Means for Propelling Railway Cars. (open access)

Means for Propelling Railway Cars.

Patent for a new and improved means for propelling railway cars. This design "relates to motive power for railway-cars, and the purpose thereof is to provide a simple combination of parts whereby each car may be impelled by a separate motor, the entire series throughout a line or train of cars being supplied with energy from a common source, whereby the full horse-power of a steam-boiler may be applied in a manner enabling it to be utilized to the greatest possible advantage and to the utmost extent" (lines 10-20).
Date: May 21, 1889
Creator: Keith, John M.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Umbrella. (open access)

Umbrella.

Patent for a new and improved sun umbrella. This design is "adapted to be attached to the person of the wearer, consisting of the top or cap piece having the projecting studs or pivots, fixed ribs, fastened rigidly in the back part of the cap, fixed supports bent to form the bulge and adapted to be fastened with their lower ends in a suitable brace or support, and moveable ribs arranged in pairs and pivoted upon the studs or pivots" (lines 73-81).
Date: May 26, 1885
Creator: Egan, William
System: The Portal to Texas History
Washing Machine (open access)

Washing Machine

Patent for an improved washing machine consisting of a wash-boiler into which one or more streams of hot water may be thrown.
Date: May 10, 1883
Creator: Caldwell, James S.
System: The Portal to Texas History