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: A portable support system having a portable support having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a tapered portion, and the second end includes a footing structure. The system also includes a receiving member having a support cone configured to receive the tapered portion. The support cone has a tapered inner surface and a tapered outer surface. The inner surface and outer surface are engagable with mating tapered surfaces. The receiving member is capable of attachment to one or both of a frame and a panel for use as a platform.

Abstract: A method and system may receive a request to provision a virtual machine based on configuration information. Potential resources for hosting the virtual machine may be identified and scored. The scored potential resources may be ranked and an optimal resource for hosting the requested virtual machine may be selected based on the ranking. The requested virtual machine may be provisioned on the selected optimal resource.

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 video support structure for supporting video is 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: 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 suspended flying system having a load suspended by a plurality of flexible support members. The plurality of flexible support members are attached to a first rotational element attached to the load and a second rotational element attached to a support. The system also includes a motor operably connected to the first rotational element provides sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible support members to render the flexible support members visually transparent, the load being movable within a space. A method for suspending a load from visually transparent flexible support members is also disclosed.

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: 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: A visual display includes a plurality of display panels. Each of the display panels is secured to a common support device and independently movable relative to an axis associated with the common support device. The display panels are positionable in a first position.

Abstract: A portable support platform system and method for assembling the system are provided. The portable support platform system includes a support platform configured to receive theatrical devices and an orientation member attached to the support platform. The orientation member includes an arcuate surface configured to receive a flexible member. The flexible member is fixably attached to the orientation member at one or more locations along the arcuate surface to permit orientation and movement of the support platform when the flexible members are deployed or retracted.

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 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: A process of creating a display, a system for creating a display, and a mobile untethered display device are disclosed. The process includes providing image data to a first spectator display device, providing image data to a second spectator display device, and activating at least one of one or more light emitting elements based upon the image data. The first spectator display device includes one or more of the light emitting elements. The first spectator display device is a mobile untethered device positioned within a spectator region of a venue and creates a display having an illusion of a continuous image. The system includes a first spectator display device, a second spectator display device, and a controller. The device includes one of one or more light emitting elements capable of being activated upon receiving image data corresponding with a portion of the display.

Abstract: The present application discloses a fuel port and methods of installing a fuel port. In certain embodiments, the fuel port comprises a fuel receptacle, a body portion that forms a cavity for the fuel receptacle, and one or more securing portions movably coupled to the body portion. The body portion comprises a first end, a second end, at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, and at least one flange extending from the sidewall. The one or more securing portions are configured to hold a portion of a device between the flange of the body portion and the one or more securing portions to secure the fuel port to the device.

Abstract: A platform system for self-leveling a stage is provided and includes one or more module assemblies and one or more supports. Each module assembly includes one or more receiving members for engaging and removably securing the one or more supports. Each support includes an elongate portion, an extendible portion extendible from and lockingly engageable with the elongate portion, a base member removably attached to the extendible portion, and an actuator assembly secured to the elongate portion and in communication with the extendible portion. The actuator assembly is configured to rapidly extend and lockingly engage the extendible portion and the base member to provide self-leveling of each of the one or more module assemblies of the stage as the base member engages an underlying surface.

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.