About Us
Cylindex is dedicated to enhancing safety and efficiency, as it relates to high pressure cylinders in the areas of scuba diving, medical, fire suppression, aviation, and cryogenics. Our platform empowers employers and their teams by simplifying cylinder inspection management, tracking, and compliance. With a focus on user-friendly design, thorough testing, seamless integration, and most importantly “hands-on training” Cylindex strives to make managing high-pressure cylinders safer, easier, and more reliable.
Cylindex, originally founded as Cylinder Training Services (CTS) in 2012 by Don Kinney, was established with a clear vision: to enhance the safety, handling, filling, and utilization of high-pressure cylinders across every industry relying on them. Recognizing that cylinder safety also involves essential knowledge of valves and high-pressure compressors, Don incorporated foundational training in these critical areas into the array of the Cylinder Training Services courses. These comprehensive training programs standardized inspection techniques, operational procedures, and safe handling practices.
CTS continually sought innovative methods to advance cylinder safety and better support the technicians it trained. Recognizing the industry’s reliance on specialized cylinder inspection tools—often handcrafted by technicians as needed—CTS pioneered the standardized production of these essential instruments. The company not only manufactured these specialized tools but also provided dedicated support to technicians, continuously researching and developing improved versions and entirely new solutions.
In 2024, CTS transitioned to Cylindex under the new ownership of Andy Silverman, who has an extensive background in dive education. Don Kinney, the previous owner of Cylinder Training Services, agreed to stay on as the Senior Consultant and Trainer for Cylindex. Don’s knowledge of high pressure cylinders, fill stations and HAZMAT code is immeasurable. This evolution marked a significant shift, introducing 21st-century digital solutions to a traditionally manual and antiquated industry. The Cylindex app revolutionizes cylinder inspection by digitally tracking inspection histories, technician notes, and maintenance schedules, greatly enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
With ongoing advancements in tool development and innovative educational programs, Cylindex has made cylinder safety more accessible and effective than ever. Today, Cylindex doesn’t just enhance safety—it sets the standard in high-pressure cylinder safety.
Our Talented Team
Don Kinney
Founder and Senior Consultant/Trainer
Don Kinney, our senior product developer and trainer, has been exposed to cylinders and filling since 1985. He started his public safety career in 1990 where his knowledge of high-pressure cylinders and fill stations became more focused and significant. His first formal training in visual inspections of cylinders occurred in 1999. In 2001 Don started to develop training programs for the high-pressure cylinder handlers. He conducted research and built programs for the proper use of eddy Current testing in cylinder valves. He then expanded his knowledge of steel, aluminum and composite cylinders. Developing a specific course for firefighters. That then progressed into different industries such as aviation and medical.
Andrew Silverman
CEO/Owner
Andy has held Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and Instructor Trainer-Trainer ratings with leading certifying agencies including PADI, SSI, IANTD, TDI, CMAS, SEI, and DAN, among others. His expertise spans technical diving, public safety diving, adaptive diving, and dive medicine. He has earned elite industry awards such as the SSI Platinum Pro 5000 Award, PADI Gold Course Director and multiple PADI Elite 300 honors.
Andy has contributed to the development of training materials and curricula, serving as a
technical editor for IANTD and YMCA diving programs. He has also led initiatives such as the
Adaptive Diver Program by forming the Mid Ohio Divers and has held advisory and training director
roles for IANTD, YMCA Scuba, and International Field Studies.
In addition to instruction, Andy is certified in the maintenance and repair of nearly every
major dive equipment brand. He is a Cylindex Educator and an authorized equipment service technician for most diving brands.
He holds numerous Specialty Instructor Trainer ratings, including but not limited to: Sidemount, Cavern, Ice, Deep, Public Safety, and Technical Wreck Diving. He is also certified as an Oxygen Administration trainer and an Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer.
Andy is devoted to sharing all the things in life he is passionate about. This undoubetly includes anything diving related. Cylinder safety is paramount in diving education and Andy is committed to leading and providing the resources and tools to the Cylindex team for developing new ideas in making Cylinder Safety more practical, more effective and more enjoyable.
Staci Bell
Operations Manager
Staci is an inspiring individual whose journey highlights dedication, adaptability, and a thirst for knowledge. As a devoted mother of three, she has successfully navigated the intricacies of parenting, demonstrating resilience and unwavering commitment to her family. Her adventurous spirit led her to embrace scuba diving, where she not only mastered a new skill but also discovered a passion for exploring beneath the waves. Staci approaches every challenge with determination and enthusiasm, always eager to learn and expand her horizons. Her drive to give her all in any new endeavor is a testament to her dynamic and tenacious character, continually inspiring those around her to pursue their own passions with the same vigor she embodies.
Bryan Hickman
Technology Manager
Bryan Hickman AKA the Hitman is an IT guru by day, a creative lighting mastermind for a cover band on the weekends, and to top it all off is a seasoned scuba dive professional. Combining technical expertise with a deep passion for continuing to learn and grow , Bryan has worked across various industries to develop many useful skills that make him an assest to the CTS team. Bryan excels in interpersonal communication, has amazing ability of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Bryan Hickman truly stands out as a multifaceted individual, combining technical skill, artistic flair, and a genuine passion for teaching and connecting with others.
Jammer Hiltner
Creative & Marketing Director
Jammer Hiltner is a creative strategist and photographer with over eight years of experience in content development, media production, and brand storytelling. He has worked across industries including automotive, nonprofit, and lifestyle branding, capturing compelling narratives in the U.S., Southeast Asia, and Europe. His expertise spans photography, video production, and digital marketing, creating impactful visual content that connects with audiences. A certified PADI Divemaster, Jammer brings a global perspective and a keen eye for detail to every project.
Eliza Farnsworth
eLearning Specialist
Eliza is our enthusiastic learning development specialist. Outside of her work, Eliza is an aspiring Mars astrobiologist studying at The Ohio State University and conducting research that brings her from the deep ocean to the skies. Eliza is a certified rescue SCUBA diver and loves taking every opportunity to explore the deep blue. Eliza has over 10 years of STEM education and outreach, having worked previously for STAR Camp and the Douglas Space and Science Foundation. She also runs a space-themed science summer camp for kids in her spare time! Since joining the team in April 2025, she has been instrumental in the digital transformation of the Cylindex E-Learning curriculum and instituting efficiencies all across the organization.