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Period: to
The Industrial Revolution
Timeline cover image source: http://history-world.org/Industrial%20Intro.htm -
Water Frame Patented
Richard Arkwright developed the spinning frame in 1768 used for spinning thread thread or yarn from cotton or wool. He bought the design from John Kay, a clock maker who helped Thomas HIghs create the frame. Arkwright was able to make it work, and he added the water wheel to power it. He successfully built a factory that relied very heavily on this machine.
Image Source: Wikipedia -
Spinning Jenny Patented
In 1764, James Hargreaves created the spinning jenny to produce yarn. It was an improvement on the spinning wheel. This used eight spindles rather than one. He did not patent this one, but he later patented his sixteen- spindle spinning jenny.
Image Source: Wikipedia -
Improved Steam Engine Patented
James Watt patented his new steam engine in 1775. He worked with Matthew Boulton to commercially distribute the steam engine. At first, the engine could only pump water. Later, however, a way was found to convert the up-and-down motion of the pump into a rotary motion that could be used for milling.
Image source: Amazon.com -
Automatic Spinning Mule Patented
Richard Roberts invented the automatic spinning mule. It was an improvement on Isaac Cropmton's spinning mule. The old spinning mule required several people to run the machine. Roberts was able to make a far more advanced version that could keep producing yarn without the manual work.
Image Source: Wikipedia -
Morse Telegraph Patented
Long-range communication was slowly improving in the early 19th century. Samuel Morse was one of the foremost innovators of telegraphy. Originally a painter, he later developed a single-wire telegraph to send messages over long distances. Even today, the rhythmic language called "Morse code" is still used.
Image Source: Wikipedia -
Phonautograph Patented
Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville invented the phonautograph. The phonograph was the earliest known way of recording sound. First, the device could only draw a visual representation of the sound. It was still useful for studying soundwaves, but it could not play back sounds. -
Bell Transmits Telephone Message
Alexander Graham Bell is usually credited with inventing the telephone. He used a liquid transmitter. His words on the other end were heard very clearly. Later, he changed the design to focus on the electromagnetic telephone. -
Edison Presents His Phonograph
Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. This was one of the first machines that was able to play back sounds. In the demonstration, Edison recorded a message. He then amazed the crowd by having the phonograph brought out and play the message.
Image Source: Wikipedia -
Edison's Lightbulb Patented
Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the incandescent lightbuld. Though there were many lightbulbs before Edison's, his design thwarted the others. He tried many elements, but he used the carbon filament in the end. He demonstrated the lightbulb on December 31, 1879. -
Diesel Engine Patented
Rudolf Diesel created a new theory for an engine. He was originally a refrigerator engineer, but he was more interested in engines. His new theory involved compressing air and using it to ignite fuel. This early engine could only be used in stationary machinery.
