Nixon also took out a patent on his 'Balista' bowling machine in 1862. This contraption was designed as an improvement on the 'Catapult' machine in being able to replicate round-arm bowling. The ball was propelled by a vulcanised rubber sling which could be modified to provide variations in the speed and length of delivery. By 1864 the Balista was being demonstrated in Australia where local reporters attested to the ingenuity of the machine. Nixon had two cricketing sons; Thomas Henry Nixon was also on the MCC Staff, and Reuben Nixon represented the Gentlemen of Cheshire and the Gentlemen of Shropshire. Thomas Henry Nixon's son, Harry Nixon also played for Scotland. Thomas Nixon died on 20 July 1877 at Chelford, Cheshire.