Abstract: A winch system with a force cable that transmits electrical current and/or digital data to the load. For example, the force cable, including a power line and/or a signal line and includes at least: (i) a first portion extending from the load to the drum; and (ii) a second portion that is wound around the drum. If there is a power line in the force cable it is electrically connected to an electrical commutator by a rotating current path. If there is a signal line in the force cable it is connected in data communication to a data signal commutator by a rotating communication path. The commutator also has an input for receiving electrical current and/or digital data, as appropriate. The commutator transmits the electrical current and/or digital data from its input to the rotating current path and/or communication path. The drum defines an axial channel extending from at least one end of the drum along its axial direction, and current path(s) and/or communication path(s) are routed through the channel.

Abstract: A lift system having a modular backbone with two or more backbone sections being attached end to end to form the backbone. Also, a lift system with end to end modular attachment, using universal joints, between motor assembly(ies), shaft section(s), drum assembly(ies) and/or shaft end sections. Also, a lift assembly with a backbone having longitudinally adjustable lift component attachment hardware, such as an elongated slot with lips suitable for engaging a nut tooth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drive system for theatrical rigging, comprising a drive rope and a drive pulley. The drive rope has a fiber or cable core, surrounded by a plastic jacket. Formed on or in the surface of the drive rope are traction features that engage corresponding grooves in the drive pulley.

Abstract: A theater rigging assembly having a beam, which is attached to structural support members of a theater or other performing arts venue. The assembly further includes a winch assembly and head block that can be positioned at any point along the beam and selectively fixed in position. The winch portion includes cables for raising and lowering battens or other loads. The head block includes head sheaves, which redirect the cables to loft sheaves that are selectively attached to the beam. The head sheaves are diagonally displaced to separate the cables. The winch portion includes a motor, a gear box, a drum and a brake. The brake includes a ratchet and two brake disks. It uses at least one friction surface that contacts at least one of the brake disks to cause a pawl to engage or disengage from the ratchet.

Abstract: A winch system with a force cable that transmits electrical current and/or digital data to the load. For example, the force cable, including a power line and/or a signal line and includes at least: (i) a first portion extending from the load to the drum; and (ii) a second portion that is wound around the drum. If there is a power line in the force cable it is electrically connected to an electrical commutator by a rotating current path. If there is a signal line in the force cable it is connected in data communication to a data signal commutator by a rotating communication path. The commutator also has an input for receiving electrical current and/or digital data, as appropriate. The commutator transmits the electrical current and/or digital data from its input to the rotating current path and/or communication path. The drum defines an axial channel extending from at least one end of the drum along its axial direction, and current path(s) and/or communication path(s) are routed through the channel.

Abstract: A lift system having a modular backbone with two or more backbone sections being attached end to end to form the backbone. Also, a lift system with end to end modular attachment, using universal joints, between motor assembly(ies), shaft section(s), drum assembly(ies) and/or shaft end sections. Also, a lift assembly with a backbone having longitudinally adjustable lift component attachment hardware, such as an elongated slot with lips suitable for engaging a nut tooth.

Abstract: A theater rigging assembly having a beam, which is attached to structural support members of a theater or other performing arts venue. The assembly further includes a winch assembly and head block that can be positioned at any point along the beam and selectively fixed in position. The winch portion includes cables for raising and lowering battens or other loads. The head block includes head sheaves, which redirect the cables to loft sheaves that are selectively attached to the beam. The head sheaves are diagonally displaced to separate the cables. The winch portion includes a motor, a gear box, a drum and a brake. The brake includes a ratchet and two brake disks. It uses at least one friction surface that contacts at least one of the brake disks to cause a pawl to engage or disengage from the ratchet.

Abstract: A theater rigging assembly having a beam, which is attached to structural support members of a theater or other performing arts venue. The assembly further includes a winch assembly and head block that can be positioned at any point along the beam and selectively fixed in position. The winch portion includes cables for raising and lowering battens or other loads. The head block includes head sheaves, which redirect the cables to loft sheaves that are selectively attached to the beam. The head sheaves are diagonally displaced to separate the cables. The winch portion includes a motor, a gear box, a drum and a brake. The brake includes a ratchet and two brake disks. It uses at least one friction surface that contacts at least one of the brake disks to cause a pawl to engage or disengage from the ratchet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drive system for theatrical rigging, comprising a drive rope and a drive pulley. The drive rope has a fiber or cable core, surrounded by a plastic jacket. Formed on or in the surface of the drive rope are traction features that engage corresponding grooves in the drive pulley.