Mechanical Motor. (open access)

Mechanical Motor.

Patent for a new and improved motor. This design "is to produce a simple, convenient, and efficient foot-power having a single pedal accessible from each side of the motor or a double pedal accessible at the end to an operator facing the machine" (lines 14-19). It consists "of a horizontal rock-shaft extending lengthwise of the machine, a horizontal connecting-piece running diagonally of and rigidly secured to said shaft, a seat for the operator, a pedal rigidly secured to said rock-shaft, said pedal serving as a single or double pedal and so arranged that the operator shall face the device" (lines 94-101).
Date: July 5, 1892
Creator: Cochins, George
System: The Portal to Texas History
Speed-Recorder. (open access)

Speed-Recorder.

Patent for an improvement in speed-recorders or device meant especially for street-cars, meant to protect the streets from reckless driving. The machine punches tape, recording the time the trolly takes to travel each block and how long the trolly takes at each stop.
Date: May 5, 1896
Creator: Spence, James, Jr.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Poise for Scale-Beams. (open access)

Poise for Scale-Beams.

Patent for scale-beams to balance "for the poise or its suspending attachment to move on when being adjusted to weight" (lines 10-13) including illustration.
Date: January 5, 1892
Creator: Wilkening, Gustav
System: The Portal to Texas History
Bale-Band Tightener (open access)

Bale-Band Tightener

Patent for a bale-band tightener, for "baling-presses; and its object is to provide a new and improved bale-band tightener which is simple and durable in construction and arranged to permit the operator to conveniently place the bands in position and fasten the ends together after the bale is pressed." (Lines 7-13)
Date: October 5, 1897
Creator: Duval, John L.
System: The Portal to Texas History