Transplanter. (open access)

Transplanter.

Patent for a machine that transplants small plants while avoiding "clogging of the mud in soft soil" (line 20). It has a cylindrical cutter and a cylindrical plunger that fits just inside it. The plunger is usually away from the base of the cutter, and an adjustable rod extends from the plunger.
Date: August 11, 1896
Creator: Harris, Hiram S.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Railroad Weed-Burner (open access)

Railroad Weed-Burner

Patent for "a railroad weed-burning device in which a large sheet-iron shield is suspended underneath and between the trucks of any ordinary railroad car for the purpose of confining the flame and heat produced by oil-atomizing burners or other means to direct and maintain continued contact with grass and weeds on the ground between and along the outside of the rails" (lines 9-18).
Date: May 11, 1897
Creator: Hancock, Geroge A.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Coach and Car Step. (open access)

Coach and Car Step.

Patent for an attached coach and car step "to render it unnecessary to carry stools or stepping-boxes, as are now used to facilitate passengers to get on or off the car or coach from an extra height between the ground or depot-floor and the main bottom tread of the step, thus avoiding dangerous and fatal results from overturning of stools and boxes." (Lines 14-21) Includes instructions and illustrations.
Date: August 11, 1896
Creator: Taylor, Frederick A.; Farrell, Patrick W. & Quebe, Wesley S.
System: The Portal to Texas History