Spinning-Wheel (open access)

Spinning-Wheel

Patent for "an improvement in domestic spinning wheels; and it consists in the combination of parts whereby the spindle or whirl is supported from above so as to hang down within the operator's reach, and is made to constantly revolve at the same time that the whirl is moved from and toward the operator" (lines 12-19) including instructions and illustrations.
Date: June 22, 1880
Creator: Church, Joshua G.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Balanced Piston Engine. (open access)

Balanced Piston Engine.

Patent for a new and improved balanced-piston engine. This design "relates to that class of steam or other engines which are constructed with two pistons receiving the pressure in opposite directions, each connected with cranks set at opposite positions, whereby the strain occurs simultaneously in opposite directions upon the crank-shaft and balances the same within its bearings, and thus obviates great friction on the journals and thereby economizes power" (lines 7-15).
Date: February 15, 1881
Creator: Peebles, William D.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Attachment for Harvesters and Mowing Machines. (open access)

Attachment for Harvesters and Mowing Machines.

Patent for a new and improved attachment for harvesters and mowers. This design is "to afford means whereby a mowing or reaping machine may be enabled easily to travel over soft or marshy ground; . . . the novelty consists in a shoe proper for each driving-wheel of the machine, each shoe made of a curved piece of metal . . . and provided with a long narrow slot running lengthwise of the shoe, . . . and so adapted that under each wheel one of the shoes shall be placed in such a manner that one of the shoes shall pass through the longitudinal slot in the shoe" (lines 19-32).
Date: June 28, 1887
Creator: Jones, Jeremiah C. & Marshall, Sumner B.
System: The Portal to Texas History