XRDi has a combined experience of over 120 years in the field of engine research, design and development.  This includes the design, manufacture, development and testing of engines, both two and four-stroke, from 1.5 HP to more than 1000 HP for marine, industrial/commercial, military and high performance/racing applications.

Andy Allen – Founder – Chief Technology Officer

Andy is responsible for leading XRDi in engine and drive system research and development while searching out new technologies to develop, license, or acquire. After graduating from Georgia Tech as a Mechanical Engineer, his career began with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and evolved over the next 35 years to include aircraft, racing, industrial, marine propulsion systems, engine design and multiple fuel combustion technology.   Andy developed the patented multi-fuel preparation & delivery device currently deployed in the U.S. Marine Corp M17 Decontamination Units.  Andy accumulated a wealth of engineering knowledge along with prestigious affiliations with some of the world’s most recognized experts in the field of engine design. Andy holds four engineering patents and has served as chairman of the Society of Automotive Engineer’s Small Powerplant Committee. 

Professional Affiliations:

SAE :

Past Chairman of the SAE Small Powerplant Committee

Technical Committee Co-Chairman for the 1997 Off-Highway Conference

Small Powerplant Committee member since 1990

PATENTS:

6293232 Multi-Fuel Engine

6401674 Multi-Fuel Engine

4926809 Internal combustion engine with rotary valve

4617884 Torsional vibration isolator and method

3999482 Method and apparatus for processing and harvesting trees

James T. Nealon

Jim provides technical leadership, knowledge and services as Engineering Manager.  He has committed his career to electronic engineering that includes design, development and manufacturing and testing.  Jim has a strong technical background in computer hardware design and experience in electronic and mechanical design.  Jim is an expert in engine management and automotive electronic control systems with proven competence in managing projects to completion. 

Education:
B.S. Mathematics - Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA
Electrical Engineering - Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA

Technical Advisory Consultants
 
Dr. Gordon Blair

Gordon is the most widely recognized researcher and academic in the world in the field of gas dynamics and thermodynamics of engines.  He is the former Dean of the Mechanical Engineering Department and subsequently the Vice Chancellor of Queens University, Belfast, Ireland.  His 30+ years at the University were spent developing programs of education and research that have produced a steady flow of highly qualified graduates that can be found at leading engine manufactures and universities around the world.  He is credited with publishing the engine modeling code that has set the standard for engine design and development throughout the world.  

Benjamin L. Sheaffer, Ph.D.

Ben has over forty-five years in the design and development of  high performance two-stroke spark-ignition, diesel and rotary engines.   Ben's particular expertise is in cylinder, piston, piston rings, direct cylinder injection for reducing exhaust emissions and Mercosil engine development.  Ben has seventeen U.S. Patents, received the Master Design Award from 'Product Engineering" magazine, twice recipient of the Forest R. McFarland Award from the SAE for organizing technical sessions and elected SAE Fellow in 1991.    Ben received his BSME, MSME and Ph.D. degrees from Purdue University.