Switch-Stand. (open access)

Switch-Stand.

Patent for a switch-stand for railroads with a vertically movable crank bar that is easily locked into position and a cam lever. The invention is operated more easily than other switch-stands.
Date: September 4, 1894
Creator: Driever, Benjiman F. & Mixon, James W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Shoe Upper Blank. (open access)

Shoe Upper Blank.

Patent for a new and improved shoe-upper blank. This design "relates to an improvement in blanks for the uppers of what are known as 'plow-shoes,' wherein a fly is folded over the instep and secured upon the side of the shoe by means of a tongue and buckle. The object of [the] invention is to provide a durable, inexpensive, and comfortable shoe which will be largely free from stitching and will have a neatly fitting and pleasing appearance" (lines 7-16).
Date: October 4, 1887
Creator: Skinner, John Leary
System: The Portal to Texas History
Cotton-Tramper (open access)

Cotton-Tramper

Patent for a cotton-tramper with less than five horsepower and an eccentrically mounted drum for more efficient cotton tramping.
Date: April 4, 1916
Creator: Whitt, Joseph E.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Canopy for Vehicles, &c. (open access)

Canopy for Vehicles, &c.

Patent to "improve the construction of canopies and to provide a simple, inexpensive, and efficient one adapted to be readily mounted on all kinds of vehicles, plows, machines, &c., where shade or protection from weather is desirable" (lines 11-15) with instructions and illustration.
Date: December 10, 1896
Creator: Buchanan, Hugh A. & Tisdal, Jefferson M.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Juice-Extractor (open access)

Juice-Extractor

Patent for an improved juice extractor including a way to remove the strainer for easy cleaning or replacement, a swivel for the handle, and an overall more efficient device.
Date: March 4, 1913
Creator: Williams, Winfield B.
System: The Portal to Texas History