Beckers patents

Region: United States    Period: 1850–1890    Tag: Beckers

Alexander Beckers designed the first practical multi-view stereoscope in 1857, a model that would serve as the basis for many derivative designs produced on a large scale both within and outside the United States. Until around 1900, Beckers’ design was effectively the only multi-view stereoscope manufactured on a large scale. The type continued to be produced in France into the 1930s.

Beckers’ design is notable for its simplicity. The first patent, granted in 1857, describes a chain-based mechanism consisting of metal stereoview holders mounted on an endless belt or chain. By turning a knob, the chain is set in motion, bringing the holders one by one into position in front of the lenses. The design was suitable for both opaque and transparent stereoviews.

The original design was followed by a series of improvements patented in 1859. Two later patents followed in 1866 and 1870. It is likely that not all of the designs described were actually implemented in production models. Alexander Beckers’ designs were also patented in England and France by his brother, Louis Beckers.

Related items: Beckers, Alexander  Chain-based stereoscope

Patents and registrations:

Number: 16962
Stereoscope
Filing: 07-04-1857, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 34522
Appareil d'exhibition de peintures stéréoscopiques
Filing: 26-11-1857, Applicant(s): Louis Beckers. via: archives.inpi.fr

Number: 22838
Stereoscope
Filing: 01-02-1859, Applicant(s): James Lee. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 1076
Filing: 01-03-1859, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers

Number: 23342
Hinge for stereoscopic reflectors
Filing: 29-03-1859, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 23438
Exhibiting stereoscopic pictures
Filing: 05-04-1859, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 23543
Stereoscope case
Filing: 12-04-1859, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 24855
Stereoscope
Filing: 26-07-1859, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 26407
Stereoscope
Filing: 13-12-1859, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 55044
Stereoscope
Filing: 29-05-1866, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Number: 99135
Revolving stereoscope
Filing: 25-01-1870, Applicant(s): Alexander Beckers. via: worldwide.espacenet.com

Further reading: