Abstract: A ceiling mounted lift (200), of the type having a support frame (210) housing a drive mechanism (240) that operates to raise and lower a lifting platen (22) using a fabric drive roller (244), has a stabilizer (230), and is small enough to fit between standard ceiling joists. Preferred stabilizers have free movement in substantially only one plane and such arrangement is aided by the use of a bearing and hardened washers. Lifts according to the present invention can safely have a travel distance of up to 50 feet, and can manage payloads up to 1000 pounds.

Abstract: A nasal air filter to be attached to the human nose and upper lip, to filter the air breathed by the wearer, comprising of a thin, flat flexible housing 10 having sufficient size to substantially fit the contours of the human nose and upper lip, with adhesive added to the backing of the housing to apply the invention securely to the nose and upper lip, with an inserted aluminum strip 16 added at the top of the invention to be fitted by the wearer to the bridge of the human nose, and with scores 14 made into to the housing material in the form of horizontal v to form pleats that when pinched by the wearer seal the housing to the human nose. The housing when fully applied forms a seal around the nose and upper lip, so that the only air breathed through the nose is drawn through the filter element 26 attached to the inside of the filter housing 24 by adhesive or heat and pulled through the housing at an opening in the housing 18 located approximately at the nostril.

Abstract: A scissor lift includes an energy storage device that stores energy as the payload is lowered, and provides further lift to the payload as the payload is raised. This allows the scissors to achieve a support angle of up to 180° between the two arms (down to 0° between the screw drive and the lowest arm of the scissors), making the inventive scissor lifts considerably more compact than prior art lifts. The energy storage device is preferably a helical wire spring, but can alternatively be any suitable spring, piston, or even an elastomeric mass. Side to side movement of the scissors arms can be restricted using a thrust bearing with hardened washers at the inter-arm pivot, and/or a guided connector that transmits motive force to the scissors.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted lift (200), of the type having a support frame (210) housing a drive mechanism (240) that operates to raise and lower a lifting platen (22) using a fabric drive roller (244), has a stabilizer (230), and is small enough to fit between standard ceiling joists. Preferred stabilizers have free movement in substantially only one plane and such arrangement is aided by the use of a bearing and hardened washers. Lifts according to the present invention can safely have a travel distance of up to 50 feet, and can manage payloads up to 1000 pounds.