Car Uncoupling Device. (open access)

Car Uncoupling Device.

Patent for a new and improved uncoupling device for railroad cars. This design consists in "a draw-head provided with a vertically-movable coupling-pin support and lifting frame, a spring holding the coupling-pin support in raised position, a catch for holding the pin-support in lowered position, and a lever mechanism for releasing the catch and effecting the uncoupling of a car" (lines 7-14).
Date: December 11, 1888
Creator: Rutledge, William O.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Door Check. (open access)

Door Check.

Patent for a new and improved door-check. This design "consists in a slotted plate provided at one end with a buffer for arresting the door, and having in the walls of the longitudinal slot series of diagonal slots, in combination with a counterweighted latch provided with trunnions received in the diagonal slots" (lines 21-27).
Date: December 28, 1886
Creator: Hinkle, William A. & Jeffery, Franklin C.
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
Lining for Tin Cans. (open access)

Lining for Tin Cans.

Patent for a new and improved method of canning seafood with tin cans. This design calls for perforated paper to line the cans, which prevents the discoloration of the seafood inside.
Date: December 28, 1880
Creator: Bartlett, Frederick W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Street-Car. (open access)

Street-Car.

Patent for improving the construction of street cars which turn upon the truck. Accompanied by illustrations.
Date: December 29, 1885
Creator: Cutter, Martin A.
System: The Portal to Texas History