Workshops for Warriors Secures Patent for Leveling Machines

Workshops for Warriors (WFW; San Diego, CA), a nonprofit school providing veterans free training and nationally recognized industry credentials in CAD/CAM programming, CNC machining and welding, has announced that they have obtained a patent for a device that levels machines on support surfaces. Secured by Fish & Richardson PC, a global patent, intellectual property (IP) and commercial litigation law firm, this device offers a quick and easy way of leveling large, industrial machines that are anywhere from 1/8 in to 12 in off level, which could interfere with machine performance if uncorrected.

The idea behind this device was born out of necessity. Intended for industrial manufacturing machines that are supported by irregular and unlevel surfaces, this device 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 in out of level. Instead of having to manufacture an offset for each of the machines, they devised a unique device that includes a set of very ruggedized shims that lock together to securely hold a piece of equipment. The device locks the foot of the machine without having all of the leveling support structure give way, slide, or move once the machine begins to vibrate.

“With Fish involved, we were able to take what we do really well and leverage our advanced manufacturing infrastructure to create a product that’s useful throughout the U.S. and potentially the world,” said Hernán Luis y Prado, the founder of WFW. “There are numerous benefits to this patent. In addition to fostering creativity and innovation internally, this device also offers a sustainable revenue stream for us while providing training and experience for the veterans who are in our social enterprise. The law firm not only helped us with our IP protection and patent work, but with the structure of the licensing program. They played a crucial role in making all of this happen.”

WFW and Fish formed a pro bono partnership in 2012. “We were honored to partner with them for their fourth patent. Working with pro bono clients is a win-win for us and our client: we create additional opportunities for them to raise money, and our 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 manufacturers. The revenue can go to support the training of veterans in their quest to achieve high paying jobs in the U.S. manufacturing industry,” explained John Phillips, principal at Fish & Richardson. “Our team worked diligently to secure approval and we are thrilled that the patented leveling devices will assist in raising funds for their worthy school.”

In other news, WFW recently received a $75,000 commitment from JPMorgan Chase & Co .for funding that will allow them to provide veterans with quality training and accredited STEM educational programs. “Veterans face significant challenges as they transition back to civilian life and focus on career development. We’re grateful to them for supporting our training program as we work to improve post-service lives,” noted Prado. “We’re helping veterans gain the skills they need in an effort to help fill the more than 2.3 million advanced manufacturing jobs in the U.S. These funds are crucial to helping us reach our goals.”

Founded in 2008, WFW is a 501(c)3 nonprofit school. Their mission is to provide a nationally scalable and repeatable platform to provide quality training, educational programs, and opportunities to earn third-party nationally recognized credentials to enable veterans, transitioning service members, and other students to be successfully trained and placed in their chosen advanced manufacturing career field. They offer classes in advanced CNC manufacturing, CAD/CAM programming, advanced welding and fabrication, and machinery repair.

Between 2011 and 2016, the organization trained and certified 321 veterans with 1,223 nationally recognized third-party credentials. In 2015 alone, 94 percent of their graduates obtained jobs in advanced manufacturing after completing their programs. The school solves two systemic economic issues: rebuilding America’s advanced manufacturing infrastructure and providing a nationally scalable and repeatable model to train, certify, and help place transitioning service members and veterans into advanced manufacturing careers. To learn more about enrollment with WFW, please click here. To donate to help support their mission, please click here.

www.wfwusa.org