Abstract: A vacuum storage system for extending the life of the goods stored therein. The system includes a chamber having an open end, a lid releasably securable to the chamber over its open end and a vacuum adapted for positioning on the lid to evacuate air from within the chamber. The lid has a neck portion with an aperture therethrough and includes a stopper sealably mounted within the aperture and a plug mounted within the stopper for regulating the evacuation of the air within the chamber. The stopper has a channel formed therethrough. The plug has a flared exterior end, an elongated portion and a flared interior end. The elongated portion extends through the channel and has a diameter smaller than the channel's diameter for free movement therein. This allows the vacuum to evacuate air from within the chamber through the channel. The plug's flared exterior end is forced to engage the stopper and seal the channel upon evacuation of the air.

Abstract: A patient lift includes a frame attached to a vertical surface. The frame includes first and second vertical guide posts with a parallel screw shaft rotatably mounted therebetween. A hub engages the screw shaft and travels up and down the screw shaft according to a direction of rotation of the screw shaft as provided by a drive train coupled to the drive shaft. Upon connection of the head end of the bed frame to the hub, the head end travels with the hub so as to move the bed between horizontal and vertical positions relative to the underlying support surface. A roller member at the foot end of enhances the movement of the bed frame between the ground adjacent horizontal and vertical positions. A foot rest at the foot of the bed precludes the patient from sliding forward during bed movement. An alternative embodiment connects a chair so as to raise or lower the seated patient relative to the underlying support surface.