Load hoisting apparatus

A hoisting apparatus for allowing manual maneuvering of a load, comprising:

• a handle defining a longitudinal axis and including a hollow body surrounded by a sheath, said handle having an upper end configured as attachment for a flexible member and a lower end;
• a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the flexible member;
• a load-engaging member;
• a load sensor positioned between the lifting mechanism and the load-engaging member for transmitting a signal commensurate with a value of a load, said load sensor being received within said hollow body of the handle coaxially with the longitudinal axis to coincide with a line of action of the load;
• a control unit receiving and processing the signal from the load sensor and outputting a control signal to the power unit for maintaining the load inbalance;
• and
• a switching mechanism for actuating the lifting mechanism in response to an off-center displacement of the sheath relative to the hollow body, said switching mechanism including an operating pin which projects into an oblong hole of the handle, and a pair of limit switches actuated by the operating pin when moving to an off-center position.

A hoisting apparatus for allowing manual maneuvering of a load, comprising:

• a handle including a hollow body and having an upper end configured as attachment for a flexible member and a lower end;
• a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the flexible member and applying a lifting force for elevating a load;
• a load-engaging member;
• a load sensor positioned between the lifting mechanism and the load-engaging member for transmitting a signal commensurate with a value of the load, said load sensor being received within the handle coaxially with the longitudinal axis to coincide with a line of action of the load, wherein said handle includes a head piece securely fixed at the upper end thereof, and a carriage linking the load-engaging member to the load sensor and guided within the hollow body in proximity to the lower end of the handle for displacement in a longitudinal direction relative to the handle;
• a control unit receiving and processing the signal from the load sensor and outputting a control signal to the power unit for applying a force to lift the load and to keep the load in balance;
• and
• a safety mechanism for restricting a movement of the carriage into the hollow body to prevent an upsetting of the sensor, wherein the carriage exhibits a stop surface, said safety mechanism including a bolt traversing the hollow body and extending across the carriage in opposition to the stop surface at a small axial distance thereof.