An example of an apparatus includes a support member to support equipment above a stage. The apparatus also includes a range sensor rotatably mounted to the support member. The range sensor is to measure a distance to the stage. In addition, the apparatus includes a leveling mechanism to rotate the range sensor to measure the distance along a vertical direction. The apparatus further includes an output device to transmit the distance to a user.

A lift assembly includes an article to be lifted between a lowered position and a raised position, a drive element coupled to the article, a power mechanism coupled to the drive element, and a power transfer mechanism coupled between the power mechanism and the drive element. The power transfer mechanism includes control electronics having a first upward limit switch adapted to deactivate the power mechanism when the article is lifted to a first upward height, and a second upward limit switch adapted to deactivate the power mechanism when the article is lifted to a second upward height higher than the first upward height.

A ribbon for an arrangement via which electrical power can be supplied to a load via a suspension member, such as a band or cable, while movement of the load occurs via deliberate winding up of the band or cable onto the drum or sheave or unwinding of the band or cable from the drum or sheave. The ribbon includes an electrical lead portion having one or a plurality of individual electrical leads and a sheath portion. The sheath portion and the electrical lead portion are moveable with respect to each other.

A ride system includes a platform assembly that receives a ride vehicle for transporting a ride passenger, an upward drive pulley system, and a downward drive pulley system. The upward drive pulley system is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and upwardly drives motion of the platform assembly along a vertical axis oriented along a gravity vector. The downward drive pulley system is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and downwardly drives motion of the platform assembly along the vertical axis. Additionally, upwardly and downwardly driving motion of the platform assembly exposes the ride passenger to a plurality of entertainment shows, and the entertainment shows are positioned on a different vertical level with respect to one another.

An apparatus for use in rigging stages includes a portable bar sized to extend across standard widths of a tower or a cross beam with a portion extending beyond the side of the tower or beam. A lifting mechanism, such as a block-and-tackle, is attached to the portion to allow a rigger to raise or lower heavy objects. In a method of use, a rigger carries the lifting bar to a desired location on a tower or beam and secures at least one end of the portable bar to one or more cross bars. Then the rigger can raise or lower heavy objects by attaching a flexible line from the lifting mechanism to the object and manipulating the lifting mechanism to assist in moving the heavy object to a desired location.

A lift system comprises a drum that rotates about an axis, an elongate member that winds around the drum when the drum rotates in a first direction and that unwinds from the drum when the drum rotates in a second direction, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum, and a braking mechanism adapted to inhibit rotation of the drum. The braking mechanism includes a brake disk rotatable with the drum, a movable brake pad, and a ramp that guides movement of the movable brake pad. A method of operating the lift system comprises rotating the drum in a first direction to wind the elongate member onto the drum, rotating the drum in a second direction to unwind the elongate member from the drum, and moving the brake shoe along the ramp to thereby cause the movable brake pad to be compressed against the brake disk.

Described herein is a hoist fleet system including a head block and a guide fleet assembly. The head block includes a plurality sheaves having more than one diameter. The guide fleet assembly can be arranged proximate the head block such that an array of lift lines can be routed through the plurality of sheaves of the head block into the guide fleet assembly. The guide fleet assembly further includes a plurality of guide sheaves and a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates is configured to house the plurality of guide sheaves. The plurality of guide sheaves is positioned substantially orthogonal to the head block. The plurality of plates is further arranged such that the plurality of guide sheaves is arranged on more than one plane. The plurality of guide sheaves is configured to reduce the spacing of the lift lines.

A ride system includes a platform assembly that receives a ride vehicle for transporting a ride passenger, an upward drive pulley system, and a downward drive pulley system. The upward drive pulley system is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and upwardly drives motion of the platform assembly along a vertical axis oriented along a gravity vector. The downward drive pulley system is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and downwardly drives motion of the platform assembly along the vertical axis. Additionally, upwardly and downwardly driving motion of the platform assembly exposes the ride passenger to a plurality of entertainment shows, and the entertainment shows are positioned on a different vertical level with respect to one another.

A theatre construction comprises a seating area (120) for an audience, a circular support structure (134) surrounding the seating area and mounted above the seating area and a plurality of arcuate screens (135) suspended from the circular support structure. The screens (135) are mounted to the circular support structure (134) on rails for allowing movement of the screens about the seating area.

The present disclosure provides devices and methods for holographic screen suspension systems. These systems can allow for a smooth reflection surface of the screen that is void of wrinkled or non-uniform surfaces.