us stores throughout the country. We think your readers
would enjoy a refreshing story about this inventor who has not only done well
with his own products, but has truly helped others really make money from their
ideas, unlike the sham companies that promise, but never deliver. You really
should feature a story about him as an inspiration to other creative people
with ideas. Jim used to be a regular on KGO radio in San Francisco, before
moving to Cameron Park. Judging from the caller response he received on KGO,
there are a lot of people who'd like to profit from their ideas. Jim sure
helped us profit from ours!
We hope you'll do a story on him. Feel free to contact us."
Steve and Randy Palmer
Inventors
Sierra Innotek, Inc.
1991
For: The James F. Riordan Company, Inc.
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Jim Riordan's Tab It Tape
Dispenser sold to 3M in 1991 |
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Project Scope:
Design working prototype of Tab-it tape dispenser for presentation to 3M.
Concept allows users to pull out an "endless" tab from a Scotch Tape™
dispenser with one half the width being adhesive tape and the other half being
a paper tab which would accept writing. Users now have a tab which can be used
on individual sheets of paper or folders that can be as short as the letter,
"A", or as long as, "Smith versus Jones personal injury. Exhibit 'A'."
Results:
Upon completion of the prototype, while still patent pending, Jim Riordan
met with 3M and discussed other uses for the tab such as "Sign Here",
"Initial Here," "Please Read," "FYI," and many more eye catching "stickies"
which could be used by law offices, real estate firms, title companies etc.
3M loved the idea and all rights to the product line and trademarked name were
sold to 3M Commercial Office Products Division. The Tab-it tape project
became part of the 3M tape flag product line. (Read the full story in Jims
book "Inventing
for a Living" available in the Publications Catalog section of the site).
1991
For: Barry Rhein and Associates
Project Scope:
Prepare marketing strategy to help a growing sales training and consulting
organization with business development.
Results:
Upon implementation, company experienced controlled growth from
$1,000,000.00 in annual revenue to nearly $5,000,000.00 within one
year's time. Company expanded sales training to multinational accounts
and now provides sales training both in the U.S. and internationally for
notables such as Hewlett Packard.
What our Client said:
"I have known Mr. Riordan for approximately seventeen years. Our
relationship has been both personal and business related. As a San Jose Reserve
Police Officer and as an independent businessman. I can tell you that they don't
come more honest or capable than Jim Riordan.
My business started out as a two person organization, and thanks to the
marketing strategies and business development plan put in place by Mr. Riordan,
my company is expecting to gross over five million dollars this year and before
years end will be international in scope.
He is capable of all facets of business management and is an ideal
choice for turnarounds, reorganizations, and companies seeking to expand. I
highly recommend the services of Jim Riordan"
Barry Rhein, CEO
Barry Rhein & Associates
1990
For: Esther Roberts, RN.
Project Scope:
Prepare design review of new cardiac device for possible improvements.
Refine manufacturing procedures and develop marketing strategy.
Results:
Jim Riordan changed design of the components and the method of operation
of the device to make it more user friendly and to make manufacturing of the
device less costly and operation of the device more reliable.
Devised a marketing strategy for Ms. Robert's implementation.
What our Client said:
"I am writing this to let you know how instrumental you have been in
the refining and conceptual development of my cardiac device. Your ability to
grasp the principles governing the functioning of my device and to assist me in
an innovative approach to troubleshooting such a complex, specialized medical
design is quite remarkable.
"I value your expertise in patent law. Additionally, I have found your
ability to think creatively about alternative ways to approach development of
my design absolutely invaluable! I have a lot of confidence in your professional
judgment. Thanks again for your help! I will be certain to refer other clients
to you as the opportunity arises."
Esther Roberts, R.N. , B.S.N.
1988
For: Harbor Electronics
Project Scope:
Company had delivered a shipment of 20,000 computer printer cables to
Qume Corp in San Jose, CA. The entire shipment of cables was subsequently
rejected for "non compliance with documentation". The Riordan Company was sent to determine
the specific reason for rejection of the computer cables and to provide an
immediate fix for the problem that had brought the production line to a halt.
Results:
Upon arrival at Qume, Jim Riordan reviewed the documentation upon which the
rejection was based. In this documentation, certain wire ends were to be
tinned and others were to be bare. Harbor had sent the cables correctly
tinned, but Qume had failed to send Harbor the latest engineering change
notice showing additional wires should be tinned. Qume acknowledged they
had not sent Harbor the documentation. To resolve the situation,
the Riordan Company took delivery
of all 20,000 cables and our shop tinned the ends under contract with Qume.
We gave them overnight turnaround on enough cables to get the production line
running and then delivered the balance over the next two weeks. Within three
weeks, all cables were returned to Qume and were accepted.
What our client said:
"Jim,
"Thanks for a quick fix to a really big problem."
Mr. Dan Chittenden
Western Regional Manager
Qume Corp.
1988
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Percutaneous
hip pinning
set invented by Dr. Steve
Imrie. We built
the prototypes |
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For: Dr. Stephen Imrie
Project Scope:
Build working proof of concept protype for new medical tool set to be
used in hip surgeries. Dr. Imrie, a leading surgeon in hip replacements,
invented this tool set to enable him to perform less invasive hip surgeries. At the time, hip surgery required the patient to be "opened up" in such
a manner that the patient suffered a great deal of post operative pain and
had a long recovery period.
Results:
Riordanco worked with Dr. Imrie to improve his design and build a tool set which
could be used in test operations. Two identical sets of the tools were
produced. Dr. Imrie first used the tools in an operation on a cadaver to
prove out the concept and then, after receiving the green light, began using
the tool set in operations on live patients, reducing their trauma and
speeding their recovery by 75%.
What our Client said:
"I just used the new tools on our first live patient and they worked
exactly as advertised. Know that your contributions were significant. I
would recommend your services to anyone needing help with their prototype development".
Dr. Stephen Imrie
Surgeon
1988
For: Channel Distributing
Project Scope:
Re-organize the fulfillment, storage, product retrieval, packaging and
shipping department for large software distribution company. Channel Distributing was
unable to fill orders in a timely manner and was experiencing a high rate
of mis-shipments and returns.
Results:
Within one week, revamped storage areas, stocked product by SKUs, installed
mezzanines and order baskets for easy retrieval, installed conveyor system
with automated weighing system, final inspection station and added a computer
invoicing system at final packaging station resulting in a 30% increase
in inventory in the same square footage, a 50% daily increase in product
shipped, a reduction in staff of two persons, and a nearly 75% decrease
in shipping errors.
What our Client said:
"Channel Distributing (formerly Silicon Valley Products), retained
the services of James Riordan, President of Overnight Engineering, to redesign
and overhaul our entire warehousing and distribution center.
In a short period of time Jim correctly analyzed our problems and provided
senior management with a recommended course of action, complete with
implementation strategy and budget.
The new design resulted in a 30% increase in inventory in the same physical
space. In addition, the streamline design of the assembly and order staging
area increased productivity dramatically, enabling us to ship 50% more on a
daily basis with less staff. More importantly, shipping errors decreased almost
75% during the last 60days (Less than 5 errors per month vs. the 20+ in previous
months).
I highly recommend the services of Jim Riordan. He has a keen ability to
quickly get to the root of a problem, and possesses all the background and
experience, along with the tireless energy, to solve it. Please feel free to
contact me if you have any questions."
Timothy R. Leary
Chief Financial Officer
Channel Distributing
1987 to 1992
For: Chenbe Incorporated
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Sit-Right Baby device
holds infants
upright in high chair |
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Project Scope:
Assist with product design, injection mold design, solution of production
problems, product packaging, product introduction and marketing strategy.
Terry Cheney, the inventor, was managing the family's rice farms and had no experience with new
product development or marketing. He did everything we advised him to do and
he has since bought an airplane, lots of other toys and his invention is allowing
him to live his dreams.
Results:
Achieved early market penetration through major catalog chains, then into
retail chain stores, resulting in product sales of well over two million dollars.
What our client said:
"In or about 1987, I went to the James F. Riordan company for help
with my invention, a device to help hold babies upright in their highchairs. At that time I had only a rough proof of concept model. Jim Riordan helped me
to design a finished production prototype. He helped me with the patenting
process. He also helped me to design the plastic injection molds for the product
to enable the product to release easily from the mold. I took the product, known
as the "Sit Right Baby" to a plastic injection molding shop and began production. Jim then helped me determine the marketing strategy for the product.
To say the product is successful is an understatement. It has sold well
ever since the first production run hit the market. Since then, Jim has helped
me from time to time with all aspects of production, packaging and marketing.
Sit Right Baby was my first product and has made enough money to allow me
to have more of the things I have dreamed of. It is still making money as I
write this letter.
I highly recommend the services of Jim Riordan and the James F. Riordan
Company to anyone who has an idea for a new product. He sure helped me make
money with my idea."
Terry A. Cheney, President
Sit Right Baby Products
Chenbe, Inc.
1987
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The CD selector
easy to
load easy to view |
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For: Sidelines Co.
Project Scope:
Help company launch new CD storage product from concept stage.
Results:
Jim Riordan helped redesign the product, changed the material from wood to plastic
reducing cost of goods sold by 75%. Riordanco developed the molds, helped design
the packaging, catalog sheets and advertising materials. After pioneering
sales in the U.S., the product was successfully sold to a Canadian Company.
What our Client said:
"To Whom it May Concern:
"Sidelines has worked with Overnight Engineering (The James F. Riordan
Company) for approximately 1 year. Our association began when our company
was attempting to bring an entirely new product to market. We had no
experience in the requirements of this project including manufacturing,
marketing and distribution. We thus enlisted the services of Jim Riordan of
Overnight Engineering who was highly recommended to us.
Jim's expert advice, opinions and encouragement have proved extremely
valuable and accurate. Jim has consistently given us quick and important
information and has always been concerned with the details of our project. We have also found his methods and personality to be a pleasure to work with.
We have just successfully introduced our product to the market at the 1987
Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. We have a final product, packaging
and literature. Our manufacturing plans are in place, and we are using Jim's
services in our dealings with dozens of companies.
We unequivocally recommend Overnight Engineering and its exceptional staff. We have no doubt that without their outstanding assistance we would still be
struggling to bring our product to market."
Evert Fernandez
David Soberanis
Side Lines
1985-1987
For: Paladin Corporation
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Foot operated
Hand Aid
sold to Paladin Corp, a
leading electrical
tool maker |
|
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Pnuematic Hand
Aid also
sold to Paladin, makes
crimping connectors
a
breeze |
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Project Scope:
Paladin manufactures a line of high quality hand operated terminal
crimping and wire cutting tools for the electronics industry. With carpal
tunnel syndrome on the rise, the company identified a need for a tool
into which their existing tools could be inserted, that could be foot
operated or pneumatically operated. Riordanco was called in to develop and manufacture
the tools for Paladin. We call this, "inventing to order."
Results:
Within two months time, the Riordan Company designed, manufactured and delivered the
first test units to Paladin, one foot operated (manual) device and one
pneumatic device. Riordanco then entered into a contract manufacturing
agreement with Paladin and we set up the product line and produced both
models for them for two years until Paladin Corporation was sold to a German
company which took over the production of the tools.
What our client said:
"Our whole team finds it remarkable that you were able to design and
produce such a functional yet simple tool so quickly. We look forward
to a long and profitable run of the Hand-Aid line."
Mr. Ron Vogel
Vice President
Paladin Corp
1985-1987
For: The Riordan Company
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Light Beer Mug
gift box,
our design |
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Light Beer Mug
gift box
private labeled for Spencer
Gift stores and catalog |
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Project Scope:
Design plastic injection molded bases to convert ordinary beer mugs into
"light" beer mugs that lit up when you lifted the mug making any beer a
"light" beer. This unique novelty item was conceived by Jim Riordan and produced
by The Riordan Company.
Results:
Over the next two years over two million dollars worth of the mugs were
sold through multiple distribution channels. The product was featured in magazines
and newspapers throughout the U.S. It became a part of the Anheuser Busch Bud
Light™ program and became a listed promotional item within their advertising
specialty catalog. Thousands more were made for other beer companies including
Moosehead™. The mug was also private labeled for Spencer Gift stores and catalog
which purchased the mugs 20,000 mugs at a time.
What a famous user said:
"Mr. Riordan,
"My friends and I are having a ball with your mugs at Princeton. You 'lite'
up our lives. Thank you very much.
"Love and kisses"
Brooke Shields
Note: See Bio CEO,
Inventions and Trademarks section for
a great story
about the above quote.
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Musical Mug gift
box
private labeled for Spencer
Gift
stores and catalog |
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Musical Mug
box
first design |
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For: Spencer Gift Stores
Project Scope:
After a successful launch of the Light Beer mugs, Spencer gifts asked us to
design plastic injection molded snap-on bases to convert standard beer mugs
into musical beer mugs that played, "Roll out the Barrel" when you lifted the
mug and shut off when the mug was put down on a table.
Results:
Over the next two years thousands of Musical Mugs were sold. Riordanco private
labeled them to Spencer Gift in their own boxes and then sold many more to
other gift stores in our own boxes.
1985
For: Quantum Computer, Inc.
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| Looking inside the
Quantum hard drive |
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Project Scope:
Riordanco was called in to design and supply equipment and fixtures to
clean parts which were to be assembled into Quantum disk drives, to solve problems
which were causing a high failure rate of the drives due to flying heads contacting
surface debris (measured in Microns) on hard disks supplied by a vendor.
Results:
After investigation, Riordanco was able to find the actual problem which had been
created at the disk vendor. We were able to reduce the reject rate to an acceptable
level of less than 1/2 of one percent, and save Quantum over $200,000.00
in equipment costs.
What our client said:
"Jim,
"Thanks for finding the real problem"
Bill McGeever
Purchasing Manager
Quantum Computer
1985
For: Stanford Children's Hospital
Project Scope:
Stanford Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Engineering Center had been
trying to develop a lock-at-will elbow joint for an upper arm prosthesis
for over two years with little success. The Riordan Company was called in to help with the design
and provide a working prototype.
Results:
Within three weeks, we designed, fabricated and delivered a simple locking
elbow device that was incorporated into SRE's prototype upper arm prosthesis. They
were so happy with the results that Mr. Maurice LeBlanc drove down to personally bring
Jim Riordan a gift from Stanford Research Center on top of Riordanco's consulting fees. The technology
has since been incorporated into their standard upper arm prostheses, a
breakthrough device for upper limb amputees which allows a person to use an
artificial arm with "natural" movements and without the need for a "harness" to
operate the prehensor (hook unit).
What the Client said:
"Your ability to deliver in three weeks a design solution for a project
we had been working on for two years has all of us in awe. I have a special
present for you from our group which I will be delivering to you personally
next week."
Mr. Maurice LeBlanc
Research and Development Manager
Stanford Childrens Hospital
Footnote:
The present that Maurice brought to Jim Riordan was a unique pair of knee
high socks which had every bone in the leg and foot accurately portrayed.
A really fun gift which Jim deeply appreciates because of the gratitude behind
it. He still has and treasures those unique socks today. Through the years,
many of Riordanco's clients have brought us gifts after project completion,
a practice which Jim has failed miserably to discourage.
1985
For: Apple Computer
Project Scope:
Apple had just released the very first "Macintosh" computer and they were
having difficulty inserting and removing floppy disks from their newly designed
floppy disk drive for the new computer. Defective drives were cutting
assembly line production to a critical point. Riordanco was brought in to fix the problem.
Results:
After review, Riordanco determined that the plastic "fingers" on the engagement
clutch were too stiff. In order to keep production going, we reworked all
of the clutches in inventory by building a fixture and tool to remove a slight
amount of plastic from each finger. We then recommended changes to the design
of the "fingers" on the injection mold which cured the problem once and for all.
What our client said:
"I can't tell you how grateful we are for your expertise and lightning
fast solution to what was beginning to look like a monstrous problem."
Robert Hall
Process Engineer
Apple Computer
1984
For: Levi Strauss
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Levi's 501 jeans size calculator
first proof of concept models |
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Levi's 501 jeans size
calculator production model |
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Project Scope:
Riordanco was chosen by Levi Strauss to design, engineer, fabricate, package and ship 2,000 custom Zilog Z-80
based point-of-purchase computers to help Levi's customers order the correct
size 501 jeans to ensure a proper, comfortable fit after first washing and
subsequent shrinkage. Levis needed all of the computers shipped within 120
days of order.
Results:
Riordanco designed and built the 2,000 computers per contract and shipped
them to Gap stores and other locations throughout the U.S., on time and
within budget.
What our client said:
"Jim
"Thank you for helping to solve a major disaster in our customer's stores. Jeans were being returned by the truckload until you provided us with a way to
educate consumers. We are presently re-thinking the sizing numbering and will
use your calculators until it is resolved."
Jane Seamen
Marketing Coordinator
Levi Strauss
1983
For: Exidy Games
Project Scope:
Upon inspection of Exidy's new arcade games on the production line, Jim
Riordan noticed that the coin doors were easily "jimmied" (sorry) to get free
game credits. Riordanco was asked to review the design and provide a solution.
Results:
Riordanco designed and fabricated a sheet metal bracket which
was spot welded into the coin door assemblies, effectively
blocking access to the coin door credit switch from outside. Riordanco
then provided retrofittable brackets for existing games and a newly designed
bracket for the next production run.
What our client said:
"Another great save. I can always count on you."
Noah Anglin
Vice President
Exidy Games
1983
For: Exidy Games
Project Scope:
Exidy redesigned its power supply for its coin operated video arcade games
causing two thousand power supplies to require an additional wire to be soldered
onto the backside of each transformer. The lug was conveniently located at the
back lower corner of the "L" shaped power supply tray, making it virtually
impossible to get to without complete disassembly of each power supply. The Riordan Company was
brought in to see if any alternate methods might be employed to keep the production
line flowing.
Results:
After three days of review, we designed and fabricated a unique soldering
device which could reach down into the nearly unreachable location and allowed
one handed soldering so the operator could use the other hand to hold the additional
wire in place for soldering. We were able to turn around all power supplies within
four weeks time, which included the three days of research.
Footnote:
The crude soldering devices which Riordanco fabricated to complete this
contract evolved into the patented "Solder-Quik" soldering device which
Jim Riordan designed, injection molded, assembled and sold for years.
(Please see the Solder Quik
in our About Us section, James F. Riordan CEO Bio, Inventions, trademarks and patents)
What the client said:
"Once again you have saved us from an untimely and lengthy production line
shutdown. First at Atari and now at Exidy. Thanks again Jim."
Noah Anglin
Vice President
Exidy Games
1982-1984
For: Pizza Time Theaters
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Robotic head
for Pizzatime
theaters characters |
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Project Scope:
Manufacturing and assembly of pneumatic robotic devices and animated characters
for a chain of restaurant/entertainment centers. PizzaTime Theaters was
unable to keep up with orders and wanted a contract manufacturing company to
take over manufacturing of the parts and final assembly of the products.
Urgent needs required startup of production within two weeks after receipt
of order. Riordanco was called in to solve the design problems and serve
as a contract manufacturer.
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Go no go gage is on
left, finished
part to be checked is on right |
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Results:
Over a two year period, Riordanco provided design reviews and design consulting. When
designs were finalized, we fabricated parts, assembled, tested and delivered
products including production assembly fixtures, quality control go/no go gages,
fiberglass molds, flag waver assemblies, robotic head and eyeball mechanisms to
the main location resulting in a fabricated assemblies cost reduction of 20% and
an operations reliability increase of 35% to Pizza Time Theaters.
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Flags waved on the
walls of Pizzatime
Theaters because of our Flag waver
mechanisms. We built hundreds of these
per month
for them in their heyday |
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What our Client said:
"Many times over the years Jim has helped us to turn a disaster into a
manageable solution. I would highly recommend him to any company seeking immediate
solutions for urgent problems."
Mr. Richard Harris
Sr. Facility Manager
Pizza Time Theaters
"Jim's depth of knowledge of many skill-sets and design alternatives
allows him to have a unique capability to literally design on his feet. There
have been times he has been inspirational to watch in action. He has helped us
design many post production fixes which have been retrofitted to our robotic
characters in all of our store locations."
Mike Crew
Senior Designer
Pizza Time Theaters
1982
For: Pizza Time Theaters
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Head clock with face of
abominable snowman or
"Yetty", with mouth closed |
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Project Scope:
To design a wall clock with a bright red LED digital display contained
within the mouth of a plastic molded head of the mascot character for Pizza
Time Theaters, the mouse known as "Chuck E. Cheese". When a customer clapped
their hands, a Schmidt trigger sensed the clap and caused the mouth to open
revealing the clock.
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Clap your hands and
mouth opens showing
clock display |
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After a brief (adjustable length) pause, the mouth closed,
and the display shut down and waited to be reactivated.
Results:
Jim Riordan's original invention, which featured the head of a "Yetty" or "abominable
snowman" was reconfigured to work with the Chuck E. Cheese molded head and was
placed on display in the first Pizza Time Theater store. It was placed along
the wall where customers would line up to place their orders, so the kids could
clap their hands and watch Chuck E. Cheese's mouth open up to display the red
LED display clock. It proved to be an exciting attraction.
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Chuck E Cheese
"head
clock" made for Pizza
Time Theaters. Clap
your hands Chuck opens
his mouth to reveal
clock display |
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Production molds were
fabricated to allow the clocks to be able to be used as redemption prizes in the
game room.
What our Client said:
"This will confirm our conversation of today on test marketing of the
'Pizza Time Head' at our Kooser location. Julie Green of our company will
interface with you on store location and graphic presentation of the head and
will also compile the test marketing results. Harold Goldbrandsen, head of our
R & D engineering effort, will mold a Chuck E. Cheese head to replace the
monster currently used. Bob Lundquist, head of our Country Store will be using
the product for a redemption item in our game room."
Gene N. Landrum
Vice President, Operations
Pizza Time Theaters
1981
For: Pizza Time Theaters
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Lynn holding one
of the
super light urethane
banjos we made for
Pizza
Time Theaters |
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Project Scope:
Pizza Time Theaters was experiencing catastrophic failure of the animated
character in the "band" which played the banjo. They were using real
banjos and the rotating mass of the banjo was causing the shoulder stops on
the animated character to break leaving it beating itself up against it's
enclosure and sometimes breaking the expensive banjos. Riordanco was
called in to find and implement an immediate solution.
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Several finished and
one unfinished
molded urethane banjos |
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Results:
After review of documentation and mechanical design, Jim Riordan found that there
was a large inventory of shoulder parts and expensive shoulder stops, which
would be too costly to modify and would take too long to produce. Instead, Riordanco
designed a polyurethane foam banjo that was visually appealing and detailed and
which could be easily molded using silicone molds and compression molding
techniques. Within one week, Riordanco constructed the banjo mold pattern, made the
silicone molds, and began pulling usable parts. Eventually, every real banjo in
each Pizza Time Theater location was replaced with Riordanco's polyurethane ones.
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We made a die cutter
to cut out the foam
antlers, then fiberglassed them |
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Footnote:
After the success of the polyurethane banjo, Riordanco was called in to
solve a similar problem with the Moose character's wooden antlers breaking due
to the sudden stops of the robotics. We made a pattern, made a cutting
die, and began stamping out styrofoam antlers. We coated them with a
light layer of fiberglass cloth, and delivered hundreds of these light
but strong antlers to the sites. None of Riordanco's antlers ever broke.
What our client said:
"Reduction of the moving mass weight of the banjos and moose antlers has
eliminated our breakage problems with the shoulder stops. Thanks again!"
Mr. Mike Crew
Senior Designer
Pizza Time Theaters
1980
For: BASF Systems
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BASF hard drive
with clear cover |
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Project Scope:
BASF's new hard drive division, located in Los Gatos, CA, was having a vibration problem with
its hard disk drive hubs, causing the heads to contact the disk and crash.
The reject rate for the hubs was almost thirty percent and production was
slowed to a near standstill. The Riordan Company was brought in to
investigate the problem
and fix it. We were to examine the documentation and machining methods
for errors and omissions and to
make enough hubs to keep the production line going.
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BASF hard drive hubs
with concentricity
problems. We fixed them |
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Results:
The chief engineer thought the problem was a TIR (total indicated run out)
problem in the manufacturing of the drive hubs. After a review of the
documentation and examination of the rejected parts, Jim Riordan determined
that the actual cause was a concentricity problem resulting from two setscrews,
which affixed the hub onto the shaft, being at 90 degrees from each other rather
than having three, sequentially torqued setscrews at 120 degrees spacing and
a closer tolerance fit between the hub and the vendor-supplied motor shaft.
Tightening down the original two setscrews caused the hub to be forced off
center on the shaft causing the vibration. Riordanco re-machined the
hubs in their inventory, and continued making the hubs with the new spacing
until production was finally able to reach full volume two months later at
which time the company sourced the parts offshore. The offshore
parts were built to our specifications.
What our client said:
"Oops, thanks, here is your check!"
1980
For: Atari
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Murray Kitchens
Factory when I arrived,
producing 80 cabinets per day of one type |
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Project Scope:
Atari had a contracted interest in a 30,000 square foot facility in
Tipperary, Ireland that had been a kitchen cabinet factory and was (unsuccessfully)
trying to change over to the production of video game cabinets.
The factory, Murray Kitchens, had contracted with Atari to produce two sizes
of upright video game cabinets and a third hexagonal "cocktail table" game cabinet,
at the rate of 125 total cabinets per day. Instead they were able to
produce only 80 cabinets per day of one style of upright cabinet.
The Riordan Company was brought in to bring production up to speed as quickly as possible.
Atari's mandate to Riordanco was to produce the 125 per day of the three
styles or close the factory. The exact words from Atari's vice president
were, "Jim, make it work or turn it into a Badminton court."
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Murray Kitchens
factory when I left,
producing over 151 cabinets per
day
of three types |
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Results:
Within eight weeks time, the Riordan Company led team converted the factory to a new method
of operation, with new assembly areas and techniques. We trained all personnel in
the new techniques, and, after training, selected new group leaders. The changes
resulting in the production of 151 cabinets per day, of three different styles.
The additional 26 cabinets per day was well over the target of 125
that Riordanco was sent to achieve and resulted in additional earnings to Atari
of over $1,000,000.00 per month.
What our Clients said:
"I would like to commend Mr. James Riordan and the staff of
Overnight Engineering (the Riordan Company)
for outstanding work on a project recently completed for Atari Inc.
The project consisted of solving problems associated with the fabrication
and quality of Atari cabinets at our factory in Tipperary, Ireland.
During a reasonably short period Mr. Riordan and his staff accomplished an
inordinate amount of work and met all project goals within the allocated timeframe.
I would be happy to recommend to others the services of Mr. Riordan and
Overnight Engineering."
Atari
Noah L. Anglin
Vice President
Engineering/Manufacturing
Coin-Op Division
"In his time here at Murray Kitchens, Mr. Riordan has displayed great energy,
determination and decisiveness in overcoming all problems. He has not
hesitated to get involved in any work required and demonstrated leadership of a
high order and has established a good relationship with his staff.
We are pleased with his achievements in the short period he has been
involved with our company and would have no hesitation in recommending him
for any similar project."
W.E. Swift
Director
Murray Kitchens Ltd. Ireland
"Mr. Jim Riordan was engaged by Atari to undertake an in-depth
survey of our cabinet making facility here in Tipperary and to recommend
whatever changes he thought necessary in our production, assembly, and
materials handling systems. This had become necessary due to the fact that we
had changed over from the manufacture of kitchen furniture to video game cabinets.
To say that he was successful would be both an understatement and a lack
of gratitude for what turned out to be a remarkably impressive performance. Not
the least of his achievements was his ability to "sell" both himself and his
ideas to an extremely conservative Board of Directors, a task which I myself as
Plant Manager had unfortunately failed to achieve.
He has what I can only describe as a fanatical approach to getting the job
done, an attitude which we Europeans sometimes find a little abrasive, but, after
watching him at work, I can only admire."
R.J. Carr
Plant Manager
Murray Kitchens Ltd. Ireland
"Jim
"I have been intending to write to you for the past two weeks to express
my appreciation (and admiration) for the Consultancy Project you completed at our
Ardfinnan Plant, at the end of June.
The changes you initiated are continuing to bear fruit and will continue to do
so for some time to come."
Jack Murphy
Managing Director & Chairman
Murray Kitchens Ltd.
We invite you to please visit other sections on our site that feature
unique products and projects we have been involved with. Please see
"Idea and Invention Marketing" in our Inventor
Assistance section. Also visit our
"inventions patents and trademarks" page
of the Bio of James F. Riordan found in the "About Us" section.
Please bear in mind that the products and projects you see on our site represent
only a few of the products and projects we have completed. Many of our projects
are confidential and cannot be revealed or discussed.
We hope you will consider the Riordan Company for your next project! We
will earn your business the old fashioned way, with caring, competence and a
satisfaction guarantee!
For a list of our fees for our services please see our
Fees for Services page
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