the rental and leasing companies can provide parts and service for the elevators that are under contract. Mine hoist A mining hoist (also known simply as a hoist or winder) is used in underground mining to raise and lower conveyances within the mine shaft. It is similar to an elevator, used for raising humans, equipment, and assorted loads. Human, animal and water power were used to power the mine hoists documented in Agricola's De Re Metallica, published in 1556. Stationary steam engines were commonly used to power mine hoists through the 19th century and into the 20th, as at the Quincy Mine, where a 4-cylinder cross-compound corliss engine was used. Modern hoists are powered using electric motors, historically with direct current drives utilizing solid-state converters (thyristors); however, modern large hoists use alternating current drives that are variable-frequency controlled. There are three principal types of hoists used in mining applications, Drum Hoists, Friction (or Kope) hoists and Blair multi-rope hoists. Hoist can be defined as anything that is used to lift any heavy materials. Chain hoist Differential pulley Gallery See also * Overhead crane Hoist controller Hoist (mining) Hydraulic jigger Hydraulic hooklift hoist Rigging Winch Windlass Derrick References External links OSHA Regs for overhead cranes Actuators Lifting equipment