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 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 truss arch includes a plurality of trusses coupled together by connector systems. The trusses are adapted to support an appliance, such as a light, speaker, video display, 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: 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 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 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.

Abstract: A rope locking device comprises a lock housing, guide housing, first and second shoe, means for suspending the first and second shoes, a handle, and cams operably connecting the handle to one of the shoes. The guide housing is positioned within the lock housing and translatably connected to the lock housing such that the guide housing can only move in the vertical direction. The first and a second shoes are contained within the guide housing such that the rope passes between them. The first shoe is suspended between the top and bottom of the guide housing, such that the first shoe can move vertically. The second shoe is suspended between the top and bottom of the guide housing such that the second shoe can translate vertically and horizontally. The handle has a locked and unlocked position. The first and second cam are pivotally mounted on the lock housing, the handle connected to the first cam, and the first and second cam operably connected to each other so that the rotations of the cams are equal.

Abstract: A rope locking device comprises a lock housing, guide housing, first and second shoe, means for suspending the first and second shoes, a handle, and cams operably connecting the handle to one of the shoes. The guide housing is positioned within the lock housing and translatably connected to the lock housing such that the guide housing can only move in the vertical direction. The first and a second shoes are contained within the guide housing such that the rope passes between them. The first shoe is suspended between the top and bottom of the guide housing, such that the first shoe can move vertically. The second shoe is suspended between the top and bottom of the guide housing such that the second shoe can translate vertically and horizontally. The handle has a locked and unlocked position. The first and second cam are pivotally mounted on the lock housing, the handle connected to the first cam, and the first and second cam operably connected to each other so that the rotations of the cams are equal.