News stories
PME returned to full operation as of 16 January 2012.
After a short break over the holiday season we are looking forward to being of service to you this year. It's set to be a big one, already we are introducing our new logo and are planning to release new products in the coming months. Keep an eye out for these changes.
Source: PME
Posted: Monday 16th January, 2012
On Wednesday 19th October 2011 the Australian College of Road Safety (ACRS) held a seminar at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Sydney.
Titled Health and Disability Assessments for Driving, it focussed on the assessment of drivers after a health event such as the aquisition of a disability. PME Sponsored the event.
Speakers included:
- Professor Torbjorn Falkmer (keynote);
- Ian Cameron;
- Blair McFarlane;
- Julia King;
- Chad Graham
- Duncan McRae;
Bill presented a recently modified Chrysler Voyager, Accessibility was provided via side entry ramp and flat floor conversion. A wheelchair docking system secures the user. The Space Drive controls featured include a mini-wheel for steering, and a G and B lever for accelerator and brake control. Accessories are via sound control on an ADR compliant headrest.The vehicle attracted interest from both guests and speakers.
The day was very informative and eye-opening on a number of occasions. Congratulations to ACRS and Royal Rehab on a successful seminar.
Source: PME
Posted: Wednesday 9th November, 2011
This monstrous expedition vehicle has come a long way over the last 2 years
In August 2009 we brought you an article about a massive side-project PME were undertaking to recondition and modify a decommissioned RFW Bigfoot 4x4 tour bus to create a disability-friendly monster tourer, capable of taking its occupants nearly anywhere. The article can be viewed by clicking here.
If you are unfamiliar with this project, the bus was originally built by RFW for 4x4 outback tours in Queensland. The 8.3m Goliath later ended up in the hands of Pinnacle tours of Western Australia for a glorious beach-side stint climbing sand dunes. However the sand, saltwater, hard use and neglect took its toll and the bus was decommissioned. Bill picked up the sad and sorry expedition vehicle and two years later, while it is not quite ready to storm the sand dunes or take on outback Australia, it has come a long way.
The vehicle is being equipped for long periods of outback travel, able to go without supplies for at least two weeks and cover any terrain. The vehicle has been completely re-engineered to suit the demands an of expedition vehicle of this sort and as a result everything has been rebuilt, remade or is new. This includes redesigned airbag towers, reengineered upper and lower control arms and redesigned cross-members; a completely brand new ADR35 compliant braking system; and a complete rebuild of the body to suit requirements of expedition vehicle. It also includes a custom, one off bull bar and the design construction and installation of a custom wheelchair lift.
Other features either installed or on their way shortly include solar panels, a generator, inverters and deep cycle battery system; stainless steel water tanks stored up front under the bullbar; storage spaces in every place possible throughout the bus; and a slide out external kitchen and fridge. Work is currently underway on the design and construction of a quad bike carrier to the rear of the vehicle whereby the quad bike is to be swung up to the highest point of the bus so that the good approach and departure angles are maintained. The quad bike will be used as a mobility tool when the conditions are too difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.
The plan for the completion of this project is as follows: Rewiring will commence shortly with the window package to go in following that. Next, the vehicle will be transported to Stockton beach for testing and then returned for final fitout and adjustments. All this will take at least another year to complete.
Take a look at the gallery below for just a small insight into the work that has gone into the expedition vehicle. At this stage in the project there is a lot going on and updates will be more frequent. Make sure you keep an eye out on our news page
Source: PME
Posted: Monday 24th October, 2011
PME has been recognised for our high quality standards and is Quality Certified under international standards IS09001
We're proud to say that, as of September this year, PME is a quality certified company under international standards ISO9001. We have ensured that our working processes meet these stringent requirements so that we know that we are meeting the needs of our clients to a consistent high standard.
Maintaining our recognised status is a process of continual improvement. We regularly assess the effectiveness of the processes we have in place and undergo internal and external auditing. We undertake comprehensive record keeping ensuring traceability and, should they occur, we determine the origin of any problems and correct them swiftly.
We feel it is important in this industry to ensure a high level of quality and consistency to our clients so that they can be sure of their safety, and of their on going independence.
Source: PME
Posted: Monday 26th September, 2011
Paraplegic rally driver, Albert Llovera, uses Guidosimplex electronic hand controls
We've been telling everyone that the accelerator ring is the sportier way of driving but now we have the proof! It's an inspirational story about a promising athlete who, despite a setback that would sideline the sporting careers of many, has become a champion.
In 1984, a 17 year old Albert Llovera competed in skiing as the youngest athlete to participate in a Winter Olympics. A year later he was involved in a serious accident that left him as a paraplegic.
However, after a tough period of adjustment his sporting spirt was rekindled. He began racing quad bikes and following success there began competing in the demanding sport of rallying. He is currently the only disabled driver who has competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC)
Albert drives a special s2000 rally Fiat Grande Punto modified with Guidosimplex hand controls. He uses the over-ring accelerator with two hands on the wheel for greater control, and a specially designed under-ring brake (off-road use only!). He also uses a finger-operated trigger clutch system similar to a duck clutch. Apart from the other benefits, these electronic controls are light and responsive, and so don't hinder him when competing against able-bodied drivers.
Albert displays a unique spirit, optimism and determination to excel himself that makes him an outstanding role model for anyone facing difficult circumstances.
A video of Albert Llovera demonstrating his controls can be seen below, and you can view his website at www.albertllovera.com/en
Source: www.albertllovera.com/en , http://disableddrivingdevices.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=36&Itemid=125 , http://www.wrc.com/swrc/drivers-and-teams/drivers/albert-llovera/?whoid=23
Posted: Monday 26th September, 2011
SCIA came to PME to film the driving controls section of their educational videos
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) is currently in the process of filming a series of videos titled 'what's next?' to be used to educate those with newly acquired spinal cord injuries on what to do to return to their normal lives as much as possible, as soon as possible. The videos cover a range of areas from home modification to wheelchair skills. A section of the video is to be devoted to vehicle modifications and SCIA came to PME for our assistance.
At 9AM Friday 5th August the film crew arrived at the PME premises with a full day of filming to follow. The crew shot explanatory videos covering all manner of hand controls, electronic controls, hoists, self-drive vehicles, the ABI loader and more with a little help from PME and OT Tom Eley. Take a look at some of the 'behind the scenes' shots from the day in the gallery below.
We're looking forward to seeing the final result and the difference it will make to its audience. It can be an extremely disorientating time and it's great that there are organisations like SCIA working to make the process that much easier.
Source: PME
Posted: Thursday 14th July, 2011
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