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
Fire-Kindler. (open access)

Fire-Kindler.

Patent for a composition of matter to be used for kindling fires. Ingredients, proportions of ingredients and mixing instructions are included. No illustration.
Date: December 20, 1881
Creator: Boyd, William
System: The Portal to Texas History
Hub Attaching Device. (open access)

Hub Attaching Device.

Patent for a new and improved arrangement of axles and boxes for vehicles. This design calls for a solid axle formed with a shoulder and screw-threads, an axle-box closed at its outer and provided at the other end with an annular wall, a collar formed with internal screw-threads, annular flange, bearing surface, wrench-gripe surfaces, and a cap or ring (lines 16-22).
Date: November 22, 1881
Creator: Warth, August
System: The Portal to Texas History
Locking Latch. (open access)

Locking Latch.

Patent for a new and improved latch. This design consists "[i]n a latch, the combination, with the sliding-bolt, tumblers having their forward ends provided with hooks or right-angled projections adapted to engage studs upon the bolt, and the lever operated by the bolt and having its forward end adapted to engage with the tumbler of the supplementary lock having its operating mechanism connected to the lever" (lines 68-76).
Date: July 12, 1881
Creator: Rand, Anders
System: The Portal to Texas History