Steam Engine, &c. (open access)

Steam Engine, &c.

Patent for a new and improved engine. This design "connect[s] the piston-rod of the steam-cylinder with the disk or crank that is attached to the fly-wheel shaft by means of a lever, or a disk acting as such, in a manner that enables the piston-rod to operate upon its connecting-bar in a longitudinal direction . . . thereby [avoiding] angular vibration of the connecting-rod and reduc[ing] friction of sliding surfaces" (lines 15-25).
Date: December 11, 1883
Creator: Barton, Alexander M. & Davis, Philip Z.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Cotton Gin. (open access)

Cotton Gin.

Patent for a new and improved cotton gin. This design "is to provide certain means whereby the breast and guard can be readily and quickly moved and held out of their normal position for the purpose of clearing or freeing the cotton-roll from the saws, and preventing injury to the operator by said saws" (lines 7-13).
Date: June 26, 1883
Creator: Rogan, David Smith
System: The Portal to Texas History