Circuit-Closer. (open access)

Circuit-Closer.

Patent for a circuit closer for ignition systems "in which both of the terminals are not only isolated from each other, but are also insulated from the engine frame" (lines 10-12).
Date: February 16, 1909
Creator: Hubbard, Wilson E.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Locomotive. (open access)

Locomotive.

Patent for a new and improved locomotive. This design "relates to a locomotive running-gear and motive-power connection; and the novelty consists in the construction, arrangement, and adaptation of parts" (lines 15-18).
Date: February 7, 1882
Creator: Hudson, Benjamin F.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Improvement in Running-Gears. (open access)

Improvement in Running-Gears.

Patent for running-gear on carriages that "consists mainly in improvements in the connections of the axles with the springs, perch, and other parts" (para. 5), with illustrations.
Date: February 1, 1876
Creator: Gilmore, George W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Whiffletree (open access)

Whiffletree

Patent for a whiffletree. This invention is "contemplated to construct doubletrees or swingletrees of peculiar form and provided with peculiar connecting parts to secure the same together" (line 13-16). Illustration included.
Date: February 5, 1907
Creator: Burton, Robert Redmon
System: The Portal to Texas History
Washing-Machine. (open access)

Washing-Machine.

Patent for improvements to washing machines that allow the water to be heated to any temperature. Includes instructions and illustrations.
Date: September 22, 1891
Creator: Eddleman, Dudley E.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Washing-Machine. (open access)

Washing-Machine.

Patent for improvements in washing machines, with instructions and illustrations.
Date: August 26, 1891
Creator: Turpen, George Sidney
System: The Portal to Texas History
Folding Coup (open access)

Folding Coup

Patent for "a folding coop or crate, which may be readily folded into a compact form for transportation or storage when empty, and which may be conveniently adjusted to open position for use and secured in such position when so desired" (lines 7-12).
Date: February 7, 1888
Creator: Tate, William Elbert
System: The Portal to Texas History
Wireworking-Tool. (open access)

Wireworking-Tool.

Patent for improvements to wireworking tools which are "especially designed for twisting the opposite ends of a tie-wire to a runner-wire of a fence and also for twisting the intermediate portion of the tie-wire, so as to tighten the embrace of the latter upon the fence-post. It is furthermore designed to provide means for supporting or bracing the tool upon the post during the twisting operation thereof, and, finally, to arrange the handle of the tool so as to provide a convenient and effective wire-cutter." (Lines 10-21) Illustrations are included.
Date: February 12, 1901
Creator: Tate, Newton J.
System: The Portal to Texas History