Inventors Project timeline.

The cotton gin or the “cotton engine” was patented by Eli Whitney in 1794. The average person could clean one pound of cotton a day. The cotton gin could produce fifty pounds of cotton a day which is fifty pounds more than someone picking it by hands. The cotton gin mechanically separated the seeds from the cotton lint. After the invention of the cotton gin cotton became a profitable cash crop. The cotton gin led to the increase of slave labor.

The first battery was invented in 1800 by Alessandro Volta. To create the battery Alessandro stacked copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Then separated cloth soaked in salty water and connected wires to either end. The stack produced a stable current and alas the first battery was made. The very first commercial battery was sold in 1898. The first battery has now come to be known as the voltaic pile. The letter system for the battery is connected to their size in height and width.

In 1802 the steam locomotive was invented in the United Kingdom. The first steam locomotive was invented by Richard Traevithick. A locomotive means a powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains. During the early 1800s the United States began to endure the development of rail lines throughout the country. One steam locomotive could produce nine tons of coal or eighteen thousand pounds. The steam locomotive was a great way to transport goods and people from place to place.

After many inventors had tried for years to invent a steam powered ship in 1807 Robert Fulton was successful. The steamboat can travel faster than any current sailboat. Steamboats have the advantage of them not needing to rely on wind. The steamboat led to the exploration of a two-way river transport. The steamboat's impact was so great because the steamboat not only moved people but cargo. The steamboat also led to new towns and a stimulated economy.

The first electricity powered light was made in 1809 by an inventor named Humphry Davy. The first light was known as the Electric Arc Lamp. Electric lamps went for sale first in 1879. The light hit stores costing about a dollar or on today's day twenty-three. For some people this was a day’s worth of pay. The light was used until the early twentieth century when it was out shined by the incandescent light.

The improved version of the printing press was invented in 1810 by German, Frederick Koenig. He was inspired by the idea of steam power and tired of the back-breaking labor of the old way made the Rotary Press. His invention of this printing press was important because it was an easier way to copy things which would give more time to more printing to make more books. It also made books cheaper which makes them more accessible and everybody needs some books in their lives.

The first soda fountain was made by Samuel Fahnestock in 1819. However many others pitted their own versions of it. Samuel’s version was a barrel with a pump that dispenses carbonated water and it was supposed to be kept under the counter. Then in 1832 New Yoker John Mattews that would artificially carbonate water that was more cost-effective.. This version was meant to be sold at drug stores and street vendors.

The first functional sewing machine was invented by the French tailor, Barthelemy Thimonnier, in 1830. The machine only used one thread and a hooked needle to operate. This made the same chain stitch as embroidery. The inventor was almost killed by an enraged group of French tailors who burned down his garment factory because they feared unemployment as a result of his sewing machine invention. The sewing was very good because it made it easier for others to learn.

The reaper machine was created in 1831 by Cyrus McCormick, a blacksmith in Virginia. He patented the machine in 1834 and was an important step in mechanization of agriculture. Before the invention of the mechanical reaper grains of grass had to be cut by hand. The reaper allowed faster land clearing and harvesting. One mechanical reaper could harvest five to ten acres a day. To conclude, the mechanical reaper led farmers to be able to plant and harvest more crops.

Concrete was invented in 1849 by Joseph Monier, who received a patent in 1867. Concrete took a historic step forward with the inclusion of embedded metal. Monier was a Parisian gardener who made garden pots and tubs of concrete reinforced with an iron mesh. Monier exhibited his invention at the Paris Exposition of 1867. Concrete is made to withstand heavy loads. Its uses also ended up including the first concrete-reinforced bridge and massive structures such as the Hoover and Grand Coulee dams.