Resource Type

Rotary Reversible Steam-Engine (open access)

Rotary Reversible Steam-Engine

Patent for a rotary reversible steam-engine which is "not easy to get out of order, and the parts of which can be readily removed and replaced when worn or broken" (p. 1).
Date: January 28, 1890
Creator: Payne, John J. E. H.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Safe. (open access)

Safe.

Patent for "safes which are made burglar and if desired, fire proof without increasing weight and cost ofthe same, reliance for security being placed upon the release or discharge of condensed gases, liquefied or not, and contained within the walls of the safe in such manner as that any attempt to force the safe will break the walls of the containing-chamber and release the fluid, said fluid or gases being of a deadly character, whereby persons or animals are compelled to flee from the vicinity of the safe as soon as the gas permeates the atmosphere, and, if desired, also having the property of extinguishing fires or preventing combustion" (lines 11-25).
Date: January 6, 1891
Creator: Payne, John J. E. H.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Gas-Cylinder for Elevating Heavy Ordnance (open access)

Gas-Cylinder for Elevating Heavy Ordnance

Patent for "improved means for effecting the desired movements of the gun, to elevate the latter for discharge, and retract it for loading and concealment" (lines 19-24).
Date: September 30, 1890
Creator: Payne, John J. E. H.
System: The Portal to Texas History