This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 Excerpt: ...now in use, and they are found to be as effectual in preventing asphyxiation, from the passage of the clouds of smoke, as in staying the spread of panic by a sight of the flames, which are not intercepted by the old-fashioned iron arrangements. The terrible calamity which happened some years ago, at the Opera G'omique ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 Excerpt: ...now in use, and they are found to be as effectual in preventing asphyxiation, from the passage of the clouds of smoke, as in staying the spread of panic by a sight of the flames, which are not intercepted by the old-fashioned iron arrangements. The terrible calamity which happened some years ago, at the Opera G'omique in Paris, followed by that at Exeter, set men's minds running in the direction of providing greater security from fire in theatres. Several kinds of curtain, all involving the use of asbestos, were then contrived, the motive power being so arranged as to fully guard against the destructive force of a too rapid or unexpected fall, such as happened at Toulon. The curtain made for Terry's Theatre, by the United Asbestos Company, is similar to that made by them for the Queen's Theatre in Manchester, its special qualifications being lightness, strength, and ease of manipulation. A special method of preventing the iron frame from "bulging" or altering its shape in case of fire, or sudden variations of temperature, is employed. By using weights not quite sufficient to counterpoise the curtain, the work of raising and lowering is very light. Combustible ropes may be employed, which, on being released by the action of fire or otherwise, will allow the curtain to descend of itself. Pockets are provided to catch the counterbalance weight in case of the breakage of the chain, so as to prevent personal injury, and friction rollers are put on the balance weights to ensure their free action. Similar rollers are also fitted on the curtain frame, to give freedom of action in raising and lowering. The hinging of the lower part of the frame, so as to admit of its being raised to the top of the proscenium opening when there is not sufficient room for a ...
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