John F. Werner, New York city.--The terrible disaster in the Brooklyn
theater is serving as a stimulus to induce the invention of devices
looking to the prevention of a like occurrence. The present inventor
has devised a new fire escape for theaters, concert halls, and other
public places of amusement, by which the space at the upper parts of
the entrances, halls, or vestibules of the buildings is utilized for
the purpose of forming additional passage ways for the persons in the
buildings, to be used in case of fire for the more convenient and less
dangerous exit of the same. The invention consists, mainly, of a
movable floor, suspended by chains, pulleys, and weights, near the
ceiling of the entrances, and lowered in case of fire. It is supported
on projecting rests of the side walls, at suitable height above the
floor. Sliding extensions and swinging stairs and rear sections
connect with the ground outside of the door, and with the staircases
of the gallery, so as to form separate exits above the regular
entrances.