Abstract: A gravity simulation system, including a computing system running a program thereon to receive input for a gravity environment and calculate the gravity environment based on a predetermined gravity algorithm, and a gravity simulation aircraft connected to the computing system to simulate the gravity environment received from the computing system based on at least one of a flight setting and a gravity setting.

Abstract: A fixed support includes an elevated foot platform and one or more handles allowing a live person to stand on the elevated foot platform, and a background member configured to receive a portion of the fixed support and support a cutout image of a person substantially orthogonal to the live person standing on the foot platform. A picture of the live person standing on the foot platform along with the background creates the illusion in the photograph that the cutout image of the person is levitating the live person standing on the foot platform.

Abstract: A system for electrostatically levitating an object with a body adapted for receiving a static charge. The system includes an array of at least three electrostatic generators, with each of the electrostatic generators including an exposed element that becomes statically charged during operation of the array. The system also includes a controller operating to generate control signals to the array to independently operate each of the electrostatic generators to provide the static charge at first, second, and third voltages. When positioned in a flight space above the array, the object is levitated above the array of the electrostatic generators by an electrostatic lifting force(s). Each of the electrostatic generators is a high voltage Van de Graaff generator. The first, second, and third voltages are in the range of 0 to 300,000 volts and are varied over time to direct the levitated object along a flight path by the controller.

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 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 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 light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in carrying a load particularly in theatrical performances comprising a supported guide rail, with a first and second carriage movably mounted on the guide rail, the first carriage being adapted to carry a movable lift line for carrying the load, and a compensator system linking the first and second carriage and being arranged such that on movement of the first carriage or the second carriage, the other carriage moves in the same direction and the second carriage moves a shorter distance than the first carriage. Lifting and lowering of the load may be achieved independently of travel along the rail and a load may be transported at a constant height.

Abstract: A stage element movement assembly includes a first cable in a tunnel below the stage deck and extending in a first path in a first direction. A first dog is secured to the first cable for movement therewith in the tunnel, and an engagement member is engaged with the first dog and will extend upwardly through a slot in the stage deck for engagement with the stage deck for engagement with the stage element to be moved. A second cable is provided for disposition in a tunnel below the stage deck in a second path in a direction at an angle to the direction of the first cable and crosses below the first cable. Linearly spaced cable guide rollers on opposite sides of the cable crossing cause the cable to move downwardly to pass below the first cable and thereafter be moved upwardly to the plane of its original path. Engagement elements are secured to the cable in spaced relationship and a crossing dog having spaced engagement elements are engaged with the engagement elements on the second cable.

Abstract: A background screen in accordance with this invention creates an illusion of a predetermined background at the rear of an entertainment stage by using three-dimensional background elements and projected images. In one embodiment, a background element includes projectionable material suitable to receive a detailed image and image replacement material to correct any loss of image detail. In another embodiment, image replacement material covers the entire background element. A two-dimensional display screen is also mounted on a frame of the background screen to display additional elements and details not in the background elements. The background screen is positioned on a stage in a theater, between a proscenium and a projector.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending and manoevring a load, more particularly for providing a theatrical or stage effect in which an actor or article "flies", includes hoist means and means associated with the hoist means for rotating a load suspended therefrom, such that rotation of the load is unrestricted.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a lower gravity environment. The invention allows individuals to experience a simulated reduction in the gravity of Earth. A large balloon provides a buoyant upward force. The balloon is attached to a sturdy frame which is secured to a harness for anchoring the individual to the apparatus. The frame is attached to the balloon with a rotating hinge, allowing for horizontal rotation of the individual. The frame may also attach to the harness with a rotating hinge allowing for vertical rotation of the individual.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in performing levitation type illusions in which the performer appears to be raised and moved about in apparent defiance of gravity. The performer is safely supported within a novel harness assembly which, in turn, is supported by a pair of wire arrays made up of a plurality of fine wires which are substantially invisible to the audience. Each of the support wires is spring loaded so as to evenly distribute the weight of the performer among the support wires which make up the arrays. The harness assembly is connected to the wire arrays in a manner that permits several degrees of movement by the performer during lifting and movement relative to the stage so that the movements by the performer appear smooth, natural and graceful.

Abstract: A propeller is mounted within a shroud to produce an upwardly moving air flow to levitate human beings. The user wears an air inflatable suit and a harness. A couch is disposed just outside the shroud to support the user in prone position. A jib crane is positioned near the couch and shroud and carries a self-winding reel to which a strap is attached at one end, the other end of the strap carrying a hook which is attached to the harness at the back of the user. The jib crane lifts the user off the support through the strap and translates the same above the shroud within the air flow being suspended by the strap in prone position. When the user is levitated by the air flow, the reel automatically reels in the strap.

Abstract: The concentration of weak acid and weak base constituents, or their soluble salts, in liquids is determined by passing succeeding samples of constant volume to a separation zone wherein target constituents are volatilized by reagents, then volatilized analytes are stripped from the liquid matrix and carried to a detection zone at a constant flow rate, wherein signals proportional to the variations in individual target analyte concentrations between succeeding samples are generated.