Abstract: The self-adjusting limit switch assembly of this invention has two switches mounted on a slide for sliding movement on a bracket. A transverse slot in the slide has two facing surfaces. The switches are mounted on each side of the slot with their operating members extending slightly past the slot. The actuator is positioned to extend into the slot. When the brakes are first moved to the brake released position the actuator engages not only the operating member of the switch on that side, but also a wall of the slot and moves the slide to a brake released position thereby correctly adjusting the position of the switches. When the brakes require adjustment due to wear, the actuator engages the operating member of the second switch, as before, causing an indicator to function.

Abstract: A friction hoist having at least two friction wheels each carrying a rope supporting a counterbalanced conveyance includes a motor to rotationally drive at least one of the wheels. The wheels are mounted for independent rotation on a common shaft and are permitted limited axial motion with respect to one another. A braking apparatus is provided for engagement with outer faces of the wheels while opposed inner faces of adjacent wheels are provided with a braking material such that actuation of the braking apparatus forces the wheels together and the wheels are braked as a unitary structure.