This terrible loss drove Rice into an inventive frenzy which produced several other models of Trowel and Intrenching Bayonets along with the Stacking Swivel, which is still used on modern military arms to this day. Rice spent many years promoting his bayonets and marketing them. In 1873 10,000 of the final model of Rice Trowel Bayonets and Stacking Swivels were manufactured at the Springfield Armory for use by the U.S. Army and Militia.

He also invented and marketed his combination Shelter Half Tent/Blanket Roll. After his death in 1906 his second wife put in a claim to Congressregarding his patent on this item and was eventually awarded $100,000. She later settled for $50,000.