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.

Disclosed are methods that create the perception for an audience that an actor is being transported from one location to another during a stage performance. Also disclosed are methods for entrance onto/exit from a stage platform by an actor, or entrance onto/exit from a stage backdrop by a precision image that represents an actor. The disclosed methods involve interaction of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop, and/or involve interaction of an image of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop during a stage performance.

Disclosed are methods that create the perception for an audience that an actor is being transported from one location to another during a stage performance. Also disclosed are methods for entrance onto/exit from a stage platform by an actor, or entrance onto/exit from a stage backdrop by a precision image that represents an actor. The disclosed methods involve interaction of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop, and/or involve interaction of an image of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop during a stage performance.

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 themed aerial vehicle entertainment system or platform useful for generating crowd-pleasing shows or displays through the use of dynamically-coordinated show systems. Instead of use of a fixed flight plan, the new entertainment platform is configured to include one or more UAVs that is enclosed within or supports thematic cladding such as the outer shell of a spacecraft or flying character, and the show is dynamically coordinated to present a cohesive performance. Onboard show effects provided by onboard or UAV supported show system components such as high brightness lights are dynamically adjusted in the new system/platform to ensure the best show appearance to the audience while providing safer operations. The dynamic adjustments may involve selecting or generating a second script or B show in a contingent manner based on the current location or timing of movement of the UAV along a flight plan.

A suspension aid 1 has a frame 3a, 3b and two curved arms 5, 7 rotatably connected thereto. The frame is provided with two pivot axes 9 about which the arms are rotatable. Between the arms there is a transmission element 11 which is slidable in the frame. A suspension element 13 to which an object can be suspended is attached to the transmission element. The arms are rotatably connected to the frame near a first end 5a, 7a and are provided with a toothing 17, 19. The transmission element is provided with two toothed racks 21, 23 which are in engagement with the toothings. The transmission element is provided with a contact surface 29 which, when the suspension aid is around the tube, comes into contact with the tube and stops the transmission element, whereby the frame moves with respect to the transmission element and thereby rotate the two arms with their free ends towards each other.

A suspension aid 1 has a frame 3a, 3b and two curved arms 5, 7 rotatably connected thereto. The frame is provided with two pivot axes 9 about which the arms are rotatable. Between the arms there is a transmission element 11 which is slidable in the frame. A suspension element 13 to which an object can be suspended is attached to the transmission element. The arms are rotatably connected to the frame near a first end 5a, 7a and are provided with a toothing 17, 19. The transmission element is provided with two toothed racks 21, 23 which are in engagement with the toothings. The transmission element is provided with a contact surface 29 which, when the suspension aid is around the tube, comes into contact with the tube and stops the transmission element, whereby the frame moves with respect to the transmission element and thereby rotate the two arms with their free ends towards each other.

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.

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.

The present coupler-mounted connector enables industry standard hooks on horizontal rods to rest at such a height as to provide uniform appearance to the top of drape walls. The coupler-mounted connector includes an adaptor to support couplers for the drape rods to be mounted on a vertically disposed, affixed coupler, such as a coupler on a pipe, a flat-mounted coupler, or any other coupler. The body of the coupler-mounted connector is positioned around the affixed coupler. The coupler-mounted connector includes a spanning element with a lower wedge to mate with the openings in the upper body of the affixed coupler. The coupler-mounted connector is secured in the coupler with the accessories protruding to one or more sides of the coupler-mounted connector. The accessories are connected to the coupler-mounted connector by one or more connection bridges.