FIRST and the USPTO

[Carol]

I don't know if this can really be considered News, but below is a copy of one of the pics in the US Patent Office 2007 Performance and Accountability Report



With the caption:

Helping the Next Generation — Patent Commissioner John Doll and Deputy Patent Commissioner Peggy Focarino confer with William Dondero, patent examiner and mentor for the Hayfield Robotics Team, at a “For Inspiration and
Recognition of Science and Technology,” (or FIRST) regional competition. The USPTO works with FIRST and many other nonprofit organizations to encourage young people to become interested in math, science, and innovation.

Can anyone identify the team?

The section can be found at (for those of you really interested in patent statistics and quality, which I'm sur eis a limited number)

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com...sg1perfrm.html

[Alan Anderson]

The Hayfield Robotics Team is the NightHawks, FRC team 614 in Alexandria, VA.

[EricH]

FRC 0614, Hayfield Secondary School Robotics Club, Alexandria, VA.

How I found it: That's team 75 in the background. Find events they attended, then search the team list for Hayfield. The event in question? Chesapeake Regional.

[Greg Needel]

Originally Posted by EricH

The event in question? Chesapeake Regional.

yup one of the dead giveaways is the giant climbing wall in the background. One of the distinguishing features of the naval academy.

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

yup one of the dead giveaways is the giant climbing wall in the background. One of the distinguishing features of the naval academy.

I knew there was a good use for that (roped-off, for those poor souls who've never been to the blast that is Chesapeake) wall!

Good eyes!

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by Carol

Helping the Next Generation — Patent Commissioner John Doll and Deputy Patent Commissioner Peggy Focarino confer with William Dondero, patent examiner and mentor for the Hayfield Robotics Team,

There was quite the line-up of VIP's at the Chesapeake in 2007, including many from the USPTO.

Also attending from the USPTO were: the Director, Jon W. Dudas - Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property;

John Calvert, Administrator, Inventors Assistance Program, USPTO
Kathie Kirik Program Analyst, Office of the Commissioner for Patents, USPTO
and Nancy Le, Office of Deputy Commissioner for Patent Operations.

And sorry, the climbing wall is completely off-limits.