Workshops for Warriors (WFW), a nonprofit school providing veterans with free training and nationally recognized industry credentials in CAD/CAM programming, CNC machining and welding, announced it has obtained a patent for its product that levels machines on support surfaces.
Secured by Fish & Richardson P.C., a global patent, intellectual property (IP) and commercial litigation law firm, the solution offers a quick and easy way of leveling large, industrial machines that are anywhere from 1/8" to 12" off level, which could interfere with machine performance if not corrected.
"With Fish & Richardson's involvement, we are able to take what we do really well and leverage our advanced manufacturing infrastructure to create a product that is useful throughout the U.S. and potentially the world," said Hernán Luis y Prado, Founder of WFW. "There are numerous benefits to this patent. In addition to fostering creativity and innovation internally, it also offers a sustainable revenue stream for WFW while providing training and experience for the veterans who are in our social enterprise. The firm not only helped us with our IP protection and patent work, but with the structure of the licensing program. Fish & Richardson played a crucial role in making this happen."
The idea was born out of necessity. Intended for industrial manufacturing machines that are supported by irregular and uneven surfaces, the product assists manufacturers who operate very delicate and heavy pieces of equipment that need to be leveled. WFW encountered situations where all of the machines at a particular location were as much as 10" out of level. Instead of having to manufacture an offset for each of the machines, WFW devised another system that included a set of very rugged shims that lock together, securely holding a piece of equipment by locking the foot of the machine without having all of the leveling support structure give way, slide or move once the machine began vibrating. This solution offers a quick and easy way of leveling machines that are anywhere from a 1/8" to 12" off level.
WFW and Fish formed a pro bono partnership in 2012. "We were honored to partner with WFW for their fourth patent," said John Phillips, Principal at Fish & Richardson. "Working with pro bono clients such as WFW is a win-win for Fish and the client: we created additional opportunities for WFW to raise money, and the Fish team was able to work on a really interesting project with a very impressive organization. For starters, the leveling devices can be made by their social enterprise corporation, VetPowered LLC, to earn money or be licensed to other manufacturing companies. The revenue can go to supporting the training of veterans in their quest to achieve high paying jobs in the U.S. manufacturing industry. Our team worked diligently to secure approval and we are thrilled that the patented leveling devices will assist in raising funds for WFW's worthy school."
For more information contact:
Workshops for Warriors
2970 Main Street
San Diego, CA 92113
619-550-1620
www.workshopsforwarriors.com
Fish & Richardson
www.fr.com