Clasp. (open access)

Clasp.

Patent for a new and improved clasp. This design "consist[s] of the front plate formed with the integral strap loop or slot at its upper end, the teeth at its lower end, and the opening above said teeth, the rear plate formed with integral teeth at its lower end, side ears at its upper end, and the lugs below said ears and projecting beyond the outer face of the plate, the spindle passing through the ears and provided with a spring throwing the plates apart, and the locking-plate pivoted at its upper end to the lugs and having a [different] lug projecting inward from said upper end" (lines 83-96).
Date: March 27, 1888
Creator: Lewis, Annie
System: The Portal to Texas History
Car Berth. (open access)

Car Berth.

Patent for a new and improved car berth. This design consists in "[t]he combination, with a car formed with an opening, recess, or compartment, of a berth consisting of a series of parallel slats connected together by flexible connections and adapted to be rolled up . . . and end supports adapted to be independently folded each upon itself, so that they may be concealed below the rolled berth, the inner side of the berth and the inner ends of the supports being secured within the opening" (lines 49-58).
Date: September 27, 1887
Creator: Tull, Francis Schales
System: The Portal to Texas History
Yielding and Buoyant Pile Breakwater. (open access)

Yielding and Buoyant Pile Breakwater.

Patent for a new and improved breakwater. This design is "of a cheap, durable, and efficient breakwater for localities exposed to the destructive action of the waves; and it consists mainly in a line of single-column buoyant piles, arranged side-by-side, and grouped together in sections . . . and anchored to their water-bed, and also in certain constructions and combination of parts" (lines 28-35).
Date: June 27, 1882
Creator: Franklin, Robert M.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Water Cooler. (open access)

Water Cooler.

Patent for a new and improved water cooler. This design consists in "vessels, packing, cross-bars in [a] compartment, connecting tube, coiled pipe, coupling, and faucet . . . [and] the swinging bracket arranged below the faucet, and having stands for two or more glasses," as well as casing and lining (lines 1-7).
Date: March 27, 1883
Creator: Schultze, August J.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Lamp Attachment. (open access)

Lamp Attachment.

Patent for a new and improved lamp attachment. This design "is to provide sewing-machine tables with lamp attachments applied in such manner as that the lamp will cast its light upon the presser-foot and needle from the back and will not obstruct the table or interfere with the work, and when not in use may be swung underneath the table out of the way" (lines 7-14).
Date: August 27, 1889
Creator: Walker, Catharine S.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Pile for Use in the Construction of Wharves and Other Structures. (open access)

Pile for Use in the Construction of Wharves and Other Structures.

Patent for a new and improved pile. This design "relates to that class of piles which have a portion of their length most exposed to decay and destruction from worms constructed of metal, and that portion of their lengths above the water and beneath the water-bed constructed of wood" (lines 25-30).
Date: June 27, 1882
Creator: Franklin, Robert M.
System: The Portal to Texas History