Abstract: A method for deployment of a display system includes providing a first collection container for receiving a first display arrangement, and a second collection container for receiving a second display arrangement. The method further includes positioning the first collection container and the second collection container in close proximity to one another. The method further includes selectably engaging the first display arrangement to the second display arrangement and simultaneously deploying the first and second display arrangements.

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 method for assembling a display system includes positioning and selectively engaging a plurality of modules together to form a first tier, lifting the first tier, positioning and selectively engaging a plurality of modules together to form a second tier, and attaching the second tier to the first tier.

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. By exchanging and interchanging the gears to effect a change in the ratio of the diameters of the first gear to the second gear, the torque and the linear speed of the flexible line are adjustable, permitting the same winch apparatus to move heavier loads at lower speeds, or lighter loads at higher speeds.

Abstract: An automation and motion control system for the entertainment industry is used to dynamically respond to random or unknown inputs as well as known inputs and to coordinate the movement and operation of the objects, such as theatrical props, cameras, stunt persons, lighting, scenery, drapery, kinetic art sculptures, moving displays or other similar types of devices or items, on a large scale.

Abstract: A platform system having a video module assembly. The video module assembly includes a receiving member and a first video module removably secured to the receiving member. The video module includes an array of light emitting devices, and the receiving member is configured to directly or indirectly detachably secure a second video module.

Abstract: A visually evident connection system for a plug-in power/data cable including a power/data cable connector securable to a power/data cable. The connector is configured to be received by a power/data receptacle having an illumination region. In response to an interconnection between the connector and the receptacle, the connector is configured to provide visual evidence of the interconnection by illumination of a component other than the illumination region of the receptacle. The source of illumination of the component is provided by the illumination region of the receptacle.

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: An audio performance system for use during an event including a shipping container containing at least a first electroacoustic device. A lifting device forms a first portion of the shipping container, the lifting device configured to movably secure the first electroacoustic device between a first position for transport of the container and a second position for the event. A second portion of the shipping container is configured to be manually removable. A third portion of the shipping container is configured to positionably secure a second electroacoustic device for the event.

Abstract: An inflatable display device is provided. The inflatable display device includes an inflatable support device, and a plurality of illumination sources, each of the illumination sources secured to the inflatable support device. The illumination sources are arranged in a preconfigured pattern on the inflatable support device, the preconfigured pattern resulting in the appearance of a continuous display. Another inflatable display device includes a cast silicon material, and a plurality of illumination sources, the illumination sources positioned within the cast silicon material. The cast silicon material forms an inflatable structure having a predetermined three dimensional configuration. Another inflatable display device includes an inflatable support device, a plurality of illumination sources, each of the illumination sources secured to the inflatable support device, and a control system coupled to the illumination sources.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a spectator interface apparatus. The system includes a plurality of spectator interface apparatuses, each spectator interface apparatus including at least one display device, the at least one display device forming a portion of a continuous image within a spectator region of a venue, and at least one interface device. The at least one display device and the at least one interface device are mounted on or in close proximity to a row of spectator seating, and each interface device corresponds to an individual spectator seat. The spectator interface apparatus includes at least one display device on a front side of the spectator interface apparatus, and at least one interface device on a rear side of the spectator interface apparatus. The interface device comprises an input component and a display component. Also disclosed is a process for providing spectator interface.

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: A control system is provided for one or more chain drives. The control system includes a automation control system or control device in communication with a control board installed on one or more chain drives. The control board can include a microprocessor and a memory device. The memory device stores one or more computer programs or algorithms executable by the microprocessor to generate a plurality of commands to control the operation of a component, e.g., a motor, of the chain drive in response to receiving an operational command from the automation control system or control device.

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: A suspended audio performance system including a first electroacoustic device and a first base structure secured to the first electroacoustic device. The first base structure is configured to be suspended between a first suspended position and a second suspended position.

Abstract: A support structure of the type used as a truss for entertainment productions is disclosed. The support structure includes a plurality of frame segments arranged to form a truss and an implement bracket attached to the truss, the implement bracket connecting an implement to the truss. The implement bracket deploys from a stowed position within a space defined by the truss through a window of the truss formed by truss frame segments to a working position outside the space defined by the truss.

Abstract: A system for providing power and control to devices is described. The system includes a distribution box having connection points to receive power from a power supply and connection points to receive control instructions from a control system. The distribution box includes a plurality of output connection points to provide power and control instructions to the devices of the system. Each output connection point of the distribution box uses the same configuration of power and control conductors. Each device in the system uses a connection box with a connection point that can have the same configuration of power and control conductors as the distribution box. A plurality of cables are configured to connect the connection point on the connection box to a corresponding output connection point on the distribution box.

Abstract: A pinned structure includes a first member having a first fastening feature extending through opposed surfaces of the first member for retainably receiving a portion of a pin therein. A second member having a surface includes a second fastening feature formed therein for receiving a portion of the pin extending from the first fastening feature for securing the first member and the second member together. The portion of the pin received by the second fastening feature is exposed relative to the surface of the second member. The pin is removable from the second fastening feature from a position along at least a surface of the first member opposite the second member and the surface of the second member exposing the pin.

Abstract: An automation and motion control system controls a plurality of theatrical objects. The automation and control system includes a data network, an operator console, remote station, input/output devices and external system; an emergency stop (e-stop) system; a machinery piece; and a control system. The control system includes industrial protocols and software interfaces. The control system generates a digital video graphics file from an original video image file and converts the digital video graphics file to a grayscale digital file. The control system transmits the grayscale digital file to a visual profile generator and a movement control device, receives the grayscale pixel maps from the grayscale conversion module; and generates a visual profile by the visual profile generator. The visual profile is a format compatible with a motion automation and control system.