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 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 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 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 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 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: Provided is a magnetically coupled device, a method of assembling the magnetically coupled system, and a method whereby positioning a first arrangement and a second arrangement prevents a magnetic field generated from within a first plurality of magnets and a second plurality of magnets from affecting a magnetically sensitive component.

Abstract: A method of assembling a portable support structure is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first platform member, then securing a first support member to the first platform member, and then securing a second platform member to the first platform member to form a continuous platform surface. The method includes positioning a plurality of platform members to form a first continuous platform surface, then securing a support member to at least one of the plurality of platform members. The method includes forming a continuous surface from a plurality of platform members, the plurality of platform members including one or more female connectors, aligning one or more male connectors with the one or more female connectors, and engaging the one or more male connectors with the one or more female connectors.

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 portable structure including a plurality of beams having a first engagement feature and a plurality of junction devices having a second engagement feature. The first engagement features and corresponding second engagement features are rigidly engageable, the rigidly engaged engagement features defining a multi-point connection therebetween. The engagement features are manually actuatable and self-contained.

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 video support structure for supporting video, a video display system, and a method of securing the support structure are disclosed. The video support structure includes a first support member, a second support member, a portion of the second support member being receivable by a surface or space formed by the first support member, a pinnable joint having an opening in each of the first support member and the second support member, the openings being alignable to receive one or more pins, and the one or more pins, the one or more pins being configured to secure the first support member to the second support member to form at least a portion of the video support structure.

Abstract: A flying rig system includes a load guidance apparatus and at least two first positioning devices operatively connected to the load guidance apparatus to control the areal position of the load guidance apparatus within an upper portion of a working space. A second positioning device is operatively connected to the load guidance apparatus to permit selective vertical positioning of a load suspended from the load guidance apparatus substantially beneath the upper portion of the working space.

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 tensioning device for a winch assembly includes a pair of wheels operatively connected to a winch assembly and is configured to grippingly receive a cable extending therebetween from a rotatably movable drum configured to extend/retract the cable with respect to the winch assembly. The pair of wheels continuously maintains a predetermined tension to the cable extending between the pair of wheels and the drum during operation of the winch assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling member, method, and system including a housing and a first arrangement of a plurality of magnets housed within the housing is disclosed. The first arrangement of magnets is selectively arranged and disposed to provide alignment and detachable engagement with a second arrangement of a plurality of magnets.

Abstract: A channel member, a modular floor structure, and a method capable of positioning an object on a substantially planar surface is disclosed. Movement of a movable band within an interior channel of the channel member permits movement of an object outside of the interior channel.