How Manual & Fire Curtain Rigging Works - JR Clancy · How Manual & Fire Curtain Rigging Works ......
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How Manual & Fire Curtain Rigging Works Manual rigging consists of a balanced set of weights that are controlled by pulling on ropes to raise and lower scenery, lighting, and other equipment with minimal effort. Manual rigging can be found in nearly every theatre worldwide. First introduced in the early 1900s, it’s still a practical solution for new theatres of all sizes. Manual systems can also be upgraded to include “push button” or “touch screen” control. To learn more or discuss your rigging needs visit us online or contact us today. © 2013 J.R. CLANCY, INC. DS-137-01 09/13 TM and ® are trademarks and registered trademarks of J.R. Clancy † are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective companies Design, Manufacture and Installation of Theatrical Equipment Worldwide 1-800-836-1885 www.jrclancy.com Smoke Pocket The vertical, guided edges of the fire curtain ride inside the smoke pocket, which is a shallow, steel box. The curtain is forced flat against the smoke pocket, sealing the edges of the proscenium opening. Traction Drive Hoist The fire curtain lift lines pass over a V-grooved traction block that grips them. The block is connected to an electric drive hoist through a clutch mechanism that keeps it from turning. If the fire line slackens suddenly, a lever opens the clutch, the traction block spins and the fire curtain falls. Round Weights The motorized fire curtain system includes two sets of round weights that balance against each other. One tensions the fire line, while the other weight exerts pressure against the clutch lever in the opposite direction. If line tension is lost, the second weight set trips the clutch lever, allowing the traction block to spin. Idler Blocks Despite the weight they carry, lift lines will sag as they cross the stage unless they are supported by small idler blocks attached to the loft block sideplates. Loft Block The loft block is a simple pulley that turns the lift lines 90° toward the stage. Mounted overhead or at grid level, our loft blocks feature sealed precision ball bearings so the sheave turns smoothly and quietly on the shaft. To minimize wear, double depth grooves in the sheaves should also be precisely molded so they support the line through at least 150° of its circumference. Head Block Individual lift lines are collected by the head block and turned downward in their own grooves toward the floor. There is also a larger center groove for the hand line. Head blocks carry the entire load attached to the batten, so it’s imperative that they be sturdy. Tapered roller bearings are also a must. Loading Gallery The gallery provides a place to stand while adding or removing weights from the arbor. It must be extremely rugged since it stores the weights for all the arbors, which can often be several tons! J-Guide™ System J-guides prevent the arbor from swinging side to side as it moves up and down through the guide shoes, which are attached to the back of each counterweight arbor. Outrigger Batten and Bracket Fastened to the wall with triangular brackets, the outrigger batten is a convenient rest for ladders, scenery, and other equipment, ensuring they won’t interfere with the hand lines and counterweight arbors. Rope Lock Once a batten is positioned, the rope lock holds the hand line in place. Rope locks can also be padlocked for added safety. Locking Rail Rope locks are attached to the locking rail. You can also use the locking rail to label lines, so crew members can quickly identify the purpose of each line for various performances. Floor Block The hand line runs over the head block and under the floor block for extra control. The floor block is adjustable to keep the hand line taut. Index Light Index lights, attached to the outrigger batten, allow the flyman to see in darkened wings. A reflector hides this light from the audience. Batten Clamp Batten clamps grip the pipe batten along its length, usually on 10 ft. centers. They should be load rated for safety. Another common trimming option is batten clamps with turnbuckles. Pipe Batten Hundreds of pounds of lighting fixtures, curtains, scenery, and audio equipment may be hung from the pipe batten. J.R. Clancy pipe battens are usually made in 21 ft. lengths and feature 18 in. steel splices that slip into the pipe to strengthen the joints. Lift Lines The galvanized wire rope lift lines support the pipe battens and basically hold the rigging system together. Manual Release Fire lines also have a manual release lever located at each side of the opening. When the release lever is pulled, the fire curtain falls in a controlled fashion. Dashpot The dashpot is a simple hydraulic braking mechanism that starts slowing the curtain before it reaches head height and provides a soft landing at the floor. Sure Guard® II Release System The fire line can also be released by J.R.Clancy’s Sure Guard® II system, an electro-mechanical device that can be connected to fire detection systems or rate-of-rise temperature sensors. When the Sure Guard® II system circuit is broken, the fire line is automatically released. Fusible Links Fire lines are joined by fusible links, which are basically flat pieces of steel that have been soldered together with a low-melting- point (165°F, 74°C) metal mixture. In the event that temperatures exceed this level, the fusible link gives way and releases the clutch, which then releases the curtain. Fire Lines The fire line engages the mechanical clutch of the traction drive hoist during normal operation. When the fire line is cut or released or the fusible link opens, the fire curtain falls automatically. Lattice Track Arbor The lift lines supporting the fire curtain are attached to this arbor. The arbor counterbalances some of the curtain’s weight, so the curtain’s descent is powered by the most reliable force of all, gravity. Lattice Track The fire curtain counterweight arbor rides a lattice track which is attached to the front wall of the stage and is totally separate from the counterweight arbors used to control other elements. Safety Chains These heavy steel chains are attached to the stage structure and support the curtain if the lift lines fail during a fire. Their extra weight also helps the curtain drop once it has been released. Automatic Fire Safety Curtain The automatic fire safety curtain, first patented by J.R. Clancy in 1904, is designed to block the spread of an on-stage fire without human intervention or electricity. Our curtains feature ZetexPlus † , a coated fabric that spreads the heat, preventing “hot spots” from forming that could burn through and allow the fire to spread. Trim Chain With multiple lift lines attached to each pipe batten, it is inevitable that their lengths will have to be adjusted to keep the batten parallel to the stage. The easiest way to adjust lines is with a trim chain. We recommend J.R. Clancy Alpha Chain™ which has a black finish for fewer distracting reflections. Counterweight Arbor Counterweight arbors carry the weights and should be manufactured with heavy steel top and bottom to support the weights. Each rod has a retaining collar with an easy-to-grip plastic knob for convenience. Hand Line A flyman uses the hand line to raise and lower the batten. J.R. Clancy SureGrip® hand lines are stronger and easier to use than manila and have a wear indicator for added safety.
Transcript of How Manual & Fire Curtain Rigging Works - JR Clancy · How Manual & Fire Curtain Rigging Works ......
How Manual & Fire Curtain Rigging Works
Manual rigging consists of a balanced set of weights that are controlled by pulling on ropes to raise and lower scenery, lighting, and other equipment with minimal effort.Manual rigging can be found in nearly every theatre worldwide. First introduced in the early 1900s, it’s still a practical solution for new theatres of all sizes. Manual systems can also be upgraded to include “push button” or “touch screen” control. To learn more or discuss your rigging needs visit us online or contact us today.
© 2013 J.R. ClanCy, InC. DS-137-01 09/13TM and ® are trademarks and registered trademarks of J.R. Clancy† are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective companies
Design, Manufacture and Installation of Theatrical Equipment Worldwide
1-800-836-1885www.jrclancy.com
Smoke PocketThe vertical, guided edges of the fire curtain ride inside the smoke pocket, which is a shallow, steel box. The curtain is forced flat against the smoke pocket, sealing the edges of the proscenium opening.
Traction Drive HoistThe fire curtain lift lines pass over a V-grooved traction block that grips them. The block is connected to an electric drive hoist through a clutch mechanism that keeps it from turning. If the fire line slackens suddenly, a lever opens the clutch, the traction block spins and the fire curtain falls.
Round WeightsThe motorized fire curtain system includes two sets of round weights that balance against each other. One tensions the fire line, while the other weight exerts pressure against the clutch lever in the opposite direction. If line tension is lost, the second weight set trips the clutch lever, allowing the traction block to spin.
Idler BlocksDespite the weight they carry, lift lines will sag as they cross the stage unless they are supported by small idler blocks attached to the loft block sideplates.
Loft BlockThe loft block is a simple pulley that turns the lift lines 90° toward the stage. Mounted overhead or at grid level, our loft blocks feature sealed precision ball bearings so the sheave turns smoothly and quietly on the shaft. To minimize wear, double depth grooves in the sheaves should also be precisely molded so they support the line through at least 150° of its circumference.
Head BlockIndividual lift lines are collected by the head block and turned downward in their own grooves toward the floor. There is also a larger center groove for the hand line. Head blocks carry the entire load attached to the batten, so it’s imperative that they be sturdy. Tapered roller bearings are also a must.
Loading GalleryThe gallery provides a place to stand while adding or removing weights from the arbor. It must be extremely rugged since it stores the weights for all the arbors, which can often be several tons!
J-Guide™ SystemJ-guides prevent the arbor from swinging side to side as it moves up and down through the guide shoes, which are attached to the back of each counterweight arbor.
Outrigger Batten and BracketFastened to the wall with triangular brackets, the outrigger batten is a convenient rest for ladders, scenery, and other equipment, ensuring they won’t interfere with the hand lines and counterweight arbors.
Rope LockOnce a batten is positioned, the rope lock holds the hand line in place. Rope locks can also be padlocked for added safety.
Locking RailRope locks are attached to the locking rail. You can also use the locking rail to label lines, so crew members can quickly identify the purpose of each line for various performances.
Floor BlockThe hand line runs over the head block and under the floor block for extra control. The floor block is adjustable to keep the hand line taut.
Index LightIndex lights, attached to the outrigger batten, allow the flyman to see in darkened wings. A reflector hides this light from the audience.
Batten ClampBatten clamps grip the pipe batten along its length, usually on 10 ft. centers. They should be load rated for safety. Another common trimming option is batten clamps with turnbuckles.
Pipe BattenHundreds of pounds of lighting fixtures, curtains, scenery, and audio equipment may be hung from the pipe batten. J.R. Clancy pipe battens are usually made in 21 ft. lengths and feature 18 in. steel splices that slip into the pipe to strengthen the joints.
Lift LinesThe galvanized wire rope lift lines support the pipe battens and basically hold the rigging system together.
Manual ReleaseFire lines also have a manual release lever located at each side of the opening. When the release lever is pulled, the fire curtain falls in a controlled fashion.
DashpotThe dashpot is a simple hydraulic braking mechanism that starts slowing the curtain before it reaches head height and provides a soft landing at the floor.
Sure Guard® II Release SystemThe fire line can also be released by J.R.Clancy’s Sure Guard® II system, an electro-mechanical device that can be connected to fire detection systems or rate-of-rise temperature sensors. When the Sure Guard® II system circuit is broken, the fire line is automatically released.
Fusible LinksFire lines are joined by fusible links, which are basically flat pieces of steel that have been soldered together with a low-melting-point (165°F, 74°C) metal mixture. In the event that temperatures exceed this level, the fusible link gives way and releases the clutch, which then releases the curtain.
Fire LinesThe fire line engages the mechanical clutch of the traction drive hoist during normal operation. When the fire line is cut or released or the fusible link opens, the fire curtain falls automatically.
Lattice Track ArborThe lift lines supporting the fire curtain are attached to this arbor. The arbor counterbalances some of the curtain’s weight, so the curtain’s descent is powered by the most reliable force of all, gravity.
Lattice TrackThe fire curtain counterweight arbor rides a lattice track which is attached to the front wall of the stage and is totally separate from the counterweight arbors used to control other elements.
Safety ChainsThese heavy steel chains are attached to the stage structure and support the curtain if the lift lines fail during a fire. Their extra weight also helps the curtain drop once it has been released.
Automatic Fire Safety CurtainThe automatic fire safety curtain, first patented by J.R. Clancy in 1904, is designed to block the spread of an on-stage fire without human intervention or electricity. Our curtains feature ZetexPlus†, a coated fabric that spreads the heat, preventing “hot spots” from forming that could burn through and allow the fire to spread.
Trim ChainWith multiple lift lines attached to each pipe batten, it is inevitable that their lengths will have to be adjusted to keep the batten parallel to the stage. The easiest way to adjust lines is with a trim chain. We recommend J.R. Clancy Alpha Chain™ which has a black finish for fewer distracting reflections.
Counterweight ArborCounterweight arbors carry the weights and should be manufactured with heavy steel top and bottom to support the weights. Each rod has a retaining collar with an easy-to-grip plastic knob for convenience.
Hand LineA flyman uses the hand line to raise and lower the batten. J.R. Clancy SureGrip® hand lines are stronger and easier to use than manila and have a wear indicator for added safety.
How Automated Rigging Works
In 1965, J.R. Clancy introduced the SceneControl® console, the first ever automated control system. Today, venues from international performing arts centers to middle schools benefit from the programmability, creativity, and enhanced safety of automated rigging.Intuitive Controls, Ease of Use, and Enhanced SafetyAutomated rigging allows accurate, pre-programmable movements that can be executed with the push of a button. With automated rigging, there is no need to pull ropes, load heavy weights, or climb high loading galleries. In the past, automated rigging was built on a customized basis, so it was typically affordable only for major performing arts centers. That meant smaller theatres with limited budgets had no choice but to install manual rigging. Today, J.R. Clancy offers a full line of automated systems as standard products with a range of speeds, capacities, mounting options, and control systems that fit the needs of most theatres, including schools and universities. To learn more or discuss your rigging needs visit us online or contact us today.
Line Shaft HoistA line shaft hoist uses a separate drum for each lift line. Since the lift line goes directly to the load, there is no need for head or loft blocks and the wall or floor space they require. This makes line shaft hoists ideal for renovations in which there isn’t much space nor enough steel framework to handle side loading.
Universal Joints & ShaftsLine shafts have universal joints to connect the drums and gear motors. Regardless of how solid a structure seems, it will move. Snow loads in temperate climates distort the roof structure, while aboard cruise ships, the entire structure flexes with each wave. Without U-joints to compensate, bearings can fail and shafts may bind or seize.
Cable DrumCable drums are properly spaced so they drop lift lines from the grid and support the pipe batten.
Gear MotorThe combined gearbox, motor and brake provide speed reduction and power in the smallest space. Head Block
The multi-sheave head block spaces sheaves so cables drop directly at the correct portion of the hoist drum.
Loft BlockThe loft block is a simple pulley that turns the lift lines 90° toward the stage. Mounted overhead or at grid level, our loft blocks feature sealed precision ball bearings so the sheave turns smoothly and quietly on the shaft. To minimize wear, double depth grooves in the sheaves should also be precisely molded so they support the line through at least 150° of its circumference.
Drum HoistDrum hoists, with their integral motor, gearbox and brake, can be mounted on the floor, in the gallery or on the grid. The hoist drums are helically grooved to keep the wire rope wound in a single layer so as not to change the drum diameter and alter the lift rate. The drums are long enough to accommodate all the lift lines for a particular set.
ControlsAutomated rigging can be controlled by a variety of systems, from simple push button operation to sophisticated touch screen programming. J.R. Clancy’s SceneControl® 5000 family of consoles feature unlimited pre-programming of elaborate, exciting cues for multiple sets that can be played back during performances — and adjusted on the fly — with the simple touch to a screen. Some SceneControl® 5000 consoles also feature a 3D representation of your actual backstage area so you can see the movement as you are programming it and as it is happening during a performance — from any angle. For extra reliability and longevity, all J.R. Clancy controls are designed with industrial parts similar to those found in elevator systems, rather than those found in typical PCs.
Pipe BattenHundreds of pounds of lighting fixtures, scenery, curtains, and audio equipment may be hung from the pipe batten. J.R. Clancy pipe battens are usually made in 21 ft. lengths and feature 18 in. steel splices that slip into the pipe to strengthen the joints.
Lift LinesThe galvanized wire rope lift lines support the pipe battens and basically hold the rigging system together.
Batten ClampBatten clamps grip the pipe batten along its length, usually on 10 ft. centers. They should be load rated for safety.
Mule BlockThis sheave redirects a lift line from the point hoist to a loft block allowing a lift line to be put anywhere over the gridiron.
Point HoistsWhen great flexibility is required, a gang of point hoists work as a team to move difficult loads. Smaller, portable point hoists can be fixed to the grid, or larger fixed units can team up with movable spot blocks. The control software should be able to monitor the position of the point hoists working in concert hundreds of times each second to keep all lift lines taut.
© 2013 J.R. ClAnCy, InC. DS-138-01 09/13TM and ® are trademarks and registered trademarks of J.R. Clancy† are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective companies
Design, Manufacture and Installation of Theatrical Equipment Worldwide
1-800-836-1885www.jrclancy.com
