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Industrial Revolution - Pictures From The Industrial Revolution

By Mary Bellis, About.com Guide

5 of 8

1769 - Spinning Frame or Water Frame

Water Frame

Water Frame

Richard Arkwright patented the spinning frame or water frame that could produce stronger threads for yarns. The first models were powered by waterwheels so the device came to be first known as the water frame.

It was the first powered, automatic, and continuous textile machine and enabled the move away from small home manufacturing towards factory production of textiles. The water frame was also the first machine that could spin cotton threads.

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