History Blog: John Brizee, Alvarado Inventor

John Brizee was an Alvarado resident in the 1860s and 1870s. By reviewing U.S. patents, Brizee emerges from history as a local inventor. He was awarded four different patents between 1866 and 1878.

His first patent was for an “improved device for transmitting motion,” dated July 10, 1866. He was awarded patent number 56,171. The description of the invention says: “This invention relates to a new and improved device for transmitting motion or power from a spring to machinery...” such as “washing machines, churns, sewing machines, etc.” The diagram shows a rather complex mechanism comprised of wheels, gears and, possibly, a spring. It looks like he was inventing a better spring wound engine for general use.

His second invention is for an “improvement in mop-holders,” dated February, 21, 1871. He was awarded patent number 112,014. The description is that the invention “relates to an improved mop-holder which is simple and cheap.” The holder is designed to securely hold a soft cloth mop head and quickly release it to be replaced.

His third inventions is for an “improvement in mop-heads”, dated June 13, 1871. He was awarded patent number 115,815. The text of the patent discusses the wire frame that holds the mop cloth to the mop-head, so the invention is an extension of his previous patent.

His final invention is an “improvement in window screens,” dated July 16, 1878. He was awarded patent number 205,995. The invention is for old style sash windows and a screen frame that goes over the lower window and stays in place when the window is raised. The screen fame even includes a locking mechanism so that the screen cannot be removed from the outside.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, so I wonder what necessity John had to work on such a diverse number of inventions.