CPC B66C 23/022 (2013.01) [B66C 1/442 (2013.01); B66C 1/447 (2013.01); B66C 13/44 (2013.01); B66C 15/00 (2013.01); B66C 23/26 (2013.01); B66C 23/62 (2013.01); B66C 23/88 (2013.01); B66D 3/20 (2013.01); B66D 3/26 (2013.01); G05B 19/042 (2013.01); B66C 1/0243 (2013.01); B66C 23/36 (2013.01); B66C 2700/0335 (2013.01); B66D 2700/025 (2013.01); G05B 2219/2667 (2013.01)] | 11 Claims |
1. A building element lift enhancer, comprising:
a base having a modular upright section;
a building element gripper;
a weatherproof drive housing;
a boom pivotally connected to the upright section of the base;
wherein the boom comprises an anti-rotation lock;
a cable driven by a motor where a distal end of the cable is connected to the building element gripper;
a force sensor that detects force applied by a user;
a force amplifier that converts user applied force received by the force sensor to mechanical force applied to the building element gripper to provide for movement of a building element by the building element gripper; and
a microprocessor for controlling force applied to the cable by the drive motor in response to user controls and force sensor feedback;
wherein the microprocessor is configured to control the building element gripper by providing force balancing of a building element to suspend the building element so as to float at a point in space until such time as a user takes an action to operate the building element lift enhancer; and
wherein the building element gripper has a failsafe actuator comprising a safety cam having an offset that engages with the building element to ensure that the building element will continue to be retained in position with a loss of power.
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