Redundant multi-point chain hoist apparatus

A redundant multi-point chain hoist apparatus comprising:

• a motor;
• a first chain path sized and configured for slidably receiving a first chain, the first chain path providing an at least one first sprocket positioned and configured for meshing with the first chain as the first chain passes over the first sprocket, thereby selectively moving the first chain through the first chain path;
• a separate, redundant second chain path sized and configured for slidably receiving a second chain, the second chain path providing an at least one second sprocket positioned and configured for meshing with the second chain as the second chain passes over the second sprocket, thereby selectively moving the second chain through the second chain path;
• a first chain gear in mechanical communication with the at least one first sprocket;
• a second chain gear in mechanical communication with each of the first chain gear and the at least one second sprocket;
• a gear train comprising a plurality of gears positioned in series between the motor and the first chain gear, thereby creating parallel mechanical links between the motor and each of the first and second chain paths, such that the motor selectively causes the first and second chains to move in unison yet independently via the separate first and second chain paths;
• a first brake in mechanical communication with the first chain path for selectively preventing the first chain from moving through the first chain path;
• and
• a second brake in mechanical communication with the second chain path for selectively preventing the second chain from moving through the second chain path;
• whereby, with the apparatus engaged with each of an elevated surface and a load, the apparatus is capable of selectively lifting, lowering and sustaining the load relative to the elevated surface via each of the first and second chains, even if one of the first or second chains, chain paths, or brakes should experience a failure.

A redundant multi-point chain hoist apparatus comprising:

• a motor;
• a first chain path sized and configured for slidably receiving a first chain, the first chain path providing an at least one first sprocket positioned and configured for meshing with the first chain as the first chain passes over the first sprocket, thereby selectively moving the first chain through the first chain path;
• a separate, redundant second chain path sized and configured for slidably receiving a second chain, the second chain path providing an at least one second sprocket positioned and configured for meshing with the second chain as the second chain passes over the second sprocket, thereby selectively moving the second chain through the second chain path;
• a first chain gear in mechanical communication with the at least one first sprocket;
• a second chain gear in mechanical communication with each of the first chain gear and the at least one second sprocket;
• a gear train comprising a plurality of gears positioned in series between the motor and the first chain gear, thereby creating parallel mechanical links between the motor and each of the first and second chain paths, such that the motor selectively causes the first and second chains to move in unison yet independently via the separate first and second chain paths;
• the first and second chain gears being identical in size and shape such that the first and second chain gears are capable of rotating simultaneously and at the same speed which, in turn, enables the first and second chains to move through the respective first and second chain paths at the same speed;
• a first brake in mechanical communication with the first chain path for selectively preventing the first chain from moving through the first chain path;
• and
• a second brake in mechanical communication with the second chain path for selectively preventing the second chain from moving through the second chain path;
• whereby, with the apparatus engaged with each of an elevated surface and a load, the apparatus is capable of selectively lifting, lowering and sustaining the load relative to the elevated surface via each of the first and second chains, even if one of the first or second chains, chain paths, or brakes should experience a failure.