Bill File. (open access)

Bill File.

Patent for a new and improved bill file. This design "is to provide a cheap and simple file, upon which the papers may be strung and from which they may be removed with the least amount of trouble, and which is adapted to be locked to securely retain the papers thereon in such manner that they are readily accessible for inspection. To this end [the design] provide[s] . . . a wire loop having ends adapted to lap, fit snugly, and lock the one upon the other, and which may be opened for the ready reception and removal of papers, said loop being fitted to turn or swivel about an axis" (lines 11-23).
Date: February 4, 1890
Creator: Seaman, Milton L. B.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Wire Tightener. (open access)

Wire Tightener.

Patent for a new and improved wire-tightener. This design consists, "with a curved metallic bar having a central groove in its convex side, and aligned openings of different diameters in the sides of the groove, of the looping-pin having two tapering arms at an angle to each other and of different sizes" (lines 78-83).
Date: December 9, 1890
Creator: Austin, John W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Plow Slide. (open access)

Plow Slide.

Patent for a new and improved plow slide. This design consists in "[a] combination tool for use with plows, consisting of a suitable bar having one end turned upward, provided with a beveled edge at the other end, a suitable cross-strap, and having openings at the sides, and bent ends adapted to the nuts used in a plow" (lines 70-75).
Date: October 7, 1890
Creator: Bowers, Thomas Martin
System: The Portal to Texas History