A TELESCOPIC APPARATUS APPLICABLE AS A TEMPORARY OR STATIONARY OBSERVATORY FOR TEMPORARY BRIDGES BUILDING. AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Beale, of Taunton, in the County of
Somerset, Builder, for the Invention of. "A TELESCOPIC APPARATUS
APPLICABLE AS A TEMPORARY OR STATIONARY OBSERVATORY FOR TEMPORARY
BRIDGES BUILDING. AND OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 15th April 1868, and dated the 22nd October 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Beale at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
22nd October 1867.
I, WILLIAM BEALE, of Taunton, in the County of Somerset, Builder, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A TELESCOPIC APPARATUS
APPLICABLE AS A TEMPORARY OR STATIONARY OBSERVATORY, FOR TEMPORARY BRIDGES,
BUILDING, AND OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to what I term a telescopic column or columns
applicable for use for building purposes where great heights are to be attained
or otherwise, and for temporary or stationary observatories, also for other
purposes of height and depth, and for horizontal and retrograde motion. The
apparatus consists of a base or framework fixed on a wheeled carriage for the
sake of moving it from place to place, and within the first framework and
similar to it is a second framework, which by an axle or axles is made to

page_text: partially revolve in the first frame or base. In the second frame of the base
the bottom parts of the first sections of two telescopic columns are fixed,
resting on axles on which they are set upright or vertical when the carriage is
standing on uneven ground. The two first sections of the columns have a
platform framed into the base of each, made so that it can be extended to a
greater length when required. At or near the base of the columns are two
iron shafts extending to and resting on bearings fixed to each of the columns
(and other intermediate bearings if required) on to which two cog wheels are
keyed working into each other and causing the two shafts to revolve on either
side; on said shafts four toothed wheels are fixed which work chains on both
sides of the first section of each telescopic column, which chains pass up over
pullies fixed at the upper part of said sections and down the interior thereof
to the bottom part of the second section, to which they are attached. Near
the top of the second section in each column pullies are fixed, over which
ropes or chains pass on either side fastened to the bottom part of the third
section and to the upper part of the first section. In the upper part of the
third section pullies are fixed with ropes or chains passing over them which
are attached to the bottom part of the fourth section and to the upper part of
the second section, and so on for every succeeding section. By these means,
when the second section is caused to rise by rotating the shafts carrying the
tooth wheels on which the chains are wound the whole of the sections rise in
proportion to each other, and when lowered the whole of the sections return in
the same manner. The downward or retrograde motion is effected by fixing
pullies reverse to those for ascent or forward motion, that is to say, the pullies
are fixed at the bottom part of each section, the ropes or chains passing under-
neath instead of over them, but are attached in the same manner as for the
ascending movement. The whole of the sections may be made to rise
simultaneously or one or two at a time, as may be most convenient or suitable
to the weight to be raised. The apparatus is also provided with a scaffold at
the top of the upper columns resting on brackets, which scaffold is made in
sections so as to extend to any length required, and is provided with suspending
rods or chains or other method of suspension, its motion being similar to that
of the columns and made so as to serve for temporary bridges suitable for
crossing rivers. A scaffold is also provided, extending across the apparatus in
front of the columns, for building and other similar purposes, suspended by
books or scaffold brackets, and supported by other brackets fixed to any o
either sections of the columns, which scaffold can be raised or lowered with the
columns to any height required. I also provide a strong box or bin fo
raising materials or for personal ascent suspended by ropes or chains. attache

page_text: to hooks fixed to the cross or stay bars extending from one column to the
other, which box may either be raised by the columns or by endless chains
passing round toothed wheels mounted on an axle near the base and provided
with a winch handle, the chains or ropes passing over pullies fixed on or
above the top scaffold or platform. Each section is provided with a rack rod
passing up one side thereof, spring catches fixed at the top of each section
taking into the rack rod of the section above. The racks may be relieved
from the top platform of the apparatus or from the base by turning the upper
or lower rack rods one quarter round, which movement is transmitted to the
several rack rods by means of a tooth wheel mounted at the top of each,
gearing with a second wheel through which the rod of the section above
passes, thus causing the spring catches to bear against the smooth side of the
rods. The racks are flattened on one side where the rocks are, the hole in
the wheel being made to fit it, by which method the wheel is turned, except
those at the top of each rod, which are fixed. This motion may also be applied
to screws to raise the columns or work the platforms, the screw rods being
worked by wheels as before mentioned for the rack rods, the screws passing
through wheels and engaging with female screws at the top of the first and
second sections, whereby each section is caused to rise or extend and return in
the same manner; by reversing the motion of the screws they would be worked
by a winch at top, or by steam or other power. I also provide a telescopic
ladder made in sections to rise with the columns, draw out by hand or other-
wise. The columns are further provided with struts and stay rods at each end
of the base, which form ladders when out of use and are made in sections
capable of giving a larger base to the columns when required, the rungs being
concealed in the sides of the same. The columns may be worked single or
double with or without the carriage and basement frameworks, chiefly when used
for building and other similar purposes, for observatories, and so forth. The
sections of the columns are made in various lengths and sizes as may be
required for different purposes, heights, or lengths. The apparatus may
further be projected horizontally across a river to form a bridge, the outer
end being supported by.a boat until reaching the opposite bank.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirty-first year of
Her reign, did for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said William Beale, Her special licence that I, the said William Beale,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
William Beale, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term, therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
,exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "A TELE-
SCOPIC APPARATUS APPLICABLE AS A TEMPORARY OR STATIONARY OBSERVATORY, FOR
TEMPORARY BRIDGES, BUILDING, AND OTHER PURPOSES," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said William Beale, my executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Beale, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
.performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the two Sheets of Drawings hereunto
annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :-
My Invention relates to what I term a telescopic column or columns
applicable for use for building purposes where great heights are to be attained
or otherwise, and for temporary or stationary observatories, also for temporary
bridges both for civil and military purposes, and for other purposes of height
and depth, and for horizontal and retrograde motion. The apparatus consists
of a base or framework fixed on a wheeled carriage for the sake of moving
it from place to place, and within the first framework and similar to it is a
second framework, which by an axis or axes is made to oscillate in the first
frame or base. In the second frame of the base the bottom parts of the
first sections of two telescopic columns are fixed resting on axes on which they
are set upright or vertical when the carriage is standing on uneven ground.
The two first sections of the columns may have a platform formed into the
base of each, made so that it can be extended to a greater length when
required. At or near the base of the columns are two iron shafts extending
to and resting on bearings fixed to each of the columns (and other inter-

page_text: mediate bearings if required) on which two cog wheels are keyed working
into each other and causing the two shafts to revolve on either side. On said
shafts four toothed wheels are fixed which work chains on both sides of the
first section or standard of each telescopic column, which chains pass up over
pullies fixed at the upper part of said sections, and down the interior thereof
to the bottom part of the second section to which they are attached. Near
the top of the second section in each column pulleys are fixed, over which
ropes or chains pass on either side fastened to the bottom part of the third
section, and to the upper part of the first section or standard. In the upper
part of the third section pulleys are fixed with ropes or chains passing over
them, which are attached to the bottom part of the fourth section and to the
upper part of the second section, and so on for every succeeding section. By
these means when the second section is caused to rise by rotating the shaft
carrying the tooth wheels on which the chains are wound, the whole of the
sections will rise in proportion, and when lowered the whole of the sections
will return in the same manner. The downward or retrograde motion is
effected by fixing pullies reverse to those for the ascent or forward motion,
that is to say, the pullies are fixed at the bottom part of each section, the
ropes or chains pass underneath instead of over them, but are attached in the
same manner as for the ascending movement. The whole of the sections
may be made to rise simultaneously or one or two at a time as may be most
convenient or suitable to the weight to be raised. The apparatus is also
provided with a scaffold at the top of the upper column resting on brackets,
which scaffold is made in sections so as to extend to any length required, and
is provided with suspending rods or chains or other method of suspension, its
motion being similar to that of the columns; the apparatus may also be made
to serve as a temporary bridge suitable for crossing rivers. A scaffold is
also provided extending across the apparatus in front of the columns for
building and other similar purposes, suspended by hooks or scaffold brackets,
and supported.by other brackets fixed to any or either section of the columns.
This scaffold can be raised or lowered with the columns to any height required.
I also provide a strong box or bin for raising materials or for personal ascent
suspended by ropes or chains attached to hooks fixed to the cross or stay bars
extending from one column to the other, which box may either be raised by
the columns or by chains passing round toothed wheels mounted on an axle
near the base, and provided with a winch handle, the chains or ropes passing
over pulleys fixed on or above the top scaffold or platform. Each section is pro-
vided with a rack rod passing up one side thereof, spring catches fixed at the
top of each section taking on to the rack rod of the section above. The

page_text: transversely to that of axes c. At the base of the standards d and on either
side are mounted horizontal shafts e extending longitudinally from end to end
of the apparatus, at one end of which shafts are mounted toothed wheels e¹
gearing one with the other and driven by a winch handle or other power.
These shafts e are further provided with chain wheels f, two for each standard d,
working endless chains f¹ passing over pullies f at the upper part of
standards d. These endless chains f¹ are connected to the bottom ends of
the telescopic sections 9 for the purpose of effecting their upward sliding
motion in the standards d. Near the top of each section 9 are also fixed
pullies g over which ropes or chains gå are passed connected at the one end
to the standard d and at the other end to the bottom end of a third section h
fitted to slide within the section g. Other pullies are further mounted at
the top of these sections h, over which pass the chains or cords * attached at
the one end to the top of h and at the other end to the bottom of a fourth
section i, which in the Drawing is shown as provided with an extending plat-
form i forming a terminal to the telescopic columns, although other sections
may be added arranged in a similar manner to slide one within the other, also
provided with cords and pullies if extraordinary heights are to be attained.
By such an arrangement of the parts of the telescopic columns the whole of the
sections may be made to rise simultaneously and proportionately by rotating
the toothed wheels e¹ by the winch handle, so as to set in motion the endless
chains and chain wheels f, f. Figures 1 and 2 show the columns as
collapsed, while the dotted lines show the sections as raised to their full
extent. The telescopic columns are lowered by the aid of additional pullies
and cords g³, g, h, h, carried by the several sections in the manner shown in
the longitudinal section, Figure 4. The action of these pullies is the reverse of
those before mentioned, that is to say, the pullies are fixed at the bottom end of
each section with the cords or chains passing under them and fixed thereto in a
similar manner to those before described, the whole being set in motion by the
winch handle as before. I regulate the position of the several sections of the
columns when extended by the aid of rack rods k, k, as seen in the front view,
Figure 3, and longitudinal and transverse sections, Figures 4 and 5. These rack
rods are mounted in bearings on each section, and are of a corresponding length
to each section. Spring catches ¹ are further provided taking into the several
rack rods so as to hold them in the desired position, and in order to throw the
rack rods in and out of gear with each other I mount toothed pinions or
segments on each gearing with similar pinions or segments ¹ carried on the
several sections, as seen in the detached vertical and horizontal sections,
Figures 6 and 7, which are drawn on an enlarged scale. In this manner, by

page_text: partially rotating the rack rods either from above or at the base of the
columns by the hand levers the several racks may be thrown out of gear with
the catches and so permit of the free downward motion of the sections
and racks in lowering the telescopic column. For this purpose the several
rack rods are fitted to slide freely through orifices in the toothed pinions or
segments carried on the several sections, as before mentioned, and in raising
the columns it is only necessary to again turn the rack rods by means of the
toothed pinions or segments to bring the spring catches into gear with said racks
in order to hold the sections in the raised position desired. As before mentioned
the column is surrounded by an expanding platform or scaffold resting on
brackets which I have separately represented in Figure 1ª of the Drawings, it
being made in sections, m, m², provided with a suitable flooring and extended as
shown by dotted lines; n, n, are tie bars connecting the upper sections of
the columns, n¹, n¹, are brackets fixed to said sections, from which may be
suspended in front of the apparatus the adjustable scaffold o which is raised
and lowered with the columns to any height required. The oscillation of the
column on its longitudinal axis, before mentioned as requisite in order to set
the apparatus upright or vertical on uneven ground, is obtained by the aid of
à toothed segment o³, Figure 3, fixed to frame c and actuated by a pinion o
and winch handle shown. The columns are further provided with stays or
struts p at each end shown in the end view, Figure 2, and capable of being
lengthened at will to give increased support to the columns and held in
position by the sliding bars p¹; these stays may also be made detachable, as
shown separately in Figures 8 and 9, so as to form ladders, the rungs p² being
concealed in the sides and fitting one in the other as seen.
A single column may also be arranged in the same manner as the double
column before described, and presenting the appearance shown in Figure 2.
The basement framework may also be run onto timber balks or supports in
the position desired and the wheels detached, they being used simply for the
purposes of removal at any time. I also provide a strong box or bin for
raising materials to the top platform or for other purposes, as shown in
Figure 1, which box may either be raised simultaneously with the telescopic
columns or independently thereof by means of chains passing round pullies
mounted on the base and upper platforms, and operated by a winch handle as
seen at q.
Figure 10 shows an arrangement by which the columns are raised
simultaneously by means of screws instead of ropes as before described.
r, r¹, r³, are telescopic screws placed in the centre of the second, third, and
fourth sections respectively, with which they coincide in position and length.

page_text: Each of these screws 7, 1, 2, works in a female screw or nut s fixed at the
top of the section below it, and also turns in a bearing at the top of the section
in which it is placed, said bearing being formed on the under side of the fixed
nut s belonging to that section. The lower end of each screw I provide with
a key t sliding in a groove in the screw below, the lower screw r dropping
into a plain tube placed in the first or basement section, so that on rotating
the tube by means of the winch handle and bevil gearing u all the screws are
rotated at once in the female screws or nuts s, so as to raise all the sections of
the column simultaneously. In order to raise each section of the column
separately I employ a single screw placed within the basement section, with
which it coincides in length. In the bottom of each section I also recess
female screws or nuts in such manner as to prevent their turning therein,
while at same time they are free to be withdrawn therefrom by the screw
when the sections are lowered. In raising the column the top section is first
raised by rotating the screw until the nut carrying the section reaches the
top of the screw when it is secured, and the next section commences to rise,
carrying with it the section above already raised, and so on for the remaining
sections. In lowering, when a section reaches it lowest position, its nut is
thrown off on to a plain part of the screw and takes on to two vertical pins
provided with spiral springs serving to constantly project said nuts upwards
towards their several recesses in readiness for again raising the sections.
Figure 11 shows an illustration of the mode of applying the apparatus as a
temporary bridge for crossing rivers. The telescopic sections A are fixed at
one end on the bank of the stream in any suitable manner, the forward end
being supported by a boat B; the sections are then extended in the manner
before described, pushing the boat before them until a lodgment is effected on
the opposite bank.
In Figure 12 the sections of the telescopic column are shown as formed
of an open metal framework, provided with cross bars v at suitable distances
apart for imparting the desired strength and rigidity. In this Figure is also
shown a modification in the racks previously described. I dispense with rack
rods and provide ratchet toothed spring pawls or catches for regulating the
position of the sections taking on to the cross bars of the framing as shown,
said pawls being operated by means of cords or otherwise for the purpose of
releasing their hold on the several sections either simultaneously or one at a
time when lowering the same, as before described. The spaces between the
cross bars of the framing are so arranged relatively to the teeth of the spring
pawls that when the one cross bar rests on the upper tooth of a pawl the
lower tooth will be ready to receive the cross bar below on the section being

page_text: raised by means of the cords or other mode employed, as herein-before
described.
Having described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I declare that what I. claim as my Invention to be
protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is, the telescopic
apparatus herein-before described and as represented in the accompanying
Drawings combined and arranged in the manner and for the purposes
described, together with the several modifications of the same.
I also claim the application of the apparatus for the several purposes
described or for any other purpose whatsoever to which the said apparatus may
or can be applied.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Beale, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.