Car Coupling. (open access)

Car Coupling.

Patent for a new and improved coupling for railroad cars. This design "relates to car-couplings, and it has for its object to provide a device of this character which shall be automatic in its action, simple in its construction, positive and effective in operation, and one that will be strong and durable. A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for supporting the link in a horizontal position, so that it will engage the draw-head of the adjacent car. The invention consists in the improved construction and combination of parts" (lines 10-21).
Date: June 16, 1885
Creator: Hogan, John James & Miller, Rudolph Albert
System: The Portal to Texas History
Odometer. (open access)

Odometer.

Patent for "new and Improved Odometer, of which is a full, clear, and exact description."(lines 4-6) Includes instructions and illustrations.
Date: June 30, 1885
Creator: Hutches, Benjamin F., Jr.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Rope Clamp. (open access)

Rope Clamp.

Patent for a new and improved rope clamp. This design "is intended to be used in place of selvagee-straps in any and all places where such straps can be used, and also for use on purchases in setting up rigging in place of cats'-paws; also in joining two ends of a rope together in place of splicing, or in any situation where it is desired to clamp or hold ropes" (lines 7-14).
Date: June 9, 1885
Creator: Magee, Samuel H.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Swing. (open access)

Swing.

Patent for a new and improved swing. This design consists in "[t]he combination of a suitable support, a single hanger having its width increased at that point where the friction-roller of the operating-lever bears against it, with the operating-lever provided with a friction-roller to bear against the front edge of the hanger, a second roller, over which the cord passes, a friction-roller attached to the hanger, and an operating cord" (lines 18-26).
Date: June 16, 1885
Creator: Elliott, William W.
System: The Portal to Texas History