Abstract: A lift drive comprising: a spiral drive element having an axis of rotation, a rack having teeth sized and shaped to be engaged by the spiral drive element, the rack having a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, and a motor to rotate the spiral drive element, wherein upon the spiral drive element-rotating, one of the spiral drive element and the rack moves relative to the other along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A personal lift device is disclosed having a motor having an output shaft. A gearing system is operatively connected to the output shaft for increasing torque. A strap for suspending a weight is wound onto a spool and rotating the spool extends and retracts the strap. A drive connection is made between the gearing system and the spool to permit said motor to drive said spool. A brake is associated with said spool to prevent unwanted extension of said strap from said spool, when a weight is suspended by said strap. In a preferred embodiment a clutch is provided between the brake and the drive train, and the greater the weight supported by the spool the greater the braking force. An emergency lift and lower device is also provided in the event of a failure of the motor.

Abstract: A stair lift for lifting and lowering at least one person on a rail on a stairway. There is a carriage mountable to the rail, the carriage having a track engaging drive, and a motor to power the drive, the powered drive causing the carriage to move along the rail. There is a central support post mounted on the carriage and an offset arm connected to the seat support post. The offset arm is mounted to the carriage in one of a left side or a right side position. A seat is mounted on the offset arm, and a notched plate secures the seat in position on the offset arm in either the left side or right side position and permits the seat to swivel between a sideways facing position and an upward facing position to facilitate the person getting into and out of the seat.

Abstract: A stair lift for lifting and lowering at least one person on a rail on a stairway. There is a carriage mountable to the rail, the carriage having a track engaging drive, and a motor to power the drive, the powered drive causing the carriage to move along the rail. There is a central support post mounted on the carriage and an offset arm connected to the seat support post. The offset arm is mounted to the carriage in one of a left side or a right side position. A seat is mounted on the offset arm, and a notched plate secures the seat in position on the offset arm in either the left side or right side position and permits the seat to swivel between a sideways facing position and an upward facing position to facilitate the person getting into and out of the seat.

Abstract: A personal lift device is disclosed having a motor having an output shaft. A gearing system is operatively connected to the output shaft for increasing torque. A strap for suspending a weight is wound onto a spool and rotating the spool extends and retracts the strap. A drive connection is made between the gearing system and the spool to permit said motor to drive said spool. A brake is associated with said spool to prevent unwanted extension of said strap from said spool, when a weight is suspended by said strap. In a preferred embodiment a clutch is provided between the brake and the drive train, and the greater the weight supported by the spool the greater the braking force. An emergency lift and lower device is also provided in the event of a failure of the motor.

Abstract: A lift drive comprising: a spiral drive element having an axis of rotation, a rack having teeth sized and shaped to be engaged by the spiral drive element, the rack having a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, and a motor to rotate the spiral drive element, wherein upon the spiral drive element-rotating, one of the spiral drive element and the rack moves relative to the other along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A lift drive comprising: a spiral drive element having an axis of rotation, a rack having teeth sized and shaped to be engaged by the spiral drive element, the rack having a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, and a motor to rotate the spiral drive element, wherein upon the spiral drive element-rotating, one of the spiral drive element and the rack moves relative to the other along the longitudinal axis.