Thanks again Marg. Apart from a quick cursory glance originally, I haven't looked very far into it --- not coming from an inventive or technological family. But I filed it away for future reference -- as I shall do with this one too. Thanks again for supplying them to us. And whilst I am at it thanks to Ian, you, and Alan for the Hunter Valley links -- I have not yet had time to investigate any of them; but thank each of you for sharing them with us. regards: Ray ----- Original Message ----- From: "MargM" <genknut@exemail.com.au> > > http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/ols/auspat/ > The Australian government has put online a new database that lists patent > applications going back as far as 1904 > > > Did anyone find a surprise or two in this ?? .......... No ones said > anything about it