Abstract: A vehicle lift for transporting a wheelchair passenger between a ground-level position adjacent the vehicle to a position adjacent and substantially coplanar with the vehicle floor. The lift includes a pair of rails (36) attached to the vehicle. A carriage assembly (21) includes a pair of slides (34) that ride on the rails (36). The lift further includes a contact sensor (16) for detecting when the lift platform (25) contacts a curb or other object. As the platform is lowered, the relative position of the slides (34) and the rails (36) changes, the sensor (16) detects a relative position of one of the slides (34) and the corresponding rail (36). When the sensor (16) detects a relative position of the slide (34) and the rail (36) indicating that the platform (25) has contacted a curb or other object, the sensor (16) generates a control signal. A lift controller (60) stops the lowering of the platform in response to the control signal from the sensor(16).

Abstract: A wheelchair lift designed for mounting in the stairwell of a railway car. The lift includes a vertical translation member which is attachable to one wall of the stairwell, and a platform assembly attached to the translation mechanism so as to be movable between an upper position, where the platform assembly is substantially coplanar with the floor of the railway car, and a lower position, adjacent the railroad bed. The platform assembly includes a main platform attached to the translation mechanism, and a pivot platform, pivotally mounted to the outboard end of the main platform. In the stowed position, the pivot platform is positioned underneath the main platform. Retractable barriers are provided at the outboard end of the pivot platform and the inboard end of the main platform for preventing a wheelchair from rolling off the platforms.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle, such as a tour bus, having an elevated seating area and a compartment beneath the seating area. The lift includes a carriage (38) movable into and out of the compartment, a platform (56, 58) on the carriage, and a powered linkage (66, 76, 78) for raising and lowering the platform. The lift also includes stow latch mechanism (200) for securing the platform in the stowed position, and a door interlock system (300) for preventing the vehicle door above the lift from being opened except when the lift is positioned at or near the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift, for tour buses or any bus having an elevated seating area providing room for a compartment beneath the seating area, includes a carriage movable into and out of the compartment. A platform on the carriage is formed by rotating a movable part with respect to a fixed part. A powered linkage between the carriage and the platform raises and lowers the platform. Safety devices such as barriers and handrails are provided.