Browse by Editorial Category
Browse by Edition Date

February 2017

Skip Navigation Links.
Expand AeroDef Product PreviewAeroDef Product Preview
Expand Applying TechnologyApplying Technology
Expand EDM Machinery-ConsumablesEDM Machinery-Consumables
Collapse Current NewsCurrent News
Okuma to Highlight the Benefits of Lights-Out CNC Machining at NTMA Plant Mangers Roundtable
Stäubli Robotics to Exhibit at ATX 2017
OPEN MIND’s hyperMILL 2017.1 at SOLIDWORKS World
Cognex Acquires Two 3-D Vision Companies
Energy Industry Manufacturer Transforms Shop Floor
Heavy-Duty Duplex Milling Machines
2017 AeroDef Manufacturing Event Whats Influencing Aerospace and Defense
Allied Machine Offers Technical Education Seminars
ASQ World Conference to Focus on Customer Experience Risk Change
Bourn andamp; Koch Acquires Diamond Technology Innovations
Bullen Ultrasonics Achieves AS9100 Quality Management Certification
Bystronic and Lantek Become Innovation Partners
College of DuPage Held Manufacturing Technology Expo
Emuge and Mastercam Establish Partnership
Fives Cutting Tools and Abrasives Joins Tom Paine Group
Forest City Gear Adds Continuous Generating Grinding Capability
High-Performance Medical Machining
Graco AFD Announces New Applications Laboratory
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology Opens Welder Learning Facility
HOUSTEX 2017 Opens February 28
Hubbard-Hall Adds 1000 Sq. Ft. to SC Laboratory
Turn-Mill Center for Flexible Production
Connected Factory Initiative Subcommittee Makes Progress on Machine Data Interface Standard
Kitamura Appoints AME Dealer
Kitamura Appoints J andamp; M Precision Products as Northern Indiana Dealer
Full Line of Hose and Couplings Solutions to be Exhibited at IFPE 2017
High Temperature Furnace for High Speed Steel Heat Treating
North Americas Largest Linear Friction Welder Under Development
Nikon Metrology Announces Partnership with Bradford Instrument andamp; Gage
Closing Technology Gaps Can Fortify Advanced Manufacturing
ONA Electroerosion S.A. Acquires 30percent of AAEDM in USA
Michigan-Based Manufacturing Company Expands Into New Facility
Optomec Receives Order for Controlled Atmosphere Hybrid 3-D Printer
RobbJack Corporation Partners with MachiningCloud
High Speed VMC with Rotary Trunnion
AM System Offers Productivity and Quality Updates
Steinmeyer Appoints Sales Rep for Aerospace Instrumentation Markets
Fast Machine Leveling Alignment
TRUMPF Opens Technology and Laser Center in Silicon Valley
TsugamiRem Sales to Demonstrate New LaserSwiss Machine at MDandamp;M West Expo
United Grinding Installs 500th EWAG RS 15 Series Tool Grinding Machine
Vista Outdoor Announces Expansion in Lewiston ID
Universal Grooving Tool with Precise Coolant Supply
Workshops for Warriors Secures Patent for Leveling Machines on Support Surfaces
ZEISS Opens Car Body and Automated Inspection Center in Michigan
Expand HOUSTEX Product PreviewHOUSTEX Product Preview
Expand People In The NewsPeople In The News
Expand SawsSaws
Expand SoftwareSoftware
Expand WorkholdingWorkholding

show all editions →

Click here to watch Tutorial Videos >

Workshops for Warriors Secures Patent for Leveling Machines on Support Surfaces



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

< back