Abstract: A motor driven compressor is supplied with power from a battery and supplies compressed air at the outlet of an air hose. Compressed air via the hose is supplied to a lifting device, for example a bellows of an invalid seat assembly. In the apparatus the output of the compressor is passed through a non-return valve so that when the compressor is turned off supplied air cannot bleed back through the compressor. A pressure switch breaks the electrical circuit should pressure build up excessively at the output. Additionally, an air dump valve is provided to enable pressure in the output line to be vented to atmosphere. Operation of the compressor is controlled by a hand control.

Abstract: Wheelchair apparatus which is manually separable into four main units namely a lifting device, a seat unit, a wheeled chassis and a portable battery/compressor unit, of which the device and unit can be employed as static lifting apparatus, e.g. a bath-lift, when the unit and the chassis are detached; and the chassis has hand operated wheel-brakes and an automatic actuating mechanism to apply the brakes when the seat is raised.

Abstract: Lifting apparatus comprises a base, a platform disposed above the base, a thrust mechanism therebetween to lift the platform with respect to the base, and a platform stabilizer assembly enclosed within the thrust device to connect the platform and base in a fixed relationship with respect to each other. The platform stabilizer assembly comprises an upper extensible, scissors linkage mechanism having upper end portions connected to the platform and a lower extensible, scissors linkage mechanism having lower end portions connected to the base. The lower end portions of the upper extensible, scissors linkage mechanism are pivotally connected to upper end portions of the lower extensible, scissors linkage mechanism so that the scissors linkage mechanisms are constrained to move in unison. Guides located on the base and platform outside and adjacent the platform stabilizer assembly constrains movement of the stabilizer linkages within the thrust mechanism.

Abstract: Lifting apparatus including a base, a platform disposed above the base, a thrust device therebetween to lift the platform relative to the base, and a platform stabilizer enclosed within the thrust device to connect the platform and base in parallel. The platform stabilizer includes an upper extensible linkage device having upper end portions connected to the platform, a lower extensible linkage device having lower end portions connected to the base, and connecting arrangement connecting lower end portions of the upper extensible linkage device to upper end portions of the lower extensible linkage device so that the linkage devices are constrained to move in unison.