The Inventors Association of Australia (Victoria) 30 Reids Lane Warranwood Vic 3134 HOTLINE: Ph 0421 767 790 . Web: www.inventorvic.com.au Email: mandrgroup@optusnet.com.au

Wed 3rd June 2011 6.30 pm

45 Miller Crescent Mount Waverley

FEASIBILITY

Booking essential

IDEAS CLUB ( BENDIGO )

IAA Competition

Patrick Yii Peter O’Shannessy

Arcadia Lawyers This month the IAA Vic welcomed Virginia Beniac-Brooks. Virginia was a Partner of a leading Australian Patent and Trade Mark Attorney firm with over twenty years experience in the intellectual property field and is now the Principal and Legal Di-rector of Arcadia Lawyers and a principal of the associated Firm Arcadia Intellectual Property suburbs. Arcadia Lawyers is a dy-namic and progressive legal practice firm situated in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Virginia works in a range of areas including property, wills and administration of estates, litigation and intellectual property. Prior to establishing Arcadia Lawyers and the associated practice Arcadia Intellectual Property. During this period, Virginia has advised on all aspects Virginia holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Sydney majoring in Pure Mathematics and Biochemistry. Virginia also holds a Bache-lor of Laws (Hons) from Deakin University where she was named in Deakin University’s Faculty of Business and Law Dean’s Merit List for outstanding academic performance. Virginia is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and the Intellectual Prop-erty Society of Australia and New Zealand. Virginia is also a Registered Aus-tralian and New Zealand Patent & Trade Mark Attorney and a Fellow of the Institute of Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia.

Vice President Patrick Yii gave our monthly Patent Attorney Virginia Beniac-Brooks a real life practical patent problem. Patrick noted that as far as he can remember this is the first time that a real life situation has been presented to our patent attorney and actual products and the reasoning behind the modified product and possible breech of patent has been discussed. Patrick presented the patent document, the existing and past products plus a new modified product which was the subject of the discussion.

Patent Tutorial

Gavin Doherty Chrysilliou Law

Chair Pat & Ray

Guest Speaker Collin McMullen

Vortex Technology associated with the

weather

Problem Corner

Buzz Cousins

Patrick has a colleague who is trying to get around a patent that is being used to try to put unfair pressure

on his business. The patent in question is for a clip which was first patented 17 years ago. The patent has

been sold and a new “updated” patent was under the impression that the modified clip would be suffi-

ciently different so as to not breech the new patent. Virginia disagreed because the modified clip contained

some of the elements of the new patent. After some discussion Virginia thought that the modified clip

could be marketed and if an objection is raised then the original patent should be cited and it should be

noted that this original patent has been allowed to lapse.

The elements of the colleagues clip are contained in the original patent which has now lapsed. The patent

tutorial was a little bit different from our usual “theoretical” discussions and the members also had the

opportunity to ask some question and participate.

As usual, Virginia gave a great presentation to our members this month and many questions were asked of

her. We appreciate the valuable information and expertise the Patent Attorney gives us each month, not

forgetting to mention that they give freely of their time which is just as valuable. Virginia is no exception

to this wonderful group of Patent and Trade Mark Attorney’s that provide this service through IPTA with

thanks to Linda Tocchet for organising the roster each year for the IAA Vic.

Please do not hesitate to contact Virginia with any concerns you may have.

Address: 1 Campbell Street, Kew Vic 3101

P: +613 9817 7794

F: +613 8679 0524

E: enquiry@arcadialawyers.com.au

W: www.arcadialawyers.com.au

Saving Money on Initial Patent and Trademark Services: A Tip for

Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

I have previously discussed that it is clear to me that the economic downturn has lessened the appetite for

companies to spend money on anything not perceived as a “necessary business expense.” The importance

of intellectual property (IP) rights in a 21st century, knowledge economy, however, dictates that individual

inventors and small- and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) find capital to file for patents and trade-

marks relating to their truly innovative products and services.

The above then begs the question: How can SMEs save money in hiring and engaging IP legal coun-

sel? Well, the answer to this question contains many variables related to the specific IP attorney being

hired. Such variables include the region where the IP attorney works (i.e., North rates may be more ex-

pensive that other regions such as the Southwest), the size of law firm in which they practice (i.e., a lower-

priced solo shop, versus a more expensive small firm, versus an even more expensive large firm), their

level of experience (i.e., a junior attorney with a modest hourly rate versus a senior partner with a higher

billing rate), the complexity of the IP involved (e.g., a relatively simple mechanical patent application may

take less hours to craft than a more complex pharmaceutical composition patent application), etc.

The above variables aside, there is one constant in the price equation that I consistently advise SMEs to

pay attention to – the preparation of their disclosure materials BEFORE meeting with any newly-engaged

IP counsel. That is, SMEs (and individual entrepreneurs) can directly and significantly control (i.e., re-

duce) their IP legal cost through careful preparation of their disclosure materials. I have seen $5000 legal

bills turned into $15000 legal bills through the needless “back and forth” between an IP attorney who is

“on the clock” and a client who has prematurely engaged such IP attorney.

So, what do I mean by disclosure materials and how should an SME prepare them? Well, I answer in two

parts:

With respect to an invention needing a patent application, disclosure materials means an SME gathering

and organizing all relevant papers, sketches, drawings, notes, software code, formulations, etc. that pro-

vide the IP attorney with the following information:

o Title of the invention

o The full legal names, addresses and citizenship of all inventors

o The full name, address and state of incorporation of the company who will own the patent (if any)

o A description of the problem solved by the invention

o A description of how long the problem has been around and how have others tried to solve the problem

o A description of how the invention solves the problem differently than past solutions or attempted solu-

tions

o System diagrams showing all hardware/software components of the invention

o Flowcharts illustrating the steps of the invention

o A list any known Web sites, publications, patents, products, services, etc. that are relevant to the subject

matter of the invention

o A description of how the invention relates to the launch of a new product or service

o Dates the invention was (or will be): first conceived; implemented as a pilot or otherwise used in the

public domain; reduced to actual practice; the subject of a publication or public disclosure; sold or offered

for sale; and/or internally exploited

With respect to a mark or logo needing a trademark application, disclosure materials means an SME

gathering and organizing the following information to provide to the IP attorney:

o A description of the mark

o The full name, address and state of incorporation of the entity who will own the trademark

o A description of all the types of products and/or services with which the mark is actually used or will be

used

o Date of any first sale of goods bearing the mark in interstate commerce

o Copies of any specimens showing the mark as it is currently (or will be) used on or in connection with

the goods or services

o A description of how the mark is actually used or intended to be used

In sum, a prepared and organized client is a happy client (i.e., one who receives efficient IP legal services and a reasonable legal bill from their IP attorney, and is consequently glad to pay that reasonable bill)!

Sponsor of the IAA Vic

Member Only Competition 2011

56 Smedley Rd. Park Orchards Vic 3114

T: 03 9876 2860 M: 0408 994 040

E: gary@ghproductions.com.au W 1: www.ghproductions.com.au W2: www.ipresent.com.au

Appreciation Award

This month’s Appreciation Award goes to Treas-urer, Ron Porteous and Public Officer Frank Bishop.

On behalf of the committee and members, I would like to thank both Ron Porteous and Frank Bishop for all the work you perform each and every month, year in and year out to the IAA Vic. Not only do they perform their designated duties on the night, but much goes on behind the scenes each month. Both Ron and Frank have been com-mittee members for many years. They are valuable members and respected highly as individuals. Each one has their duties to perform and they perform them very well. We couldn’t run our Association as efficiently as we do without their contribution.

Each week, Ron attends to the website, incoming mail by sorting and responding accordingly, either passing on to Ray as Secretary or to Debbie as President. Ron receives payments from new members, sends receipts, updates the ever changing members list and no doubt, there are more tasks that Ron attends to that I am unaware of. This asso-ciation could not run as efficiently as it does without the consistent input and hard work given by Ron.

Frank Bishop is the IAA Vic’s Public Officer. Frank is thanked particularly this month for attending to the gift of a legacy, we received through a thankful person that passed away last year. This person left a legacy for the IAA Vic and the Young Inventors Association. Frank had been given the task by Ray to attend to this delicate matter. Frank’s quiet personality, along with his gentle manner has approached this task with total efficiency. Frank has been able to define the legacy for us in easy to understand language. Frank will give us details of this legacy that are only allow-able by the Trust, to members at a later date. Frank also attends to any mail that is needs his expertise in patience!

Frank also attends to the catering for the monthly meetings and we do look forward to the delicious hot and cold foods that are on Frank’s Menu! Networking time is most enjoyable as a result of Frank’s efforts in the kitchen Thank you Frank!

From the President

Bendigo Inventors Award – Under 18 Category

Debbie contacted 41 secondary schools either in person or posted the relevant information Peter and Carolyn had given her regarding the under 18’s Bendigo Inventor Awards last month.

Hopefully, the VCE Coordinators of the selected secondary schools will be enthusiastic about this oppor-tunity offered to their senior students and inspire those suitable applicants to get ‘cracking’ with any in-ventive or innovative ideas they may have and register by the closing date of the competition.

Debbie also encouraged each member to take one of the brochures to deliver to a secondary school in their own area to advertise the Bendigo Inventor Award, particularly noting the Under 18 Category. One member took 3! The remaining ‘show bags’ from last month’s meeting were given out to members.

Guest Speaker

E.T. (Ted) Parrott - Nuclear Radiation

Ted was introduced to our members by Ray and he began his presentation by giving us some background on his un-intentional exposure to radiation. Ted was first exposed to radiation in 1969 whilst surveying an area near Maralinga, when leaving, flying through atomic clouds and joked that to his knowledge, he is still alive! Ted reckons at that point he was an ‘expert’ on radiation. “I spilled my guts to some-one at the CSIRO and my ‘expertise’ lasted until this per-son received his PHD on my information”. After Ted left his job working for the Government he went to work for a private instrument company working on nuclear density gauges and nuclear weighing.

Ted gave our members the inside story to the building of his equipment, the testing of the products and the safety analysis that started with one document ending in a 4 part document with 850 pages that barely sat-isfied the Americans. The Russians read the document and approved it within a week. Ted has much more to share with us as he has three companies that can ‘educate’ us with and indicated that he would love to share more interesting facts and figures with us at another time.

Nuclear Australia is a specialized company providing radiation based products and engineering services to the medical, industrial, border security and research industry sectors. Nuclear Australia is a proud partner of RADOS and MGP Technologies, bringing high quality, state of the art nuclear radiation based equip-ment to the Australian market place. Nuclear Australia supports industry throughout Australasia in all as-pects of their radiation based needs. Key industries include laboratories, hospitals and manufacturing in-dustries which include pulp and paper, cement, steel & aluminium, food & beverage, chemical, mining and plastics.

Ted was asked whether he knew much about the radiation in Fukushima. Members wanted to hear more naturally and this meant we would be running over time with the meeting. Ten minutes was about all the time we could give him due to the lateness of the hour. Ted said this was enough time to cover the barest and simplest explanation.

One of Ted’s specialties is with measuring equipment and part of this equipment range is measuring radia-tion which is more complex than most people realise including the Japanese responsible for surveying the fallout from the Fukushima reactor accident.

Ted began this part of his talk by explaining that the nuclear reactors in Japan used uranium 235 as the main material which breaks down and produces heat. The daughter isotopes from the fission reaction are Strontium 90, Cesium237 and Iodine 131.

He explained that if the metal casing of the spent uranium fuel rods melts which may have happened in Japan and exposes the uranium to air it will flare like burning magnesium which cannot be put out. If water is used it sucks out the oxygen to produce uranium oxide which sends off a cloud of hydrogen so it is very nasty material. As it burns it gives off a cloud of oxides which contains U235, U238, Strontium 90, Iodine 131 Cesium 137 and other minor amounts of nasty chemicals.

Uranium as it is heavy quickly sinks to the ground and over a fairly short period becomes buried and as it is an alpha emitter it is very hard to detect. The Japanese have concentrated on Iodine levels because it is the easiest of the pollutants with a half life of only 8 days. The body can be protected by ingesting iodine tablets which is important for younger persons and less important for older persons. Strontium can find it's

Cesium is a gamma emitter and easy to detect, efforts should be concentrated on using this one for measurement of contamination.

There are two types of measurement: “Field Strength” and “contamination” which are very different. Gen-eral industry in Japan is not skilled in the measurement of radiation and there is a shortage of skilled en-gineers and technicians to meet the need to monitor their products so that the rest of the world who buy them are not buying contaminated products. Importers of Japanese products have expressed their con-cern about this.

Ted’s company has sent personnel to Japan to teach a group of inspectors how to measure radiation so that ultimately their exports will be acceptable. He indicated that there is a huge demand for measuring equipment because importers want to be sure that their products arrive without radiation.

He gave us an example of a copper tube producer who did not know if the contamination was on the out-side of his product in the yard or if it had been introduced into the furnace with his raw materials which could cause all his product to be buried if nobody wanted to buy it.

Ted said that although there is a massive worldwide fear of radiation he did not think it was a very big health issue because of the relatively small amount of radioactive material being emitted. A sievert is a measure of the amount of radiation absorbed by tissue. A normal person is allowed by law to receive up to 1000 microsievert of radiation above normal background levels each year which is about equivalent to three chest xrays, but the workers in nuclear industry are allowed 20,000 microsieverts each year over five years and up to 50,000 microsieverts in any one year so the amount of radiation on products coming from Japan is comparatively harmless. Foot note: Toyota are surveying one car in a hundred and advertising how diligent they are. This is a cosmetic advertising confidence trick. If surveying is to be effective it must cover all product for you don't know which one is contaminated and random selection means massive acceptance.

Thank you Ted for an informative presentation and for more information, please contact: The ADM

Group

A: 27 Cumberland Drive

Seaford Vic 3198

P: +61 3 8770 6500

E: ted@theadmgroup.com.au

W: www.theadmgroup.com.au

Please order the DVD of Ted’s very interesting presentation and the remainder of the meeting through

Ray Rabanin by email: mandrgroup@optusnet.com.au or phone Hotline: 0421 767 790

Norm Ladson was chair for this month’s meeting. Norm expressed his enjoyment of still chairing a meeting in spite of his 10 years as the former President of the IAA Vic. Norm has a natural, easy style and manner along with the ability to put eve-ryone at ease.

Norm gave us an update on his most recent product that is on the market and is selling extremely well. ‘Click to Pipe’ is the latest product. Norm has both 12mm & 18mm sizes and this product proves to be an easy way to connect and disconnect a hose to your water tank.

When the floods hit Melbourne a month or so ago, 120 pumps were sold in a day. The 18mm fit-

ting that Norm has developed has doubled in sales as a result. Norm acknowledged Ray Rabanin

and thanked him for his help in producing the die for Norm’s newest product.

Norm instigated an overall discussion about the inside story on marketing strategies and price

matching between Bunnings and Mitre 10 stores. Many questions were being asked of Norm as

he is a manufacturer selling his products to stores like Bunnings. Norm has the experience and

knowledge to pass this information on to members.

Norm’s inventing career started with a problem many years ago when he had difficulty with un-

blocking a drain. He had thought of a solution to make the job easier. He devised a nozzle to fit

on to the end of a hose which sprayed water at high pressure on an angle hitting sides of the drain

and therefore, with the nozzle attached to the hose, it cleaned the pipe like new. It worked bril-

liantly, removing all the dirt and grease.

Listed below are just a few of the products invented and developed by Norm.

Drip Stop Poly Tube Quick Connector

The hose is clamped in behind the long barb to hold it tightly. The O-ring seals the hose fitting to

the garden hose.

Drip Stop Trigger Adaptor

Double click in O-rings Inner and outer rubber seals on 20 mm BSP thread to trigger spray. An

easy hand tighten 20mm adaptor.

Add A Tap 15mm

At last the change you’ve been waiting for! Why waste time having to continually change hose tap

connections? Have two hose taps connected to mains water pressure at all times.

Please take time and view Norm’s website with all of his inventing history and products he has on

offer and contact him for product information or sales.

Norm Ladson

M: 0419 378 467

E: norm@ladco.com.au

http://www.ladco.com.au/products.htm

IAA Vic Inventor of the Month Competition

The X Piles Rob Wallace

Regular members might remember Feasibility Committee member Rob Wallace speaking about tank gauges or his Flying Carpet Aircraft Boarding system but this time Rob’s presentation was about bridges, more particularly about steel piles.

Rob started off his power point presentation with photos of some of the 200 odd bridges that he had designed and constructed in different parts of Australia. They ranged from pedestrian suspension bridges in the Snowy Mountains, a steel bridge with tubular columns in northern NSW, precast modular concrete bridges that could be put together in days rather than weeks or months in the Riverina, to an olde-worlde stylish award-winning footbridge over the Ovens River at Wangaratta. Not surprisingly Rob’s designs contained numerous innovations, including precast concrete decking, steel girders, guard railing, but the theme for tonight was piles. Many, if not most of the bridges Rob designed and constructed were supported on piles, whether timber, concrete or steel.

Normal construction practice is for pile lengths to be estimated by the designer following a geotechnical investigation which pre-dicts the depth necessary to achieve adequate load capacity. Bore holes are drilled, soil samples are taken, and laboratory tests are made. If bedrock is present then it is more definite, but of course the bedrock level can vary across the site. However in most cases the rock strata is too deep and the piles are driven (hammered) down into the earth until they develop sufficient load capacity sim-ply by friction. It is an inexact science so piling contractors usually order piles slightly longer as it is easier and cheaper to cut off a pile rather than lengthen it.

It was the Wangaratta footbridge where Rob had to face the fact that the steel piles failed to reach anywhere near their specified capacity and had to be extended. As might be expected, pile splicing devices have been developed and produced, and Rob showed brochures of commercially available patented bayonet style of splicing devices for both timber and concrete. But when it comes to splicing steel H piles, no splices exist because, unlike timber and concrete, steel piles can “just” be simply welded together.

The word “just” covers a multitude of sins, but welding requires careful grinding of bevels, followed by multiple weld passes along each edge while the pile is held in place by the piling rig. Screens must be put in place to protect eyes, and sparks from causing fire. A splice takes hours, not minutes. Costly too, not only for a couple of tradesmen welders, but mainly the cost of the pile-driver and crew standing by at hundreds of dollars per hour.

Standing on the bank watching, waiting, counting the cost Rob said that he began to think that there must be a better way. Too late for this project but obviously there must be a worldwide need -surely it should be possible to device a practical steel splice. How-ever, it was elusive; all of the solutions that came to mind for the commonly used steel H section had shortcomings. Thinking out-side the square, Rob started to look at the possibility of coming up with a different profile. In the back of his mind Rob felt that a profile that was inherently able to be lapped would be a distinct advantage.

The first thing that came to mind was the familiar steel fence post (star picket) with 3 radial ribs, a sort section of which Rob showed to the audience. Then followed a series of diagrams illustrating the variations on this theme that evolved. Instead of being parallel the ribs could be tapered, thicker at the edges. This meant that the faces formed planes which intersected at a central point, thus enabling a snug fit when lapped. Also the thicker edges were less susceptible to damage during transport, handling and driv-ing, and provided higher bending strength overall.

Alternatively, rather than tapered ribs, returned edges would provide even better strength. Lap splicing was still possible but only by reversing each section. However, this profile would be difficult to hot roll. Curving the three ribs might simplify manufacture but other problems remain. However, curving gives rise to the possibility of two ribs formed into an S shape. Moreover it could be rolled from a single steel sheet. A significant disadvantage is that it is not symmetrical, and hence weaker in one direction than the other.

Three ribs, two ribs, why not four ribs, an X shape? At first lapping seemed problematical but by creating a slight offset the faces of the ribs intersect at a central point. This made lapping easy, the joint was self-aligning and immediately stable as soon as the ends “mated”. Completion of the joint by bolting through pre-punched holes would be straightforward and speedy. Better still, angle cleats could be welded near the ends to provide solid abutments to transmit the high axial loads, instead of relying solely on the bolts.

This looked promising but the “icing on the cake” was the realization that the X section could be fabricated from standard heavy

steel angles. A pair of angles 200 x 200 mm x 13 mm thick weighing 80 Kg/m was the equivalent of the common 310UBP H Pile

section weighing 79 Kg/m. Actually, the X is structurally superior. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, resistance to

buckling under compression is determined by the weakest direction. Though the H is strong in bending in its primary direction it is

weak in the transverse direction. Since the X has uniform properties in all directions, it is less susceptible to buckling.

Rob then unveiled a couple of small models, one of which was passed around, while he demonstrated the ease of splicing with the

bigger model. As he pointed out, the bigger model was still much smaller than the “real McCoy”, which typically would be 12 metres

long and weighs about a tonne.

Summarising, Rob pointed out that apart from the obvious advantage of speed and low cost, the X pile virtually eliminates wastage.

When piles reach capacity they are trimmed to the specified level and the off cut is discarded. With the X pile the off cut is re-

useable, it can be used for the first section of the next pile. This alone saves 10 to 15% of a pile costing around $2000, plus it elimi-

nates cost of disposing of off cuts. Ease of joining means that there is no need for long piles, and hence pile-driving rigs don’t need

to be so large and costly. Essentially, where there are height restrictions, eg. power lines. Lastly, geotechnical surveys are less criti-

cal.

Another advantage is that different size X sections can be readily spliced; this is an advantage for deep piles where a large size is

needed at the bottom, and lighter upper sections are adequate to transmit the load. Rob concluded by showing a short video of a

small X pile test carried out at Laverton. The first section was driven down about 2 metres then another section was spliced. Time

taken to make this, the very first splice, with 8 bolts was only 3 ½ minutes. Pile driving then resumed and shortly afterward the pile

hit bedrock. As this was a test to destruction, the pile hammer blows were increased by progressively increasing the drop height.

Finally the pile buckled just above the surface, as expected. The splice joint remained intact with no damage.

General discussion followed and questions answered, one being whether the top end of the pile was damaged from the hammer.

Rob explained that he was also concerned about this possibility before the test and made a “helmet” which fitted over the pile. The

helmet did indeed protect the pile from damage and with very little bruising. Another section could be spliced on. In contrast, the

other end which was hammered into the rock was a twisted, mangled mess, made visible after extraction by jacking.

A short video describing the X Piles can be seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/1001bridgeman#p/a/u/0/aH5-

DtB3T4k

and the X Pile test is on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/1001bridgeman#p/a/u/1/F8YsFDpaH_c

Both videos and more information can be found on the Steel Pile page of Rob’s website.

www.roundpegin.com

We wish you the best in this year’s members only competition Rob!

Member’s Product Update

Therese Cataldo was the first member to enter the IAA Vic 2011 member only competition. The members gave Therese a good review and asked many questions of her that evening. I am happy to report that since the February meeting; Therese is ‘ready for market’. Therese has decided on marketing her products through the ‘Party Plan’ system of sales and Internet selling.

Therese has attended to the myriad of details that were needed for her to be ready for her launch. For example, Therese has produced instruction pamphlets that are inserted into her packaging of the Bichari Range of products, detailing the benefits and ‘directions of use’, attending to the banking requirements for receiving payments of her products either directly from customers or from her potential team of Consultants, just to name a few…..

Don’t think these products are just for the ladies, they’re not! Therese can boast that a ‘male’ model in WA is using her product and absolutely loves it. Ben, has just completed an ad for ‘Winter Escapes,’ a 48 page gloss magazine advertis-ing hot deals and short holiday breaks in the Sunday Times in WA. Believe me, Ben is no girl! Ben’s a great guy that chooses to look his best at all times, whether at work or play! (Ben is my future son in law)

Please realise that this is a ‘different sales method or technique‘ to what the male members are used to, (i.e. selling prod-ucts to Bunnings and the like) but quite a familiar ‘selling technique’ with the ladies.

I hosted Therese’s launch party with both Therese and myself as the Consultants. I advertised my party as ‘Come and meet the Inventor of Bichari Products’ to my group of friends. Therese has a slogan ‘You invite the guests and we’ll do the rest’. This means that one of the ‘Hostess Gifts’ to the hostess, is that the afternoon tea or supper be supplied fresh by the Consultant on the day/night of the booked party. Naturally, the hostess can add to this if she chooses and of course the quantity would need to be added to depending on numbers anticipated.

Sales were easily made and another party was booked. It was a successful launch with the ladies expressing interest in not only her products but Therese’s journey as an inventor. This really made a difference to the demonstration; with the ladies being able to discuss their skin problems with the developer of the products! Therese enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to her next challenge of not only growing her business on two fronts but has also entered the Bendigo Inventors Award.

Please consider supporting Therese by asking your wives, partners, girlfriends or sisters, if they would be prepared to help her get started by booking a party. Please ask someone you know, if they are looking for a small business oppor-tunity. Actioning either of these suggestions could give her the exposure she needs to get her on her way. We could take this opportunity to actively support our IAA Vic member this way. I have led by example and will have given her 2 par-ties. (And received the hostess benefits) I have especially enjoyed the experience of knowing I have helped a member bring her product to market.

We wish you well Therese!

Contact Therese for product information, party booking or an employment opportunity.

Therese Cataldo

M: 0401 081 896

T: 03 9789 9104

W: www.naturalskincare.net.au

Chook Raffle

John Sallows won this month’s chook raffle! Bob Lloyd, inventor of the board game ‘Squatter’, kindly donated this month’s chook raffle prize. Thank Bob!

New idea in holiday fun BY MONIQUE EBRINGTON

YOUNG people in Maroondah have

been encouraged to get inventive these

school holidays.

Before the holidays the not-for-profit

Inventors' Association of Australia,

which is now in its 54th year, launched

its new Innovation in Schools program

at Kalinda and Eastwood primary

schools.

Maroondah resident Debbie Dash has

been president of Victoria's IAA branch for three years and said there were a lot of

young people who came up with great ideas but didn't know where to go for infor-

mation on developing their inventions.

"It can be a very intimidating time for a new inventor," Ms Dash said.

"Many new inventors, of all ages, don't know where to go for advice, how to market

the invention or might even be a bit paranoid that someone might pinch their idea.

"I've spoken to plenty of parents who say, 'My child has had an idea and we were

wondering where to go from here?'"

She said the Victorian branch could provide a one-stop shop when it came to help-

ing new inventors, including her daughter Isabelle, 13, who is the state's representa-

tive for young inventors.

As part of the Innovation in Schools campaign IAA members gave presentations on

the organisation and were able to hand out scientific calculators and class kits for

their Fun in Maths program.

New idea: Leiana Keogh and Isabelle Dash, front,

with one of the calculators and learning tools in the

Fun in Maths kit with Debbie Dash, Kathy Pavlou

from campaign sponsor Westpac Ringwood and

IAA's Ray Rabanin looking on. Picture: Rob Carew

The Feasibility Committee

Inventors who are members of the IAA (Vic) can have their ideas, prototypes or inventions checked confidentially, at no charge by a feasibility committee who will give advice and opinions on a range of levels regarding the viability of the product.

This takes approximately half to one hour, or more if required and is conducted during the nor-mal monthly meetings in a separate room. Prior bookings are essential.

The committee consists of approximately six members with a wide range of experience that will listen to your explanations of the product and ask if you have any particular problems you wish to receive advice about. The committee will help where possible, within their particular scope of ex-pertise, to give direction and advice on a range of subjects including design, manufacture, mar-keting, engineering and general inventing.

Patenting advice may be given in broad terms, but this is better left to the Patent Tutorial Session at 6.30pm at the beginning of each monthly meeting or between you and the rostered Patent At-torney.

We offer a confidentiality agreement and you will be asked for your name and contact details and an evaluation form is filled out for each product and presented to you.

You can use the feasibility committee as many times as is necessary, which can help you to fast-track your idea or to point out failings both of which could save you time and expense. Another less formal and fast way to obtain information is to ask for advice during “Problem Corner” held at the end of each meeting where you can voice your problem and someone may be able to pro-vide an answer for you informally over the networking/ supper period.

IAA (Vic) Inc accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the information, the editorial comment or the advertising in this

newsletter. Members and others should seek advice before acting on any matter herein.