Improvements in Apparatus for Producing Scenic Effects
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Jan., 1893-Accepted. 22nd July, 1893
Improvements in Apparatus for Producing Scenic Effects.
A communication from abroad by THE SPECTATORIA COMPANY, a corporation
organised under the laws of the State of Illinois, U.S.A., of 53, 54, & 55,
Auditorium Building, Chicago, Illinois, aforesaid.
1, WILLIAM LLOYD WISE, of No. 46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
London, Consulting Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to apparatus for producing scenic effects, and the primary
object is to increase realism in such performances or entertainments.
To this end are employed improved means for producing various scenic effects
in imitation of natural or other scenery, and means for making various combinations
for the attainment of any desired scenic effect, or the exhibition of any desired
performance, the several appliances being particularly designed for the presentation
or representation of important historical or other events for instance, the
discovery of America by Columbus, the burning of Rome, or the like-and the
peculiar combination of apparatus permitting a vivid illustration or imitation, in
such exhibitions of various occurrences and natural or other scenery, either on
land or water, in such manner as to give the effect of the actual occurrence and to
represent persons or objects, either moving or stationary, and places and things
situated at near and distant points as they appear to the eye of an observer
located at any particular point; near and distant moving objects being made to
move at different rates of speed for the production of perspective moving scenic
effects.
The invention consists primarily in a combination of movable stages adapted to
support and carry such scenic arrangements, inachinery, property or persons as may
be required for the exhibition or performance, and which are capable of being
moved and combined upon the foundation floor of the scenic department of a
theatre, public hall or other place of amusement, in such manner as to produce the
desired scenic effect or to facilitate any desired instantaneous modification in the
scenic arrangements. Secondly :-In a combination of movable stages for making
combinations for the attainment of the desired scenic arrangement or effect together
with guiding rails, cables and other suitable directing or steering apparatus and
actuating mechanism for causing the stages to move at the same or at different
rates of speed as may be desired, for the production of perspective or other moving
scenic effects, and for the improvement and increase of realisin in such performances
or exhibitions. Thirdly:-In various combinations of movable stages and stage
appliances with improved weather-making apparatuses, illuminating and coloring
devices, and cloud and cloud-shadow makers for the production of various storm
effects, the illumination and coloring of the scenery and the imitation of clouds
and cloud-shadows moving through the sky or over the land or water scenic
arrangements; and finally in certain details of construction and combinations of
parts all as will be hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claims
at the end of this Specification.
The several appliances hereinafter particularly described are especially adapted
for the presentation of a new order of entertainment to which has been given the
name "Spectatoria," and which combines to the best possible advantage advanced
realism in scenic art with pantomime and music. The building in which these
entertainments are presented is termed a "Spectatorium," and a plurality of such
buildings "Spectatoria." The scenic department or foundation Hoor upon which

page_text: are placed the scenic arrangements, property or persons necessary to produce the
desired scenic effect is termed a "Scenitorium."
Referring to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this Specification
and in which similar letters of reference are used to denote similar parts in each of
the several views,
"
Figure 1, (Sheet 1) is a horizontal section of the "scenitorium" or scenic
department of a 66
spectatorium or building designed for the exhibition of
spectacular or dramatic performances ;
Figure 2 is a sectional elevation on the line II-II of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3, (Sheet 3) is a partial sectional view taken on line III-III of
Figure 1;
Figure 4, is a partial sectional view taken on line IV-IV of Figure 1 ;
Figure 5, (Sheet 5) is a detail vertical section showing the stage actuating
mechanism; said section being taken on the line V-V of Figure 6;
Figure 6, is a horizontal section taken on the line VI-VI of Figure 5;
Figure 7, is a diagrammatical plan, and
Figure 8, a diagrammatical vertical section of the scenitorium, illustrating the
operation of the wind-making apparatus ;
Figure 9, (Sheet 6) is a perspective view of the wave-maker ;
Figure 10, is a perspective view illustrating movable stages with scenic arrange-
ments thereon and a ship moving upon water against the waves which are built up
by the co-operation of the wave maker and the wind-making apparatus ;
Figure 11, is a partial horizontal section of the scenitorium looking up into the
fly-gallery; and
Figure 12, is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line XII-XII of
Figure 11;
Figure 13, (Sheet 7) is a side elevation of a modification of the wave maker, and
Figure 14, is a front elevation of such modification ;
Figures 15 and 16 are detailed views representing a plan and an end elevation,
respectively, of the "Nebulator" or cloud creator, and
Figure 17, a detailed diagrammatical view illustrating the cloud and cloud-shadow
makers supplied with separate illuminating lamps;
Figures 18 and 19 (Sheet 8) represent a side elevation, and a bottom plan,
respectively, of a sliding stage with means for controlling the direction of its
motion ;
Figures 20 and 21 represent a plan and a sectional side elevation, respectively, of
a floating stage, with means for propelling and controlling the direction of its
motion; the stage floor or deck in Figure 20 being partly broken away to show the
arrangement of parts underneath;
Figures 22 and 23 (Sheet 9) represent a plan and a side elevation, respectively,
of a telescopic stage or stages with attached automatic coupling mechanism ;
Figure 23 is a detail;
Figures 24 and 25 represent, respectively, a front elevation, partly in section, and
a horizontal section of the proscenium with means for enlarging or diminishing the
size of the proscenium opening at will.
"
A, in the drawings denotes a spectatorium or building especially designed for the
production and exhibition of scenic effects or spectacular or dramatic performances.
This building may of course be of any desired form and dimensions adapted for the
purpose, but it is preferably provided with a "scenitorium or scenic departiment A
and a 66 spectatorium or auditorium A' of the general form outlined in the
drawings. B, denotes the proscenium wall or arch which divides the spectatorium
from the scenitorium and B₁ the proscenium opening.
For the purpose of regulating the size of the proscenium opening to meet various
requirements, a proscenium adjuster (Figures 1, 24 and 25) is provided which may
consist of a vertically adjustable slide or drop B2, and two laterally adjustable
slides B3, B³, together with means for effecting the proper adjustment of said slides.
The slides or wings B³, B³, may be hung upon suitable rolls a, a', adapted to travel

page_text: upon a track or rail B*, which may be fixed above the proscenium arch or
opening B', within the recessed wall as shown. The vertically movable slide or
drop B, extends across the proscenium opening at right angles to the side wings B*,
and is adapted to move in suitable guides b, b. The slide B2 is suspended by means
of the cords or cables 6, 6, the ends of which are secured to said slide. From the
point of attachment to the slide B2, the cords ',, pass over friction rolls or
pulleys 6, 6, and 6, 6, respectively, and have their opposite ends secured to the
enlarged portion of a drum or shaft B, or to pulleys B, B', fixed on said shaft.
Endless cords or cables a, a, are fixed as at a, a, to the lateral slides B³, so as
to cause said slides to move with the cords. The cord a³, has one end fixed to a
reduced portion of the drum or shaft B', or to a pulley fixed on said shaft, and
passes thence over friction rolls a, a, a, and around the latter back past its point
of attachment a to the slide B³ over a friction roll a³, and thence to the opposite
side of the shaft B³, or a pulley on said shaft. The cord a³ passes in a similar
manner from a correspondingly reduced section or pulley on the shaft B³, over
friction rolls or pulleys ao, a", and around the latter back.past its point of attach-
ment at a', to the opposite slide B³, over a friction roll a", and thence to the
opposite side of the shaft B, or a pulley on said shaft.
By this means when the shaft B revolves one end of each cord will be wound
upon said shaft while the opposite ends thereof are being unwound. and as the
slides or wings B³, B³, must move with the cords, said wings will approach or
recede from each other, according to the direction of rotation of the shaft, so as to
either enlarge or contract the proscenium opening. The same movement of the
shaft will raise or lower the vertical slide or drop B, by winding the cords b₁, b³,
upon the pulleys B, B', or unwinding the same, so that when the lateral slides are
moved inwardly the vertical slide will be simultaneously lowered, and vice versa
thus enlarging or contracting the proscenium opening uniformly on all sides by the
simultaneous movements of the vertical and lateral slides.
Inasmuch as there are two lateral slides and but one vertical slide, if all the
slides were permitted to move at the same rate of speed the width of the proscenium
opening would be contracted or enlarged more rapidly than its depth, and therefore
a winding drum or shaft is provided with enlarged and reduced portions or with
pulleys of unequal diameters fixed thereon, after the manner of a differential
windlass, and secure the ends of the cords b', &, to the enlarged portion or larger
pulleys, and the ends of the cords a³, a³, to the reduced portion or smaller pulleys,
so that the slide B2, may move about twice as rapidly as the slides B³, B³, and
thereby increase or decrease the depth of the opening in the same proportion that
its width is increased or decreased.
BB denotes a pulley or band wheel by which power may be applied to the
shaft B, or any suitable means may be employed for this purpose.
C, C, denote a series of movable stages which may be made in any desired shape
adapted to support and carry the scenic arrangements, machinery, property or
persons required for the exhibition or performance, and which may be mounted on
wheels or rollers so as to adapt them to be easily moved and combined in any
desired manner upon the foundation floor of the scenic department of a theatre or
other similar structure, for the purpose of producing scenic effects or to facilitate
any desired instantaneous modification in the scenic arrangements.
As shown in Figure 1, the stages C, C, are constructed in the form of segments,
their front edges c, being concave and their rear edges c¹ convex, and the several
stages are supported on wheels mounted on curved tracks D, D, which preferably
extend in the arcs of circles across the scenitorium A'; each track having as many
stages thereon as may be desired. Each set of stages together with all its lighting,
wind. and water effects will be connected with its own set of actuating mechanism
geared to an electric motor the action of which will be controlled by a switch upon
a table in the prompter's alcove which may be located at any desired point to
enable one man to handle the switches on the switch board and thereby control all
the machinery in the scenitorium, so as to produce by merely touching the proper

page_text: key any of the scenic effects that may have been determined by the arrangement of
the separate sets of machinery or stages in the scenitorium. Č¹, C¹, denote electric
motors for propelling the stages.
These motors are geared to shafts E
(Figures 5 and 6) on which are secured drums or pulleys e, e, over which pass the
cables F, F. The pulleys e, e', are loosely fitted on the shafts E, so as to permit
independent rotary movement when disengaged by the clutch devices G, G', (of
ordinary construction) having the pivoted actuating levers y, g', connected to the
longitudinally movable parts of the clutch and provided with spring plates g³, on
the free ends thereof which are adapted to be engaged by projecting pins or
tappets i, i, which latter are carried by interiorly screw threaded rings or
sleeves I, I, fitted to travel longitudinally without rotation, on a screw threaded
shaft I, which is geared to the shaft E, as shown, so as to be rotated thereby.
The cables F, F, may pass from the pulleys e, e', over fixed pulleys f, f, and thence
under similar pulleys fi, f, along the curved tracks D, D, to fixed pulleys K, K,
at the opposite ends of the tracks, and around the latter pulleys back under
pulleys and over pulleys f³, to the pulleys e, e', so that when the latter pulleys
are rotated the cables may be made to travel in either forward or backward
direction, according to the direction of rotation, for the purpose of moving the
stages back and forth upon the tracks. Between the end pulleys K, K, and ƒ³, ƒ³,
the cables are sustained in engagement with guide pulleys k, k, placed at suitable
intervals along the tracks, and may be connected to the respective stages or stage
sections by pendant arms or gripping devices d of any suitable construction, so that
when the cables are moved the stages may be locked thereto and caused to move
therewith. The pulleys e, e', of the shaft E are of different diameters, the pulley e,
being the larger, (or a differential windlass may be employed) so that the stages
may move at different rates of speed. Other pulleys may be substituted for the
pulleys e, e', of any desired diameter, so as to adapt the stages to be moved at the
same or at different rates of speed.
"
In Figures 18 and 19, the stages are shown mounted on wheels c³, which are
preferably journaled in the lower ends of bifurcated standards e, e³, the upper ends
of which are provided with vertical pivots or spindles which are journaled in the
frame pieces c¹. C denotes an oscillating lever which is pivoted to a cross-piece C'
of the frame underneath the stage floor. The long arm of the lever C is secured
to a rod C4, and its short arm is slotted as at to receive a stud or pin ce upon a
longitudinally sliding or reciprocating rod C, one end of which is connected to an
arm c, projecting inwardly from one of the rear wheel standards . The opposite
end of the rod C, is pivoted to a corresponding arm 8, projecting from the front
standard e, at the same side of the stage. The wheel standards c, c, at the
opposite side of the stage are similarly connected by a longitudinally reciprocating
rod C, one end of which is pivoted to an arm c, on the rear standard e³, while its
opposite end is pivoted to an arm c¹ upon the front wheel standard at the same
side of the stage. C³ denotes a transversely arranged reciprocating rod the ends
of which are pivoted to arms c¹, c, projecting from the forward wheel standards
at or about at right angles to the arms c, clo, so as to form a pivotal connection
between the same and said reciprocating rods C', C', whereby the four (more or
less) supporting and steering wheels are adapted to be simultaneously turned on
their vertical pivots so as to cause them to move in the same direction either
forward or back; their horizontal axes being parallel with each other.
By this means the steering wheels may be turned to the right or left by drawing
or pushing upon the rod C so as to cause the stage to move in any desired
direction across the platform or foundation floor on which it is mounted; or a
series of independent stages may be propelled back and forth in a direct line or at
any desired angle in respect to each other for the purpose of exhibiting paintings,
statuary, scenery or whatever may be mounted thereon for producing scenic
effects.
In Figures 20 and 21 is shown a floating stage the body or hull of which has a
floor or deck supported a sufficient distance above its bottom to permit a person of

page_text: ordinary height to stand upright within the hull for the purpose of manipulating
the propelling and sustaining mechanisms from the interior of the hull.
The propelling and sustaining mechanisms comprise four (more or less) wheels or
rollers D', and suitable connections for raising and lowering said wheels and also for
rotating the same so as to move the stage in any desired direction, or for the
purpose of sustaining the stage in a fixed position when the several wheels are
lowered so as to rest upon the platform or other foundation forming the bottom
of the lake or tank containing the water upon which the stage may float. One
wheel is preferably placed at each end and side of the stage about midway
thereof, the two side and end wheels being arranged opposite each other so that
when the two side wheels are raised and the end wheels lowered the stage may be
moved sidewise, and when the two end wheels are raised and the two side wheels
lowered it may be moved lengthwise, or forward and back. Inasmuch as the
several sustaining and propelling mechanisms are alike a description of one will be
a sufficient description of all, and therefore reference will be made particularly to
one set only.
Each wheel D' is journaled in vertically movable slides D' which are fitted in
guide-ways upon the inner walls of a curb or open-ended watertight box the top of
which projects upwardly into the interior of the hull a sufficient distance to prevent
the entrance of water therethrough when the hull is afloat. The slides D' are
provided with journal boxes or bearings at their upper ends in which is journaled
a transverse shaft E', while their lower ends support journal bearings for the axle
of the wheel D¹. E' denotes a toothed wheel or pulley fixed upon the shaft E'
and E a similar wheel or pulley of larger diameter fixed upon the axle of the
wheel D'. The toothed wheels E', E³, are connected by an endless chain or belt
so that when the shaft E' is rotated it will impart motion to the wheel D¹; the
shaft E¹ being provided at one end with a crank handle by which it may be
operated. D denotes a hand-lever the short arm of which is pivoted to the upper
end or ends of the slides D' while its long arm is adjustably secured to a slotted or
other suitable standard or rack-bar d*, which latter may have a series of holes d',
formed therein to receive a pin by which the lever may be held in a fixed position
with the wheel D' elevated above the bottom of the hull or lowered beneath the
same, as may be desired.
By this means the pair of wheels at the ends or at the sides of the stage may be
depressed and the pair arranged at right angles thereto elevated and thereupon the
stage may be moved lengthwise or sidewise by rotating the crank shafts E¹ of
the depressed pair; and with the wheels in the latter position, by allowing one
crank axle to remain stationary and operating the crank at the opposite side or
end of the stage, the latter may be rotated about the stationary wheel as a center.
By rotating the crank axles at each side or end of the stage in opposite directions,
or the wheels of each pair in opposite directions, a rotary movement of the stage
may be effected either to the right or left, according to the direction of rotation.
E* denotes a hatchway for the ingress or egress of operators, which may be
provided with any suitable cover preferably arranged on a level with the floor or
deck, and steps or other means may be provided to enable the operators to readily
enter or leave the interior of the hull. If necessary ports or openings for the
admission of air and light may also be provided in the body or hull of the float.
In Figures 22 and 23 is shown a telescopic stage or a series of independent
stages telescopically connected and adapted to support the scenic arrangements;
the several stages or stage sections being so arranged as to adapt the sections to be
moved successively in the desired order to exhibit the objects placed thereon at
the proper time to produce the desired panoramic or scenic effect. The
cables F, F, F, pass over pulleys G2, G3, Gjournaled in brackets secured to
the inner wall or other fixture of the building, and may connect with similar pulleys
upon a driven shaft, (as E, Figures 5 and 6) or with any suitable power shaft pro-
vided with suitable clutch mechanism to adapt the several cables to be thrown into
and out of action at the proper time to cause the corresponding stages or stage

page_text: sections to move at a predetermined point in the movement of the preceding stage
or stages; such clutch mechanism being adapted to be actuated for the purpose of
moving the several cables in such manner that when one stage has moved a certain
distance the next stage or section in the series will be automatically coupled or
uncoupled (according to the direction of motion) simultaneously with the throwing
into or out of action of the propelling mechanism; the several sections being thus
caused to maintain fixed positions in respect to each other according to the desired
previous arrangement. The cables F³, F³, F', may be connected to the respective
stages or stage sections by pendant arms or gripping devices f, which may yield
if necessary to prevent breakage in case of a hitch, or on coming in contact with an
unyielding obstruction. The automatic couplers for connecting adjacent stages or
sections may each consist of a trip-lever H, the forward end of which works in the
vertical slot of a guide bracket H³, within which is fitted a coiled or other suitable
spring, so as to bear upon and depress the end of the trip-lever. Each trip-lever
is provided with a depending lug or projection h', adjacent to the guide bracket H¹,
having a rear cam-faced or inclined edge, and the rear end of the lever is preferably
curved as at h². A coupling pin or bar H² fixed to the side of the stage opposite
the trip-lever projects into the path of the cam-lug h', and a stop h³ on the guide
bracket H travels in the path of the projecting pin H2 so as to be engaged thereby.
A cam-faced stop or tripping device is adapted to engage the curved end h² of
the trip-lever as the stage approaches the limit of its rearward movement, so as to
release the pin H2 and uncouple the stage, thus permitting the uncoupled section
to remain stationary while an adjacent section continues its movement.
By this means the pin H2 on the foremost stage or section moving in the direction
indicated by the arrow 2 in Figure 22 will engage the inclined edge of the lug h¹
on the trip-lever carried by the adjacent stage and raise the end of said lever
against the tension of the spring until the pin passes the lug and engages the
stop whereupon the spring will depress the end of the lever and the pin H'
will be locked between the depending stop and lug, thus automatically coupling
the stages or stage sections together. At the same time the operating gearing of
the cable F³, will be thrown into action and the stage coupled thereto will move
therewith until another stage in the series is automatically coupled in the manner
just described, and any number of stages may thus be made to move in regular
order of succession; the gearing of the several cables being thrown into action
either mechanically or by hand simultaneously with the automatic coupling of the
stages together. On the reverse or rearward movement, as the rearmost stage
approaches the limit of its movement in the direction indicated by the arrow 3 in
Figure 22, the rear end of the trip-lever H, will engage the tripping device or
cam and its front end will be raised so as to release the pin H³, thereby
permitting the other stages to continue their movement while the cable F' is thrown
out of action. As the intermediate stage reaches the limit of its rearward move-
ment the corresponding tripping device I will engage the rear end of the
trip-lever carried by said stage and uncouple the latter so as to permit the next
following stage to complete its movement; the cable F being thrown out of
action.
L, L, denote masonry or frame work of the building, which is constructed so as
to provide water ways or ducts M, and wind conduits N, the former being
preferably arranged below the machinery space O, and the latter above said space
for a purpose to be described. M', M', are water ways or channels extending along
the curved tracks D, across the scenic department and connecting with water ways
or ducts at both sides of the building. These channels may be of any approved
construction, but are preferably of the form shown more clearly in Figures 13
and 14. These channels lead from the water supply or conduit M, across the
bottom of the tank or reservoir, which will be located behind the proscenium
opening in full view of the audience. Each channel may be composed of sheet
metal or other suitable side plates M2, M3, having their lower edges fixed to the
bottom of the tank or foundation upon which the body of water is supported, so as

page_text: to form a trough of sufficient width to permit the vibratory movements of the
wave plate p, and its actuating lever without unnecessary friction, and so as to
confine the water in the trough or channel on the forward movement of the wave-
plate. For a suitable distance, (usually about the length of the arc of the circle
described by the lower end of the wave-plate lever in its vibratory movements) as
from m² to m³, Figure 13, the side plates M extend upward nearly to the water
level indicated by the line W-L. From the point the plates are inclined
downwardly considerably beneath the water line and extend in the reduced form
shown at in the desired direction partially across the scenic departiment, so as to
control the course of the wave currents without obstructing the passage of objects
that may be floating upon the surface of the water.
For the purpose of controlling the direction of the currents of water and the
course of the waves the channels communicating with the conduits M may be
provided with suitable gates and suction or forcing apparatus for causing the water
to flow diagonally from one channel into another, as indicate by the arrows in
Figure 1, and a gap may be formed in the channels M', M', centrally of the scenic
department, as shown in the last mentioned figure, so that while the water is being
forced inwardly through one channel it may be simultaneously sucked out of
another channel at the opposite side of the gap, and thereby currents and waves or
objects floating upon the water may be made to take a diagonal course across the
center of the scenic department.
P, P, (Figures 1 and 9) denote wave-makers which may cach consist of a wave-
plate p, pivoted to a reciprocating frame p', which works in guide ways fitted
between the channel bars M2 and is connected by a pitman rod p* with the crank
wheel or shaft of an electric motor P1, for actuating the wave-plate carriage or
frame. By this means, when it is desired to produce waves upon the surface of the
water (which may overspread the scenitoriuin to a depth sufficient to conceal the
tracks and water channels supported thereon) the wave makers may be set in
motion by the operator or prompter by simply touching the proper key upon the
'switch-board so as to set the motor P¹ in motion, and thereupon waves will be built
up as indicated in Figure 10.
In Figures 13 and 14 is shown a modification of the wave maker, wherein a
vibratory arm or pendulum-lever P2 pivoted at its upper end to a bracket or
support P³ projecting from the wall or other fixture of the building supports a
wave-plate or blade P which is pivoted to the depending portion of the lever in
such manner that on the forward movement of said lever the plate will be thrown
into an upright position, as indicated in full lines in Figure 13, and push or force
the water in advance thereof, and on the reverse movement will drop down into the
position indicated in dotted lines in said figure, so as to move freely backward
without forming a wave. The lever P may be formed or provided with yoke-
arms på at its lower end to the free ends of which the wave-plate p is pivoted.
The arms p³ are also provided with angular forward extensions p' to which are
secured inwardly projecting pins p which form supports for the wave-plate when
the latter drops down into position to make its return or backward stroke. A
power shaft Q mounted in suitable bearings above the wave-plate and provided
with a fly-wheel and drive-pulley q³ has a crank wheel thereon which is con-
nected with the lever P2 intermediate the ends thereof by means of a pitman
ro: P. The band wheel or pulley may be connected with any suitable source
of power for imparting motion to the power shaft so as to cause the pendulum-
lever to vibrate for the purpose of producing the waves. The rod P5 and lever P
are preferably provided with a series of perforations at their point of connection by
which they may be adjustably connected so as to vary the sweep of the lever to
meet various requirements in producing light or heavy waves. When the lever P
is put in motion water will be drawn or sucked by the wave-plate from the
conduit M, through the inlet thereto into the channel M', and the water in the
channel in advance of the wave-plate will be forced along at each forward
movement of the lever, thereby building up the waves as indicated by the curved

page_text: dotted lines in Figure 13. To prevent the arms p, p, from coming in contact
with the side plates M2, M3, of the channel, and to relieve these parts of friction,
said arms are provided with transverse slots through which project the peripheries
of friction rolls R2, R3, which have their axles journaled in suitable brackets
secured to the inner sides of the arms on opposite sides of the slots, as shown in
Figure 14.
A series of channels may be provided connecting the conduit M at one side or
end of the scenic department with a similar conduit at the opposite side or end
thereof, and wave-plates and their operating mechanisms may be arranged at each
end of the channel, for the purpose of forming waves which may move in either.
direction or for the purpose of forming opposing waves.
Q, Figure 10, denotes a sailing vessel which is connected to an anchor-block,
fixed to one of the cables F, so that the vessel may be held stationary or drawn
forward or back at will by the motor-actuating mechanism of one of the sets of
stages. R, R, (Figures 1 and 4) denote current makers, which may consist of
spiral blades or Archimedian screws journaled in suitable supports fixed within the
channels M', near the ends thereof, and geared to an electric or other suitable
motors R', by belts and pulleys m, m', or other suitable means, whereby a rotary
motion may be imparted to the blades for the purpose of forcing the water through
the channels so as to produce currents. S, denotes a fan or air forcing apparatus
of ordinary construction fitted in the dome of the scenitorium for the purpose of
forcing air into the same or exhausting the air therefrom. Similar fans or air
forcing apparatuses S, S', may be located at the sides (or ends) of the scenic
department in communication with the air ducts or conduits N, so that air may be
forced into or drawn out of the scenic departinent at either end or side, or at the
apex thereof, for the purpose of forming currents of air and producing the effect
of a gale or wind blowing in either direction, and of ascending or descending air
currents, or currents moving in a rotary course in and about the scenic department
so as to give the. effect of either a stiff gale, a hurricane or a cyclone. The wind
storm effects may be accompanied by thunder and lightning, if desired, and rain
or other storm effects, so as to imitate nature in its most violent aspects upon
either laud or sea. S3, S2, denote electric motors for propelling the fans S', and
which may be geared thereto in any well known manner the fan S being also
geared to a suitable motor for the same purpose.
The mouths or exit ends of the conduits N, N, are provided with flexible.
tubes N', as shown clearly in Figure 3, by which the direction of motion
of the air currents within the scenic department may be controlled by shifting the
free ends of the tubes in the desired direction. These flexible tubes are preferably
composed of telescopic sections and may be suspended at any proper height by
means of ropes n. They may also be connected to cords n', which may be
operated by hand or machine for the purpose of shifting the tubes and securing
them in the desired position. N2, N2 denote slides or doors for controlling ports
or openings for the admission of air or the exhaust thereof at either side of the
scenitorium in proximity to the fans.
The operation of the wind making apparatus is illustrated diagrammatically in
Figures 7 and 8, of the drawings, wherein the arrows indicate the course of the
air currents passing from the duct N, into and through the fans at the sides of
the scenitorium and out at the top or dome thereof. Two or more fans and as
many flexible tubes as may be desired may be provided at each side of the
scenitorium as indicated in Figure 7, and the air currents may be directed in such
manner as to produce almost every conceivable wind storm effect, for instance, a
stiff or light breeze, a gale, a hurricane, or a cyclone, accompanied or not, as may
be desired, by rain, hail, snow, or thunder and lightning.
"
T, T, denote stage illuminating devices which comprise what are termed an
"Illumiscope" and "Colorator and which are especially designed for the
improvement of scenic illumination and the increase of realism in scenic art. They
are adapted to imitate the shades and tints of light which color the landscape,

page_text: permitting the imitation of the tints of the hours to be produced, completely or in
part, and facilitating the passage and blending of these tints each into the other
so as to illustrate the slow progress of the hours throughout the day or night.
The illumiscope and colorator may consist essentially of a rotary drum enclosing
a lamp and reflector and covered with a variously colored transparent substance
through which the light from the lamp may pass onto the surface or object to be
illuminated, together with mechanism for rotating the drum so as to cause the
variously colored portions of its periphery to pass successively between the light
and the sky foundation or surface on which the rays of light may fall. In
Figure 11 of the drawings is shown a series of such drums connected by bevel
gearing so as to produce simultaneous rotary movement of the several drums; the
end drums in each series being geared to a worm shaft engaging worm wheels on
the drum shafts or spindles, and the latter shaft being connected by a band or
belt with a band wheel on the driven shaft of a rotary engine or electric motor
which may be controlled by a switch upon a common switch-board in the
prompter's alcove so as to place the illuminating devices under the control of a
single operator.
U, U, denote a series of cloud creators, which are termed "nebulators," and
which are designed to produce the appearance of clouds moving through the sky.
This cloud creator or nebulator consists essentially of a cloud cloth or curtain U
(Figures 15 and 16) having the desired cloud forms placed thereon by painting or
otherwise, and secured to a sliding frame, which may be supported upon guide
rails and moved at any desired rate of speed in front of a lamp. Preferably the
cloud cloth is fixed upon rollers u, u*, which are journaled in brackets u', u', fixed
upon a sliding frame U. The frame U2 is supported upon guide rails U³, U₁,
which may extend partly or entirely across the fly-gallery parallel with the
illuminating devices T and in proximity thereto. The shaft of the upper roll u*,
is provided at one end with a bevel wheel u³ which meshes with a similar bevel
wheel u fixed upon a stud or shaft us which is journaled in a bracket us projecting
from the frame U. The stud or shaft us is provided at its opposite end with a
gear wheel which meshes with a rack u fixed to the guide rail U. The
nebulator U is supported in an oblique position with respect to the illuminating
lamp T so as to cause the rays of light to pass through the cloud cloth and fall
upon the sky foundation or scenic arrangements as may be desired the lines w³, 10,
Figures 12 and 17, indicating the scope of illumination. When the frame U³ is
slid back and forth upon the guide rails U³, U, motion will be imparted to the
gear wheel u by contact with the rack u, and thence to the roller u*, by means
of the intermediate bevel gearing, thus causing the cloud cloth to be drawn over
or wound upon the roller u*, and unwound from the roller u, simultaneously with
its horizontal movement caused by the longitudinal movement of the sliding
frame. The ends of the bar Us of the frame U2 are pivotally supported as at U
so that the frame may be adjusted at any desired angle in respect to the
illuminating lamp, reflector or other source of light and secured by means of a
perforated bar or arc U and adjusting bolts or screws U7 (Figure 16) whereby
as the cloth U' moves across the path of movement of the oblique sliding frame
the shade effect or cloud cast upon the sky foundation may be made to either
approach or recede from the light simultaneously with its two-fold movement
through or across the sky in a descending or ascending course, thereby causing the
cloud effect to increase or diminish in size as it rises or descends.
V, V, denote a series of cloud shadow makers which are termed "umbrators "
and which may be arranged horizontally in proximity to the nebulators and beneath
the colorators or illuminating devices, so as to produce the effect of cloud-shadows
moving across the landscape or scenic arrangements supported upon the movable
stages, which are adapted to move about the scenitorium so as to produce such
scenic effects, either moving or stationary, as may be determined upon, and in
connection with which it may be desirable to give the effect of cloud-shadows
moving thereover or thereupon. These umbrators may consist simply of sliding
B

page_text: frames with cloth or netting secured thereto and having cloud shadows or forms
thereon similar to the cloud creators; the frames being fitted upon suitable guide
rails 0, 0, (Figure 12) and provided with cloud cloths on which may be placed
or painted any desired form or figure designed to cast a cloud shadow or produce a
like effect. The umbrator is preferably supported beneath the illuminating lamp
80 as to cast the shadows upon the landscape or other scenic arrangements supported
upon the movable stages.
The dotted lines v, vl, indicate the scope of illumination of the umbrator. The
umbrators and nebulators may be used singly or together and with a single or
separate illuminating lamp as indicated in Figures 12 and 17 respectively.
By these means may be produced the effect of clouds or cloud shadows moving
through the sky or over land and water, and to give the appearance of a cloud
rising above the horizon or descending the sky and passing in any desired direction
and at any desired rate of speed while gradually increasing or diminishing in size
as it rises or descends below the horizon. If desired these effects may be accom-
panied with the usual imitations of thunder and lightning; the lightning being
produced by means of lights which are moved rapidly in a zig-zag or other course
behind the drop or transparent surface on which the sky foundation is painted.
A star-lit night or similar effect may be given by perforating the drop and fixing
suitable lights behind the perforations. These devices permit the imitation of a
slightly cloudy sky, or a stormy cloudy sky, or of light or heavy, swift or slowly
moving clouds. As the clouds or cloud shadows move across the landscape or
scenic arrangements various coloring effects may be produced by the passage of
light from the interior of the coloring drums through the variously colored trans-
parent material thereon, so as to give the desired tint or shade to the scenic
arrangements simultaneously with the passage of clouds or cloud shadows over the
same. The term cloud-cloth as employed herein denotes the moving transparent or
semi-transparent material with either cloud forms or cloud shadows thereon, as
described with reference to the nebulator and umbrator, respectively; this term
being used interchangeably in respect to the two devices.
W, W, denote rain makers and Y, Y, fog makers suspended from the fly-gallery
below the illuminating devices and in front of the umbrators and nebulators so aз
to prevent interference with the operations of the latter. The rain producers may
consist simply of a series of perforated pipes connected to a water supply pipe wo,
and provided with suitable cocks or valves w¹, by which the water may be turned
off or on so as to circulate through said pipes and pass through the perforations
therein in the form of rain falling upon the scenic arrangements.
The fog
producers may consist of a trough-shaped receptacle y having an open top above
which is suspended by weights, cords and pulleys a perforated receptacle y', having
a sliding or hinged top, and containing quick-lime which may be lowered into the
water for the purpose of slacking the lime and thus forming the fog. The fog thus
produced may be precipitated and caused to partly or completely envelope the
scenic arrangements, so as to give the effect of a light or dense fog, and by means
of the wind making apparatus this fog may be made to gently ascend or descend or
it may be suddenly lifted and dissipated.
Z, Z (Fig. 2) denote masking borders or drops suspended from the fly gallery in
position to screen the several illuminating devices and cloud, rain and fog making
apparatuses, which latter are supported from the fly-gallery or suspended from the
framing supporting the super-structure in position to be raised and lowered when
desired, so that any one or more of the series or independent sets of illuminating
and weather making apparatuses may be used in connection with any scenic
arrangement upon the stage or stages.
6
Z' denotes what is termed a luxauleator" which may consist of a series of
electric or other suitable lamps 2, bordering or encircling the proscenium opening,
the lamps being set in backings or reflectors 22, which screen the light from
the scenitorium or space in rear of the proscenium opening and flood the opposite
portion of space with light, thereby forming in effect a vivid curtain or screen of

page_text: light which is adapted to intercept all sight of anything placed in the shaded
portion of space. The backings or reflectors may consist of a continuous concave
reflector encircling the proscenium opening and secured in any proper manner to
the wall or arch B. But it is obvious that the form of the reflector and the
arrangement of the lights may be varied in many ways without departing from
the spirit of this part of my invention. Electric lamps are preferable for obvious
reasons, but any suitable source of light may be employed, and it is my intention to
use gas or any of the common methods of producing light. Moreover, while
reflectors are preferable, any suitable backing which will cause the rays of light to
pass in the proper direction and prevent the light from entering the shaded portion
of space back of the proscenium may be employed. The lights may also if desired
be bunched or grouped according to taste, particularly when used for decorative
purposes, and may be colored so as to impart any desired tint or shade of coloring,
this part of my invention being also applicable to decorative purposes; that
is, for increasing the decorative effect of rooms or portions of rooms, either in
private dwellings or in churches, art galleries, lyceums, libraries, or other public
buildings. For theatrical purposes the lamps should be so arranged that the rays
of light from opposite lamps will cross each other centrally of the proscenium
opening at an angle the degree of which will depend upon the proximity of the
front row of seats to the proscenium opening or arch. By this means I dispense
with the ordinary drop scene or curtain and at the same time render it unnecessary
to extinguish the light in the auditorium when removing or shifting stage scenery,
and an instantaneous exhibition of scenery or concealment of persons or of the
operations behind the proscenium opening may be effected without the objections
incident to the use of the usual slow-moving drop-scene and the slow and tedious
process of manipulating the same when it is desired to quickly change a scene; the
audience meanwhile having the benefit of a lighted hall.
The operation of the invention will be readily understood from the foregoing
description. The scenic effect which it is desired to produce having been
previously determined, and the stage or stages provided with the desired scenic
arrangements property or persons thereon, such stage or stages may be set in
motion by the motors geared to the propelling mechanism and moved across the
space back of the proscenium opening at any desired rate of speed; two or more
stages being made to move at different rates of speed or at the same rate if
desired when properly geared to accomplish this result, so as to produce perspective
or other moving scenic effects. Simultaneously with the movement of the stage or
stages in the desired order, or the placing of the same with the scenic arrange-
ments thereon in the desired position to be exhibited to the audience, the machinery
controlling the illuminating and coloring devices, or the wind producing apparatus,
or the water current and wave makers, or the rain and fog producers, may one or
all be set in motion and so controlled as to give the effect of a beautifully colored
landscape, or of ships moving to and fro and rolling and tossing upon the sea, of
light houses, reefs, etc., and various objects moving either at the same
different rates of speed so as to give the perspective moving effect due to near
and distant objects as they appear to the eye of an observer stationed at
particular point. By properly manipulating the various wave, wind, water, fog,
rain and illuminating and coloring devices, all the various effects of a clear
cloudless sky, a cloudy gloomy sky, or of a rough and stormy day either on land
or at sea, with the various storm effects peculiar to a storm on land or water may
be produced simultaneously with the exhibition of the scenery or whatever may
be desired upon the stages which may be either at rest or in motion. By the
co-operation of the fog and wind making apparatus the effect may be given of
a fog as it appears floating above the earth's surface, or gradually rising or
falling, or the fog may be suddenly lifted and dissipated. Falling rain and snow
may also be so controlled by the wind making apparatus as to give the various
effects of a drifting snow or a terrific storm, and the rain may be accompanied if
desired with an imitation of thunder and lightning, and together with the cloud
or at
ab

page_text: creating and shadow making devices and the illuminating and coloring drums,
the various effects which nature portrays in the wake of a storm may be produced.
By the co-action of the wind-making and wave making apparatus, the latter
building up or forming the waves against the force of the wind as indicated by
the arrows in Figure 10, waves may be built up and the effect of a tempest
tossed vessel produced. It will be understood that the various apparatus may be
operated in any suitable manner, and while electric motors are preferable as the
propelling force or source of power, any suitable source may be employed. It
will also be understood that various modifications may be made in the construction
and arrangement of parts shown and described herein without departing from the
spirit of the invention, the drawings illustrating preferred forms of apparatus for
making the various combinations for the attainment of the desired scenic effect.
But other forms may be substituted and similar results produced without adhering
to the specific constructions shown and described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1st. In combination with the scenic department of a theatre or other similar
structure, two or more movable stages adapted to support the scenic arrangements
for producing various scenic effects, and means for moving said stages in the desired
direction about the scenic department, substantially as described.
2nd. In combination with the scenic department of a theatre or other similar
structure, two or more movable stages adapted to support the scenic arrangements
for various scenic performances and propelling mechanism for effecting the move-
ments of the stages so as to produce the desired moving scenic effect, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
3rd. In combination with the scenic department of a theatre or other similar
structure, a series of tracks, movable stages mounted on said tracks and provided
with the desired scenic arrangements thereon, and mechanism for propelling the
stages to and fro upon the tracks so as to produce the desired scenic effect,
substantially as described.
4th. As a means for producing scenic effects, the combination of two or more
movable stages and mechanism for moving the two stages simultaneously at different
rates of speed so as to produce the desired perspective or other moving scenic effect,
substantially as described.
5th. The combination with the scenic department of a theatre or similar structure
adapted for producing scenic effects, of movable stages for supporting the scenic
arrangements, and a wind making apparatus and means for controlling the direction
of the air currents produced by such apparatus for the purpose of producing various
wind-storm effects, substantially as described.
6th. The combination of the scenitorium provided with air ducts or inlets at
either side or end thereof, air forcing apparatus connected therewith, and means for
controlling the direction of the air currents produced by such apparatus, substantially
as described.
7th. The combination with the scenitorium provided with the water reservoir,
of the water current maker and the wind making apparatus, substantially as
described.
8th. The combination with the scenitorium provided with the reservoir, of
the water current maker, the wind maker, and the wave maker, substantially as
described.
9th. The combination with the scenitorium provided with the water reservoir,
of the water current maker and the wave maker, substantially as described.
10th. The combination with the scenitorium provided with the water reservoir,
of the water channels leading through said reservoir, the wave maker and the wind
making apparatus adapted to build up the waves, substantially as described.
11th. The combination with the scenitorium provided with the water reservoir,

page_text: of the movable stages supported thereon, means for moving said stages, and the
wave maker, substantially as described.
at
12th. The combination with the scenitorium provided with the reservoir, of the
movable stages supporting the scenic arrangements, the wave inaker, and the wind
making apparatus, substantially as described.
13th. In combination with the movable stages substantially as described having
the scenic arrangements supported thereon and mechanism for moving the stages,
the apparatus for producing cloud effects or cloud shadows so as to give the effect
of clouds or cloud shadows moving over the landscape or scenic arrangements,
substantially as described.
14th. In combination with the movable stages substantially as described having
the desired scenic arrangements placed thereon, and mechanism for actuating the
same, the nebulator, and the illuminating and coloring devices, substantially as
described.
15th. In combination with the scenitorium provided with the water reservoir, a
series of movable stages, mechanism for actuating the same, a wave maker, and a
wind making apparatus, substantially as described.
16th. In combination with the scenic department of a theatre or similar
structure, an air forcing apparatus, and a flexible combined inlet and outlet tube
for controlling the direction of motion of the air currents, substantially as
described.
17th. In combination with the scenic department of a theatre or similar
structure, a fog making apparatus, and a wind making apparatus co-operating with
the fog maker for the purpose of lifting or dissipating the fog, substantially as
described.
18th. In combination with the scenic department of a theatre or similar
structure, a rain making apparatus and a wind making apparatus and means for
controlling the rain-fall and the direction of motion of the wind, for the purpose of
producing rain and wind storm effects, substantially as described.
19th. In combination with the movable stages, the operating mechanism therefor
comprising the cables and means for connecting the stages thereto, the driven shaft
having the loose pulleys thereon over which said cables work, and means for causing
said pulleys to rotate with the shaft at will so as to impart motion to the stages,
substantially as described.
20th. In combination with the movable stages, the operating mechanism therefor
comprising the cables and means for connecting the stages thereto, the driven shaft
having loose pulleys of different diameters thereon over which said cables work
and means for causing said pulleys to rotate with the shaft at will so as to impart
motion to the cables and thereby cause the stages to move at different rates of
speed, substantially as described.
21st. In combination with two or more movable stages, and mechanism for
propelling the same independently of each other, means for effecting the initial
movement of one or more of the stages at a certain pre-determined point in the
movement of a preceding stage or stages whereby the several stages are adapted to
move at intervals in regular order of succession so as to produce the desired moving
scenic effect, substantially as described.
22nd. In combination with the movable stages, the cables, the guide pulleys, the
driven shaft provided with loose pulleys and clutch couplings for causing said
pulleys to rotate with the shaft, and the screw shaft geared to said driven shaft
and provided with the travelling tappets for engaging and disengaging said clutch
couplings, substantially as described.
23rd. In theatrical appliances, a series of independent movable stages with set
scenes or other objects thereon, mechanism for propelling each stage independently
of the other, and automatic coupling mechanism for locking adjacent stages together
at a pre-determined point in the movement of the foremost stage, together with
means for unlocking the stages at such pre-determined point on the reverse
movement of the stages, substantially as described.

page_text: 2!th. In combination with the proscenium opening, a series of lamps bordering
the same and provided with backings adapted to throw the space back of the lamps
and opening into complete shade, while flooding the opposite portion of space with
light, so as to form in effect a vivid curtain or screen of light that will intercept
all sight of persons or things occupying the shaded portion of space, substantially
as described.
25th. In combination with the proscenium opening the laterally adjustable slides,
the vertically adjustable drop, and means for simultaneously adjusting said slides
and drop so as to uniformly enlarge or contract the proscenium opening, substan-
tially as described.
W. LLOYD WISE,
Per F. J. Brougham.