Hasta La Ideas

Starting next month, Quirky contributors are going to be able to pick a lot more than each others’ brains: When the Quirky Inspiration Platform launches in May, contributors will suddenly be able to access thousands of GE-owned patents and technologies that they can freely integrate into their designs.

The spin is that “GE will open thousands of its most promising patents and new technologies”—i.e. the ones we’re not currently using—”to the Quirky community for the development of new consumer products.” New designs created through the partnership will fall under the Quirky/GE co-brand “Wink: Instantly Connected.”

We’re eager to see the full list of patents green-lit for the team-up. In the meantime, GE’s released a teaser list of some of the patent categories that will become available:

– Optical systems, including holographic and fast-focusing lens technologies – GE’s holographic storage technology can be used for archiving large amounts of data and fast-focusing optics technology enables rapid, high resolution 2D image capture of 3D images, currently applicable to markets ranging from contactless fingerprinting, to semi-conductor quality control and medical optics.

– Barrier coatings – GE’s Ultra-High Barrier technology enables thinner, lighter electronic devices including smartphones, televisions and solar panels by using thin film encapsulation to protect electronic devices from degradation by moisture and oxygen.

– Telematics and asset tracking technology – Modules used for commercial fleet tracking and vehicle navigation systems, which are used to monitor the location, movement, and behavior of a vehicle or fleet of vehicles.

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