Photo of J. R. Couts. Photo circa 1880: Weatherford, Texas.

Patent for a new and improved feed water heater. This design "provide[s] a system of levers and a float which will automatically regulate the feed or supply of water to such heaters and lime-extractors . . . and further, that by securing a uniform supply of water the steam acts more equally upon the water, and thus secures a more uniform deposit of the lime" (lines 22-33). This allows for fewer accidents and less damage to the engine.