PNEUMATICALLY-OPERATED HOIST WITH AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM

A pneumatically-operated hoist is operated through an automatic, pneumatic control system. The operation of the hoist is initiated through an external signal for the pneumatic control system by means of which the hoist is automatically directed through a plurality of sequential steps. The hoist preferably has at least two remotely-positioned bleed elements which are operated through the pneumatic control elements to control the hoist pressure at predetermined values in a manner such that an operator can manipulate a load with the hoist in a desired manner without having to operate any manual controls at all. The control system also is equipped with a bleed element which opens to slowly bleed the hoist in the event of air failure, so that a load carried by the hoist can be safely lowered.