Cable Stopper. (open access)

Cable Stopper.

Patent for a new and improved cable or chain stopper. For this design, "the chain-links lie diagonally in opposite directions upon the recessed bottom of the clamping-box, and the clamping-block has a similarly recessed under face . . . and a forked lever is employed to press the clamping-block toward the bottom of the clamping-box, and thereby apply the required force to the chain to lessen its speed as it runs out" (lines 18-32).
Date: October 18, 1881
Creator: Lucas, Thomas P.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Life-Saving Device. (open access)

Life-Saving Device.

Patent for a collapsible life-saving device that can be stored in little space on a ship or dock and unfolded quickly for use as a flotation device for several persons.
Date: March 18, 1913
Creator: Bradford, Thomas C.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Blind-Stop. (open access)

Blind-Stop.

Patent for improvements in blind-slat adjusters and locks by providing a plate to secure the cross-stile of the blind; in which the plate having a slotted right-angled portion. “A bar pivoted to the slat-rod and having its lower end bent at the right angle, a screw passed through the slat and provided with a handle. (Lines 96-99) “When the handle is turned to the left, the slats can be adjusted into any desired position, and when in their adjusted position all that it is necessary to do is to turn the handle to the right which binds the parts together and holds the slats against movement.” (Lines 82-87) Illustration is included.
Date: August 18, 1891
Creator: Roll, John F.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Automobile Torpedo (open access)

Automobile Torpedo

Patent for a submarine torpedo which explodes in the hull of a vessels it hits.
Date: July 18, 1911
Creator: Douglas, William M.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Carbureter. (open access)

Carbureter.

Patent for a new and improved carburetor. This design calls for "the apparatus [to be] submerged in water for the purpose of equalizing the temperature of the carbureting-liquid, and thereby imparting a more uniform illuminating quality to the gas; also obviating the danger of explosion from access of flame to the exterior of the apparatus" (para. 2).
Date: July 18, 1876
Creator: Pollard, James M. & Barton, Wallace R.
System: The Portal to Texas History