Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transporting a disabled person in a carrying means. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a dual-track structure for supporting a hoist and trolley which are controlled by the disabled person. In a further embodiment, the structure is designed to be supported by a floor and ceiling together, or by a floor alone, and is adjustable to accommodate rooms of different dimensions. A still further embodiment of the invention includes mechanical and electronic safety means for the hoist which senses a malfunction and provides an appropriate response thereto, such as sounding an alarm and/or lowering the hoist at a specific pre-programmed location and at a controlled descent rate. The embodiments may be used independently or in concert in accordance with the invention. One method of the invention comprises transporting the disabled person utilizing the dual-track structure controlled by the disabled person.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pendant control arrangement for overhead electric hoists featuring a helically wound elastically memorized insulative cord enclosing a plurality of electrical conductors for attachments at their opposite ends to terminals in the hoist motor and in the pendant control switches. This coiled cord encloses a straight line strain relief cable or the like which is of a length equal to the anticipated length required to support the pendant switch control panel at proper elevation below the electric hoist, and simply mechanically connects at its opposite ends to said motor and said control panel. Thus, changes in the distance required between the hoist motor and the control panel are more readily accommodated by reason of the mechanical connections of the relief cable, while leaving the electrical connections of the control cord conductors undisturbed.

Abstract: Load position limits and incremental lowering of a load are controlled by a microprocessor forming an interface between an operator's control station and the hoist. Other hoist status conditions such as underspeed and overspeed of the hoist motor are detected by the microprocessor based upon hoist speed during the position limit setting cycle. Still other hoist status data such a motor overheating, number of power-up cycles, number of under and overspeed shut-downs, number of power failures, etc. are input to the microprocessor and all such data as up-dated are entered into a non-volatile memory which, when extracted, permits maintenance scheduling.

Abstract: There is disclosed for use in powering a hoist or the like a pressured fluid powered machine of the rotary vane motor or pump type, improved means for "lifting" and maintaining the vanes in pressure-sealing contact with the wall of the machine casing, and for substantially preventing pressure losses around the ends of the vanes particularly when the machine is starting up and/or operating at low speeds. A pair of resilient "lifting rings" are provided to ride under the vanes at opposite ends thereof and "air cushion" float about specially shaped seals fixed upon opposite ends of the casing, so as to function at all times to maintain the vanes in contact with the machine casing inner wall. The seals operate to prevent fluid leakages via the vane accommodating slots in the machine rotor around the ends of the vanes; thereby providing the machine with a smooth torque output capability at start-up and low operating speeds, such as is of particular importance in hoisting machine systems.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pneumatic powered hoist wherein the motor driving the load lift wheel is located within a substantially sealed housing which also encloses the hoist gear and brake mechanisms. The motor exhausts into the housing allowing the exhaust to expand and circulate throughout the housing while cooling and lubricating the mechanisms therein and exit through restricted chain guides leading to and from the load lift wheel; the exhaust further expanding and cooling and lubricating the chain. The high pressure, staccato exhausts from the motor are attenuated and muffled interiorly of the housing.