Resource Type

Treadle Power. (open access)

Treadle Power.

Patent for a new and improved treadle power. This design "consists of a pair of treadles contrived [so] that the operator may stand erect and operate the machine . . . together with contrivances whereby the operator may at the same time apply the power of the hands and arms to assist the legs when greater power is required, and for relief of the legs when less power is required. By enabling the operator to stand erect and apply the weight of his [or her] body to the treadles by a natural walking motion . . . he [or she] can apply greater power and continue a longer time with less fatigue" (lines 7-20).
Date: February 26, 1884
Creator: Greene, George A.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Manufacture of Hydraulic Cement and Lime. (open access)

Manufacture of Hydraulic Cement and Lime.

Patent for improvement in“the manufacture of hydraulic cement or lime form rotten or decomposed limestone” (lines 66-68).
Date: February 8, 1881
Creator: Dimelow, John
System: The Portal to Texas History
Gate Latch. (open access)

Gate Latch.

Patent for a new and improved gate latch. This design "relates to that class of gates which are used to close and open passages through fences; and its object is to compensate for shrinkage of the gate in dry weather and swelling thereof in wet weather, in order that the bolt or latch may at all times extend the right distance from the edge of the gate to properly engage the gate post or jamb" (lines 9-16).
Date: February 10, 1885
Creator: Magruder, Robert
System: The Portal to Texas History