Abstract: A movable ramp assembly is provided that can be securely stored and safely and reliably operated. The ramp assembly includes a platform that is conveniently stored to travel with a vehicle and deployed in a motion pattern to allow the passage of passengers across the platform into and out of the vehicle. The motion pattern includes an upwardly inclined motion and a downwardly inclined motion which together accommodate most uneven terrain on which the vehicle may be parked. In the disclosed embodiment, the motion pattern of the platform is faciliated by cam guides formed within side beams of a mounting structure and cam followers provided on bracket arms supporting the platform at one end. As the cam followers follow the cam guides, the platform is pitched upwardly at an incline and then downwardly at an incline when the platform is deployed from storage. As part of the top panel of the mounting structure, a hinged panel is provided, having multiple functions.

Abstract: A chairlift providing a seat for transporting a passenger along a rail inclined at a substantially uniformly angle, includes a chair assembly with a base housing a motor unit and a carriage supporting the chair assembly in a substantially upright position for movement along the rail and being positionable relative to the chair assembly to provide a spatial relationship therebetween for accommodating the angle of the inclined rail. The chairlift further includes a swivel mechanism incorporating a sliding component and a swivel component for enabling the seat to move along an arcuate path relative to the base, between a transport position and offset access positions. The chairlift also includes a safety interlock for locking the seat in the transport position and for disabling chairlift operations unless the seat is locked in the transport position.

Abstract: A passenger lift incorporates an electronic safety interlock to prevent all movement of the lift, until a restraining belt is fastened. In some embodiments, the interlock is a normally open electric switch located inside the restraining belt's buckle. The switch is closed and the movement of the lift actuated only when the restraining belt's matingly interlocking tab is inserted in the buckle.

Abstract: An adjustable wheelchair lift for a vehicle wherein the lift includes a platform, a mounting structure having two spaced apart, vertically extending, support posts mountable to the vehicle, a linkage for moving the platform to and from the vehicle and a chain-and-sprocket drive for moving the linkage. Each support post has a main portion and an adjustable portion, preferably both being channel shaped. The adjustable portion slides along the main portion until the desired height is reached. The channels also interlock at their edges to prevent lateral movement of the adjustable portion when it is unconnected to the main portion.

Abstract: A passenger lift incorporates an electronic safety interlock to prevent all movement of the lift, until a restraining belt is fastened. In some embodiments, the interlock is a normally open electric switch located inside the restraining belt's buckle. The switch is closed and the movement of the lift actuated only when the restraining belt's matingly interlocking tab is inserted in the buckle.