Abstract: Provided is a winch apparatus including two exchangeable and interchangeable gears connecting a motor to a drum, the drum being operative to extend and retract a flexible line.

Abstract: A trolley system for the entertainment industry can receive power and control signals wirelessly. The trolley system can be wirelessly powered by an inductive power transfer system that is associated with the support member the trolley travels along. The trolley system can use a leaky feeder system for the wireless exchange of data, information and control instructions with an automation and motion and control system. The trolley can include additional components, e.g., a winch, that also receive power and control signals wirelessly.

Abstract: An automation and motion control system for theatrical objects, such as theatrical props, cameras, stunt persons, lighting, scenery, drapery or other similar types of devices or items, is provided to coordinate the movement of the objects on a large scale and/or to control the operation of the objects.

Abstract: A lifting device includes a housing movably securable to a support structure extending along a predetermined path corresponding to a portion of the support structure. The housing includes a motorized lifting machine movable with the housing. The housing includes an engagement device movable with the housing, the engagement device operably engaging the portion of the support structure to move the housing.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a group of winches in a system. Each motorized winch in the system can have a control board that can process and generate control commands for operation of the winch. The control board can receive inputs from an automation control system and/or the other control boards to be used in the generation of the control commands for the winch.

Abstract: An engagement article is provided that is capable of selectively restricting movement or securing a suspended load in response to a rapid change in tension in one or more lines.

Abstract: A multidimensional positioning system including a first block assembly including a fixed first block portion and a moveable second block portion. A first travel cable is arranged on pulleys operatively connected to the first block portion, the second block portion and a predetermined location. The first travel cable is affixed to a base supporting a load. A first travel drive is operatively connected to the first travel cable to facilitate movement of the base in a second travel direction. A first lift drive is arranged and disposed to provide movement of the second block portion relative to the first block portion to selectively alter the length of the first travel cable in a working space and selectively move the base in a first travel direction.

Abstract: A suspended flying rig system including a plurality of cables attached to a load support. In response to retraction and/or deployment of at least one of the plurality of cables, motion is provided generally within a three-dimensional working space to the load support. The motion includes at least six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An equipment positioning system includes a reel apparatus, equipment and a control system. An equipment positioning apparatus is secured to cables forming at least three angled parallelograms extending between the reel apparatus and the equipment positioning apparatus. The cables are for positioning the equipment positioning apparatus and the equipment based upon signals from the control system. The cables are cooperatively extended or retracted by the reel apparatus thereby positioning one or more of the equipment positioning apparatus and the equipment. The cables forming the at least three angled parallelograms maintain the equipment positioning apparatus and the equipment in a stable orientation during operation of the equipment positioning system.