Abstract: A high pressure, low volume hydraulic lift system and a method for retrofitting a low pressure high volume lift system are provided. The lift system includes a low pressure high volume (LPHV) casing within which is mounted a high pressure ram. The ram is equipped to move a plunger in an axial direction with respect to the casing, without the need for any further reinforcement of the existing casing. The method for retrofitting is effected by removing the pre-existing structure of the LPHV system, cutting a hole in the upper portion of the pre-existing casing, and draining all hydraulic fluid. Thereafter, the pre-existing gland flange and plunger are removed. A high pressure low volume hydraulic cylinder and associated hydraulic line, are then installed in the casing of the pre-existing system. The bottom of the high pressure hydraulic cylinder is mechanically locked to the base of the pre-existing outer casing.

Abstract: A method of retrofit includes the steps of removing the pre-existing superstructure of the lift system. A hole is then cut in the encasement securing the upper portion of the pre-existing casing. Thereafter, all hydraulic fluid is drained. Thereafter, the pre-existing gland flange is removed. The old plunger is also removed. After the same has been accomplished, there is then provided a high pressure low volume hydraulic cylinder and associated hydraulic line, all of which is positioned within the casing of the pre-existing system. The bottom of the high pressure hydraulic cylinder is mechanically locked to the base of the pre-existing outer casing. A new pump and hydraulic lines are then installed. A new plunger is then added to the new hydraulic cylinder and, with it, an appropriate bearing and guide mechanism which uses the pre-existing casing as an outer guide means for the new plunger.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes an environment-defining enclosure having an upwardly directed mouth positioned substantially at work level of the system, the enclosure defining both a longitudinal and a transverse axis. The lift system also includes an in-ground anchoring of the enclosure relative to reactive forces generated by vehicles during lifting by the system, the anchoring disposed substantially at the work level and about the mouth of the enclosure. A rigid support frame is secured upon inner annular surfaces of the anchoring, defining a rigid horizontal plane at the mouth of the enclosure and co-parallel with it. Vertically-oriented cylindrical collars are secured to opposite longitudinal ends of the support frame. Further, a vertically oriented elongated screw drive having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end including an annular thrust bearing, is positioned at about the level of the support frame.

Abstract: An automotive screw lift system includes a front below ground level cavity having a first depth below a surface level. A track element is secured across a mouth of the front cavity proximally to the front surface level. A trolley is provided which is proportioned for slidable longitudinal movement within the track of the front cavity. Further provided is a rear below ground level cavity having a depth greater than the first depth of the front cavity, the rear cavity disposed along a given longitudinal axis relative to the front cavity. Yet further provided is a cavity enclosure secured upon a top opening of the rear cavity, the enclosure positioned beneath the surface level. Within the front and rear below ground cavities are provided front and rear screw lift assemblies each having a length less than the first depth of the first cavity, each of the lift assemblies having upper ends having flanges selectably interfaceable with either of the trolley or the rear enclosure.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a longitudinal series of transverse pairs of left and right rigid lifting legs, neither any legs of said pairs of legs nor any longitudinally successive legs having any on-ground connection therebetween, each of the legs having a top and a bottom, each bottom of each leg having, pivotally secured to it, a planer base which is anchored upon an on-ground floor. The system also includes left and right longitudinal vehicle wheel support platforms, the platforms having a pivotal connection relative to the respective tops of each of the respective pairs of left and right rigid legs.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a number of longitudinal transverse pairs of left and right legs each of which legs, include a top and a bottom. Each bottom is pivotally stationed to a base which in turn is positioned upon a floor. The lift system eliminates the need for torsion bars and provides ease of front-to-back and left-to-right access beneath an automotive vehicle that has been elevated.