Combined Fire Screen and Fender. (open access)

Combined Fire Screen and Fender.

Patent for a combined fire screen and fender. This design "works in the mantle-piece by means of weights, and is secured in position by by means of a spring-latch that catches in notches in the jamb. This screen thus arranged can be made to answer for three purposes: By letting it down nearly to the hearth it acts as a blower; by letting it entirely down accidents from fire are prevented, and when let down in the summer time it makes a handsome summer screen" (lines 21-30).
Date: July 19, 1881
Creator: Matthews, James Charles
System: The Portal to Texas History
Bale Tie. (open access)

Bale Tie.

Patent for a new and improved bale tie. This design is of a metal band with several slots, so that the accompanying metal button can pass through any two overlapping slots, securing the bale within the band.
Date: July 19, 1881
Creator: Griffin, James Lee
System: The Portal to Texas History
Pump. (open access)

Pump.

Patent for a new and improved pump. This design "has been specially devised for use in pumping gas, air, or vapor — as in ice-machines, for instance — and mainly with reference to attaining circulation with low pressure; but when operated at high speed considerable pressure may be attained therewith, whether operating upon vapors or liquids, as . . . [the] pump involves a novel mode of operation, in that it possesses characteristics partially common to pumps of the rotary system, as well as to those having a reciprocating piston" (lines 10-21).
Date: July 19, 1881
Creator: Rose, Thomas
System: The Portal to Texas History
Rotary Steam Engine. (open access)

Rotary Steam Engine.

Patent for a new and improved rotary steam engine. This design "first, provide[s] a novel form of valve for regulating the induction and eduction of steam to and from the cylinder; second, [it] provide[s] novel devices for reversing the movements of the rotating pistons; and, third, [it] provide[s] novel combinations of the parts of which the engine is composed"
Date: July 19, 1881
Creator: Cross, David L.
System: The Portal to Texas History