Adding-Machine. (open access)

Adding-Machine.

Patent for a new and improvement in adding-machines in which a mechanical wheel has teeth. " The object of the invention is to provide the means for adding columns of figures by machinery"(lines 13-15), with instruction and illustration
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Barmore, Albert King
System: The Portal to Texas History
Steam Boiler Cleaner. (open access)

Steam Boiler Cleaner.

Patent for a new and improved steam-boiler cleaner. This design "has relation to means for cleaning the mud or foam, or both, from steam-boilers; and it consists in the construction and novel arrangement of devices" (lines 16-19).
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Foster, James Harvey.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Post Auger. (open access)

Post Auger.

Patent for a new and improved post auger. This design consists in "[t]he combination, in a post-auger, of the socketed block, the screw-threaded rod extending from the center of the lower end of the block, the expander-disk fitting upon said threaded rod, and having the slotted wings or extensions, the two nuts for adjusting the position of the expander-disk upon the threaded-rod . . . whereby the lower pointed ends of the blades may be arranged to cross one another . . . the shaft [and] the cross-handle" (lines 73-96).
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Miles, John E.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Propelling Vehicles. (open access)

Propelling Vehicles.

Patent for a means of transportation similar to a bicycle, the "essential feature" (line 7) of which "resides in the combination, with the vehicle, of an extensible frame adapted to freely slide back and forth…" (line 7-10). Includes illustrations.
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Moore, Baldwin S.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Hopple for Horses. (open access)

Hopple for Horses.

Patent for a new and improved hopple for horses. This design "consists in the combination of two curved or bent pieces which are to go around the horses ankles . . . [each with] three links and a ring . . . allow[ing] the horse to walk slowly about, permitting [it] to graze at leisure, and enabling [it] to be easily caught when desired" (lines 14-34).
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Cottle, Julius O. & Ivie, Rufus
System: The Portal to Texas History
Shot Case. (open access)

Shot Case.

Patent for a new and improved shot case. This design "is to draw given quantities of shot from the case without the necessity of weighing each draft. To this end the invention consists in a case, means for hanging the same, and a charger" (lines 12-16).
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Ellis, Quincy Adams
System: The Portal to Texas History
Fence. (open access)

Fence.

Patent for a new and improved fence. This design consists of cross-posts pivoted to a stringer, provided with a top-rail, having slats extending from the stringer to the ground, and secured to said stringer by barbed wire and staples (lines 36-40). This design is easily disassembled and moved, and the barbed wire prevents animals from disturbing it.
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Messenger, John William
System: The Portal to Texas History
Napkin Ring and Holder. (open access)

Napkin Ring and Holder.

Patent for a new and improved napkin ring and holder. This design is "to receive the napkin after it is folded, or to be used as a device for sustaining the napkin at the neck of the user when at the table. It consists in a yoke-shaped piece of metal having a hinged section for connecting the two ends, and serving as a ring, in combination with a clasp for holding the napkin . . . at the throat" (lines 17-25).
Date: February 12, 1884
Creator: Bahn, Gus A.
System: The Portal to Texas History