Apparatus for Destroying Insects. (open access)

Apparatus for Destroying Insects.

Patent for a new and improved apparatus for killing ants. This design "consist[s] of frame, levers, pivoted arms, piston-rod, piston provided with valves and openings, air-tight iron chamber having opening pipe, furnace provided with double lid, lugs, pipe, clamp, and wedge . . . whereby the flame as well as the poisonous vapors are injected into the insect chambers" (lines 50-58).
Date: August 2, 1881
Creator: Gray, Hiram Balderston
System: The Portal to Texas History
Umbrella and Sun Shade. (open access)

Umbrella and Sun Shade.

Patent for a new and improved (sun) umbrella. This design utilizes an adjustable metal frame that can be attached to a piece of equipment (e.g., a tractor) or worn comfortably by a person. This allows for hands-free use while being protected from the sun and/or rain.
Date: February 8, 1881
Creator: Gray, Hiram Balderston
System: The Portal to Texas History
Street Car. (open access)

Street Car.

Patent for a new and improved street car. This design "has reference to the construction of steam and other street-cars, whereby the same can be readily turned around corners, having for its object the simplifying of the construction and lessening the cost of construction" of previous street cars (lines 22-27).
Date: August 9, 1881
Creator: Towell, Isaac
System: The Portal to Texas History
Seed Planter. (open access)

Seed Planter.

Patent for a new and improved seed planter. This design consists in "[t]he combination, with the seed-hopper and seed-slide, of the stationary catch and elastic spring-catch, both secured to the hopper and arranged to grasp the head of the brush" (lines 60-64).
Date: October 25, 1881
Creator: Brooks, James Madison
System: The Portal to Texas History