Stalk Cutter. (open access)

Stalk Cutter.

Patent for a new and improved stalk cutter. This design has "the combination of the A-shaped frame, consisting of side pieces hinged together at their forward ends, and provided with lateral projecting knives or cutters and horizontal slots, in which work set-screws for adjusting the cross-braces, tongue or pole, hinged at its rear-end to a bracket, vertically adjustable on the front side of [the] cross-brace, and the seat-bar hinged or otherwise secured to the underside of [the] cross-brace" (lines 76-85).
Date: April 26, 1881
Creator: Horn, John W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Shingle Gage. (open access)

Shingle Gage.

Patent for a new and improved gauge for the installation of roofing shingles. This design utilizes a set of metal brackets and joined metal bars to guide in the nailing of shingles to the roof. This eliminates the need for marking in advance the target of the nail.
Date: April 5, 1881
Creator: Gay, Edward R.
System: The Portal to Texas History