Importance

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Abstract

A platform lift apparatus moves objects vertically within a structure such as between floors of a residential or commercial structure. The platform lift apparatus further comprises a main body having a platform receiving portion and a utility portion. A drive train is substantially contained within the utility portion of the main body. The drive train comprises a rotatable shaft having plural lift drums and a motor operatively coupled to the shaft to cause selective rotation thereof. Each of the lift drums has an associated lift tether coupled thereto and wound thereon. A platform is coupled to respective ends of the lift tethers to suspend the platform from the platform receiving portion of the main body. The platform is selectively movable by operation of the drive train to travel vertically relative to the main body. The platform is substantially nested within the platform receiving portion of the main body when at an uppermost point of travel. At least one load sensor is operatively coupled to at least one of the lift tethers. The load sensor provides a load signal corresponding to load on the associated one of the lift tethers. A control circuit is operatively coupled to the motor and the at least one load sensor, wherein the control circuit controls operation of the motor responsive to the load signal. The control circuit causes the platform to travel upward by driving the motor to rotate the shaft in a first direction to wind the lift tethers onto the respective lift drums and causes the platform to travel downward by driving the motor to rotate the shaft in a second direction to unwind the lift tethers from the respective lift drums.

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First Claim