Improvement in Screw-Taps. (open access)

Improvement in Screw-Taps.

Patent for "a tool that shall combine the features of an expanding tap and reamer for reaming and tapping holes of different sizes" (lines 29-32) with illustrations and instructions.
Date: November 7, 1876
Creator: Melvin, Josiah Walter
System: The Portal to Texas History
Improvement in Gas-Furnaces and Forges. (open access)

Improvement in Gas-Furnaces and Forges.

Patent for "an apparatus in which the gases from one or more forges, instead of passing off unconsumed into the atmosphere, enter a furnace and are burnt therein, thereby furnishing heat for the generation of steam in a boiler connected with said furnace, which steam is used to drive a fan that impels a blast into each forge, and is also used to propel an engine that operates a hammer, the exhaust from the engine being conducted to the tuyeres of the forges through pipes in which are placed red-hot iron plates, which decompose the steam, taking up the oxygen, and liberating the hydrogen which is burnt in the forges." (Lines 12-25) Includes instructions and illustrations.
Date: November 7, 1871
Creator: Morris, Joseph R.
System: The Portal to Texas History