Resource Type

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
Electric Call or Signal Apparatus. (open access)

Electric Call or Signal Apparatus.

Patent for a new and improved electric call or signal apparatus. This design consists in "a telegraph or telephone circuit, the combination, with a polarized electro-magnet and a short circuit around the same, which is closed when the magnet is transversed by a constant current of a given polarity, of a battery having the proper pole to line, a switch for connecting the line and battery circuits, and a telephone in the battery circuit, whereby the telegraph or telephone line may be tested" (lines 41-49).
Date: October 18, 1887
Creator: Foster, George W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Time-Calculator. (open access)

Time-Calculator.

Patent for a machine that easily calculates the number of days within a given time span, up to one year, with illustrations.
Date: October 18, 1886
Creator: Wood, William
System: The Portal to Texas History