Procubed is a technology company founded by Jim Maerzke in 2004 to invent, design and build automated machinery. The contract machine building division is the primary source of capital that has been invested into developing the patent pending LRM drive.
The LRM is a mechanism that when skillfully integrated into a product's design, makes a far better product. The current manual wheelchair, used 90% of the time, has been selected as the first product to benefit from the LRM to reduce frequent injuries. A confederation of resources has been developed with other machine builders to enhance overall capability, including our own products.
"We have participated in BizStarts Preview Presentations and learned how to refine our plans and communications skills. Through BizStarts we have met and networked with people who can help us contribute to the economic development of Wisconsin. All of this help culminates when Procubed is seeking to attract investors when we reach the manufacturing stage."
Procubed's LRM is functionally similar to a combination of standard heavy components such as a crank, a clutch, an automatic transmission and shift linkages. The LRM is 1/10 of size and weight of the combined standard components while having the added advantage of constant torque output.
Market reports estimate worldwide wheelchair market growth of 6-8% annually through 2016 reaching as much as $7.9 billion. Medical studies searchable in the US National Library of Medicine-NIH document an alarming injury rate of mare than half of all manual push rim wheelchair users.
"We are currently arranging to meet with wounded veterans to review the prototype and provide helpful feedback on the design," says Maerzke. "With support from the VA and veterans who are wheelchair users, our goal is to make the LRM wheelchair the preferred technology."
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For more information contact Todd Sobotka at tsobotka@bizstartsmilwaukee.com or 414-921-0909.