Workshops for Warriors secures patent for leveling machines on support surfaces

San Diego-based Workshops for Warriors (WFW), a nonprofit school providing veterans free training and nationally recognized industry credentials in CAD/CAM programming, CNC machining, and welding, has obtained a patent for its product that levels machines on support surfaces. The product offers a quick way to level large industrial machines from 1/8 to 12 in. off level.

“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,” said Hernán Luis y Prado, WFW founder.

The idea was born out of necessity. Intended for industrial manufacturing machines that are supported by irregular and unlevel surfaces, the product assists manufacturers who operate very delicate and heavy pieces of equipment that need to be leveled. WFW encountered situations in which 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, WFW devised another system that includes a set of 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 begins vibrating.