Abstract: A connection apparatus for attaching a first truss to a second truss has first and second connection segments, a bolt and an optional spring. The first connection segment has an aperture dimensioned to receive a threaded end and shank of the bolt. The aperture is also dimensioned to prevent the head end of the bolt and the threaded end from passing through. The aperture comprising a recess for receiving the second end of the spring. The first connection segment has a side opening, open to the aperture, dimensioned to receive the shank of the bolt. The first connection segment has a shoulder portion within the aperture dimensioned to closely fit around the shank and prevent the threaded end of the bolt from passing therethrough. The second connection segment for attaching to the second truss has a threaded hole dimensioned to fixably receive the threaded end of the bolt.

Abstract: Truss sections are commonly used at concerts and shows to support displays, camera, sound and lighting equipment. During transport or storage, the truss sections are stacked on top of each other. The apparatus is mountable to a cross member of a truss section. The apparatus comprises depressions on the surface. Longitudinal members (which are perpendicular to said cross member when stacked) of a second truss section can be positioned within the depressions to limit the relative movement between truss sections which are stacked.

Abstract: A base plate assembly is provided for supporting a structural member on a floor surface. The base plate assembly has a substantially planar base plate, having one or more holes through the base plate. There are also one or more supports to support the base plate above the floor surface, forming a cavity between the base plate and the floor surface. There are one or more bolt retainer assemblies each having a bolt, associated with one of the one or more holes. Each bolt retainer assembly has an engaged orientation retaining the bolt through the hole and an retracted orientation retaining the bolt within the cavity and not through the hole.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for attaching a first truss to a second truss has first and second connection segments, a bolt and an optional spring. The first connection segment has an aperture dimensioned to receive a threaded end and shank of the bolt. The aperture is also dimensioned to prevent the head end of the bolt and the threaded end from passing through. The aperture comprising a recess for receiving the second end of the spring. The first connection segment has a side opening, open to the aperture, dimensioned to receive the shank of the bolt. The first connection segment has a shoulder portion within the aperture dimensioned to closely fit around the shank and prevent the threaded end of the bolt from passing therethrough. The second connection segment for attaching to the second truss has a threaded hole dimensioned to fixably receive the threaded end of the bolt.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for attaching a first truss to a second truss has a first and second connection segment, a bolt and an optional spring. The first connection segment has an aperture dimensioned to receive the threaded end and the shank of the bolt. The aperture is also dimensioned to prevent the head end of the bolt and the threaded end from passing through, and the aperture comprising a recess for receiving the second end of the spring. The first connection segment also has a side opening, open to the aperture, dimensioned to receive the shank of the bolt. The first connection segment also has a shoulder portion within the aperture dimensioned to closely fit around the shank of the bolt and prevent the threaded end of the bolt from passing therethrough. The second connection segment for attaching to the second truss has a threaded hole dimensioned to fixably receive the threaded end of the bolt.

Abstract: A system for securing at least one fixture for transport or storage is described. The system comprises at least one rod from which the at least one fixture may be hung by an associated clamp that is attached to the top of the fixture. A locking bar associated with each of the at least one rod is provided, along with a locking mechanism, which may be actuated by a worker to move the locking bar between an open and a closed position. When the locking bar is in the closed position, it secures all clamps to the at least one rod simultaneously. When the locking bar is in an open position, any hung fixtures are released and can be removed from the rod. Described also is a method for securing a fixture.

Abstract: A system for securing at least one fixture for transport or storage is described. The system comprises at least one rod from which the at least one fixture may be hung by an associated clamp that is attached to the top of the fixture. A locking bar associated with each of the at least one rod is provided, along with a locking mechanism, which may be actuated by a worker to move the locking bar between an open and a closed position. When the locking bar is in the closed position, it secures all clamps to the at least one rod simultaneously. When the locking bar is in an open position, any hung fixtures are released and can be removed from the rod. Described also is a method for securing a fixture.

Abstract: Truss sections are commonly used at concerts and shows to support displays, camera, sound and lighting equipment. During transport or storage, the truss sections are stacked on top of each other. The apparatus is mountable to a cross member of a truss section. The apparatus comprises depressions on the surface. Longitudinal members (which are perpendicular to said cross member when stacked) of a second truss section can be positioned within the depressions to limit the relative movement between truss sections which are stacked.

Abstract: A truss connection apparatus is used to connect truss sections. A connection segment is mounted on each truss to be connected. Each connection segment has an opening, in alignment with each other to receive a fastener. The fastener is threaded on one end and can receive a nut. The other end of the fastener is a locking end having a radial protrusion. One of the connection segments has a securing means adapted to secure the locking end when the at least one protrusion of the locking end is rotated to a locking position. In the locking position the protrusion mates with the securing means and the fastener is prevented from rotational or axial movement and connection segments are fixed relative to each other as are the truss sections on which the connection sections are mounted.

Abstract: A connection apparatus may be used to connect truss sections or other objects. A connection segment is mounted on each truss to be connected. Each of a first and second connection segment has an opening, in alignment with each other to receive a fastener. The opening of the first connection segment allows the fastener to pivot. The second connection segment has a side opening which allows the fastener to pivot inside and outside the body of the second connection segment. The fastener has a threaded end and a locking end. The locking end may be secured against an outer surface of the second connection segment. In the locked position the locking end of the fastener engages the outer surface of one the second connection segment and the fastener is prevented from rotational or axial movement. The connection segments are thus fixed relative to each other as are the truss sections on which the connection sections may be mounted.

Abstract: Inventory tracking systems and methods are provided herein that utilize a communication protocol that provides randomized parameters to ensure transmission between one or more remote devices and a central device. Remote devices enter a sleep mode for a randomized sleep period, and then enter a power-on mode after the period of sleep time has elapsed. When in the power-on mode, the remote device listens and identifies whether a beacon message is sent from the central device. If a beacon message is detected, the remote device sends a return message and then returns to sleep mode. If a beacon message is not detected, the remote device returns to sleep mode.

Abstract: Pins are stored on a truss body and are used to secure connections between separate truss bodies when creating a truss structure, which itself may act as a support for displays, lighting systems, and/or sound systems. Each of the pins is tethered to a pin holder so as not to be lost or damaged. The pin holder retains the pins on the truss body and thereby reduces the likelihood of collisions that occur between the tethered pins and truss members while the truss assembly is in transit. This in turn increases the likelihood that the structural integrity of the pins, the truss members and the tether is maintained during transit. The pin holder and tether allow the correct number of pins to be shipped to the venue where the truss structure is to be constructed.

Abstract: A cable bundling assembly and a method of operation is provided for bundling cables. The assembly has a vertical conveyor which is mounted to a frame for advancing cables. The conveyor is driven by a drive unit and has an entrance side and an exit side. At least one fastener is provided on the conveyor. When an end of a set of cables are releasably secured to the fastener, the cables advance upwardly on an entrance side of the conveyor and downwardly on an exit side of the conveyor as the conveyor is driven by the drive unit. An operator control configured to activate the drive unit is provided. When the operator control activates the drive unit to advance the conveyor, the cables are advanced along the vertical conveyor on a substantially vertical axis and the cables advance from the entrance side of the vertical conveyor to the exit side of the vertical conveyor.

Abstract: A cable bundling assembly and a method of operation is provided for bundling cables. The assembly has a vertical conveyor which is mounted to a frame for advancing cables. The conveyor is driven by a drive unit and has an entrance side and an exit side. At least one fastener is provided on the conveyor. When an end of a set of cables are releasably secured to the fastener, the cables advance upwardly on an entrance side of the conveyor and downwardly on an exit side of the conveyor as the conveyor is driven by the drive unit. An operator control configured to activate the drive unit is provided. When the operator control activates the drive unit to advance the conveyor, the cables are advanced along the vertical conveyor on a substantially vertical axis and the cables advance from the entrance side of the vertical conveyor to the exit side of the vertical conveyor.

Abstract: A trolley is provided for storing and transporting components. The trolley has a frame and a cover that can open or close. The frame has a base, rollers mounted on the bottom of the base, vertical supports extending from the top of the base, and one or more pairs of rails mounted in between adjacent vertical supports, each pair of rails being adapted to receive and support said components. The cover has a first side support that is hingeably mounted to the frame, a second side support, and cross members substantially parallel to one another and horizontally spaced apart, mounted between the first side support and the second side support. When the cover is open, components may be loaded by sliding them along a pair of rails or by lowering the components between a pair of rails. When the cover closed, loaded components are constrained from movement.

Abstract: A truss and trolley assembly is provided for the transport and assembly of truss components. The truss has a frame which has a pair of substantially parallel side walls which are horizontally spaced apart, the bottoms of the side walls have couplers. The frame also has an upper wall, perpendicular to the side walls, which is connected to top surfaces of each of the side walls. The frame also has a pair of tracks, each track being mounted to an inside surface of each of the side walls and a fixture mount slideably mounted on the pair of tracks. The trolley has a base having a top and a bottom. A plurality of rollers mounted on the bottom of the base. A plurality of vertical supports extend from the top of the base and each vertical support have means for detachably receiving a corresponding one of the couplers.