Military Saddle. (open access)

Military Saddle.

Patent for a new and improved military saddle. This design is "so constructed that the valises and other equipments may be connected with the saddle in such a way as to distribute and balance their weight, and at the same time make the saddle comfortable for the rider. The invention consists in constructing a saddle with appliances to receive valises, a pair of girths, a gun, and an overcoat" (lines 19-28).
Date: September 28, 1880
Creator: Hastings, John Reed
System: The Portal to Texas History
Rotary-Engine. (open access)

Rotary-Engine.

Patent for a new and improved rotary engine. This design consists "of a wheel provided with radially-sliding pistons and revolving within a fixed circumferential steam-chest, and having fixed on its axle an eccentric and spring, that operate to throw the pistons or floats outward to receive the pressure of the steam or other motor that is to drive the engine" (lines 19-26).
Date: January 20, 1880
Creator: Adams, James Ansley
System: The Portal to Texas History