-
Thomas Newcomen
In 1712 Thomas Newcomen invented the Newcomen Atmospheric Engine. This engine had a total output power of approximately 20 horsepower. It ran at an estimated 14 strokes per minute, had a bore of 28 inches, and a stroke of 72 inches. This device was used to pump water out from mines that were too deep for people to reach. -
Abraham Darby
In 1709 Abraham Darby created the blast furnace. This device was used to chemically reduce and physically convert iron oxides into liquid iron called "hot metal". This invention was made out of huge, steel stack lined with refractory brick. Coke and limestone are dumped into the top, and preheated air is blown into the bottom. It takes about 6 to 8 hours for the material to get to the bottom and to melt. -
John Kay
In 1733 John Kay invented the Flying Shuttle. This device made weaving much faster. It was the start for machine working looms. The shuttle is on the wheels of the track and the paddles are used to shoot the shuttle from side to side when the weaver jerked a cord. -
James Hargreaves
In 1764 James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny. This device was used to help spin cotton faster. It had many improvements as they worked out the nooks and cranny's. It first started with just spinning eight pieces of thread and then went to eighty pieces of thread. Hargreaves did not apply for a Patton for about six years after the machine was used so there are other machines out here that are just like his. -
Richard Arkwright
In 1769 Richard Arkwright invented the Water Frame. This device produced thread that was far stronger than other threads at the time. It was hand operated. -
Samuel Crompton
In 1779 Samuel Crompton created the Spinning mule. This device was a combination of both the Water Frame and the Spinning Jenny. This device was used to produced a strong, fine and soft yarn which could be used in all kinds of textiles. The mule was sold to a company and patented. -
Edmund Cartwright
In 1785 Edmund Cartwright invented the Wool combing machine. It was used to arrange and lay parallel by length the fibers of wool. -
Eli Whitney
In 1796 Eli Whitney created the Cotton Gin.This device was was used to separate the cotton seeds from the cotton. This revolutionized the speed and productivity of cotton. Since cotton was the leading export in America the cotton gin gave plantation owners a better reason to expand and maintain slavery. -
Robert Fulton
In 1807 Robert Fulton created the Steamboat. This device was used to to carry supplies or people across the water. Some steamboats had lounges and some were not. -
George Stephenson
In 1812 George Stephenson created the Steam Locomotive. This device was used to carry items/people to different places at a faster time. This device gave George Stephenson the nickname "The Father of the Railways". George created many different engines, the Blucher, the locomotion, and the rocket. The rocket was the most successful, carrying people at the speed of 36 mph. Even though he did not have much schooling he sure rose up to fame and earned his title. -
Elias Howe
In 1846 Elias Howe invented the Sewing Machine. It was used to sew material together and cut the time in half. It could be powered by treadle, waterpower, or electricity. -
Cyrus Field
In 1858 Cyrus Field invented the Atlantic Telegraph. This device was very revolutionary. Although it took many attempts to get it to work they finally did. This device allowed the President of the Untied States at that time and the Queen of England at the time communicate by using Morse Code. The wire was more then two miles deep in the Atlantic Ocean. Even though his wire did not last long the British found a way to put one in and Cyrus Field was praised on both sides greatly.
