About Us
Our Story
John and Angelo Notaras display the computer ignition system that won the ABC Invention of the Year Award in 1975.
Angelo receiving the award with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Frazer and the judging panel.
The floor of the International Inventions & Technology Convention Geneva, SwitzerlandWinner of International Gold Medals and other international awards, Atom Industries, an Australian-owned company, that has been inventing and manufacturing innovative quality products for many years. Atom’s international award winning inventions are sold in many countries worldwide.
Atom’s first invention in 1962 was the automatic reverse gear drilling attachment that fitted onto chainsaws. This enabled farmers to use their chainsaws to quickly drill holes of up to 32mm (1 ¼”) in diameter into wooden posts and run barbed or plain wire (using smaller holes), through the fencing post as well as to bolt together stockyards. It also has 100′s of other uses including use in tree surgery, electric power poles, playgrounds and park amenities.
This unique Automatic Reverse Gear drill attachment is still sold as the greatly advanced ATOM AUGER-STOP DRILLING ATTACHMENT which has an inertia safety mechanism which disconnects forward gear if the auger suddenly jams (a world first), but still allowing reverse gear to operate to immediately withdraw the auger and then to recommence drilling. Manufactured since 1962.
From this early start Atom’s inventions continued to be designed, developed, manufactured and sold in Australia as well as many export markets.
Awards
1963: Chainsaw Drill Attachment
Still being manufactured after more than 50 years of progressive innovation. The “Auger Stop” model, introduced 18 years ago, is still a very popular product used in fencing, bridgework, tree surgery, rubber plantations, etc.
- New Implement Award – Orange Field Day 1964
- Australian Design Award No. 208
- New Implement Award – Orange Field Day 1967
1972: Anti-vibration handles for Chainsaws
Developed for the Atom Chainsaw produced from 1972-1978. Licensed to Japanese and American manufacturers.
1972: Atom Chainsaw
The Atom Chainsaw was Australia’s first and only fully integrated magnesium diecast, lightweight chainsaw produced with many novel features including a self-cleaning air cleaner that was later adopted (and still in use) by Swedish, US and Chinese manufacturers. Tariff reductions to zero forced closure of manufacture of this product.
1972: Atom Electronic Ignition System
Winner of ABC TV’s “Inventors” for 1976, this patented product was used extensively as a replacement for points and condensers fitted to small single cylinder engines with magneto ignition. It was used as original equipment on Atom’s own chainsaw production as well as to US, German and Indian manufacturers. Also, as a retrofit part to replace points and condensers. Many millions sold and much copied by overseas manufacturers.
- Winner ABC TV Inventor of the Year Award
- Australian Design Award No. 207
- New Implement Award – Orange Field Day 1977
1994: Atom Auger-Stop Chainsaw Drill Attachment
Originally designed in 1963 (see above), it was redesigned with unique and important safety features. This unique product easily fits most chainsaws by removing bar and chain and fitting attachment. Its unique reverse mechanism and auger-stop which instantly stops rotation on sudden jamming of auger but with auto reverse makes this product the fastest and quickest drill machine for large wood holes up to 32mm (1¼”).
- Highly Commended NSW State Safety Award 1995
- BHP Steel New Implement Award 1994
- New Implement Award – Orange Field Day 1994
- Power Equipment Magazine Product of the Year 1994
1995: Atom Gasoline Lawn Edger
The Atom Edgers soon became No.1 sellers in Australian and New Zealand.
- Gold Medal at International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva
- Power Equipment Magazine Product of the Year
1997: Atom Cross Blade Edging System
Patented Blade System to reduce shock and damage to gear system allows Edger to cut a clean edge faster.
1998: Atom Gasoline Professional Lawn Edgers
These powerful Atom edgers are used for large jobs and continuous operation. Used all over Australia and overseas markets such as; New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom and Europa. Available in 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine power.
- OEM M.I.A. Award in USA
- Power Equipment Magazine Product of the Year
1998: Atom Electric Lawn Edger and exclusive “Motor Pod” drive
Similar to the gasoline model but with a powerful electric motor. The latest model has similar power to the gasoline models.
- Silver/Gold Medal at International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva
- Power Equipment Magazine Product of the Year
- Gold Medal at International Exhibition in Geneva for its unique Pod Electric motor design
2005: Atom Tiller Cultivator
A unique Tiller design similar to the Atom one wheel Lawn Edger. Ideal for small gardens and mulching.
- Gold Medal at International Exhibition in Geneva
- Power Equipment Magazine Product of the Year
2014: Atom Gasoline Powered Hand Blowers in 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke
Atom’s new gasoline-powered “AIRLIFT” hand blowers, fitted with Atom’s “SMARTFAN” design, produce a massive air blast than other blowers, doing the job much faster and with less fuel consumption.
- Winner Gold Medal at 41st International Exhibition of inventions in Geneva
2014: Atom Gasoline Powered DRILLMASTER Drilling Machines
Atom’s new gasoline-powered (with 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke engines) drills with outstanding features such as automatic reverse, allowing faster hole drilling speeds and “auto safe” control of the drill should it suddenly twist due to auger hitting a knot or split timber. Atom designed wood auger bits from 10mm (3/8”) to 32mm (1¼”) length available.
- Gold Medal at 41st International Exhibition of inventions in Geneva
The Notaras Family is Involved in the Community
Angelo Notaras received the Order of Australia and the Cross of St Andrew Award for community work and charity fundraising for Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation with the Greek Orthodox Church.
With brothers John and Mitchell, and Cousin Spiro, they restored the Saraton Theatre in Grafton to its former glory. It is a 1000 seat cinema built in 1926 by their fathers Tony and Jack Notaras. This restoration along with the addition of two new state-of-the-art cinemas is the entertainment centre of the NSW north coast.
It is a great venue for to live theatre, school concerts and activities, musical groups, cinema and public gatherings. It is privately funded by the Notaras family as their contribution to giving something back to the local community. In 2011 they were awarded the NSW Heritage award for the best restoration, competing against State funded restorations in the over $20 million category.
Angelo also received the Kytherian Gold Medal of Honour for services to the island of Kythera – where his parents migrated from. Their late brother Mitchell (a distinguished surgeon) donated a substantial sum to the University of Sydney to encourage post graduate research by gifted students. This has already resulted in a number of achievements for successful graduates.
Exterior of Saraton Theatre, Grafton NSW
Research & Development
Atom’s policy is to produce world class innovative, affordable, and quality products, that will serve their owners many years of productive and enjoyable use; and to continually develop Atom products. Atom invests heavily in Research and Development and maintaining its fulltime in-house R & D department.
Atom’s technical team utilises the most up to date computer design programs. All Atom products are rigorously and punishingly tested, both in the factory and in field conditions before they are put onto the market, thus ensuring long life and withstanding tough conditions.
The tough reinforced polymer components used in Atom products are so strong, they have been stress tested to withstand up to 680kg (1500lbs) of weight. This ensures that Atom products will still be working in years to come when other brands have already worn out.
CAD-CAM design of parts and tooling
A 2.1 tonne Nissan (680kg load) does not break tough professional edger casing
