President / Glen Barna

Glen Barna received his BS (1976) and MS (1989) in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Barna’s Master’s thesis was focused on Infrared Wireless Telemetry on Automotive Pistons, from which the founding patent for IR Telemetrics emerged.  Barna had 10 years of experience in the power, process, and energy industries prior to receiving his MS in mechanical engineering. He also worked for six years as a research engineer at Michigan Technological University, successfully managing over $1 million in funded research, including development of the Microwave Telemetry technique and another subsequent patents. Mr. Barna founded IR Telemetrics in 1991 and has served as the firm’s President since inception. Glen Barna is a Professional Engineer (Michigan) and a member ASME, SAE, and NSPE.

Mr. Barna is a patent holder for the following US Patents:

  • 8,666,682 B2 "Rotational Torque Measurement Device" dated March 4, 2014
  • 6,999,000 B2 "Transponder Based Microwave Telemetry Apparatus" dated Februaray 14, 2006
  • 5,555,457 "Microwave Telemetry for Sensing Conditions in Enclosed.... Machinery" dated September 10, 1996
  • 5,106,202 "Apparatus for Measuring the Temperature of a Piston.... Engine" dated April 21, 1992

Vice-President / Paul LaVigne

Paul LaVigne received his BS (1983) and MS (1985) in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and then worked for General Motors Corporation as a chassis and brake component test engineer. In 1988 LaVigne moved to Ford Motor Company and worked as a cooling system design engineer. In 1992 LaVigne started his own engineering consulting firm and engaged IR Telemetrics as a customer. Under contract, LaVigne provided on-site technical support for IR Telemetrics customers and assisted in the commercialization and growth of the company. He joined IR Telemetrics as a full time principle in 1996 and has acted as the company Vice-President since that time.  

Mr. LaVigne is a patent holder for the following US Patents:

  • 8,666,682 B2 "Rotational Torque Measurement Device" dated March 4, 2014                       

Director -Electrical Engineering / Daniel Kemppainen

Daniel Kemppainen received a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology from Michigan Technological University in 1999. Kemppainen joined IR Telemetrics in January 2002 and has primary responsibility for electromagnetics and telemetry system design. Mr. Kemppainen spent three years with automotive robotics firm DCT prior to joining IR Telemetrics. Mr. Kemppainen’s expertise lies in the areas of electronic circuit design, electromechanical design, and electromagnetics. He is also a licensed amateur radio operator, call sign N8XJK. Mr. Kemppainen has been a principle engineer at IR Telemetrics since 2006.

Mr. Kemppainen is a patent holder for the following US Patents:

  • 8,666,682 B2 "Rotationalll Torque Measurement Device" dated March 4, 2014
  • 20,090,151,438 A1 "Wrist pin sensing system and method" dated June 18, 2009

IR Telemetrics Support Staff

IR Telemetrics maintains a support staff of 20 plus qualified engineers, technicians, and machinists, affording the expertise for comprehensive in-house design, development, and manufacture of telemetry systems.