Barrel Cover. (open access)

Barrel Cover.

Patent for a new and improved cover for barrels. This design calls for downward-extending flanges with wings along the perimeter of the cover. These flanges hold the cover in place over the barrel opening, but they also allow for the cover to rest at an angle on the upper rim of the barrel so that one has access to the contents of the barrel without the cover touching the ground.
Date: May 29, 1883
Creator: Lane, Fernando Gustavous
System: The Portal to Texas History
Calf Weaner. (open access)

Calf Weaner.

Patent for a new and improved device for weaning calves. This design is "to be attached to the central cartilage of the calf's nose . . . with sharp points that come against the cow's bag when the calf attempts to suck; and the invention consists in attaching the parts . . . together like a pivot, forming a part of one of the points and adapting them to be held closed by means of a small screw, whereby the device is rendered very cheap, yet effective and reliable" (lines 15-25).
Date: May 29, 1883
Creator: Geissler, William F.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Hay Knife. (open access)

Hay Knife.

Patent for a new and improved hay knife. This design "consists in the construction and novel arrangement of the forked frame, the lever pivoted thereto, slotted at one end and carrying at the other end a cutting-blade working through bearings in the fork, the crank pivoted to the frame and engaging the slot of the lever, and the pressure-head or cross-bar connected to the outer end of the frame" (lines 18-26).
Date: May 29, 1883
Creator: Moss, John C.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Washing Compound. (open access)

Washing Compound.

Patent for "detergent or washing compounds for cleansing clothing, fabrics, &c." (lines 14-16) which lists the ingredients and their measurements and directions for use.
Date: May 29, 1883
Creator: Davis, Jordan Greene; Davis, Epaminondas Perkins & Davis, David Watson
System: The Portal to Texas History