Abstract: A dispensing measuring device. The device correlates the relative proximity a Hall effect sensor and a magnet. One is held stationary, while the other is in response to ordinary actuation which occurs during dispensing. Detection of in the proximity are correlated to the amount of material dispensed.

Abstract: A system for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes a downhole tool configured to be coupled to a work string that includes a tool body having a longitudinal bore for circulating a fluid and at least one aperture configured to receive at least one module. The system further includes a plurality of modules that are each configured to engage the at least one aperture and at least one cavity configured for receiving a probe, and a plurality of probes that each include at least one orifice configured for testing the formation, wherein a first of the plurality of probes has a first configuration and a second of the plurality of probes has a second configuration.

Abstract: A MEMS based flow sensor is disclosed which generally incorporate isolation between a sensing structure and the sensed media. An internal flow channel can be configured by attaching a backing structure with flow openings to the back of the sensing structure. The sensing structure can be composed of a insulating layer with heating element and a dual sensing element which comprises of resistive thin films positioned in a Wheatstone bridge configuration over a backside cavity. The dual sensing element and its associated wirebonds can be isolated from the sensing media by directing the fluid through the internal flow channel. The completed sensing structure can be over packaged with standard processes such as epoxies and seals.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining and/or evaluating the fill-state of a container filled with at least one medium, wherein high-frequency, electromagnetic, measuring signals are emitted by a fill-level measuring device and received back as wanted echos reflected at an interface of the media. The electromagnetic, measuring signals are received back as an end echo reflected at a measuring range end, wherein, from the received wanted echos and the end echo, an echo curve is formed as a function of travel-time and/or the travel-distance, wherein, by means of a search algorithm integrated in the fill-level measuring device, number, existence and/or position of individual wanted echos and of the end echo in the echo curve are/is ascertained and applied for classifying the currently present fill-state in the container relative to predetermined, stored, fill situations in the container.

Abstract: A storm water run-off percolation rate test system includes a turbid water generator having a silt or sediment source providing silt into a mixing tank. A pipeline carries turbid water from the mixing tank to a test pit or test site. A flow meter measures the amount of turbid water moved into the test pit. Detectors detect a water level in the test pit. A controller automatically controls the turbid water generator and flow of turbid water into the test pit, and records data on the amount of turbid water provided into the test pit over time, to determine a percolation rate. In a method for determining a percolation rate, turbid water is created and used in the percolation rate testing, to more accurately simulate run-off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for the contactless detection of the level of a liquid and adhering high-conductivity medium, especially blood, through a non-metal container wall. The sensor has a pulse generator (1) that generates brief pulses which, via a low-ohm resistor (2), namely, the measuring resistor, actuate an electrode (4) installed on the outside of the container wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring an amount of ablation fluid circulating in a system for ablating tissue comprises a plurality of electrical contacts located within an ablation fluid receiving chamber of the system, the contacts being located at various heights and a data processing arrangement coupled to the contacts to receive data corresponding to electrical conductance between pairs of the contacts, the data processing arrangement determining a height of fluid in the chamber based on the measured conductance levels and determining based on the determined height, whether an amount of fluid circulating through the system is within a desired range.

Abstract: A fluid level sender mount assembly includes a first mounting member having a chamber and a second mounting member having an elongate docking portion. The docking portion may be sized to slidably fit and rotate within the chamber to permit positioning the second mounting member at a plurality of different linear and angular positions with respect to the first mounting member. The second mounting member may be affixed to the first mounting member to retain the second mounting member in a desired position W/R/T the first mounting member. One of the first and second mounting members may be adapted to be attached to a fluid container. The other of the first and the second mounting members may be adapted to be attached to a fluid level sender.

Abstract: A kitchen bowl is disclosed having a bowl portion formed of material with a first color, and indicia molded into a side of the bowl portion, the indicia having a second color that is different and contrasting to the first color, and the indicia being viewable on an interior of the kitchen bowl. Preferably, the bowl portion is molded with openings formed therein, and the openings are filled by a second molding step via injecting a different colored material into the openings. Preferably, the different colored materials are the same polymeric material with different colorants added thereto to provide contrast between the indicia and the bowl portion. The kitchen bowl may be provided with a handle, which may have a gripping surface thereon, and may be provided with a covering to provide a grip surface to the bottom, sides, or edges of the bowl portion.

Abstract: A method of verifying the operation of an accelerometer is provided. The method includes channeling a high frequency signal through a positive lead of the accelerometer, and detecting a signal at a negative lead of the accelerometer. If the detected signal is substantially similar to the high frequency signal channeled through the positive lead, the integrity of the accelerometer is verified.

Abstract: A gyroscopic system is disclosed comprising at least a vibrating gyroscope, a first means of angle measurement, designed to provide a first measurement of angle values according to a measurement axis; and—a second means of angle measurement, designed to provide a second measurement of angle values according to said measurement axis. First angle values through the first angle measurement means vibrating in a current vibration position and second angle values through the second angle measurement means are provided simultaneously; and from these second angle values corrected on the basis of a comparison of the first and second angle values are deduced. Then the vibration position of the first angle measurement means is changed from the current position to another vibration position.

Abstract: Beams 70a, 70b, 70c and, 70d. of an angular velocity sensor 100 is provided with a folded type beam 73 that has a spring constant which is smaller along the excitation direction (x-axis direction) than along a detecting direction (y-axis direction), and a straight type beam 75 that has a spring constant which is smaller along the detecting direction (y-axis direction) than along the excitation direction (x-axis direction). The folded type beam 73 is arranged closer to the mass portion 40 than the straight type beam 75. The detecting member 60 is disposed on a farther beam portion of the beam 70b, wherein the farther beam portion is arranged farther away from the mass portion 40 than the folded type beam 73.

Abstract: The present invention makes use of resonant acoustic and/or acousto-EM energy applied to inorganic or biologic structures for the detection and/or identification, and for augmentation and/or disruption of function within the biologic structure. In particular, the invention provides a method of generating resonant acoustic and/or acousto-EM energy in biologic structures such as virus, bacteria, fungi, worms and tumors for the detection and disruption of these structures. Moreover, the invention provides a method of augmenting functions of biologic structures such as bone through the generation of resonant acoustic and/or acousto-EM energy in the structure. Systems are also provided for the generation and detection of resonant acoustic and/or resonant acousto-EM energy.

Abstract: A body has a first portion whose exterior surface is similar to that of a corresponding, first portion of a portable media device. An acoustic aperture is formed at a location that is similar to that of a built-in earpiece, speaker, or microphone aperture in the media device. An acoustic port is formed in the exterior surface of the body, and is adapted to be coupled to a sound test tool. An internal cavity acoustically couples the acoustic port to the acoustic aperture. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a pipe comprising a body adapted for passage through the bore of a pipe to be inspected, a main transducer array comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced transducers for transmitting ultrasound energy, the transducers being mounted on the body for movement between a retracted position, wherein the body can freely move through the bore of the pipe, and an extended position wherein the plurality of transducers are pressed into operative contact with the inner wall of the pipe. An actuator selectively urges the plurality of transducers to their extended positions. A control transmits ultrasound energy into the pipe to propagate a guided wave within the pipe walls in at least one longitudinal direction along the pipe when the transducers are in their operative position and receives the propagated wave and analyzes the wave to determine the presence or absence of defects in the pipe wall.

Abstract: An air-coupled transducer includes a ultrasonic transducer body having a radiation end with a backing fixture at the radiation end. There is a flexible backplate conformingly fit to the backing fixture and a thin membrane (preferably a metallized polymer) conformingly fit to the flexible backplate. In one embodiment, the backing fixture is spherically curved and the flexible backplate is spherically curved. The flexible backplate is preferably patterned with pits or depressions.

Abstract: A contact sensing catheter system includes a catheter shaft having a distal end; a flexible conductive polymer electrode located at the distal end of the shaft; and an electromechanical contact sensor positioned at least partially within the electrode. The sensor outputs an electrical signal in response to a mechanical force acting thereon. The sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor, a strain gauge, a fiber optic sensor, or another suitable electromechanical contact sensor. The electrical signal output by the sensor typically varies in response to variations in the mechanical force acting on the sensor. An output device may receive the signal output by the contact sensor and present to a user of the system an indicator of contact between the electrode and a tissue by assessing, for example, the amplitude or periodicity of the signal.

Abstract: A diaphragm pressure measuring cell arrangement has a housing body at least partly made of sapphire material and a planar sapphire diaphragm with a peripheral edge joined by a first edge seal to the housing body to form a reference vacuum chamber. An outer surface of the diaphragm is exposed to a medium to be measured. A ceramic supporting body is attached to the back side of the housing body by sealing glass and includes a surface area overhanging that surrounds the housing body to form a first sealing surface. A tubular sensor casing incorporates the measuring cell for mounted the ceramic support body, the casing including an inside second surrounding sealing surface corresponding to the first sealing surface. A metal ring seal is between the sealing surfaces and a pressing member presses sealing surfaces together.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing circuit for a membrane pressure sensor is provided. The sensing circuit has a controller, two switches in signal communication with the controller, a charge amplifier and a charge injector. The charge amplifier is connected to the switches via a sensor capacitor Cs and a reference capacitor Cr. The sensor and reference capacitors are arranged in parallel with one another and a parasitic capacitance Cp to ground. The charge injector and amplifier are arranged in parallel connection between the capacitors and the controller. The controller is configured to determine a charge imbalance indicative of a pressure difference between membranes of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The apparatus relates to a membrane based pressure sensor placed on an aspiration tube to determine a more accurate vacuum pump pressure within the aspiration tube, and to the connectors and connector assemblies for use with the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system and methods of a capacitive strain gauge are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a conductive element of a capacitive structure attached to a surface. The conductive element is comprised of an elongated member. An additional conductive element of the capacitive structure is attached to the surface, and the additional conductive element is comprised of an additional elongated member. The system includes an electrode coupled to the conductive element that applies a voltage to the conductive element when a capacitance is being determined. The system further includes an additional electrode coupled to the additional conductive element that receives an amplitude to determine a change in capacitance caused by a shape alteration of at least one of the conductive element, the additional conductive element, and a space between the conductive element and the additional conductive element.

Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing an object from being entrapped by a translating device includes a sensor positionable adjacent to or on the translating device. The sensor has a non-conductive compressible jacket with a cavity, and first and second conductors positioned within the cavity opposite from one another. In response to an object pressing against the jacket, the jacket compresses from a non-compressed state in which the conductors are not in electrical contact to a compressed state in which the conductors are in electrical contact. The sensor has a compressible support either inside or outside of the cavity. In response to the object pressing against the jacket while the jacket is compressed, the support compresses to allow the jacket to compress further in order reduce pinching of the object by the translating device when the object is between the jacket and the translating device.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method is provided for sensing a fluid flow within a pipe having a lengthwise axis to determine a parameter of the fluid flow.

Abstract: The current invention generally relates to Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) thermal mass flow sensors for measuring the flow rate of a flowing fluid (gas/liquid) and the methods of manufacturing on single crystal silicon wafers. The said mass flow sensors have self-cleaning capability that is achieved via the modulation of the cavity of which the sensing elements locate on the top of the cavity that is made of a silicon nitride film; alternatively the sensing elements are fabricated on top of a binary silicon nitride/conductive polycrystalline silicon film under which is a porous silicon layer selective formed in a silicon substrate. Using polycrystalline silicon or the sensing elements as electrodes, an acoustic wave can be generated across the porous silicon layer which is also used for the thermal isolation of the sensing elements.

Abstract: A weight sensing device providing an accurate measurement of only a passenger's vertical load without an interference of moment and lateral load caused upon sudden braking and a variation in traveling conditions of a vehicle. The weight sensing device includes a sensor body having a center hole for fastening of the sensor body with a seat frame, a diaphragm provided around the center hole, a pair of fixing holes provided at opposite sides of the center hole and arranged coaxially with the center hole for fastening of the sensor body with a slide rail, supporting planes containing the fixing holes and located at opposite sides of the diaphragm, and a mounting recess defined between the diaphragm and the supporting planes, a semiconductor strain gauge and a printed circuit board attached to the diaphragm of the sensor body, and a connector electrically connected with the printed circuit board, to transmit a value output from the semiconductor strain gauge to an airbag controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a pipette (10) with a capacity of from 1 to 50 ml from a thermoplastic polymer. An essentially cylindrical pipette shaft (12) with an internal diameter (di) and an essentially cylindrical cup-shaped pipette reservoir (16) with an internal diameter (Di) are produced in an injection molding process. The pipette shaft (12) has, at one end, a pipette tip (14) which narrows to a suction/exit orifice (20), and, at the other end, a conical widening (18). The pipette reservoir (16) has a suction nozzle (24) abutting coaxially from the bottom of the pipette reservoir (16). The conical widening (18) is welded or adhesive-bonded at the end and coaxially to the pipette reservoir (16). The ratio of the total pipette length (L) to the arithmetic mean of the internal diameters (di and Di) of the pipette shaft (12) and of the pipette reservoir (16) is at least 15. The pipette may have a suction nozzle (24) with a clamping means for a cotton wool bud.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components.

Abstract: A module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples contained in the sample tubes for an automated clinical analyzer. In one embodiment, this module comprises a mixing drum, which is capable of mixing the contents of a sample tube in an end-over-end manner. The mixing drum is capable of mixing samples in the sample tubes without separating the solid components of the sample, e.g., red blood cells from the liquid components of the sample, e.g., plasma. A device for elevating the sample tube in the sample tube carrier can be used to enable the cap of the sample tube to be punctured by a piercing element in a piercing assembly. After the cap of the sample tube is punctured, a probe for aspirating the sample from said sample tube can obtain the sample in the receptacle of the sample tube through a bore in the piercing element. The piercing assembly can include a resiliently biased element for ejecting the sample tube from the piercing assembly.

Abstract: In a skin of a robot, it is configured to have a plurality of tactile sensors discretely installed on a base, a first member disposed on the tactile sensors, the first member being continuously formed, at its surface facing the tactile sensors, with projections which are tapered toward the respective tactile sensors as viewed in cross-section to be capable of pressing each of the tactile sensors, and a second member that is disposed on the first member and is made of a material being lower in rigidity than a material of the first member. With this, the skin is equipped with the second member as a soft skin surface and it becomes possible to reliably detect a point of action or distribution of a load applied through the skin surface, thereby enabling to reliably estimate a point in contact with an external object.

Abstract: A control module including means for controlling an article, means for regulating at least one parameter of the article control means, and means for driving the article towards the control means. More specifically, the module is movable and includes a releasable means of connection with a fixed frame. Preferably the drive means includes a carousel having at least one cell for housing the article, for example a glass bottle.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit is set up to hydraulically actuate a starting clutch of a motor vehicle and gear selectors of a transmission of the motor vehicle by use of hydraulic valves which are integrated in the hydraulic control unit and which have in each case at least one control element. The hydraulic control unit is characterized in that the integrated hydraulic valves are aligned in the hydraulic control unit in such a way that a movement direction of a vibratory element of a hydraulic valve which controls only the starting clutch differs from the movement direction of vibratory elements of the other hydraulic valves, and is aligned to a lesser extent with the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission arrangement of an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle, in particular of an agricultural tractor. The transmission arrangement comprises a drive transmission, which can be driven by an engine of the utility vehicle, and a PTO transmission. The drive transmission has a rear-axle transmission output for driving a rear axle of the utility vehicle. The drive transmission has a front axle transmission output for driving a front axle of the utility vehicle. The PTO transmission serves to drive an implement adaptable to the utility vehicle. The PTO transmission can be driven via a PTO transmission output of the drive transmission or independently of the drive transmission via a shaft driven by the engine of the utility vehicle.

Abstract: A crank-type linear actuator may be used to provide linear actuation, for example, in a vehicle system. In general, the actuator may use a crank assembly to convert a unidirectional rotary drive motion into a reciprocating linear actuation motion. The actuator may also use magnetic elements and magnetic sensors for non-contact position control of the actuator.

Abstract: In practical application, it often happens that a large number of motion sensors and control mechanisms is required in order to carry out controlled movements, e.g., of welding tongs. The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for controlling the movement of a pair of welding tongs in the most efficient and economical manner possible with a minimum of electrical and mechanical expenditure. This object is attained by the present invention by using mechanical displacement-limiting means that limit a swiveling motion if it should occur. The advantage is the robust design and elimination of electronics and sensor systems, which are susceptible to interference.

Abstract: A linear actuator orderly comprises an inner pipe, a middle pipe and an outer pipe, and the pipes are pivotally connected with each other. Each pipe is formed with at least three arc-shaped portions and three guiding portions, and the pipes abut against each other. The outer pipe is axially formed with a screw and two positioning rods that are passed through the middle pipe and the inner pipe, respectively. One end of each positioning rod is fixed with a pulling member, and one end of each pulling member is fixed to the inner pipe. The middle pipe is axially formed with a pushing post threaded with the screw. The pushing post and the middle pipe are pivotally disposed with a guiding wheel for rolling the pulling members, respectively. The pipes can be moved by the relative motion of the screw and the pushing post by cooperating with the guiding wheels and the pulling members, such that the pipes can be extended or retracted synchronously.

Abstract: A driving device for an extendible and retractable actuator comprises a first rod, a second rod, a third rod and a motor. The first rod is screwed with the second rod. The second rod is screwed with the third rod. By such arrangements, the motor can drive the first and the second rods to move while driving the third rod to rotate. After the third rod is engaged with the second rod, the first rod can be also driven to move.

Abstract: A shift device is provide for a power take-off transmission of an agricultural utility vehicle. The shift device comprises an input shaft that can be driven by an engine of the utility vehicle, and an output shaft. The input shaft is connectable to the output shaft by way of three gear pairs, in order to transmit torque from the input shaft to the output shaft via one of the three gear pairs. Three gear wheels of the gear pairs are assigned to the input shaft. Three gear wheels of the gear pairs are assigned to the output shaft. One gear wheel of a gear pair is rotationally fixed to the input shaft or the output shaft and the other gear wheel of the gear pair is rotationally fixable to the output shaft or the input shaft by a gearshift sleeve. The two gear wheels of a gear pair intermesh with one another. The output shaft has a recess, in which a PTO stub shaft can be reversibly introduced.

Abstract: A roller screw with a circulating structure mainly comprises two circulating members and a return pipe. Each circulating member includes a return path that is rotated relative to a tangent plane tangent to the circumference of the helical groove of the nut, and the cross section of each return path is square-shaped. The return pipe is formed with a guiding route having a square-shaped cross section, and both ends of the guiding route are connected to the return paths of the circulating members, respectively. The return paths are connected to and tangent to the helical grooves, and an angle between the tangent surfaces is approximately 90 degrees.

Abstract: A ball screw includes a screw shaft, in which a thread groove is formed in an outer peripheral face thereof, that includes a small-diameter portion with a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the screw shaft formed integrally at one end of the screw shaft; a nut, through which the screw shaft passes, having a thread groove formed in an inner peripheral face thereof; a plurality of balls disposed in a ball passage formed by the thread groove of the screw shaft and the thread groove of the nut; and a ring-shaped stopper, immovably fitted on the small-diameter portion, that prevents the nut from moving.

Abstract: A multi-piece stargear assembly comprising a hub, a pair of arcuate toothed segments, and a lock ring, the hub having an internal bore, a keyway in the bore, and an external radially extending flange adjacent one end, the ring being configured to fit on an end of the hub opposite said one end, said segments being arranged around said hub, said flange and segments having mutually interlocking surfaces that enable the flange to resist axial and radial movement on said hub of said segments adjacent said flange, said ring and segments having mutually interlocking surfaces that enable the ring to resist axial and radial movement on said hub of said segments adjacent said ring.

Abstract: A group of networked elements for controlling the equipment of a building, when the elements are in a learning mode, can be assembled by a pair of actions. The first action exerted by an installer on one of the elements should be interpreted as an interrogation concerning the state of membership in the group (for example, as included or excluded) of one of the elements of the group. The first action triggers the emission of an information signal regarding the identified element's state. The following, or second, action exerted on the chosen element is interpretable as an order for modifying the state of membership in the group of the chosen element.

Abstract: A Park inhibition solenoid assembly for preventing the undesirable shifting of a transmission from an out-of-Park mode to a Park mode includes a follower and an armature slidably disposed within a valve body/housing and within a solenoid. The follower is moveable between an out-of-Park position and a Park position and the armature is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The follower and armature include detents for supporting a bearing. The armature and bearing prevent the follower from moving from the out-of-Park position to the Park position when the armature is held in place in the lock position by the solenoid.

Abstract: A positioning system for a spherical object which adjusts orientation thereof in azimuth and elevation comprising first and second drive rods threadably engaged with respective first and second brackets secured to the surfaces of opposing left and right hemispheres the object The first and second drive rods include a first coupling configured for imparting co-rotation to the drive rods and a second coupling configured for imparting counter-rotation to the drive rods, and a clutch for selecting operation of either coupling.

Abstract: A scalable and adaptable, six-degree-of-freedom, kinematic positioning system is described. The system can position objects supported on top of, or suspended from, jacks comprising constrained joints. The system is compatible with extreme low temperature or high vacuum environments. When constant adjustment is not required a removable motor unit is available.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to articles for masking internal components of a motor vehicle steering column from the view of an occupant when the steering wheel is titled, or extended. Some embodiments relate to methods for making or using masking articles, or to methods for masking the internal components of a motor vehicle steering column when the steering wheel is titled, or extended.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a mounting part, a first actuating unit, a second actuating unit and a first operating member. The first actuating unit includes a first actuating member that is connected to a first component part and a first positioning mechanism that selectively maintains a position of the first actuating member with respect to the mounting member. The second actuating unit includes a second actuating member that is connected to a second component part and a second positioning mechanism that selectively maintains a position of the second actuating member with respect to the mounting member. The first operating member is operatively coupled to the first and second actuating units to operate the first actuating unit when the first operating member is moved in a first direction and to operate the second actuating unit when the first operating member is moved in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar tape attached to the handlebar of the bicycle. The handlebar tape comprises a body layer, an elastic layer, a connecting layer, and an adjoined layer. The body layer has a first surface and a second surface. The elastic layer is fixed onto the second surface. The connecting layer is fixed onto the elastic layer. The adjoined layer has a third surface and a fourth surface. The adjoined layer is fixed onto the connected layer, wherein the fourth surface of the adjoined layer is adhesive. When the adjoined layer is wrapped around the surface of an object, the handlebar tape is capable of being firmly attached to the object.

Abstract: Grip actuated control system to provide operational control of vehicle functions at a gripping surface of handlebar equipped vehicles. The system can be provided as original equipment and as an aftermarket addition or replacement for existent vehicle controls. The system includes one or more grip controls positioned adjacent a user's fingertips in a grip or glove assembly which are in communication with a control module. The control module is connected to existent or provided vehicle wiring and thus to respective operational equipment such that user actuation of a grip control induces the control module to provide a corresponding output to activate/deactivate or regulate the operation of the respective vehicle equipment. Communication between the grip controls and control module can be wireless for increased flexibility in installation and placement of the module on the vehicle. Combinations, sequences, and relative timing of the grip controls can provide numerous distinct control functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning assembly for a gripping tube of a handlebar. The positioning assembly comprises a gripping tube sheathing the handlebar, wherein each of two ends of the gripping tube is positioned by a fastening ring, which has an annular shape, a slit, an outer ring periphery and an inner ring periphery. Therein, a prominence radially raised and two increased-thickness portions are provided on the inner ring periphery so that when the slit of the fastening ring is narrowed, the fastening ring can tightly embrace an outer surface of the handlebar with the prominence and the two increased-thickness portions.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a pedal extension apparatus for use with a mechanical control lever. In embodiments of the invention, the pedal extension apparatus includes a platform configured to rest on a top surface of a pedal; and a vertical retainer coupled to the platform, the vertical retainer and a bottom surface of the platform configured to circumnavigate the pedal, the vertical retainer thus configured to secure the pedal extension apparatus to the pedal, the pedal extension apparatus not including a fastener.