Pessary. (open access)

Pessary.

Patent for a ring pessary used as a female birth control device, including illustration.
Date: February 22, 1859
Creator: Wells, Francis, F.
Object Type: Patent
System: The Portal to Texas History
Improvement in Dish-Washing Machines. (open access)

Improvement in Dish-Washing Machines.

Patent for a dish washer that allows dishes to be placed on shelves and rotated through a column of water. The machine can also be modified for washing clothing. It includes illustrations.
Date: February 24, 1874
Creator: Starr, Henry Daniel
Object Type: Patent
System: The Portal to Texas History
Buckle. (open access)

Buckle.

Patent for a new and improved buckle. This design utilizes a bifurcated end and crossbars, a flat crossbar, a swinging crossbar, a tongue, and a stud to cover the underside of the strap, which would otherwise be exposed. This eliminates the need for stitching the strap, as well as being stronger than previous buckles.
Date: February 1, 1881
Creator: Owen, Abram
Object Type: Patent
System: The Portal to Texas History
Buckle. (open access)

Buckle.

Patent for a new and improved buckle. This design utilizes two frames rather than one, and each has a stud. The studs fasten the strap(s) to the frame; thus the studs eliminate the need for a tongue and for the stitching of the strap to itself around the frame. Additionally, the larger frames allow for easier use in the cold or the dark.
Date: February 1, 1881
Creator: Owen, Abram
Object Type: Patent
System: The Portal to Texas History
Buckle. (open access)

Buckle.

Patent for a new and improved buckle. This design utilizes a knob in addition to the tongue to hold the strap more securely, preventing slippage.
Date: February 22, 1881
Creator: Owen, Abram
Object Type: Patent
System: The Portal to Texas History
Snap-Hook. (open access)

Snap-Hook.

Patent for a snap-hook for general use that can be used for attaching whips, ropes, and similar things to saddles and harnesses. It is composed of a flat metal plate with screw holes, a hook that is secured to the edge of the plate, and a screw.
Date: February 14, 1893
Creator: McDowell, Anthony B.
Object Type: Patent
System: The Portal to Texas History
Harness Loop. (open access)

Harness Loop.

Patent for a new and improved harness loop. This design calls for two loops, one of which has a knob for perforated straps, with a single base in common. This eliminates the need for leather loops and for stitching leather straps.
Date: February 15, 1881
Creator: Owen, Abram
Object Type: Patent
System: The Portal to Texas History

Lake Texana

Map of the Lake Texana State Park outlining hiking trails and highlighting activities, facilities, and other features such as bathrooms, lodgings, water/electric, etc. It also contains general information for the park and for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Date: February 2012
Creator: Texas. Parks and Wildlife Department.
Object Type: Map
System: The Portal to Texas History