Mini-Lifting

Elevator industry members have always been intrigued by the heavy lifting accomplished through the eras -- ore buggies, locomotives, trucks, ship and stage lifts have allowed elevator engineers, manufacturers and installers to show their muscles. On the other hand, many individuals and businesses requiring the lifting of as little as 25 pounds of ore samples or important correspondents have not been forgotten. The ill-named "dumbwaiter" -- one of the first lifts -- steadily claimed its adherents. The advent of electricity made the mini-lift smart, deciding which floors it would serve and in what order. Some of these smart lifts were designed to seize containers and deliver them to the proper floor. These servants were often so well concealed under the counter in a restaurant of bank that they received little credit for the time and effort they saved! Mini-sized or mini-cost? The elevator industry continued to provide large and small, heavy duty and light capacity, fast and slow, simple and complex. The hand-power lift -- the first to serve man -- remained as part of the industry's stock. There were always clients who occasionally had a small, lightweight task to perform, but when it had to be performed, it was considered critical. For such tasks, the old veteran was brushed off and not found wanting!