Abstract: The invention comprises a lift belt having a ribbed profile on a pulley engaging surface. The lift belt also comprises steel tensile cords within an elastomeric body. The ribbed profile engages a ribbed profile on a pulley. The lift belt exhibits increased load lifting capacity due to the increased surface area of the ribs as compared to a flat belt. The belt also comprises conductive tensile cords having a resistance. A change in resistance is used for measuring a belt condition as well as a belt load.

Abstract: The invention comprises a lifting belt having at least one tensile member adapted to function as a sensor and a load bearing member. The belt comprises an insulating elastomeric body in which the tensile member is enclosed. The tensile member comprises a series electrical circuit connected to a bridge circuit for detecting resistance changes in the tensile member caused by a strain in the tensile member.