When you ask John Melbourne of
J S Melbourne Controls
Pty Ltd what his middle initial “S” stands for, he says Sydney.Who then is John Melbourne? He could, perhaps, be Victoria’s most exciting and practical inventor. But, put that to him and he responds, “Not really an inventor. I’d more likely describe myself as an uneducated bum who likes to make things and see them put to good use. No formal qualifications. Just a mind to create things.” And John Melbourne is intense and serious when it comes to researching and developing marketable products.

Significant Potential

Indeed, his latest “invention,” a machine for producing dry snow at temperatures hitherto regarded as impossible, offers enormous scope not only for import replacement but, just as importantly, has significant export potential.
“For a variety of reasons, including environmental noise protection, this machine will replace existing imported types within Australia and overseas. Inquiries to date suggest a very high level of interest in what we’ve been able to achieve,” he said.
Like many other of the world’s best ideas, John Melbourne’s snow-making machine evolved almost by accident. The major thrust of his business, reinforced by his industry commitment as President of the Australian Valve Manufacturers Association, has always been in the improved design and manufacture of valves and cylinders for a variety of industrial uses.
On a visit to NSW with his local agent, he had encountered a number of companies in coal, steel and aluminium smelting who were having pumping problems in the transport of different fluids and slurries. “After I’d read all available literature on the design of nozzles and venturis, I came to the conclusion that there had to be a better way of doing it. In the end, I came up with a design that was the reverse to the theory I had been reading, which was the start of our new device.”
Following a demonstration of its capabilities John was asked if it could be used to pump snow. With predictable confidence, he replied “I don’t see why not - I’ll give it a try.”

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