Calculating Device. (open access)

Calculating Device.

Patent for a new and improved calculator. This design "consists in having a central disk provided on each side with a disk somewhat smaller, the three being pivoted centrally, so that the smaller disks on the sides may be rotated independently of the central disk. The central disk has twelve or more marginal figures on each side, equidistant from each other, and a column of figures extending inwardly from each marginal figure" (lines 19-27).
Date: November 24, 1885
Creator: Tucker, Argyle W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Cultivator. (open access)

Cultivator.

Patent for a cultivator, a type of farm implement used for secondary tillage, a way of plowing or cultivating of soil, including illustrations.
Date: November 17, 1885
Creator: Brown, Peter C. & Bragg, Thomas P.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Hay or Cotton Press. (open access)

Hay or Cotton Press.

Patent for a new and improved baling press. This design consists "[i]n a hay-press, the combination of the box or casing having suitable doors in its top, bottom, and side, and supported on longitudinal base-strips, a main lever having a short toggle-arm, a semi-rotating fulcrum thereof, auxiliary arms pivotally connected with the main lever, reciprocating followers, and a drum and cord" (lines 26-33).
Date: July 28, 1885
Creator: Bragg, Thomas P.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Stove Pipe Joint. (open access)

Stove Pipe Joint.

Patent for a new and improved joint for stove pipes. This design has for its object "to secure a firm and safe connection between the sections of pipe, and at the same time to protect the joint so that the pipe is not liable to crack or split at that point. [The] invention consists in combining with the threaded sections of a stove-pipe, a cap or band secured to one of the sections and overlapping the other, so as to inclose and protect the joint" (lines 9-17).
Date: June 2, 1885
Creator: Laughlin, William N.
System: The Portal to Texas History