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The Spinning Mule
The purpose of the spinning mule was to make it easier to produce cotton yarn and thread. The production of yarn and thread was also sped up significantly, and the product was of higher quality. The spinning mule allowed one person to work more than 1000 spindles at the same time. Invented by Samuel Crompton. -
Power Loom
The purpose of the power loom was to turn yarn into fabric. Since there was a reduced need for skilled handweavers, the power loom greatly increased the speed at which fabric could be produced. Invented by Edmund Cartwright. -
Cotton Gin
The cotton gin was invented to separate sticky seeds from the fibers in cotton. This invention did greatly speed up the processing of the cotton. However, the cotton gin did not provide a way to pick the cotton, so that still needed to be done by hand. Invented by Eli Whitney. -
Sewing Machine
The purpose of the sewing machine was to automatically stitch fabric and other pliable materials together with thread. When compared to manual sewing, it greatly reduced the amount of time it took to sew. The sewing machine also reduced the amount of errors made when sewing. Invented by Barthélemy Thimonnier. -
Bessemer's Converter
Bessemer's Converter was used to make steel from pig iron by blasting hot air at it, causing it to become molten. This invention created a way to make stronger and lighter steel at a larger scale, and for a fraction of the cost. Invented by Henry Bessemer. -
Phonograph
The purpose of the phonograph was to record and playback sounds. This invention introduced the concept of 'on-demand' listening. The phonograph also paved the way for many future inventions and advancements. Invented by Thomas Edison. -
Modern Assembly Line
The purpose of the modern assembly line was to reduce labor costs. This invention made that possible because unskilled workers were trained to perform specific tasks rather than build an entire product unit. This also meant that the product quality was higher, since workers could focus on individuals parts of a product more precisely. Invented by Henry Ford.