In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for lifting an object includes a rotational axis (59) that has a first lead screw (520) threaded in a first direction, a second lead screw (524) threaded in a second direction, and a coupler (522) that couples the first lead screw (520) and the second lead screw (524). A first lifting arm (506) has first and second members that move in a first plane that is substantially parallel to the rotational axis, and a second lifting arm (514) has first and second members that move in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the rotational axis. A first transverse member (532) is coupled to the first lead screw (520), and a second transverse member (540) is coupled to the second lead screw (524). Rotation of the rotational axis (519) in a first direction raises the first (506) and second lifting arms (514), and rotation of the rotational axis in a second direction lowers the first and second lifting arms.