TRUE ???? # 44

12-14-11

TRUE ???? # 44

I told Sharon E, that I would figure out a way for her to drive, without having to buy a vehicle with hand controls. The prototype works well, I think, but Jim might have another viewpoint. Bringing the food to the cafe for the potluck, she drove from her house, which I did not see so therefore cannot verify, and had no problems. She pulled into the cafe parking lot without difficulty, cut three or four donuts, then parked in the handicapped slot,without knocking down the sign, I might add. When I asked for the reason for the donuts, her explanation satisfied me, but Jim might not concur. Sharon knows how to drive and everything, but can't feel her feet with the pedals. Here is how she and I solved the problem, realizing of course that Jim might want to tell a different version.

Can't feel your feet = not knowing how much pressure to apply to the gas pedal and the brake pedal. Since I subscribe to the KISS method for doing most everything, that's what I applied here. (For those who may not be acquainted with the KISS method, it means Keep It Simple, Stupid.)

I converted her vehicle to hand controls for about $4.00 for twine, a couple of eye-bolts, and a couple of small pulleys. Jim drilled the holes in her feet cause I didn't have a drill. We installed one eye bolt in each of her feet, halfway between the ankle and the toes for balance. We decided the pulleys weren't going to work, so we'll save them for another project. Then we tied a big (really big)knot in one end of the twine, pulled the line through the eye-bolt in her right (gas pedal) foot up to the knot, which prevents the twine from going all the way through the eye-bolt. Then we cut the twine to a proper length to reach and tie to, her right arm. We first took the twine up through the steering wheel, but then discovered that made her pedals do strange things every time she turned the wheel, so outside the steering wheel is the way to go.

Then we just repeated the procedure for the left (braking) foot. Since you never have to use the brake and the gas pedal at the same time, she is always left with one arm to steer with. Very simple. To go, let your right arm(gas pedal arm)down toward the steering wheel. To slow, raise your arm up a little. Braking is even easier. Remember, she can feel and use her leg. Just step on the brake pedal and push down until the damn thing stops.

Donuts? Jim was little worried as she pulled into the parking lot and stepped out before the vehicle stopped completely. Sharon wanted to see if he could reach back in and grab a turkey before she had to park.

Gemini Man

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