Paul Kouris in his Barrister's Chambers, 2012
PAUL KOURIS
- Australian Inventor -
G'day guys,
Once again, I've been fortunate to come across another multi-skilled person - Paul Kouris. I recently featured a Barrister from Athens, Greece. Well, Paul is a top Australian Barrister who originally came from Greece, but he is also a successful inventor. Paul completed his Articles at Galbally & O'Bryan, one of Australia's eminent law practices,
having worked in Greece as a Legal Consultant for a public company. He has been in
continuous practice at the Victorian Bar since 1981 and is also admitted to the
New South Wales Bar.
He conducts a mixed practice with a Civil Law emphasis concentrating on Contractual Law, Employment Law and property damage generally; the balance being in Criminal Law. The Magistrates' Court jurisdiction is considered a speciality.
He conducts a mixed practice with a Civil Law emphasis concentrating on Contractual Law, Employment Law and property damage generally; the balance being in Criminal Law. The Magistrates' Court jurisdiction is considered a speciality.
Welcome Paul. Now, leave the law aside for the moment and ...
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR
JOURNEY AS AN INVENTOR.
I am a Barrister by Profession and an Inventor by Avocation ... both blessed and cursed with an enquiring mind.
I am a Barrister by Profession and an Inventor by Avocation ... both blessed and cursed with an enquiring mind.
As a Barrister and as
an Inventor I often find myself waking up in the middle of the night with
something I must write down.
My journey as an
inventor has been as Thomas Edison warned, 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
Today my higher
purpose is the Kouris Centri Turbine Generator (KCT), the world's first
patented vortex turbine, operating from the spin as distinct from the fall of
water.
I had my epiphany in 1975 when I was at Monash University studying Philosophy and Law.
I had my epiphany in 1975 when I was at Monash University studying Philosophy and Law.
The KCT 5kw transportable, commercial prototype at its unveiling on
25/10/2012; 2m deep and 2m diameter with a 40cm inlet/outlet, expected
to produce 5kw with 300-500 L/sec.
OPEC had monopolised
energy, and I was arguing with some science students about renewable energy and
their solemn obligation to save the planet. I returned to the house I was
sharing, found a sink full of dishes, washed them, drained the water, gazed at
the resulting vortex and suddenly visualised the KCT.
What followed was an extraordinary
journey of discovery, self discovery, persistence and hard work.
I have always felt
that the idea has come through me rather than from me.
That I was the
messenger, not the inventor.
That it was a
discovery not a creation.
WERE YOU DREAMING ABOUT INVENTIONS AS A KID?
In fact I was. I regularly found myself experiencing revelations. I still vividly remember grade 5 at Black Rock Primary School and Mr Watt, asking the class if anyone had any original ideas.
WERE YOU DREAMING ABOUT INVENTIONS AS A KID?
In fact I was. I regularly found myself experiencing revelations. I still vividly remember grade 5 at Black Rock Primary School and Mr Watt, asking the class if anyone had any original ideas.
I put my hand up and
told the class that it would be a good idea if clothes were made out of
electric blankets. Of course everyone went hysterical with laughter, and I
returned to my seat humiliated.
The following
week Mr Watt came to class with an article from Scientific American
explaining how the Astronauts wore suits incorporating the concept of an
electric blanket to maintain an even body temperature.
That's when I learnt
that he who laughs last, laughs loudest and longest.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME AN INVENTOR?
I have had an inventive mind as long as I can remember, but I came of age with the KCT.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME AN INVENTOR?
I have had an inventive mind as long as I can remember, but I came of age with the KCT.
It's said that the definition of innovation is using existing technology in an unexpected way to achieve the unexpected.
My life changed the
day in 1975 I realised that by moving a conventional turbine from its
horizontal axis onto its vertical axis within a vortex, all its blades would be
submerged and the output would be at least doubled.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING AN INVENTOR?
The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people. To leave the world better than I found it, and the privilege of being allowed to touch the face of history.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING AN INVENTOR?
Dealing with the constant scepticism, the vested interests, the resistance to change and the need to be constantly optimistic.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING AN INVENTOR?
The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people. To leave the world better than I found it, and the privilege of being allowed to touch the face of history.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING AN INVENTOR?
Dealing with the constant scepticism, the vested interests, the resistance to change and the need to be constantly optimistic.
Paul Kouris congratulating Rohan Searle standing atop the Commercial Prototype at the unveiling on 25/10/2012.
HAVE YOU GOT ANY PATENTS FOR YOUR INVENTIONS?
Yes I now have 18 international patents for the KCT, but it has been a long and difficult process over 12 years, as each country is a sovereign state and each must independently grant your patent. Contrary to popular belief there is no World Patent. Each Patent Office must independently decide if the invention meets the 4 standard tests for patentability:
a) is it manufacturable?
b) does it have an inventive step?
c) is it novel?
d) does it have utility?
Patents last for 20 years, and over the years patentable improvements have been
made to the KCT, whereby the process starts again.
Innovation is a never ending story.
HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK DO YOU SPEND ON YOUR PROJECTS?
I find myself setting aside one court day a week for the KCT and countless hours of free time.
HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK DO YOU SPEND ON YOUR PROJECTS?
I find myself setting aside one court day a week for the KCT and countless hours of free time.
I am a Greek
Australian. We have a saying. You can't put 2 watermelons under one arm. My
watermelons are my practice and my project. Regrettably I am time poor.
WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME AN INVENTOR?
I come from a retailing family and worked in my father's clothes shops when I was at high school. At university I paid my way as a martial arts instructor, a photographer, and the Clubs Liaison Officer for the campus.
WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME AN INVENTOR?
I come from a retailing family and worked in my father's clothes shops when I was at high school. At university I paid my way as a martial arts instructor, a photographer, and the Clubs Liaison Officer for the campus.
After graduating I was
a legal advisor for a company in Greece. Then returned to Australia and
completed my articles in Melbourne. I was called to the Victorian Bar in 1981.
Finally I decided to pursue a patent in 1996 for the invention I had discovered
in 1975, but kept secret for 20 years. In 2000 my first patent was granted in the
USA and my life changed.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
As an Inventor, undoubtedly discovering the KCT.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
As an Inventor, undoubtedly discovering the KCT.
A device that will
light people's homes, irrigate their fields, and feed their children. That will
help provide clean green economical power to the 1.6 billion people worldwide
who have no electricity. That will address both Global Warming and the Energy
Crisis.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Patenting for global use a new plastic economical and transportable KCT that can be easily used in the third world.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Positive, passionate, imaginative people.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO INVENT?
A KCT that could be used by everyone with access to water, regardless of where they lived and how much money they had.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR EMERGING INVENTORS?
Persistence, not talent, is the secret to success. There is nothing more common in this world than talented unsuccessful people.
HOW DO YOU FIT THIS WORK INTO YOUR DAY JOB?
Fortunately I am a self employed Barrister, which makes it possible to allocate my time, even if I can't put 2 watermelons under one arm.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO WORK?
I am inspired by my chambers, surrounded by my books, my files, my newspaper articles pinned to the wall, my framed patents and my vortex model.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Patenting for global use a new plastic economical and transportable KCT that can be easily used in the third world.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Positive, passionate, imaginative people.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO INVENT?
A KCT that could be used by everyone with access to water, regardless of where they lived and how much money they had.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR EMERGING INVENTORS?
Persistence, not talent, is the secret to success. There is nothing more common in this world than talented unsuccessful people.
HOW DO YOU FIT THIS WORK INTO YOUR DAY JOB?
Fortunately I am a self employed Barrister, which makes it possible to allocate my time, even if I can't put 2 watermelons under one arm.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO WORK?
I am inspired by my chambers, surrounded by my books, my files, my newspaper articles pinned to the wall, my framed patents and my vortex model.
WHAT IS
YOUR GREATEST JOY IN YOUR WORK?
As a Barrister helping ordinary people. As an Inventor, improving the lives of ordinary people.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE INVENTOR AND WHY?
Thomas Edison because he demonstrated that simple ideas can be world changing. As he said...Nothing is stronger than idea whose time has come.
WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
That I was a modern Archimedes.
WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
By a Physicist from an English University. That my vortex turbine idea was the hydro equivalent of Cold Fusion and would never work.
WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?
Yes. When I was 14, I met Walter Funke, an Inventor who was building a revolutionary yacht with a rotating sail. It was in his front yard and I passed it each day when I walked to school. One day I stopped to talk to him. We became friends and I helped him finish his brain child.
As a Barrister helping ordinary people. As an Inventor, improving the lives of ordinary people.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE INVENTOR AND WHY?
Thomas Edison because he demonstrated that simple ideas can be world changing. As he said...Nothing is stronger than idea whose time has come.
WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
That I was a modern Archimedes.
WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
By a Physicist from an English University. That my vortex turbine idea was the hydro equivalent of Cold Fusion and would never work.
WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?
Yes. When I was 14, I met Walter Funke, an Inventor who was building a revolutionary yacht with a rotating sail. It was in his front yard and I passed it each day when I walked to school. One day I stopped to talk to him. We became friends and I helped him finish his brain child.
He was a wonderfully
colourful man, a wise mentor and an eccentric genius. A great inspiration.
Regrettably the yacht on its first trial got caught in a storm and sank in Port
Phillip Bay. He went straight back to the workshop.
Walter taught me the
importance of optimism and persistence.
HAVE YOU WON ANY PRIZES OR AWARDS?
In 2001 I was honoured by The Australian newspaper as one of Australia's top new Innovators, because of the KCT.
HAVE YOU WON ANY PRIZES OR AWARDS?
In 2001 I was honoured by The Australian newspaper as one of Australia's top new Innovators, because of the KCT.
In 2002 I was
recognised by Who's Who of the 21st Century as the inventor of the KCT.
The Barrister and inventor
Most recently I was recognised in the 2011 Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Excellence Awards.
WHAT DID THEY MEAN TO YOU?
A realisation that others also recognised the importance of the KCT.
OTHER THAN INVENTIONS, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
Ahead of the KCT and innovation, my wife, my children and my family, whose support has always been unfailing.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ALL WORLD LEADERS IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY?
Global Warming is the greatest challenge facing the planet since the last Ice Age and renewable energy is our lifeboat. Act now. It's too late to start building a lifeboat when the ship is sinking.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
As a parent, when my wife and I see our children achieve their goals.
As a Barrister when I win my case.
As an Inventor when I see an idea realised.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
To become financially independent so that I can address the needs of children in the third world.
HAVE YOU MET SOME GREAT PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY?
Absolutely. It's as if supporters have been guided to me, and I to them. Both here and overseas. Extraordinary serendipity has often occurred.
From engineers to
manufacturers, academics, investors, journalists and the media. Captains of
industry, politicians, and government officials.
Now most recently my
champion, my Exclusive Licensee, Rohan Searle, President of the Searle Group of
Companies. He is an Engineer. This remarkable man is responsible for
manufacturing the KCT, and commercialising it both nationally and
internationally.
Rohan has been described as a modern Apollo, bringing light where there is now only darkness.
Rohan has been described as a modern Apollo, bringing light where there is now only darkness.
Marysville KCT Domestic Pilot Plant, Oct 2008
Early last year he
stumbled across my Marysville Pilot Plant and then found me.
We share the same vision, and but for the KCT, our paths would not have crossed.
HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOURSELF?
By discussing the KCT with anyone that will listen.
By never assuming someone cannot help the project either directly or indirectly.
By approaching the media.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PROMOTIONAL TOOL?
Firstly, word of mouth, which invariably leads me to the media.
Secondly, my Pilot Plant, which invariably changes hearts and minds.
Finally, my website which invariably leads supporters to me.
DO YOU MENTOR OTHERS?
I have in the past, to Engineers, through the Monash University Mentoring program.
DO SOME FOLKS CONSIDER YOU AS A ‘NUTTY PROFESSOR’?
Yes, starting with my wife.
ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
In the endless passage of time, people come and go but great ideas last forever.
I urge anyone interested in the KCT to visit Paul's website, video, gallery and powerpoint presentation. They are all most impressive.
WEBSITE: www.kourispower.com
WEBSITE: www.kourispower.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paul-kouris/46/b09/475
KCT POWERPOINT: http://kourispower.com/wp-content/uploads/pip.pdf
KCT GALLERY: http://www.kourispower.com/gallery/
Clancy's comment: Admire your persistence, Paul. Sounds fantastic. Reckon we will soon see your name up in lights. I also reckon those two watermelons will soon sit snugly under your arm. You'll invent some way of doing it.
Love ya work!
Yiasou!
I'm ...
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