Published Thursday, 08 March, 2007 at 09:04 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
MINISTER CONGRATULATES “NEW INVENTORS” WINNER
Minister for State Development John Mickel today congratulated Pullenvale’s Charles Shuter for winning last night’s episode (Wednesday, 7 March) of the popular ABC series The New Inventors.
“It’s easy to see why Mr Shuter’s Valve Locking Device won over the judges – it’s an incredibly important invention that could improve safety conditions in manufacturing plants the world over,” Mr Mickel said.
“The device effectively locks valves in a safe, closed position and prevents extremely dangerous liquids penetrating through them during maintenance and repairs and potentially injuring workers.
“Being able to lock off valves to enable work on specific sections of pipe or equipment also means plants can keep operating, so as well as improving safety, the device also helps to improve productivity.
Mr Mickel said Mr Shuter had spent over three years developing the product, which included extensive field testing in Queensland sugar mills and coal mines. It was Mr Shuter’s experience of supplying valves, actuators and accessories to these industries that exposed him to the serious problem of unsecured valves.
“The Queensland Government helped Mr Shuter bring the product to the marketplace with a $76,000 Innovation Start-Up Scheme early last year,” he said.
“That support has enabled the inventor to secure the patent for the device, now being used in Queensland mining and sugar operations, in Australia and the US – with the European patent in its final stages.
“It’s been a very long road but the benefits are now sure to come and I congratulate Mr Shuter on gaining national exposure with his invention.
“Valve Safety Lockouts Pty Ltd has recently become a family operation with Mr Shuter’s son Jason joining the business. I know the pair is very keen to offer a 100% Australian made product and I wish them every success.”
Mr Mickel said The New Inventors was proving a popular vehicle to showcase Queensland innovations.
“Rockhampton nurse Glen Riverstone has been inundated with calls and web queries since his SNAPIT glass ampoule opening device took out the People’s Choice award on episode two of the program which aired in February,” Mr Mickel said.
“The show really does have a diverse and widespread audience – interest in Mr Riverstone’s invention has come from all over the world and I look forward to hearing of both his and Mr Shuter’s ongoing success.”
The Valve Locking Device will feature again in the program’s Best of Show Grand Final in November.
Company Contact: Valve Safety Lockouts Pty Ltd, Charles Shuter (Director), 0408 723 618, 3202 6260, www.valvesafetylockouts.com.au
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
“It’s easy to see why Mr Shuter’s Valve Locking Device won over the judges – it’s an incredibly important invention that could improve safety conditions in manufacturing plants the world over,” Mr Mickel said.
“The device effectively locks valves in a safe, closed position and prevents extremely dangerous liquids penetrating through them during maintenance and repairs and potentially injuring workers.
“Being able to lock off valves to enable work on specific sections of pipe or equipment also means plants can keep operating, so as well as improving safety, the device also helps to improve productivity.
Mr Mickel said Mr Shuter had spent over three years developing the product, which included extensive field testing in Queensland sugar mills and coal mines. It was Mr Shuter’s experience of supplying valves, actuators and accessories to these industries that exposed him to the serious problem of unsecured valves.
“The Queensland Government helped Mr Shuter bring the product to the marketplace with a $76,000 Innovation Start-Up Scheme early last year,” he said.
“That support has enabled the inventor to secure the patent for the device, now being used in Queensland mining and sugar operations, in Australia and the US – with the European patent in its final stages.
“It’s been a very long road but the benefits are now sure to come and I congratulate Mr Shuter on gaining national exposure with his invention.
“Valve Safety Lockouts Pty Ltd has recently become a family operation with Mr Shuter’s son Jason joining the business. I know the pair is very keen to offer a 100% Australian made product and I wish them every success.”
Mr Mickel said The New Inventors was proving a popular vehicle to showcase Queensland innovations.
“Rockhampton nurse Glen Riverstone has been inundated with calls and web queries since his SNAPIT glass ampoule opening device took out the People’s Choice award on episode two of the program which aired in February,” Mr Mickel said.
“The show really does have a diverse and widespread audience – interest in Mr Riverstone’s invention has come from all over the world and I look forward to hearing of both his and Mr Shuter’s ongoing success.”
The Valve Locking Device will feature again in the program’s Best of Show Grand Final in November.
Company Contact: Valve Safety Lockouts Pty Ltd, Charles Shuter (Director), 0408 723 618, 3202 6260, www.valvesafetylockouts.com.au
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.