GB191403305A - Improvements in Stage Illusions. - Google Patents

Abstract

3305. MeCormick, L. Feb. 7. Theatrical appliances.-Relates to apparatus of the kind described in Specifications 23,321/13 and 29,140/13 for imitating the burning of a tree or the like. The worm b, Fig. 1, in the interior of the trunk is rotated by a jet of steam from a nozzle d impinging on a vaned wheel e. A second jet of steam from a nozzle f plays on the ' flames ' c and rotates them. The steam passing upwards through the trunk represents the smoke. Portions h, i, j, k of the bark are pivoted to the trunk a and are arranged to fall outwards to give the appearance of the breaking away of parts of the trunk. The part i is furnished with a mirror, and the part h is fitted with a rotating worm l. A number of blades of bright metal radiating irregularly from a rotating spindle may be used similarly to the flames c. The worms and other reflecting-parts are illuminated by lamps g. In Fig. 5, an endless band p arranged within a hollow trunk and carrying a number of small electric lamps q is shown. The band is driven by a motor t, and the lamps in the front of the band as they move rapidly upwards represent flames moving upwards within the interior of the tree. A similar band may be placed in a branch y which is pivoted to the trunk and is allowed to fall downwards during the burning. The rollers on which the band p is mounted are pivoted in cradles v that permit the band to be turned horizontally to vary the intensity of the light seen through the opening in the trunk. In a modification, the stationary lamps are arranged behind a perforated travelling belt, so that the light is seen through the perforations.