Beer chiller and a weight-management plate? Australia's quirkiest patents in 2014

Australians are a creative bunch, and here's proof: 10 of the most creative, inventive and interesting patents approved in Australia last year.

15 of the most creative and interesting patents approved in Australia during 2014

15 of the most creative and interesting patents approved in Australia during 2014

Australians have a knack for ingenuity.

Last year, IP Australia approved 1367 patent claims for standards and innovations.

The approved patents include a new way to dispense sub-zero beer, lights to deter foxes and a plate scale for alerting people when they eat too quickly.

A head-support apparatus for travellers

"A pivoting apparatus for supporting a person's head when seated in a plane, car, or other vehicle."
Ever had a hard time sleeping in a car, train or plane? This device will allow travellers to rest easy.

Additional information
Travelling head rest patent
A travelling head rest, patent drawing.


Crop meter and uses therefor (sic)

"Ultrasonic devices for determining crop yield and/or plant height such as for harvest or grazing purposes."
The invention provides a sonar device for determining a plant-yield characteristic. Accurate determination of yield is important for deciding harvest time, timing of fertiliser application, optimising grazing to maximise productivity of grazing animals, and prevents overfeeding on dairy farms. 

Image

Spectacle and writing instrument combination

"A spectacle and writing instrument combination which uses an integrated holding apparatus enabling spectacles to be worn simultaneously with an attached writing instrument."
For people who need spectacles to read and write, this combination may be handy.

Additional information
A spectacle-pen combination, patent drawing
For people who need glasses to write, this may be a handy combination.

System and method for weight management

"A system and method for weight management by controlling the speed at which a meal is consumed so as to trigger a natural satiety response."
Scoffing your food is an effective method of gaining weight, since your body can not have time to tell you if you have eaten enough. This device weighs your plate and tells you if you eat too quickly.

Additional information
plate weight patent drawing
This device will alert you if you eat too quickly.

Three-dimensional solar arrays

"An efficient model for solar arrays of photovoltaic modules."
The side-by-side method of mounting solar panels prevents cooling, which decreases power output, and increases wind resistance, which sometimes requires heavier supports. This invention aims to address both issues.

Additional information
Solar module, patent drawing
This solar module could provide better cooling and less wind resistance.

Tongue depressor

"A tongue depressor for illuminating the oral cavity, and to methods of using the tongue depressor."
Wooden objects are commonly used to press down a tongue. This device illuminates the mouth as well, rather than medical staff using a torch in their other hand.

Additional information
This tongue depressor lights the mouth cavity of patients.
This tongue depressor lights the mouth cavity of patients.

Hanger supportable from an air outlet

"A hanger that is supported from an air outlet to exploit a stream of air flowing through the outlet for drying and/or airing purposes."
This invention would be a useful addition to a home that uses ducted air conditioners, rather than using a clothes dryer.

Additional information
Clothes hanger, patent drawing
People with ducted air conditioning or heating could use this to dry or air-out their clothes.

Improvements in heat exchangers for dispensing sub-zero beer

"An improved apparatus for dispensing cooled fluids, in particular fluids, such as beer."
Beer in pubs and clubs is often stored in kegs in cool rooms, but must travel to taps via long lines. The present invention seeks to provide a lower cost and preferably more efficient beverage cooling system.

Additional information
Beer cooler patent drawing
This beer cooler will help pubs and clubs deliver beers at sub-zero temperatures.

Graffiti Deterrent

"An invention to deter the application of graffiti to the at risk surfaces of public walls, buildings, vehicles and similar infrastructure."
By printing recurring symbols all over a wall, preferably a corporate logo (like the City Rail logo pictured), graffiti signatures or "tags" would lose their contrast with the wall, hopefully deterring the act.

Additional information
Grafitti deterent, pattent
Printing corporate logos on walls may deter grifitti in public spaces.

Apparatus and methods for deterring predators

"Lighting apparatus that is intended to deter predators such as foxes."
An array of lights might deter foxes from praying on livestock, like lambs and goat kids.

Additional information
Fox deterrent light array system
Arrays of lights could protect lambs and goat kids from foxes.

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2 min read

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By Jason Thomas

Source: SBS


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