Importance

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Abstract

A hoist apparatus for accurately positioning and supporting a load above a production line, which includes an elongated post having a pair of sides with arcuate guide channels formed thereon, and a front face having a recess formed therein. A carriage is supported on the elongated post and a drive screw engages the carriage such that rotation of the drive screw axially translates the carriage in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post. A base supports the elongated post and includes an interior cross section complementary-shaped to the exterior of the post's exterior surface. In the first embodiment, a plurality of casters are carried by the carriage and rotatably engage the guide channels. The casters are each rotatably mounted on an eccectric cam shaft such that rotation of the cam shaft axially translates the casters toward or away from the guide channel. Such rotation allows the casters to be accurately positioned relative to the guide channel. Further, the eccentric cam shafts may be further rotated to create an interference between the caster and the guide channel to lock the carriage at a predetermined elevation. In a second embodiment of the invention, friction guides engage the respective guide channel on the elongated post and are slidably received thereon. A locking friction guide is also provided on one side of the carriage to lock the carriage at a predetermined elevation.

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First Claim