Motion Picture News (May-June 1921)

3330 (Equipment Service) Motion Picture News Photographs showing progressive development of Typhoon Ventilating System Developments in Typhoon System of Ventilation The accompanying illustrations point out quite vividly the changes which time and much thought and hard work have wrought in Typhoon design and construction. The first illustration shows one of the earlier types and one which might, with perfect candor be referred to as a " square-rigger " ; reminding one as it does of the square-rigged vessels of the days of Columbus. This earlier type of Typhoon, now known as the " drum type " because of its peculiar and drum-like form, represented at the time of its construction, the " nth power " in size, design, and construction, but has long since been superseded by the " cone-type " which obtains its tiame from the peculiar manner in which it delivers the air. In the earlier type much of the ■current of air generated was thrown agaihst the deep supporting ring set almost at right angles with the square-tipped fan blades, this causing much of the air to be thrown against the ring, where it was caught on the rebound again and again, not only causing unnecessary noise, but because of the air being taken back upon the blade at a very vital point, wasted much of the power of the fan. This type was considered very efficient at the time and did generate a plenteous current of air, but, like some of the present-day types, it didn't put the air where it was needed. In the newer type of Typhoon the inventor has developed the cone-shaped delivery of air, in which the air is picked up by the specially designed blade and delivered without noise or vibration and with a minimum of friction, calling for less power with better results. A cast iron ring of proven weight and design, around the circumference of the fan, absorbs the vibrations caused by the revolutions of the fan and is so shaped as to reduce friction to an absolute minimum. Tests made under actual working conditions, and in which a " drum-type " fan of earlier make was literally " pitted " agaihst a modern Typhoon, disclosed beyond any question of doubt the superiority of the latter. The fans were mounted in a box, opposed, with an equal amount of power applied to each, and in which the better fan would blow the air through the inferior one. Under these conditions the new Typhoon developed a delivery of 160,000 cubic feet of free-air per minute, while the " drum type" delivered only 70,000 feet per minute, giv ing the Typhoon an advantage of 90,000 feet per minute over the older type, or about 120 per cent " too much " Typhoon. La Porte, Ind., to Have New Theatre Soon GROUND is now being cleared in the dow^n-town district of LaPorte for the new $250,000 theatre to be erected by the Princess Theatre Company during the present year. The Princess Theatre Company operates two motion picture houses at the present time, but which prove insufficient to accommodate the growth of the city. The new structure to be erected by Henry L. Newhouse, architect of Chicago, will occupy one of the most prominent blocks in the city, will be three stories in height and shall have a modem hotel of 52 rooms and 24 apartments in conjunction with the theatre. The dimensions of the building, which is to be constructed of red brick, will be 210 feet by 115 feet. The hotel lobby and entrance will occupy one corner of the building, while a large department store will be quartered in the other end of the building, with the theatre lobby in the center of the building and entering the theatre on the side. The lobby will be of white Vermont marble, 27 feet by 36 feet, opening into the foyer. The theatre proper will be 74 feet by 150 feet, and will seat 1,300 on the main floor and 650 in the balcony. A stage large enough to accommodate the largest of legitimate plays will be constructed, 26 feet deep by 74 feet in width. Four dressing rooms will be constructed on the stage and a large number in the basement. The plans of the new theatre have been dl-awn so as to give the utmost comfort both for the patrons and for the employes. Rest rooms, lavatories, smoking rooms, musicians' rooms and a manager's :)fTice have all been pro\>ided for. Specially ordered upholstered seats have been secured. The orchestra pit will be eight feet in width and 38 feet long, affording ample room for an orchestra of 30 pieces. One of the newest pipe organs will be installed. Specially convenient will be the court that will extend on three sides of the theatre, permitting ready exit from any point in the house. It is intended to install a modem projection machine in a large projection room to occupy practically the entire length of the back of the house. An improved screen will be installed. While the policy of the house has not been definitely announced, it is imderstood that only the highest class pictures will be exhibited in the new house. It is expected that the contractors will break ground about the first of May and that the house will be ready for occupancy by the first of 1922. H. A. Compe, President Society of Motion Picture Engineers