Thomas Schumann, Principal Engineer

Thomas has spent most of his career to date as a key contributor in startup companies. He started in the medical instrumentation industry, first working on electronic sphygmomanometers (blood pressure measuring equipment). He helped develop a machine to measure blood pressure while the arm cuff is inflating (rather than while it is deflating). This technology was purchased by American Edwards Laboratories, a leading manufacturer of blood pressure measuring machines. He also developed ophthalmological devices for eye surgery and leading-edge equipment and subsystems for vitrectomy and cataract surgery. These inventions were later purchased by Cooper Medical.

Thomas has also designed embedded application systems for industrial laser welders, gaming equipment, and more. To meet the growing demand for his embedded systems designs, he formed his own firm to provide engineering design services for other companies. He later spent eight years in the telecommunications industry, collaborating with teams to develop new integrated circuits for high-speed telecom equipment. Some of these devices have been integrated into new third-generation systems manufactured by global leaders in the telecom equipment industry.

Thomas is committed to "living green." He runs his Ford F-250 diesel truck on a recycled vegetable-oil fuel mixture and constructed a fuel station to supply the required fuel. He also passively cools his home (instead of using air conditioning) and rides a motorcycle to work.