Abstract: An appliance-support system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a truss and a positioning system coupled to the truss. The positioning system is adapted to support an appliance, such as a video display, light, speaker, or other device used during stage performances or events.

Abstract: A rotatable connector for use with a truss in accordance with the present disclosure includes a sleeve and a connector end coupled to the sleeve. The sleeve engages with the truss in a fixed orientation. The connector end rotates relative to the truss to allow attachment with another connector of an adjacent truss in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: An appliance-support system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a truss and a rolling support coupled to the truss. The truss is adapted to support an appliance, such as a light, and in combination with other trusses forms a scaffolding for use above an event stage, for example. The system includes collapsible aspects for ease of storage and stacking.

Abstract: A rear illuminated panel includes a base member having first and second opposing sides and a pair of guide grooves formed on the first side of the base member. The panel further includes a translucent thermoplastic sheet of material having rubber channel strips on opposing longitudinal sides of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is disposed within the guide grooves of the base member such that channel strips prevent vibration of the sheet of material within the guide grooves. The panel still further includes an LED strip having a plurality of LEDs and disposed within a cavity formed by the base member and the sheet of material, wherein light from the LEDs illuminates the sheet of material. The second opposing side of the base panel is adapted to be fastened to a structure. Exemplary suitable structures include a locking rail and an index light.

Abstract: A rear illuminated panel includes a base member having first and second opposing sides and a pair of guide grooves formed on the first side of the base member. The panel further includes a translucent thermoplastic sheet of material having rubber channel strips on opposing longitudinal sides of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is disposed within the guide grooves of the base member such that channel strips prevent vibration of the sheet of material within the guide grooves. The panel still further includes an LED strip having a plurality of LEDs and disposed within a cavity formed by the base member and the sheet of material, wherein light from the LEDs illuminates the sheet of material. The second opposing side of the base panel is adapted to be fastened to a structure. Exemplary suitable structures include a locking rail and an index light.

Abstract: A band brake for rotating machinery and equipment, in particular, a band brake for hoists, winches, and similar load lifting equipment. The band brake includes a resilient flexible band disposed about a rotatable drum, a tension bar pivotally coupled to a frame, a positioner attached to the frame and coupled with the tension bar to move the band brake between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The positioner includes a linear actuator, an articulated link assembly, and a magnetic retention assembly.

Abstract: A hoist assembly for raising and lowering a load attached to a cable having a drum with a groove spirally disposed about its outer surface mounted within a frame. The groove having a predetermined pitch and configured to receive the cable wound about the drum. The drum has a cable take-off point where the cable ceases contacting the drum and is tangent to the drum. A head block is mounted to the frame and configured to receive the cable as it wound and unwound on the drum while maintaining tangential alignment with said take-off point.

Abstract: A hoist assembly for raising and lowering a load uses a plurality of flat tensile members and spool drums. A modular hoist system can be adapted to various configurations by mounting a plurality of hoist assemblies in combination.