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Frequently
asked questions about accessing our mainframe databases
Frequently asked questions about accessing our mainframe databases
- Do I still need to search the mainframe now that AusPat has been released?
- What do the mainframe databases offer?
- How do I search for and access Australian Patent Data ?
- How do I access the mainframe databases ?
- What is the difference between Java and tn3270 ?
- How do I access the mainframe database with the Java applets
?
- I am trying to access the mainframe databases with Java, but
I am having problems?
- I want to use tn3270. Where can I get it?
- I've got a Mac! Where can I get tn3270 software?
- I am having trouble with tn3270 software?
- How much does it cost to search using IP Australia Mainframe
Databases?
- How do I print from the mainframe databases when connected
via the Internet?
1. Do I still need to search the mainframe now that AusPat has been released?
No. AusPat is the new search system for Australian patents. It combines patent data from the mainframe and Patsearch systems in a single database with easy to use, yet very powerful, search capabilities.
Users are advised to conduct all their searches in AusPat.
2. What do the mainframe databases offer ?
The mainframe databases provides:
Alternatively, We encourage you to first try the following search options:
- Search for Trade Marks with ATMOSS
- Search for Designs with ADDS
- Display the full Patent Specifications with AU-B,
search requires the Australian Patent Number
3. How do I search for and access Australian Patent Data
?
IP Australia has no comparable Internet search engine to the
If you are interested in finding Patents for a specific Technology (eg all
Patents containing Heliothis) then use those facilities.
The APAS CD-ROM system, available at the State Offices or by subscription,
provides a similar facility to search and display the Australian Patent Abstracts.
IP Australia are working on an Internet search engine for Australian Patents.
You can search and access some Australian Patents via the Internet using the
mainframe and the AU-B.
The mainframe search programs "Patent Index System" and Patents
Administration return Australian Patent Numbers that, used as input to the
AU-B
facility return the full Patent Specification.
The general methods are:
If you want Australian
Patents for a specific technology then
- Use the IPC
to classify the technology with an IPC mark. For example, B41F 7/02 (2006.01)
is the IPC Mark for rotary lithographic machines for offset printing, with
2006.01 indicating the IPC version.
- Use the Patents Indexing System to find
the Australian Numbers for that IPC mark
- Type the Australian Patent Numbers into the AU-B
System.
If you know the Inventor's name, or the name of the company that applied for
the Patent then
4. How do I access the mainframe databases ?
You must download software to access the mainframe, either choose the IBM Host
on demand applet supplied by IP Australia, or select tn3270 software from a
vendor of your choice.
5. What is the difference between Java and tn3270 ?
| Feature |
Java |
tn3270 |
| Recommended for user type |
Casual searcher, or want to get started quickly
|
Searchers wanting a specific tn3270 only
feature (such as session logging) |
| Free of charge |
Yes |
No |
| Available from |
Host
on-Demand |
TN3270
|
| Does it have to be installed |
No |
Yes |
| Works with Win 3.x |
No |
Yes |
| Session Logging |
No |
Yes (you must find a product that does it)
|
| Slow to connect the first time |
Yes (after the first time it's much faster)
|
No |
| Other features |
No |
Lots. (eg session-logging, macros, key stroke
recording) |
6. How do I access the mainframe database with IBM Host on
Demand?
| Steps |
Host on-Demand |
| Click the link opposite |
Host
on-Demand |
| Wait
** These times are for the first connection only ** |
No more than 3 minutes |
| Permit the applet to connect to our mainframe
|
Not applicable |
| See the login screen |
|
7. I am trying to access the mainframe databases with Java,
but I am having problems?
| Problem |
Host on-Demand |
| Blank black window appears as shown opposite.
(most problems of this kind occur from business computer systems protected
by firewalls) To use Java, ask your system/ network/ firewall Administrator
to have the firewall 'permit outbound telnet connections'. |
Message No Route To… |
| No new window appears,
after connection time has elapsed (normally containing login screen) |
| Try to reload the applet
as follows:
Navigator Users: hold down the Shift button while clicking the "Reload"
icon.
Internet Explorer Users: hold down the Alt button while clicking the "Refresh"
icon. |
8. I want to use tn3270. Where can I get it?
Users of Microsoft operating systems (NT, Windows) must choose, download, install
and configure a tn3270 program. Some links are available at TN3270.
Get a 16bit version if you have Win 3.1x or OS/2; otherwise get a 32bit version.
Check out the competitively priced products at Tucows
and search for 3270.
9. I've got a Mac! Where can I get tn3270 software?
Mac users can use the Host
on-Demand applet, but if you want tn3270, then you must select your own
software from a vendor, license and install the software.
Some links are provided at TN3270.
10. I am having trouble with tn3270 software?
You should contact the vendor of your tn3270 product. This is not a problem
that IP Australia can help with.
11. How much does it cost to search using IP Australia Mainframe
Databases?
Nothing but your time.
12. How do I print from the mainframe databases when connected
via the Internet?
There is no way of way of sending mainframe reports to a printer in the same
way you may have been used to with a "leased line" connection or Dynacomm/Austpac.
IP Australia now provides mainframe reports as attachments to Internet email.
E-mail printing - How it Works
If you access the Patents and Designs databases, you will be able to request
prints by e-mail whether you log on using your registered user-id or guest access.
If you access the Trade Marks database, you will only be able to request prints
if you log on using your registered user-id.
If you log on using guest access, then e-mail print will not be available.
After you enter the Printer Location and Number of EM 01, you will be
prompted to enter your e-mail address.
The print request will be sent to that address and the search results will
be attached to it.
The search results appear as a .doc file attachment. Your Email program should
allow you to
- view the attachment
- detach the results and save them as a file
- launch a Word Processor (such as MS Word or Word Perfect) to open the
results for further processing.
If your Email viewer or Word Processor does *not* use a fixed pitch font (most
default to a proportional font such as Helvetica or Times Roman) the report
will look funny (the columns will not line up). You should switch to a fixed
pitch font such as Courier to print the document or view it as it should look.
If you require a Registered User ID then email ext.enquiry@ipaustralia.gov.au
(no fee) Please supply the following details: company name, user name/s in full,
contact details, email address.
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