Tire Tightener. (open access)

Tire Tightener.

Patent for a new and improved tire-tightener. This design has "parts [that] are the width of a felly and a fraction less their depth, and bearing solid against their ends are held in place by flanges on each end. As the screw is turned in it forces the parts against the ends of felly, forcing the fellies against the tire, and is prevented from coming in contact with the tire by a rubber fender, or of other substance placed under tire-tightener. Fender is held in place by flanges at each side on bottom of tire-tightener; is also provided with a sliding joint on sides to cover the opening made by expansion" (lines 14-26).
Date: February 2, 1886
Creator: Pluck, James H.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Electric Car-Brake. (open access)

Electric Car-Brake.

Patent for a new and improved electric car-brake. This design "consists in a car-brake formed of a pinion attached to the car axle, the pinion taking in a ratchet-wheel provided with a projecting pin, that enters into the slots of a wheel provided with a sleeve, upon which the brake chain is wound, which sleeve can be moved on the axle by means of a lever that is actuated by a rod passing into a helix connected with a battery to the locomotive" (lines 11-19).
Date: February 24, 1880
Creator: Conover, Philip Vorus
System: The Portal to Texas History